𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅

chapter thirteen

Emriana

"Are you okay?" Dana asked me once again, and I nodded.

"I'm sorry, I'm just tired," I lied, and she stared at me for a few seconds before nodding.

"How was your day?" I asked, and she began to tell me about the funny encounter she had at one shop.

"This woman walked in, she was wearing pristine silk, I swear she looked like royalty. She was so rude to the owner, and everyone around seemed scared of her. She was wearing a hat with two yellow feathers. A little while later, another customer. But the most unbelievable thing happened," I raised a brow.

"What?"

"A bird flew inside the shop, and suddenly everyone was screaming in terror as the bird flapped his wings around the store. The owner grabbed a broom and tried to knock him out, but the bird was quick," I nodded.

"And then, the lady from before was screaming in terror as the bird flew right at her and started attacking her. He was trying to grab the feathers on her hat while she flapped her arms around, crying," I began to chuckle, joining her amusement

"What happened afterward?" I asked.

"The bird eventually left the hat and flew straight into a window, knocking himself unconscious," my smile fell.

"He died?"

"No, they took him outside, and he eventually flew away," she said, and I smiled.

"I can't believe that happened! I wished I could've been there," I whined, and she laughed, finishing her glass of water.

"Come with me next time, it might happen again," she smiled.

"It's very unlikely, but it's worth a try," I laughed, standing up and walking over to the counter to drop my empty dishes.

A few workers stared at me as I made my way out of the room, staring at Akira with a mix of curiousness and wariness. Dana joined me a few seconds later, and together, we exited the dining hall. I glanced through the dark window. It was late into the evening, and I was happy the day was coming toward an end after everything that happened.

"Are you going back to our room?" Dana asked, but I shook my head.

"No, I'll go take a walk into the town," she frowned, looking outside.

"Emriana, it's really late. Are you sure it's a good idea?" I nodded.

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon," I said before heading in a different direction. I wanted some alone time with Akira, plus I wanted to go check on my horse. I needed to get out of the castle.

I headed toward the exit doors, the guards opening the gigantic doors. I skipped down the steps, making my way out of the front courtyard, where a dozen of guards walked around. Their eyes zeroed in on us as I passed them, heading into the city.

The streets were completely deserted at this time of night. I would never imagine venturing out alone at this hour, but with Akira, I felt safe. I glanced over my shoulder at the castle one more time before strolling down the main street.

Akira stayed close to my side, matching my speed. I looked over my shoulder, seeing no one. Weird.

I shrugged, probably imagining it. I looked down at Akira and stopped walking. I grinned.

"Race!" I said, and his eyes lit up. He stayed next to me as I got ready.

"One, two, three...Go!" I screamed before I began to run as fast as I could. The tiger growled, running past me, and I laughed at how easily he beat me to it. I still tried to win as I raced him down the empty cobblestone streets.