WITCH - The Queen

Chapter 35

Julia

Leopold chased Marko across the meadow with fluttering wings. The two raged carefree, while Flora gave Julia some money. She wanted to go with the two servants to one of the refugee villages to run errands for their journey. From Finja they had received rope, mats on which they could sleep, and also a small, sharp knife. Julia hoped to get blankets, a pot, and a tarpaulin in one of the villages. Maybe even everything for a real tent.

There was a lot on offer at the markets, but there wasn't always what she was looking for.

"And you're taking care of yourselves?", urged Flora, handing her a few bags and a basket for shopping.

"Of course. We always take care of ourselves!", assured Julia her.

It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and not a cloud could be seen in the sky. Finn and his mother visited Gisele and Lavinia. Maleen had solemnly delivered the invitation. She had stormed into the tent as if it belonged to her and had almost fallen on the table. Marko had just been able to catch her.

Leopold had meanwhile caught Marko and sat triumphantly on the back of the scolding wolf. "Flying is cheating!", he complained. Julia grinned while Flora rolled her eyes.

"You really want to take them with you?", she murmured.

"Yes. I do!", confirmed Julia, amused. She said goodbye to Flora and then collected her boyfriend and wolf laughing.

After a somewhat longer journey, the three arrived in a good mood at the largest refugee village. The market square was full of hustle and bustle. The market had been rebuilt after the centaur attack. Julia talked to merchants and got everything she wanted. The money was enough. She even had something left to buy some sweet waffles for Leopold, Marko, and herself, which an elderly lady offered.

"I love waffles!" Marko smacked contentedly. "Wonderful!"

"That's right." Leopold grinned and kissed Julia's cheek. Icing sugar stuck to her.

"Leo!", she protested, amused. But Julia did not wipe away the sugar.

"Will I get a kiss too, Leo?" Marko blinked his eyes innocently. Leopold ignored him.

They left the village, having done all the shopping, and made their way back. Meanwhile, it was early afternoon and the first clouds appeared in the sky. Colorful butterflies flew past them. Marko tried to catch one.

The butterfly won.

"What's going on there?" Leopold pointed to a group of centaurs who appeared to be arguing with two women. The two women held two horses by the halter. Julia couldn't believe her eyes.

"Cleo!", she shouted, dropping her basket, and running to her sister. "Cleo!"

Cleo turned to her in confusion. She shook her head in surprise and tears gathered in her eyes. "Julia!"

Julia fell into her older sister's arms. "What are you doing here? How?"

"You know this woman? Child?", asked one of the centaurs. Julia had seen him fleetingly at the big meeting. "They say they are refugees. But they don't look like refugees. Their clothes are too clean, and..."

"This is my sister. And...", her gaze fell on Charlotte. "Her best friend."

"Wife, not best friend", Charlotte corrected with a smile and stroked Cleo's back. Sobbing, Cleo hugged Julia tightly.

"Wife?" Julia looked back and forth between the two. "Since when?"

"Not for very long." Cleo kissed Juliet's hair. "I was looking for you! You and Peter."