Armor of Deceit

Chapter 11

The sunlight pours into my room, blinding me through my closed eyelids. I roll over, facing away from the window and bury half of my face into my pillow, smiling slightly.

The events from last night are up to this time fresh on my mind; I can still feel his arms around me, his burning lips on mine and the way we rhythmically moved on the dance floor.

I force myself to get up and get ready with butterflies in my stomach from the thought of seeing him later. When I see my reflection in the mirror I frown a little, remembering who I am and what I have become.

I thought I had everything planned out, but I never planned on crossing roads with a boy that will affect me.

I splash water on my face; Since when did I ever feel this way about someone? Jarin. But what I feel about Jarin doesn't compare to what I'm feeling for Asher. Jarin is my best friend, I can't think of us being like this.

Fear and paranoia wash over me, what if my feelings for this boy get in the way of my quest? What if something happens to my father if I don't accomplish it?

I look at my reflection again, my brown hair cascades down my shoulders, my archer armor glistens from the sunlight, and my sword sits snugly on my waist. I was born for the wild life, I cannot contain myself for one person.

Remember who you are my father had said before I left; This is who I am, I am an assassin.

But then he also told me to remember those who I love. I shake the thought out of my head, love? Do I really know what that is?

I braid my hair before walking out of my inn, grabbing my things with me and leaving those thoughts behind.

"Good morning, my lady," Asher steps aside from the group of men outside the inn. Asher's outfit was similar to mine, brown and green, the typical archer clothing.

I wave at him as I near them and I bid the rest of the men a good morning as well. "Today's journey to the next village won't be lengthy," the young herald, Charles, speaks up. He was quite the talker,"In fact, we will make it before lunch!" Sir Oliver chuckles at his assistant's cheerfulness and I smile a little.

Sir Oliver was the oldest of the 4, but he is a very experienced and wise knight and Charles was his herald in training. The other man was Rowan, he was a herbalist. "Very well, shall we get going?" He says and we all hop onto our horses.

I leave some space between Asher and I as he leads the pack and I hang at the back with Charles. Maybe some distance will dissipate my chaotic feelings.

"You seem a little under the weather, my lady, is there something wrong?" Charles speaks low enough for only us two to hear. I shake my head and smile at the young man with the tousled chestnut hair,"No, there isn't, I'm just a little tired."

"Of course, last night was a bit eventful," He says a little quieter, I wasn't even sure if I was even supposed to hear it. I decide to ignore it and divert the subject to the fairly large traveling store beside the river we were following.

"Good morrow gentlemen, and lady," An old man with a crooked smile waves his stick at us and Asher stops in his tracks. "We do have some time to spare, right Charles?" Beside me, Charles hops off of his horse and confirms Asher's question.

The old man goes on about everything he has for sale, from jewelry to clothing to food. Of course, Charles and Rowan goes straight to the variety of food on the old man's carriage. I disembark from Max and hold on to his reins as I walk around the carriage, stoping at a section of beautiful court dresses.

I was never one to wear extravagant dresses like the ladies at the fairs, but one dress caught my eye. It was a simple long green dress with a mixture of silk and chiffon fabric.

I let my fingertips graze the pearls embedded on it but I pull away as soon as I see the price, it was worth more than my whole existence!

"Do you see anything you like, Arabella?," I am taken aback when Asher speaks, I didn't even notice him approach.

"Oh, no. This store's price range is awfully high..." I say, trying to avoid his eyes, I don't think I'm ready yet. "We better get going if we want to arrive before lunch," I change the subject and start to get on Max.

"Go ahead, tell the men that we will start again but I'll stay a little longer," I nod my head and make my way towards the food section on the other side of the carriage.