Armor of Deceit

Chapter 12

The picture is Arabella (played by Adelaide Kane) in the green dress.

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Charles was right on about the time we would arrive. As soon as our stomachs began to rumble, the new village came into sight. It was crowded with people in lavish outfits and children running around.

Asher answers the questions in my head,"Look's like we made it just in time for the fair." The last time I went to the fair was when I was very young, when my mother and sisters were still around, after then, I couldn't go to the fair without remembering them.

I take in all of the fair, the overly dressed, the board gamers, sports, and the best of all, the joust tournaments. It seems as if the closer the towns were to the castle, the better they were. I wonder how beautiful the next one would be.

There were many booths selling upperclass foods and spices; I know I shouldn't be wasting any money but I never usually go to fairs so I might as well make the best of it.

"We all agree that we shall eat first yea?" The big and gruff Rowan chuckles, a herbalist would be the last thing you would think he was.

We pick the finest booth we see, it was full of deer and boar meat, gracious vegetables, and a variety of expensive spices like cinnamon, pepper, saffron and nutmeg.

We ordered our meals and seated ourselves on one of the wooden picnic tables next to some trees. I bought myself a small portion with a little bit of everything, unlike the rest of the men who look as though they have an endless amount of money.

I look over to the archery competitions and my stomach does a little tumble. Maybe I could try it later... but even the archers were all out in their outfits making me feel out of place with my simple attire. But then again, those dresses didn't help how well they aimed.

The men ate cheerfully and then I wished I was at home, hidden away. Never have I felt more homesick than I do now and Asher seems to notice my uneasiness,"Arabella, are you alright?"

My lips are in a tight line as I nod, not very convincing. "Maybe we should find an inn before we lose ourselves in the fair, is that all right with you Arabella?" Asher waits for me to answer patiently and I silently thank him for yet saving me again,"That would be nice."

We finish our lunch quite quickly and we find a close inn just as fast. Before Asher could repeat his little act, I pay for my room before he could.

When I enter my room, I sigh and sit on the edge of the bed. Maybe I shouldn't go to the fair, I don't even have the right clothing and I might just find myself reminiscing about my past.

I take out my braid and brush my fingers through my brown locks absentmindedly, then there was a soft knock at the door, I quickly tie my hair in a ponytail before walking towards it. "Asher, what brings you here?" I raise an eyebrow at him and he gives me a smile, holding up a package.

"I have something for you, May I come in?" Curious, I move out of the way and let him in. Once I close the door he takes my hand and places the package in it, "This is for you, my lady."

"Thank you, but shouldn't have Asher..." He shrugs and says it's nothing while runs his hand through his hair, disheveling it. I unwrap the package and gasp when I see the same green fabric I saw at the traveling store. I turn and look at Asher who smiles shyly,"I saw you admiring it earlier..."

"Asher you really shouldn't have! This dress is ridiculously expensive, how-" he cuts me off and laughs. "Arabella, the price doesn't matter, and now you have something to wear to the fair... I noticed the way you would glance at your outfit and shy away..."

I managed to bite back the tears and I place the dress gently on my bed. When I turn back to Asher, I wrap my arms around his neck.He stays unmoving at first but then he returns the embrace and holds me tight.

"Thank you Asher," I whisper into his ears and I hear him sigh in gratification."You're welcome Arabella... Now, why don't you try on that dress and meet me down stairs."