The Arcane Rebellion- The Arcane Series #1

Chapter 39

Layla

Why do I always choose the middle of the night as the best time to do paperwork?

Since I hadn't been doing paperwork for a while, the last week or so was packed with it and I scolded myself for forgetting about it. Iry, who had been doing some of the paperwork, mostly orders and such; really deserved a raise. And a break.

The common room, today's office, was very quiet and the only sounds were the rustling of papers and the scratching of my pen, here and there interrupted by my exaggerated yawns.

The night was cold so I was thankful for the warmth of the hearth fire.

My eyes were burning with the desire for sleep, but I knew that this paperwork must be done soon. Taxes were due in a few weeks.

I heard the creak of the balcony doors, but I knew well enough who it was.

Uriah probably thought that I didn't hear him, because he- trying to be quiet but failing, since his boots were creaking loudly- tried to sneak past me. "I can hear you, Uriah.", I told him monotonously.

"Oh, sorry, boss. Didn't wanna disturb you.", he said, coming to stand beside me and looking over my shoulder. "More paperwork, huh?", he asked awkwardly, most likely recalling the afternoon's argument.

"Too much if you ask me.", I replied curtly.

"Boss, about earlier...", he started but i interrupted him.

"Don't worry about it. We all said some pretty mean things in the heat of the moment, but there's no time for regret. It's over now. But I would prefer if we solved matters in a more civil way next time.", I told him.

"I hear ya, boss. I want to apologize about what I said, though. About you being afraid and all that stuff.", I tried to protest but he stopped me. "No, no, please just let me, boss. So I can get it off my conscience, if not anything else.", he said and I nodded hesitantly.

"The way I said that made it sound like you're not allowed to be afraid of failure, but you are. I do think you shouldn't be, though. You're a wonderful leader, Layla. You've done something none of the leaders have achieved before and you're about to do something even crazier. And, after what you went through, you're allowed to pity yourself. Forgive me for what I said, Layla.", he spoke and I couldn't help but smile.

"Thank you, Uriah. I appreciate it.", I whispered, giving him a slight smile. He smiled back before looking at the stack of papers next to me.

"Need help with that?", he asked.

"No, no, that's alright. I might just leave it for another day to be quite frank.", I assured him and he nodded.

"Well then, good night, boss.", he bowed his head.

"Night, Uriah.", I replied and he left the room, leaving me alone once again.

***

I hissed as my body hit the floor. Even though the whole training room is covered in safety mats, falling- or more specifically, being tackled- hurt.

"Again.", Xavi said as he gave me his hand, pulling me up to my feet.

We realized we hadn't worked out in quite some time and we decided today was a good day to do so. In a way, this was just preparation for the King's ball.

"You're hesitating.", Xavi commented and I shook my head, making him chuckle. "Layla, don't bother denying it, I know you're hesitating because you don't want to hurt me."

"Well, that is not a crime.", I retorted.

"No, but it could cost you your life."

"You think I'd hesitate with anyone beside you?", I asked in disbelief. He shrugged.