Another Villainess

Chapter Seven

As he walks around the corner, he seems startled, almost falling over.

"Ahh. Hello." His voice is deep, rasped and broken. It seems he's still struggling to breathe.

"Hello. Are you doing better?" I approach him slowly, holding him up by his right arm, free of the crutch he is leaning on. "Let me help you, where are you going?"

In the midst of all this anger and irritation, I can't help but want to shed some light on the one person here who showed some kindness. And more than that, helping him right now will make me feel better, just as before, there's a sudden responsibility weighing on my heart. Maybe it's my former teachers assistant self shining through.

He thanks me, his eyes soft, and his cheeks only a shade pinker than his skin.

"I'm returning. . ." He clears his throat, wincing at the same time. "To the knights quarters." His deep voice is full of cracks, the embarrassment showing on his face.

I have no idea where that is. . .

I turn and walk in the direction he was going. "Truthfully, I have never been to the knights quarters. I offered to help you back, so I feel a little ashamed, but could you possibly lead?"

"Y—es." His voice cracks once again as I allow him to initiate the directions, still holding his arm and back as we walk. "And about earlier. . ."

"It's alright. You don't need to force yourself, that will only make the healing process slower.

He nods in response, the walk silent, but not uncomfortable.

"My name is Leondra." It feels almost ominous claiming another woman's name as my own, especially one who is no longer here. But it is no less ominous than being inside her body, I guess.

"Zachary, the blonde guy from before, said you arrived just yesterday."

He nods again.

"When you're able to speak easily again, please tell me how you managed to become so badly injured in a single day, and on this highly protected land at that. I'm very curious."

"I will." He says, smiling, his head bent down as we walked, his face inches from mine.

". . ."

I look away, suddenly very conscious of his body leaning against mine. While this would be fine back at home, could my actions right now be seen as improper here? Most likely.

However, he doesn't seem to notice, or maybe he just doesn't care.

As we approach the destination, I slowly let go of him, the training fields littered with knights. A scruffy, tall one is first to spot us, he quickly pulls the attention of others our way.

"Lady Raiyus, a surprise seeing you out here." He raises his eyebrows, glancing over at the man next to me. "And I see you brought something unwelcome." He smirks as the knights behind him snicker, but my focus is only on his badly shaven face, his stubble red in certain areas, scabs under his nose and along his jawline.

"Yes, well I found him yesterday in a horrible state and helped him. It's only right I stay consistent." I click my tongue, still in awe at how gruesome his shaving job is.

As I finally process what the scruffy knight said, I look over. However, the man doesn't seem to have reacted at all, in fact, his face is full of boredom.

"Lies." I hear, mumbled from the silent crowd of knights.

"Well I hope, as he is a new knight to our family, he is taken care of. I believe I can trust you— what is your name?"

"Roe, the captain of this unit." He waves his hand back over the crowd behind him.

"Then I believe I can entrust this man to you, Captain Roe." I nod, satisfied with his answer and pat the man I'd helped on the back as I walked away. "Oh. And I will check up on him again."

The man finally turns to me, expressionless, but then waves a goodbye.

I wave back, realizing my food is probably ready and angry at myself for completely forgetting even though I'm starving.