The sky had already darkened when the two left the room; feeble stars had started their nightly routine, and the servants were in disarray, knowing the ladies had yet to have dinner. A maid was tasked to ask for their intentions in that regard, but earing the witch's moans she embarrassingly decided to stay in the corridor and wait, instead of interrupting them.
Upon returning to reality, Kara and Verina noticed the young servant waiting for them; the princess, whose usually-pristine hazel hair seemed to have encountered a typhoon, informed her of her desire to eat alone with Lady Verina in the second dining hall. The woman, with a silly smile, moved her hand swiftly, magically returning Kara to her original, curated appearance.
The two had spent several hours between kisses and cuddles; while they didn't go far, they were just as exhausted and unpresentable afterward.
Kara giggled, adjusting Verina's hair to the best of her abilities; the soft yellow of the kernelights, the magical stones that provided illumination after the sun went out, reflected on her green eyes, half-closed from the aftertaste of their activities and the fatigue of the day. «Did you like it?»
Verina, too tired to react like she normally would, replied with a sigh «Is that even a question?»
The princess continued with her amused tone «You are so cute when you moan...» and gave her a new, quick kiss on her right cheek. «Oh..!» the hand softly brushed over the other's neck, with a smile «There are bruises here...»
The witch regained enough clarity to instinctively reach for the same spot with her hand; not feeling any pain, she realized they were just love bites. With another gesture, she made them disappear from her fair skin.
«What?!» exclaimed Kara, outraged. «Put them back, or I will!»
Verina smiled at her childish pout, and obliged, dissipating the magic cover and making the red spots visible again.
In the little dining hall, the two shared a delicate meal. They talked about frivolous topics for a while, before Verina was finally asked what was on her mind all day.
«Tomorrow morning, I'll go back to Tardeburgo once more. Would you like to accompany me?»
The princess had a confused, sincere smile at that proposal; leaving the castle wasn't ordinary for her.
«Gladly; but, what will I do there?»
«We can visit the village, eat something, I can introduce you to some people... there's not much to do, actually. But I need to go; after today's news, I'm sure many people are worried. I will take the opportunity given by this necessary trip back to help as many people as I can.»
Kara nodded, placing her fork down. «I will be with you, then. I can't wait to see how your life is.»
The witch put her right hand on the princess' left, caressing it «What about you? What is your life like?»
The young girl closed her eyes, enjoying the calm fingertips on her skin «I rarely leave the castle, and when I do, it's usually for notable events and parties... Every day, I attend to my hobbies, such as reading, painting, knitting... When my brother was here, I'd watch him practice his skills with the sword with his master...»
Verina had many questions; she wanted to know everything about the princess.
«I want to go to a party with you! And I want to see your work! What kind of books do you usually read? Where is your brother? Do you like swords?»
Kara laughed, overwhelmed; «Verina, slow down! One thing at a time... We have all the time.»
The witch understood the endearing, underlying meaning of those words, and felt her heart throb. Talking with her was as wearing as cuddling with her.
«Number one: we will attend any future event together. I will make sure of it.
«Number two: it will be impossible for you to avoid my hobbies, now that you live with me.»
«Number three: you will have access to our library, you will be able to read anything you want from there. The ones I prefer are voyage chronicles, narrating beautiful places around the world... it fascinates me, reading of such places and cultures...»
Verina put her hands down, fiery eyes and excited voice «I'll bring you anywhere you want! I promise!»
Kara tried to persuade her «Verina, I'm a princess, I-»
«So what? You won't inherit the throne. You won't be asked to stay with a foreign prince anymore. King Kaster has lifted you of every duty: after you learn a bit of magic, we could see those places ourselves! The two of us! I will protect you!»
The princess was left speechless. Feeling tears rapidly filling her eyes, she covered her face; Verina, suddenly worried, went to her side «Kara, my dear, what's wrong?»
She started a guttural sob, releasing emotions pent up for years «Verina... take me with you. I want to see it all... I want to see the Cliffs of Calamia, the Kura Waterfalls... The Black Forest, the University... I want to see the ocean. I want to see the Depths.»
Verina embraced the young girl in a soft hug, soothing her. Royalty was a golden prison: a nostalgic memory resurfaced, as she once comforted her first love the same way...
«We will, dear Kara. It is my vow to you.»
