ACROSS THE MEADOW (book one)

Chapter 08: What am I to you?

Amani

She is fortunate that the dungeon prison cells stood vacant. Since the war's conclusion, captures had become a rarity. The silence is nice compared to the loud festive outside, only broken by the steady drip of water and the faint, haunting squeaks of mice. Amani is crouched over, her eyes never leaving the princess. She is in awe as she observes her in her sleep.

She looks peaceful. She looks beautiful. Her hair is neatly done, not a single loc loose. Her skin, porcelain and clear of any blemish. A fragile and lithe frame, resembling a doll. High cheek bones most definitely sharp to the touch. And her hands. Amani had never seen hands so soft and nails so clean in her life. Amani places her arm in between the jail cell bars, reaching for the princess's hands. She holds them and turns them. Memorizing every crevice and noting the softness of them as she does. Making sure to hold them with caution as they seem so fragile.

She is the embodiment of perfection and the more Amani searches for a flaw, the more angry she becomes.

"If you're going to gawk, at least close your mouth."

Naina.

"You look like a pervert."

She had finally awaken. Amani's anticipation had built as she waited for Naina's awakening, holding a myriad of questions on her tongue. Yet, in this moment, as their eyes lock, her mind drew blanks.

Naina yawns and attempts to stretch, but her chains restricts her. A bitter expression settles on her face. "Do you distrust me that much?"

Amani gently places the princess's hand onto the ground, her gaze fixed on the siren.

Naina appears as captivating as the day they last met. Her dark hair cascades like liquid silk, framing her face with effortless grace. Her skin boasting a dusky hue, and her lips, a soft rose tint, possibly from the berries she had savored earlier.

Yet, it wasn't her physical allure that draws itself into Amani's mind. It was her darkened eyes and her unsettling smile—the unnerving way her lips would curl as though she held a secret. The kind that teased, like she held your life and reputation within her fingers and it was terrifying.

Intriguing and unnerving; what did Naina know? What thoughts dance behind those uncanny eyes?

Amani already knew from years of knowing Naina, asking such questions is pointless. No, she refuses to do that waltz with her again.

"What are they to you?"

Naina frowns. "I thought we were friends."

Amani keeps her expression cold. She does not dare let Naina find an opening. Doing such a thing would be just as terrible as forfeiting her weapons.

Finally, a deep sigh comes from her. "Clients." She points at the knocked over prince. "He's a client."

"You would kill for a client?" Elio gestures aggressively towards his bandaged head. His jaw tight and seething.

Naina shrugs. "I wanted a good review."

Amani almost lets a small chuckle leave her from how angry Elio becomes, but she keeps her composure.