Royal Deception (GirlxGirl)

Chapter 12

HAWK

We jumped off our horses when we arrived at the dungeon entrance. Ava turned to us holding on to Summer's reins, "You guys go ahead, I'll handle the horses," she said as I passed her Winter's reigns.

Princess Faith walked towards her and started speaking to her. I wanted to give them some privacy so I went and opened the rusted gate and waited beside it until they finished talking.

They both hugged each other and laughed at what Ava said before Princess Faith started walking towards me and Ava gave me a wave and a smile goodbye.

We both watched Ava ride Summer with Winter following slightly behind them. They headed to the forest and disappeared through the darkness.

There was a few seconds of silence as we stared at the place where Ava disappeared before we both headed for the tunnel.

Princess Faith and I crouched along the dark dungeon. It was darker now since we only had one candle compared to the two that we had earlier, so we moved slower and more cautiously.

We didn't talk about what happened earlier and that was fine. I never had a problem with silence. My only concern was her safety and so far she looked physically unharmed to me.

Did someone come up to her and try to grab her? Or maybe said something to her?

I know how people can be and that was very likely.

Even though I was only distracted for a few minutes, I felt disappointed in myself for not watching her closely. As a Royal Guard for several years, that was the job I was trained and good at, and I failed to see what happened. That small moment would be enough time to get her stabbed.

Good thing that wasn't what happened.

We exited the tunnel without a word being said and walked over the roots of the overgrown tree trying to avoid tripping over.

I knew I was somewhat at fault and felt the need to apologize.

"I'm sorry," I said.

She slowed down. We were in the middle of the small forgotten garden with only the moon as our light source.

She turned to me with confusion. I was almost distracted by how the moonlight touched her dark shiny hair.

"What are you apologizing for?" she asked with a tilt of her head.

I blinked. Is this a trap? She must know I was distracted because I didn't even know what made her upset in the first place.

"For not watching you closely. Something must've happened and made you upset," I replied.

She shook her head softly and started walking out of the garden. I ran my hand over my hair in frustration and nervousness.

We reached the river and walked beside it. The water flowing in the river is the only thing we could hear when she finally spoke again, "You did nothing wrong," she sighed and turned back to me with her blue eyes looking darker in the night, "I just... wasn't feeling well," she muttered before continuing the walk.

I studied her back as I followed behind her. Was she lying so I wouldn't feel bad for not being there for her? Or maybe she just wasn't feeling well and her mood shift has nothing to do with me.

I sighed. I'm overthinking. She can't possibly be mad about this. It must be something else.

I looked around and just enjoyed the view of the town as the light glimmered on the river water. The trees rustled as the wind picked up from the night.