𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

38

A loud, urgent knock echoed at the door of the grand kitchen just as Ms. Hilgred swung the doors open. She found you standing there, teary-eyed and overwhelmed with emotion. The older woman immediately pulled you into her comforting embrace while your friend, who was working alongside her, observed the scene and sighed.

Sasha finally spoke up, "Who upset you this time?" She held a ladle in her hand and offered a supportive smile. You sniffled, wiped your nose with a handkerchief, and chuckled through your tears, "It was one of the knights of the castle."

"Oh, dear," Ms. Hilgred exclaimed, cupping your face. "My sweet girl, what's troubling you so much? What has you in such distress?" Sasha, still cooking supper, continued to stir the pot.

"Was it Jean? I've heard he's not the most pleasant knight, let alone respectful. I've heard he's quite subservient to the King," Sasha remarked. Ms. Hilgred was taken aback by Sasha's words and scolded her with a playful finger wave, causing you and Sasha to burst into laughter.

"He is quite the..." You started, but Ms. Hilgred interrupted, "Venus! Language, young lady."

"Mother, it's true!" You protested. Sasha couldn't help but laugh as she continued to stir the pot. Ms. Hilgred made sure no one was eavesdropping on the conversation and closed the door tightly. She sighed and brought you back into her embrace, the two of you hugging each other in silence.

"I still can't forgive myself for not protecting you, Venus."

"Mother, please..."

"No, I should have warned you about the dangers of getting close to royalty. I heard about Tobias, my dear. You can't keep such things from my knowledge, and the thought of that man's head rolling while that wicked young boy looked on... it horrified me," she said with fear in her eyes. You averted your gaze. Ms. Hilgred held your face and gently turned it back toward her. "My apologies, darling, but I worry about your safety."

"You shouldn't worry. It's not the prince that troubles me; it's that knight."

"The loose-ended knight will meet his end soon enough," Sasha chimed in, waving her spoon dismissively. Ms. Hilgred rolled her eyes at Sasha.

"And why do you say that, Sasha? Care to share?" Sasha shrugged and offered a smile to you and your mother.

"Jean and I used to be close, very close. We knew each other's secrets like the backs of our hands. Of course, all good things must come to an end, I suppose. When Connie died, Jean lost himself. He and Marco, who used to be close, don't even talk or look at each other now. Connie's death ruined our childhood friendships. Jean used to be a good man... now, I don't know what demons he harbors in his heart." You looked at Ms. Hilgred and slowly moved toward the pot boiling over the open wood fire, the flickering flames casting light on Sasha's solemn face.

"Jean still believes he's responsible for Connie's death. He carries it like a burden. We were only fifteen, but it still haunts him." You embraced Sasha, and Ms. Hilgred reached for the ladle and smiled at both of you. Your embrace remained silent, and Sasha rested her head on your shoulder, laughing. "He's still an ass..."

"Well, I suppose my judgment of him has changed slightly, but it doesn't excuse his terrible treatment of me," you sighed and pinched the bridge of your nose. Looking at your mother, you said, "Perhaps I'm a fool, a smart one maybe, but still a fool."