A Traveler's Curse

Chapter 26- Surprises

"We emerged victorious?" I inquire, taken aback by the news.

Caspian nods, his expression filled with relief. "After you left, we engaged in one final battle against the Viena family. They retreated and have been banished from our land."

A sense of satisfaction washes over me, accompanied by a tinge of uncertainty about the consequences for history and the future. I hope that my actions haven't caused irreparable damage.

"I'm glad," I respond, gratitude lacing my words. "I hope this brings peace and prosperity to the kingdom."

Caspian's eyes soften, his voice sincere. "Without you, we would have lost everything. You have saved our kingdom and Elaria, Kyla. As a token of my gratitude, I will arrange for your belongings to be moved into a larger room."

I appreciate his generosity but feel a pang of guilt for my past behavior. "Your Grace, that's very kind of you, but it's unnecessary. I have not been kind to you since my return."

He shakes his head, understanding in his gaze. "You were in danger, and I can't blame you for your actions. However, there is something else I'd like to discuss. Meet me at the stables after dinner."

Curiosity piques within me, wondering what Caspian has in mind. I agree to his request, eager to discover what awaits me at the stables.

As I enter the hallway, Mrs. Biyu's piercing gaze falls upon me. "Lady Kyla, Princess Celestia is requesting your presence," she announces.

"For me?" I gasp, taken aback. Our friendship hasn't fully mended yet.

"Yes, now hurry," she urges, guiding me hastily into the room.

Caspian, wearing a gentle smile, bids me farewell before disappearing down the corridor. Mrs. Biyu, with an unexpected force, pushes me into Celestia's chambers.

Inside, I find Celestia lying on her bed, her white tresses clinging to her sweaty forehead. Cradled in her arms is a tiny slumbering baby, her dark hair peeking out from beneath a pristine white blanket.

I settle myself beside her, and she greets me with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Kyla, for saving us," she whispers gratefully. "I deeply regret how I treated you, especially now that I understand the pain you endured after losing your own daughter. You have been a true friend, even when I couldn't recall our bond. I am forever grateful for your help in preserving my child."

"You would have done the same for me," I assure her, my voice filled with sincerity.

"When I recover, you'll have to fill me in on everything. I want to know more about our friendship," she responds, a warm smile gracing her face as Elaria makes a small noise in her arms. "Would you like to hold her?"

I hesitate, my gaze fixed on my neatly folded hands resting on my dress skirts. "I... I can't," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. It's only been seven months since Mavis died and I'm still not ready to hold a baby.

She nods understandingly, her eyes filled with empathy. "I can't even fathom the pain of losing a child, and thanks to you, I don't have to," Celestia says gratefully. "I only wish I could do the same for you."

I stay by her side for a few more moments before making my way back to my room. Changing into a pair of brown leather pants and a soft white wool shirt, I slip on comfortable boots and contemplate braiding my unruly curls. Ultimately, I decide to leave them down, the wildness somehow adding to my appearance.

Dinner with the servants is a blur as Mrs. Biyu and Dysis discuss the beauty of Celestia's baby, Elaria. I nod in agreement as I spoon my stew, my mind preoccupied with the reason why Caspian would want to meet me at the stables. Though we may be friends, or at least I hope we are, he still holds the title of King.

As I observe the chaos of the children's game in the kitchen, laughter escapes my lips when one of them is caught and freezes in a comical position. The other children taunt him, sparking a wave of giggles.

"You lose, you lose!" they chant, and the boy springs back to life, chasing his friends out of the kitchen with a mischievous grin.

Gathering my thoughts, I slowly make my way towards the stables to meet Caspian. However, my journey takes an unexpected turn when a figure cloaked in black pulls me into an empty stall. My instincts kick in, and I quickly assume a defensive position, ready to fight back. Without hesitation, I deliver a powerful blow to the center of my captor's face.

"Ow, what the fuck, Kyla?" a familiar voice exclaims, muffled beneath the hood. It dawns on me that I have just punched the king in the face.

"Caspian?! Oh my gods, I am so sorry! I had no idea it was you," I stammer, examining his face to ensure no harm has been done.

"Calm down. Remind me that we need to work on your punches soon," he says with a playful grin, brushing off the incident.

"I've been bedridden with sickness!" I defend myself, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief. "Why are you dressed like that?"

He hands me a matching black cloak. "I brought one for you too."

"But why?" I inquire, allowing him to help me slip the cloak over my attire and pull the hood over my unruly red hair.

"We're sneaking out of the castle," he says, his smile growing wider.

"Caspian, that only raises more questions," I sigh, feeling both intrigued and apprehensive.

"It's a surprise. A good one, I promise," he assures me, prompting an eye roll from me.

Feeling a rush of surprise, Caspian takes hold of my hand and guides me towards a stall. Inside, a majestic black stallion awaits, its presence commanding respect. Caspian retrieves the bridle and reins from the wall, swiftly securing them around the horse's face.

Stepping out into the cool night air, Caspian assists me in mounting the horse, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. He then effortlessly swings himself up behind me, his body fitting snugly against mine.

"Sorry, we can't risk being seen, so we'll have to share a horse," he whispers into my ear, his warm breath tickling my skin. With that, he nudges the horse into a gallop, and we disappear into the darkness of the surrounding woods.

The sound of hooves pounding against the ground fills the air as we navigate through the dense forest. The moonlight filters through the thick canopy overhead, casting an ethereal glow on our clandestine adventure. As we ride deeper into the woods, toward the village, my curiosity and excitement intertwine, creating a heady mix of anticipation.

I lean back against Caspian, his presence providing both comfort and exhilaration. The wind whips through my hair even with the hood, and my heart races in sync with the rhythmic motion of the horse beneath us. In this moment, I can't help but wonder what surprises lie ahead, allowing myself to be swept away by the thrill of the unknown.