The World Wanderer Chronicles

Chapter 4 (or the one where Liliana wishes she was an only child)

Liliana inhaled the fresh ocean air. Standing on a small cliff that overlooked the harbor, she savored her solidary time. It will be a while until she can enjoy the freedom of being unescorted again. Everybody was smart enough to leave her alone before the mission. Unlike Sethin, she needed time away from people. A minute alone to breathe. To gather her thoughts. To be away from prying eyes. Unfortunately, her break didn't last long. The hypnotizing sound of waves crashing against the shore was disrupted by loud shouting. The faint bickering of her group members, who were tasked with making sure their luggage was correctly stored away, grew louder and louder. Liliana sighed heavily. She tried to ignore her friends for a little while longer, but the effort of tuning them out gave her a headache. Sometimes, watching over them felt more like a babysitting job than commanding a spy ring. She shifted uncomfortably in her ambassador attire. The crimson-red cape lay heavily on her shoulders. The thick fur collar scratched her neck, and with the soaring sun at its peak, her dark travel clothes didn't help either. There wasn't a way around it, though. While the Aracian weather remained sunny year-round, Vesta's climate was always on the verge of plunging into the deepest winter. That was one of the few things humans got right about them. The constant season changed through space and not time.

She heard another loud cry. This time, the voice sounded higher and was filled with panic. A woman's voice. Her stepmother's voice. The golden brooch with the Aracian crest, which depicted two dragons circling a broad sword, felt heavier than ever now. She wanted to tear that damn thing from her chest and plunge it into her own eye. But instead, she grimaced at the high standing sun and muttered a curse. They were all occupied with finalizing their plans for the last few days. Which resulted in her losing her last nerves, as they were all crammed up together. Normally her small office above the tavern was only reserved for herself, but with the new assignment, there was a steady stream of people entering and exiting her safe space continuously. This was her last opportunity to be herself, for they would be heavily guarded once they officially arrived in Vesta. The king's wife was the last person she wanted to see apart from the king himself. But here they were. Bidding farewell as if they were a perfect family.

A booming voice yelled for her, ripping her from her thoughts. Sethin. She huffed a defeated sigh and jumped down the cliff with ease, landing on white sand. The disturbance caused a dusty cloud that made her throat itch. Her attempt to stifle a cough failed miserably, and she gave away her location to the small gathering that looked for her. She squinted her eyes at the approaching figures as she was blinded by the radiant sunlight.

'Please don't,' she whispered under her breath when she recognized the elaborate garments of her family members. One particularly small figure separated themselves from the group and ran towards her. A shrill shriek was the only warning notice before a pink bundle of silk and chiffon crashed into Liliana's open arms. The sheer force of catching the personification of cotton candy made her spin around. The little girl was still giggling when they finally stopped.

'Again!', she squealed. Her little fists raised upwards as she tried to jump while still sitting nestled in her sister's arm.

'Enough, Heela! You'll crinkle your dress. Put her down this instant, Liliana!' A distant voice called out to them. A monstrosity of red and gold silk headed in their direction.

'Looks like your mother is being a killjoy again, Heels,' she whispered in her sister's ear before setting her back down. Little Heela let out a huff and pouted. She was without a doubt her sister. The characteristic resemblance was remarkable.

'Straighten your posture and hide that pout. Don't let Mother see it.' Heela's face turned passive in an instant. A truly remarkable resemblance, she thought, while she knelt down and smoothed the abundance of fluffy layers of the dress. Right as she put her sister's golden locks in order, the only feature that distinguished their physical appearance, she heard the loud ruffling of even more fabric.