The Seven Deadly Kingdoms

Chapter 14

The two women sat a little way away from the communal bonfire where a small fire pit was made by a few soldiers. Mira hung the water-filled kettle on the hook that was dangling from the sticks arranged above the fire, waiting for the water to boil. Adelaide sat on a tree stump with her small tea cup in hand, observing Mira. The warm glow being cast onto her features by the fire made it seem as if she was gazing into her own world, watching the time go by. Adelaide noticed many emotions playing behind her eyes as she thought in silence. It seemed as though she was reminiscing on times past for a while, until her features suddenly filled with regret. 

Mira caught Adelaide staring. She cleared her throat and looked to her side. "So, Adelaide. What have you been taking to in your free time?" Mira asked. She seemed to forget the awkward few seconds that had passed. She looked into Adelaide's eyes with the question, as if what she was asking were far more complicated than she had let on. For a moment, Adelaide considered the possibility that Mira had known about her secret and was trying to fish it out of her. But unless Mira was there the night that Adelaide had spied on the queen and generals, it wasn't possible. "Well, not a great deal has changed since I saw you last. I've been practicing my swordsmanship frequently. The physical training has been easy. It's been quite humorous to watch some of the higher-class men struggle, though. They whine and complain all day. Hopefully, they've built enough strength to last in battle. But enough about me, how have you been holding up?" Mira's eyes again darted to the side at Adelaide's question. Had she been hiding something?

"Well, strictly training, of course. It takes up most of my time. The only other thing I entertain in my free time is you and Andrew," Mira leaned in towards Adelaide, an amused smile on her face and her brows raised. "You know," she whispered, "I don't actually have a great deal of friends here. People don't like me because I'm "outlandish" as they like to call it. I think they've been indoctrinated to the point that they are devoid of soul, so when they see my own personality busting at the seems they find it merely crude. A ridiculous lot, they are. See, that's what I like about you, Adelaide," She continued, relaxing in her seat, "You aren't small-minded. You have a personality of your own but can appreciate the lifestyle of people who are different than you. And it's because of that that I believe you will have a great effect on a lot of people one day. You're different from the tamed civilization we live in. You're special."

Adelaide was slightly surprised by Mira's words. Sure, she wasn't clueless like most of the people inhabiting the kingdom, but that didn't make her special. She was quite average if she were honest. But hearing the words come out of Mira's mouth, an unstoppable woman with an eye for adventure, Adelaide felt a sense of pride grow in her chest. If Mira saw something in her, then it must be true.

"Thank you, Mira. I'm not entirely sure what you see in me that's so special, but I do pride myself in my not conforming to the standards of the kingdoms. I believe that we are meant to make our own lives, live naturally. Not constantly be in the pursuit of money. Money will be man's downfall. And at this point, I'm not sure if our kingdoms will be able to make a full recovery from it. Every single leader is hungry to be the most powerful and to reign over us all, and in doing so they'll destroy everything under them. That's why I live outside of the kingdom. When they fall, I'll be prepared to provide for myself."

Mira nodded slowly, contemplating Adelaide's words. "Yes, I agree. We're much more alike than I thought, Adelaide. I would say that you should be a traveler like me, but I suspect you might be a tad too strong-minded for that. Is there a lucky man that you want to settle down with?" The question caught Adelaide off guard. She wasn't used to.. girl talk. The only woman that was in her life was her mother, and she certainly wouldn't disclose information of that sort to her.

"Um.. no. I haven't even met many men besides my brother and father in my life. They're all I've ever needed. My brother, Henry, says that I need to find someone soon since he won't be with me forever, but I'm certain I'll be just fine on my own." Adelaide looked back at Mira, who was clearly invested in what she had to say. "But, if I'm honest with myself," she continued, "I fear I will never meet a man as good to me as my father and brother are. I'm only hurting myself by thinking that, really. I keep myself from having hope because I am afraid that no one will ever be good enough. That no one will meet my unrealistic standards, or see me as worthy of love even if they do. But that's quite selfish, isn't it? After all, what do I have that is worthy of a man even half as courageous as my father, or as protective as my brother?" Adelaide stopped herself before she delved too far into the caverns of her heart. Why had she been telling Mira this? She had never spoken like this with anyone but Henry. There was just something about Mira that seemed so... genuine. Pure, even. And Adelaide knew when someone was faking it, her whole family had the gift of discernment. Maybe, for once, she could trust someone outside of her family. Maybe, if she put herself out there, she wouldn't be turned away.