The Inured Villainess

Chapter 33

Estella

I shift slightly trying to find a more comfortable position on the saddle.

I'm currently on a horse, making my way with the battalion. Kyrell told me of the news about Langdale and we all soon departed.

Soldiers followed behind and in front of us as we made our way to the village. I couldn't help but notice Kyrell constantly casting glances at me.

I sigh. "Stop staring. I might fall off this horse if you keep this up."

"You can ride with me." He motions to the spot in front of him on the saddle.

I shake my head. "Just tell me what's bothering you. Is it this whole quest?" I glance out at the expanse of land we still have to cover.

"Yes but," he sighs, "I'm worried about you. We still don't know how my curse will affect you. Have you felt anything?" His scour my body once more as if he missed something the first hundred times.

"No, there hasn't been anything. But I even with the malicious thoughts, I haven't felt anything. I'm still expecting to feel the pain once I do." I've been on guard the past few days, expecting some reaction. But everything is oddly silent.

And from training and preparing for this expedition, things have been too rushed to focused on it. Kyrell's curse fuels off his power leading to the pain.

My power feeds off pain making it almost useless. These were my thoughts on the curse but I can't be sure until the curse acts up. For all I know, the curse might become ten times worse due to my power.

"Please don't worry too much. I'll tell you if anything happens, just focus on what stands ahead." I pass him a small smile.

He goes to open his mouth only for Caelus' horse to come between us. I can't help but notice Kyrell's scowl.

"What's wrong?" Caelus smirks at Kyrell's reaction. "Did I interrupt something important?" He coos, having his fun.

"No, we were just chatting." I brush the conversation off. I haven't told Caelus about the curse. The right time hadn't appeared since he was busy reigning the Osertian nobles together.

"It seems the war you started by kidnapped me ended so quickly." I shift the conversation.

"I wouldn't say so." Kyrell mumbles, his eyes glaring at Caelus.

Caelus laughs. "That war ended with a truce only to start another war."

"What did you come here for?" Kyrell cuts to the chase. "Were your men not enough company?"

"Oh they were but Estella's company is far superior." Caelus says playfully before sighing. "We'll arrive in Langdale in an hour or so. We will set camp on the edge of the town when we arrive."

"Do the townspeople know?" I ask curiously.

He nods his head. "I've sent some scouts ahead to warn them to stay inside. I don't believe the sorcerer will stop his attack even if we are there." He frowns as he speaks. "He won't stop from getting what he wants from Langdale. Whatever that may be."

"Which is why we must be prepared." Kyrell intervenes, looking at the horizon with a firm stare.

My expression softens as I gaze at him. He's been through a lot. The sorcerer has caused him so much pain. It's understandable for him to feel uneasy about the whole situation.

Caelus hums in agreement. "I'll tell you more about the plan once we reach the town. We'll need all the help we can get to find what the sorcerer is looking for. See you love birds later." He whips his reigns, signaling his horse to march away from us.