As they rode through the forest, the village disappearing behind them, the tension between Zaphyr and Crystal hung in the air, unspoken. The soldiers and Sokolov followed closely, their horses' hooves a steady rhythm, though their ears were clearly attentive, despite their attempts to appear indifferent.
Zaphyr tightened his grip around Crystal, his concern now mingled with curiosity and frustration. After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke, his voice low but firm. "How did you end up in that forest, Crystal? Why were you in that village?"
Crystal, who had been quietly resting against him, sighed softly. "I'm not entirely sure myself," she admitted. "I was out for a ride beyond the castle grounds, just wanting some time alone. Before I knew it, I was deeper into the woods than I intended."
Zaphyr's brow furrowed. "You went out alone?" His tone was tinged with disapproval. "Without guards? You know how dangerous that is."
Crystal turned her head slightly, her expression still calm, though a trace of defensiveness touched her voice. "I just needed a moment to clear my thoughts, Zaphyr. I didn't mean to wander so far. But when I came across the village, they..."
She paused, her voice growing quieter, "They saw my hair, my eyes, and they began whispering. Before I could explain, they started accusing me of witchcraft." She shook her head slightly. "I tried to reason with them, but they wouldn't listen. They tied me up before I could even understand what was happening."
Zaphyr's jaw clenched as he listened, his anger resurfacing, though now more at the villagers and less at his wife. "You should have been protected," he said, his voice tight. "Those fools could've harmed you."
Behind them, the soldiers were quietly exchanging glances, trying to remain unobtrusive but clearly absorbing every word. One of them, riding just a bit closer than the others, leaned toward his companion and whispered, "Witchcraft, can you believe it? Just because of her hair..."
"Quiet," the other soldier hissed back, glancing toward Grant, who gave them a sharp look, silencing any further murmurs.
Crystal seemed aware of the eavesdropping but didn't seem bothered by it. She leaned slightly back into Zaphyr's chest and spoke gently, "I wasn't afraid, Zaphyr. I knew you would come."
Zaphyr's grip tightened around her waist, the tension in him softening at her words. "You shouldn't have had to endure any of that," he replied, his voice quieter now, laced with a mix of guilt and protectiveness.
He glanced over his shoulder, noticing how intently the soldiers were trying not to listen but failing. With a sigh, he leaned down, his voice low so only Crystal could hear, "I just don't want anything to happen to you. You're too precious to me."
Crystal smiled softly, though she didn't respond, letting the quiet of the forest surround them as they continued riding. Though the danger had passed, the ride back felt heavy with the weight of what had nearly been lost, and the soldiers, now silent, could feel the gravity of the moment between their king and queen.
The forest canopy closed in around them as they continued their journey back, the afternoon light filtering through the trees in soft, dappled patterns. Zaphyr's thoughts churned quietly as they rode, still troubled by what had happened, but comforted by the fact that Crystal was safe in his arms.
He stole a glance at the soldiers behind them, their faces stoic but their postures betraying curiosity. Even though they had stopped whispering, Zaphyr knew they had heard more than enough. He sighed quietly, knowing he couldn't stop them from gossiping when they returned, but it didn't matter at that moment. All that mattered was her safety.
Crystal shifted slightly in the saddle, her voice soft as she finally broke the silence. "You shouldn't worry about me so much, Zaphyr. I can take care of myself."
