The Weight of Scales

Chapter Three

The ride away from the seaside village was quiet. No words were spoken. Just the sound of the wind, hooves bounding through the dirt, and bugged creatures singing. The view was emasculate. Hills filled with green and yellow pastures. Wild flowers in midst of it all. Small trees scattered across.

Light brunette hair ever so lightly blowing from the wind. The light on the sun, gazing upon hazelnut eyes. Along with bringing freckles to pop out. Melyra had set her jacket in the wagon, to which left only wearing her skin tight long sleeve shirt. Her gentle hands having a sturdy grip on the reins. Steering the horses to where the wagon needed to be.

On the other hand, Nikolai sat in the wagon, watching the scenery go by. Never in his lifetime would he be able to see beauty like this. Growing up was always seeing the same marble walls. Tapestries in every hall. Floor to ceiling windows. Guard details in every little corner. Maids coming in and out of rooms. Reading books after books. Lectures about his future every single day. And not being able to step outside, receiving another perspective on the world he was supposed to rule over. Nikolai felt some comfort in this new found freedom. Not waiting for some official barge in to lecture his neglected responsibilities.

Look back, up to the strange girl he just met a few hours ago. He sensed himself sigh from relief. Just knowing that he won't be chewed at. For he felt like he could trust this strange girl. Examining her whole physique. The way she postured herself upon the seat. Head held up high. No sign of slouching. A soft resting face. Doe eyed like feature. It was as if he met an angel from heaven. Melyra, a name on repeat in that ignorant mind of his. It was too fragile to even be spoken in the air.

Shaking his thoughts out of an endless pit. Nikolai shifted himself up, so he could climb over to sit next to his new companion. Upon sitting, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Even though, there was some loathing emotions spurring from the recent events. Being put in a compacted box. Almost died from the hands of pirates. And most of all, saved by a girl. He thought that either one of the royal guard would save him, or a brave man in the village. But fate had other plans instead.

"So.....you going to keep staring, or going to start a conversation?" Melyra snapped the boy's train of thought, as she fidgeted slightly over to give Nikolai room beside her.All while still looking ahead. It was if she had a six sense knowing he was staring. But her words were soothing, and calm.

"Oh!" Nikolai snapped out, "sorry, it's just I've never quite seen you around before." Hesitant to start the conversation, without making himself sound like an anti-feminist. The thought of women independence did strike him a peak of interest, as for his sister. Always hearing nagging and whining about not able to wield a sword, or any kind of weapon.

"To me, it sounds like you've never actually left home to see people like me," the girl replied, "I mean, I don't blame you. You rather stay within your marvelous grand four walls than setting foot in the country."

Knife straight to the heart. The last sentence felt as if a person were to step on the lying corpse. But her words were stating the truth. This Prince never actually stepped outside of the Capital until his recent events. Only hearing stories from his royal staff. Just to give him a gist. Though, being in the presence of the country gave him a brighter picture. As if he wanted to learn more. To at least see more.

"You're right," Nikolai responded back, looking down at his hands twiddling with each other, "this is quite my first time seeing the country for its true beauty." Looking slightly up, and trailed his gaze upon a set of beautiful hazelnut pupils. Quickly looking away. With a small hint of blush on his cheeks. Covering his face with his left hand. Clearing his throat. Avoiding eye contact. Or any contact.

Oblivious to the strange act, Melyra kept her head up, looking forward. "Well, this just might be your chance," continuing, she took the reins a bit hard, to steer the horses, "we're heading to a nearby village, that WON'T dunk you in sea water." She emphasizes the last part of her sentence. Full knowing the strange boy sitting next to her might have doubts. It wasn't going to be an easy topic to talk about for when people might ask. Melyra knew very well how it always worked. In mid story it turns to silence. And never hearing the end of the story.