Knightress

Chapter 24

Laura walked gingerly over the damp grass through the thicket, her steps were slow and calculated to avoid tripping over. The dull flashlight she had wasn't reliable, on many accounts she nearly face planted. She had on pajamas with winter boots, a thick, black puffer jacket that extended to her ankles, gloves and a wool hat. Every gust of wind that blew her way increased her annoyance, even with the layers she had on she was still shivering, she cursed master under her breath for having her out there in such a weather. She stepped out of the warm castle with her eyes still heavy with sleep, the strong winds mixed with the low icy temperature dried the sleep from her eyes.

She reached the centre clearing where the lake was located, she found him standing stiffly before the lake in day clothes that weren't fit for the weather, lost in reverie that it seemed the breeze did nothing to him. She stood for some seconds to gather her thoughts, her eyes shifted from him to scrutinize the area, the thicket was still besides the frequent rustle of the trees and the howl of the wind. There was no one else in sight so she moseyed to the opposite side of the lake, a good, safe few meters between them.

He jerked his head up, red eyes met hers, plagued by lack of sleep. They remained fixed on her with unease and studied her with caution, he deepened his hands in his pockets and squared his shoulders. "Laura," he spat lowly, her name rolled bitterly off his tongue.

She knew the voice too well and had expected it, but she couldn't control the gasp that tightened in her throat. Her mind had come to terms and belief that it was truly him ages ago but her heart refused reality, it was to wrong to just accept. She took in all his features to prove to herself that he was actually there, the ultimate castle spy, if she could even call him that.

She shook her head and let out a small sigh, "Prince Jotham." She replied, unable to mimic the bitterness of his tone, this was so wrong.

He glared daggers at her, his hate and detest was tangible and heavy in the air. He adjusted his weight on his legs and lifted his head higher, his entire being was repelled by her as if she was that much beneath him. Seconds passed with them just staring at each other, she slowly processed that this was real and so was whatever idiotic thought that passed through his head. His eyebrows lifted subtly, "you aren't shocked that I'm the one here." He commented.

"You don't appear shocked that I'm not." She returned, he gazed at her further urging that she proceeds. "I was shocked at first," she admitted, "no matter how awful you are, I never expected you to stoop to such a low." She meant her words, the softness in his eyes whenever he was around his family, besides Andreas, would deceive anyone. "You care for your family."

He let out a hoarse laugh at the statement, he dropped his head backwards and cackled harder. "I'm glad my character's holding up."

"But why?" She asked genuinely, she needed to know what would make him partake in such a thing. "You're the heir of a highly influencial kingdom, not that you're the best choice, but you're the heir nonetheless. Besides that you're a prince, you're wealthy, you live in a castle with servants to do your every bidding and never have to lift a finger!" It was the cold that kept her from lifting her arms to emphasis her point, her whole body was numb.

He slowly lifted his head, his eyes turned thoughtful as he stared at nothing in particular. They focused on her again and he shrugged. "You make it sound like I have everything," he said simply.

Her eyes widened, her mouth parted as she stared at him incredulously, "you do!" She practically yelled. It was his turn to give her a look, she took a breath to calm down and sighed. "Why join with rebels with all that you have? What exactly will you gain from all of this?"

A dark look crossed his face. "We're more than just rebels...you know that by now." He said darkly.

Her frame tensed, she nodded once which piqued his interest, his lips curled into a smirk. During the time she's spent away from Andreas, she's managed to gather information that baffled even her and left her speechless.