Nereyda

Chapter 5 || White Anger

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Chapter 5 - White Anger

Nereyda

I met Simon's gaze as he stared down at me with eyes wider than acceptable. I tried to think through the pain, running through the guard schedule in my head. I was definitely right; there were no guards due to be patrolling this area at this time.

Embarrassment at being caught welled inside me. Simon must think I was such an errant child, assuming to parade around the city after hours. Would he report me to my father?

"Nereyda?" His voice broke slightly with shock. I knew that all of the guards, servants and maids spoke freely and expressively amongst themselves. Only when they were in the presence of royals did they conform.

"Sorry your highness," He apologised for not addressing me properly, correcting his features as he bowed his head. "If I could presume to ask, what are you doing out here so long after sundown?"

"I needed some air." It was a stupid excuse, but the quickest one to come to mind.

"And you came all the way into the centre of the city?" He challenged before immediately apologising, "forgive me," with a dip of his head.

"I need to go, someone is waiting for me." It was not entirely true but it wasn't a total lie. Braeden had said that we might see each other again, implying that he would be waiting to see me. "Please don't tell."

The orange glow of the streetlight two houses up was the our only illumination. Simon's face was shrouded in darkness but still he showed no feeling.

"Please," I tagged on, discouraged by his stiff composure. I could only imagine and fear my father's reaction to my rebelliousness.

His exhale reached me on the wind, heavy and resigned. "Only because it's you, your highness."

Gratitude washed through me, especially since he was in a such a high position of responsibility. If anyone found out about how he had covered for me tonight...I didn't even want to think of the consequences for him.

"But don't go out again. Any other guard might see you and I'm sure some of them would not be nearly as indulgent as myself." He softened his tone, "Apologies for the orders your highness, I cannot tell you what to do, but know that this is my advice."

I nodded once, sure that he would be able to see me clearly with his leopard eyesight. My vision was limited because I was, as usual, suppressing my leopard. I had found over the years that the only way for me to remain emotionless was to completely shut the beast out.

"Thank you Simon," I breathed quietly, without acknowledging his advice. There was nothing truthful I could say to alleviate his fears. However, I did nod my head slightly, hoping that the act of humility would express my thanks without my having to show emotion.

He stiffened at my gesture but I quickly broke into a run in the opposite direction, hitting the cobbled street of the central city and allowing the buildings to morph into a blur. My eyesight sharpened as my leopard was unleashed and the pounding in my head lifted.

I wasn't sure how I would find Braeden. The last time that I'd come across him had been completely coincidental, and I was certain the probability of that happening again was close to nil.

I came to the silent market and made my way through the stalls, picturing what it had looked like during the first few seconds of my visit. So vibrant and full of life, the sight had seemed to fill some deep longing inside me. A longing to see people happy.