Rivals

Chapter 4: Camp

Kaden

The four rivals traveled together with a small party North to Gywith. They had been traveling for days. The first day, Kaden had found awkward. Evangeline had been very cold with him, colder than usual. He did not like it. He kept bothering her and teasing her until the old Evangeline was back. The one that actually argued back instead of giving him the cold shoulder. In fact, he found that his brother and Odette haven't stopped arguing either. Their party of soldiers seem to have grown used to constant banter instead of feeling awkward as they had at the beginning. They couldn't help it, it was almost in their nature to argue with each other.

"I think we should rest for the night, our company seems to have tired out," said Evangeline looking back at their group.

Kaden looked at her and smirked. "Have you tired already princess?"

"If anyone is tired, it is you scoundrel," Evangeline frowned. "But our party is in fact tired. See for yourself you heartless goon."

Kaden looked back and could see that they have indeed gotten tired. If it was just himself, Evangeline and their small group of warriors, it would have been a much faster journey, but they had others to worry about.

"Fine," he grunted as he turned to their party. "We'll make camp."

He could see them sigh in relief, Kaden could also see the smug look Evangeline was giving him. He ignored her and went to set up his tent that he were to share with his brother. Evangeline looked at him with a mischevious look which he understood completely. They've competed over everything. Absolutely anything and everything. Now it was who would set up the tents the fastest. As usual, they finished around the same time, but of course, they fought over who won.

"Firewood?" Kaden asked this time. Evangeline smiled accepting his challenge. Even though everything was a challenge, they both sometimes enjoyed their little competitions. They had fun in such strict conditions. In moments like these, they weren't competing for a title but just kids having fun.

***

Julien

Julien watched Odette pacing around in her tent, probably thinking about the meeting with the ruler of Gywith. She was so deep in thought that she didn't notice Julien walk in until he cleared his throat.

Odette jumped back placing her hand to her chest in shock. "Good Lord, you scared me."

Julien chuckled at the current event. "It's a good thing Evangeline is the warrior because you would have died instantly."

Odette frowned at him before crossing her arms in front of her chest. "I prefer the books either way. I don't think I can ever hurt someone."

"But you hurt me all the time," Julien smirked, earning a scoff from Odette.

"I said I can never hurt someone, you are no one, I stand true by my words," Odette smirked back.

Julien just laughed and shook his head. Odette was always the sweetest person he knew, not that he'd ever admit that to anyone. She had tried being mean to him, succeeded at times, but he saw her attitude towards everyone in the castle and she was nothing but an angel to them. He could see their admiration for her, from everyone in the castle to the people in the villages. She treated everyone equally. There was admiration for her all over the kingdom. If she were to become queen, which he will make sure she won't, she would be a great one.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked her. Odette was an open book most of the time. He could see the wheels clicking behind her head meaning she was deep in thought, and the crease between her brows indicating they weren't positive thoughts.