Air Kingdom

Chapter 38-Cold Water

Rodas stepped out from the darkness, where the moonlight didn't reach. His gladius was strapped against his waist as he leaned against a gnarled, oak tree. He crossed his arms, waiting for an answer.

Dylan shifted on his feet and gave me a look. Tell him!

I scowled and shook my head. "Nothing, just reflecting on the events that happened today."

He narrowed his eyes at me. "I'm not stupid Emma. What were you guys talking about?" He demanded, causing my temper to poke its head up.

"Why do you care so much? What happens between us is private."

"If you're talking about me, then it's my business," he snapped, his attention turned on Dylan-who looked like he was dreading this moment. I didn't know why he found Rodas so intimidating. "What happened?"

Dylan surprisingly shook his head and held his ground. "Nothing important. Just let it go Rodas."

He eyed us incredulously before turning around and returning back to camp. Dylan and I released the breath we were holding and followed him. Certain Rodas was out of sight, I elbowed Dylan.

"I thought you were going to tell him," I said.

He cracked a smile. "Course not. I told you I wouldn't tell him and I followed through,"

"Thanks," I honestly said. "I really appreciate it."

"No problem. I'm positive you'll let Serena know about my manly actions?"

I chuckled. "Sure,"

We arrived at the campsite where three tents were set up. We were told which tent we were staying in. I grabbed my backpack that I had set down earlier and climbed into the tent. I grabbed my sleeping bag and began unrolling it beside Jewel's. A tap on my shoulder alerted me that someone else was inside with me. I turned around to see Natalie holding out a sandwich.

"Hungry? Emily and Seiro made crab salad tea sandwiches. Whatever those are."

I smiled and took the food. "They're one of the kinds of sandwiches they served at the academy. Seiro loved the recipe so much that he took time after school to learn it from one of the chefs."

Natalie rummaged around the tent and took out a canteen. She poured the water inside into two cups. She handed me one of them. "Sounds like a pretty posh place. How did you get used to this?"

I laughed. "If I'm being serious, I still didn't fully adapt this kind of lifestyle. It wasn't comfy to sleep on the hard, cold ground but it's not so bad anymore. What really bothers me are the washrooms and showers. I need my hot water and shampoo." I joked.

Natalie nodded and took a sip of water. "Yeah, I prefer living in an actual home too."

There was a small pause as we both swallowed our water. "I have a question," asked Natalie.

"Shoot."

"Are you and Rodas together?"

I nearly spit out my water. I put my hand against my mouth just in case a drop fell out. I forced the water down my throat. "W-what?" I croaked.

Natalie harmlessly shrugged. "I was just curious about your relationship with one another. So are you?"

"No!" I firmly said, ignoring the traitorous thoughts that were pestering me. "We're only friends. I told you before. I have my boyfriend waiting for me in Air."

A soon-to-be ex-boyfriend. A thought taunted. I wasn't going to break up with Hudson, yet.

Natalie examined my expression, making sure if I was lying or not. I was getting antsy and mentally praised Jewel as she walked in.