Y a r a

》 C h a p t e r 17

The following day arrived with the birds chattering in the early hours. There was a slight breeze; just strong enough to lift a strand of hair. When Yara woke up she was curled up in a ball with Dimitri beside her. 

Yara's body was still sore, but she convinced Dimitri that she'll be able to walk.  She felt better than yesterday. Her wounds were slowly healing, meaning she could walk and stand on her own.

They were now on their way towards the castle. It was still a long distance to walk but it gave Yara enough time to ponder over the things Dimitri told her this morning.

Dimitri had known all this time. He knew about his brother's betrayal. He knew his brother's plans and strategies. Thanks to Dimitri's 'good friend'. He didn't tell me his name. Supposedly because he loved holding me on a string. Typically.

This unknown person befriended Rafael when Dimitri left with his army. He was the one that kept Dimitri up to date with what his brother did at his kingdom. The messenger that would've brought the news that Rafael was coming with an army, was killed. Dimitri was unaware of the army at first. That's when he sent Cyrus and I, to go investigate. When he realised it was Rafael's army, he sent guards to keep an eye on them. He didn't know that Rafael's second army arrived on a beach on the other side of the kingdom. His 'friend' was with them and sent Dimitri the message that they were camping on the outskirts of his land.

All the Elidian guards around that area were killed. They started with small villages and destroyed it. No one was able to alert the king. The messenger of the 'friend' reached Dimitri, the day I travelled to Linova. In the letter was the attacking plans. And Linova was next. Dimitri called in the soldiers and they made their way towards Linova. The man on my horse reached them on the road and told Dimitri what was going on.
Atleast I got my warrior pin back.

Part of Dimitri's army is keeping Rafael from alerting his first army, while others is keeping the curious people at bay. The worst that could happen is people finding out about the second army that could alert the first army that could cause an early war.

It was alot of information, and I'm still trying to sort all of it out.

"Yara"

She looked up. Her eyes widened as she quickly stepped aside from walking into the tree.

Cyrus bursted out laughing and Dimitri tried to hide his smile.

Yara glared at them and shook her head.

Better notice things around me before it could cause me more embarrassment.

"Stop laughing. Both of you." Muttered Yara under her breath while glaring at them.

Cyrus gave an apologetic smile. "My apologies, Yara. But we can't help but break a smile, imagining you walking into a tree."

"Well, don't expect me to be on my best of guard, while I still need to progress things." She gave Dimitri a pointed look but he just gave a shrug.

Her thoughts went back to Linova. A sudden thought strucked her and it felt like bucket of ice were thrown at her face. She quickly turned towards Dimitri.

"How many survived in Linova." She wispered.

It was a simple question, really. Except the answer to that question had so much consequences.

Dimitri's smile dropped, and he looked away. He knew the answer. He knew who died and who lived. It will break Yara.

"We could talk about this when your healed and ready-"

"I am ready!" Yara was feeling that numb feeling again. She was scared. Those men were like a family to her. Dimitri's reaction towards her question didn't even spark a bit of hope. It dimmed it.

Dimitri stopped and placed his one hand on her shoulder, turning her towards him, while the other hand lifted her chin, making her look at him.

"No you're not."

He spoke in a soft way, knowing that Yara was fragile in this time.

"I am-"

"Not emotionally-"

Yara choked on a sob. "They're dead, aren't they? My soldiers. They're dead." She turned away and covered her face with her hands. "They're dead."

Dimitri was quiet.

She turned towards Dimitri and looked him in the eye. Her eyes were glassy of tears. "Is it true?"

The slow hesitating nod was all it took for Yara to look down, fisting her hands.

Why.

WHY.

"Yara. No. You're hurting yourself!"

"I don't care!" She yelled out.

Dimitri took a step forward and and took Yara's hands in his.

"But we care. You're the strongest woman I've ever met. Those soldiers knew it too. They would want you to stay strong at all times, even when you hurt."

Yara stared at Dimitri for a moment and realized the truth behind his words. She was being immature. She's not the only one that lost loved ones. Instead of helping people and giving the bodies a respectful funeral, she's crying like a child. Nodding slowly while wiping her face with the back of her hand, she cleared her head of the saddened thoughts. Dimitri's hand slided towards her waist and with one movement he lifted her up in his arms and continue down the road.

"You know I can walk" she mumbled against his chest.

"Could you just focus on the fact that your knight in shining armor is carrying  you?" The King felt the need to comfort her.

She scoffed. "Stop flattering yourself, King."

Dimitri smiled softly down at her, before looking back at the road. "Maybe you should get some sleep."

"Im not tired-"

"I think you know you are."

Yara grumbled something under her breath but layed her head back down against his chest. "Stop ordering me-"

"Im just advising-"

Cyrus sighed loudly behind them.

"Could you two just get married already?"

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