Rebel

Busy, Busy

I groaned with joy as my body sank into the bed. Warmth instantly enveloped me. It was exhausting dealing with the cold the whole day. After getting only a few hours of sleep, then heading straight to the Assembly, then answering millions of questions all day, my bones felt good to relax.

The leaders in the Assembly weren't harsh, but they didn't make it easier either. Question after question for hours had made it feel more like an interrogation than a meeting. They were all curious and confused of the city of Polis and how the Rebels ran it. I understood that.

"Are you going to join us for supper?" A small voice asked behind me in Matlehba.

I assumed it was Asenka. I didn't turn to look, I only buried my face deeper into the bed. "No thank you, you all can go without me." I mumbled into the bed. There was a pause. "You know we don't eat supper outside, right? We eat it in the dining table." Asenka said behind me.

It took all my willpower not to snap at her. I sighed. "Oh. How marvelous. I will just sleep, thank you." I said. The only indication of her absence was the door slamming shut. I exhaled a long breath, kicking off my boots. I tugged off the furs from my shoulders and my cloak.

As soon as I closed my eyes I let the darkness wash over me.

. . .

After it took almost an hour showering@, I sighed.

I paused by the doorway, glancing at the comfortable cave house around me. It was empty, Valerya's parents headed out for their duties after supper. Dothon and Asenka were who knows where. Esmeralda was still in the healers cave. Bo hadn't appeared to the house in days. Hussain was probably somewhere off with Valerya and her friends.

I opened the door and slowly walked down the stairs. The shopkeeper nodded at me, smiling as he kept sweeping his store. I returned the greeting, clutching the furs on my shoulders. The wind was already picking up as I wasn't completely outside yet. I tugged my hood over my face as I stepped out.

It was freezing, nothing like I had experienced before. I exhaled, my breath hanging before me. I turned in the direction of the bay. I was curious if the Assembly had heard any news of the Council. As I took a couple of steps forward, a felt a light tap on my shoulder.

I half expected to be greeted by Hussain. Or Valerya's friends. My heart squeezed tightly as I turned. Jako stood in front of me, he was a shivering mess. I instantly moved away from him, shoving a few people in attempt to lose him. I shook my head with a scowl.

Jako appeared in front of me, skidding to a stop. He almost slipped on ice, tumbling against me. My hand subconsciously reached out to help him. Before I touched him, I pulled away. "Get out of my way, Jako." I almost snarled. Jako straightened, pursing his lips.

"Just hear me out." He pleaded, his eyebrows moving together in concern. I hated how I automatically paused. I took him in. I absolutely hated how I noticed everything about him. How there was slight stubble growing along his jaw. Or how there were slight dark circles under his eyes. Even the texture of his lips. The same lips that use to be mine.

I blinked rapidly, frowning. "No." I said stubbornly. "I warned you last time." I growled. Jako nodded, taking a safe step back away from me. "I know, and I understand. But I want to talk with you like olden times. Just talk. Do you have time?" He asked. I pursed my lips. "No, I don't have time. I need to go meet with the Assembly." I said, which wasn't completely true. They weren't expecting me.

Jako's shoulders dropped. "Can't you just cancel on them? For once?" He asked, searching my eyes. I sighed, frowning as I took note of how desperate he sounded. I glanced towards the bay behind him. I had nothing better to do. Besides, the Council probably hadn't received my letter yet.