To Rule the World | A Zodiac Story

Caught

A knock came from outside of the soldiers barracks. One boy opened it to see Leo, who kindly smiled at him. He had blonde hair that was cut short. He had rather large eyes that gazed at her curiously. He looked fairly young for a soldier, maybe 15. Technically, the legal age was sixteen and up. But many runaways lied. That's what Leo assumed this kid was.

"Hello," Leo offered, peering around the room. "Is Capricorn in there?"

The boy blinked at her. "The girls barracks are that way, Miss."

Leo frowned at him. "Capricorn. Is there a Capricorn in this room? Brown hair, cocky, arrogant, and blunt?"

"Do you mean Cap?" The boy asked. Leo was growing annoyed.

"Yes, sure. Bring me Cap," Leo ordered, sick of not getting an answer.

The boy brought forward Capricorn, who looked like he just rolled out of bed. He huffed angrily and grabbed his stuff. "You were supposed to say that this isn't my room, not that I go by a different name."

"You thought of this?" Leo asked, plainly irritated.

"So what if I did?" Capricorn asked. "I'd really rather be sleeping right now."

"It's an honor to do this for your kingdom," Leo scolded him.

"Not all of us are soldiers by choice," Capricorn snapped at her.

"Tell me about it," she muttered under her breath. Then she looked him in the eye. "Let's get going, Capricorn."

"Sure, where's the horse?" Capricorn asked her, still in a tired haze.

"Right out front. I have enough supplies. I will be up front," Leo told him. "Come, we have a long journey ahead of us."

Capricorn groaned and followed her outside. He was getting sick of this girl bossing him around. Seriously, it was so annoying. Who does she think she is?

"Are you coming?" She asked sharply, causing Capricorn to look up.

"Yes. I'm right behind you," Capricorn replied, following behind her.

The duo arrived at the front of the castle. A horse waited with several things in pouches on the side of the saddle. Leo gestured for him to follow, and Capricorn complies. Leo easily swings onto the front of the horse, proceeding to help Capricorn up.

"Grab my waist," she instructed, craning her neck to look back at him.

"Excuse me?" Capricorn asked, taken aback.

"You heard me. Grab my waist," Leo firmly commanded. "Or fall and get a head injury. Either way, it won't affect me."

Capricorn thought for a moment. "Waist it is."

Leo nodded and turned her head back around. "That's what I thought."

The two rode for a bit, taking in the scenery as they left Commetes. Capricorn glanced awkwardly. What should he say to a girl he so easily offends? It's not his fault he has a big mouth. Well, it sort of was.

"So, Solis. That's an unusual last name," Capricorn said, mentally slapping himself. What a great way to make small talk.

"It's been passed down through my family for generations. It's a symbol of our honor," Leo explained, keeping her eyes on the road.

"It's also the name of the kingdom, though. Any idea why?" Capricorn asked. Immediately, he felt like it was a stupid question.

"My great-great-grandfather was a skilled swordsman. He was a great general who proved himself in many battles. One day, he met an archer whom he fell in love with, later marrying. Only a week after their honeymoon, the kingdom was attacked by a kingdom now long forgotten, aided by Flammae. My great-great-grandparents lead a large force to take them down, saving the king and queen of the time. To honor them, they renamed the kingdom after the family name," Leo explained. "And every Solis is expected to be as good as them."