Kingdoms In Ruling <Jamilton>

Chapter TwentyFive..."No Need To Lie."/

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\Maria POV/

"Where are you taking me?" I demanded, managing to keep my tone soft despite the harsh words.

"I'm about to change your life." The pretty girl in blue whispered in glee, obviously exaggerating, dragging me carefully by the wrist. I couldn't say no to her.

I smiled, gentle. "By all means, lead the way."

-

We ended up at a small stone shop. Pickaxes, swords, and hammers alike hung from the railings, gleaming in the high sun.

"I should actually tell you what we're doing, since I assume you're not one to like surprises." She smiled sheepishly, twirling a strand of her dark hair around a finger.

"You've assumed correct."

"Let's sit!" She sat down without further prompt. "Okay, my friend Hercules is gonna make you something! We're just getting measurements first." She glanced over. "Unless, you're not okay with that, and don't need new clothes. We can leave, if you want."

I was astounded, to say the least.

Here this girl is - I really gotta learn her name, shit - taking my feelings into account. This random girl - cares about me?

This is a new feeling.

I'm not sure if I quite like it yet.

The girl's earlier smile started to fade as I hesitated longer to respond, confidence faltering, but eyes still alight with worry.

"I'm okay." I spoke suddenly, wanting to keep that gorgeous smile on her face. It worked.

"Okay!" She hopped up and went to go knock on the door.

A man that immediately made me think of Thomas answered, a smile on his lips once meeting the girl. "Eliza!" He exclaimed, bending over and wrapping her into a big hug. Ah. That's her name.

"Hello, Gilbert." Eliza laughed, patting his cheek. "It's so good to see you. Where's Hercules?"

"One moment." Gilbert ? turned his head and called into the rooms. "Amour! Eliza is here!"

Oh. Seems I'm not the only one to know french. I mentally filed this information in the back of my mind.

"Can you please stop talking in french? You know I hate it, grá." Hercules, I'm assuming, shouted back. Another moment, he was now pulling Eliza into a hug, laughing fondly. "I never see you enough, dear."

Oh, Irish, too? Huh. They must be a fun couple.

"It's always a pleasure," She smiled back. She then looked at me with such fondness in her eyes it made my knees weak. "I brought a friend."

Hercules took a moment longer but smiled warmly all the same. "I've heard good things!"

I smiled sharp, looking him over. "No need to lie."

Gilbert laughed awkwardly off to the side, eyes flickering between Eliza and I with something akin to caution. I didn't blame him. "So, what are you here for?" His gaze drifted towards the other man.

"Just some measurements for something Maria picks out. I've brought the money today, too!" Eliza starts digging around in her pockets.

"You don't need to pay for me, I can't ask you to do that." I rushed. I hadn't even thought about the cost.

"You're not asking, I'm insisting." She smiled sweetly back at me, but her eyes gleamed danger in defying her.

Hercules was watching in interest, butting in when I didn't respond other than a sigh. "Great! Come into the back, take a seat, and we'll get started." He disappeared into the shop.