asra x fem! reader • apprentice

seven - journey

-Julian's POV-

"So, (Y/N)..." I started, gazing at her as I stumbled over my words, thinking about what I'd say as I crossed my arms around my chest once again.
"I believe Asra already told you that I'm Ilya Devorak. Doctor Devorak." I continued clumsily, my shoulders tensing lightly.
(Y/N) met my eyes, as if searching them for any kind of hint of emotion.
"I was a plague doctor... in Nadia's palace. In Count Lucio's Wing. That courtier... Valdemar... was my boss." I spaced out again, biting my bottom lip.
"And I just.. the rest of us know how dangerous they are. Not just Valdemar, but the other courtiers, too. They'll definitely try to stab us in the back. So don't trust them," I warned. "Please."
"Jules.. Portia called you Ilya in the hallway of the palace.. does she know you?" (Y/N) asked politely, tossing her head gently to the side, gazing at me.
I let out a weary sigh.
"Yes. Well, she's my.." I bit my lip again, looking down. "Portia's my sister."
"You look guilty." She said bluntly, and I glanced up to see her studying my face, which flushed hotly.
I rolled out my shoulders, forcing myself to relax.
"I mean... yeah, I feel a little bit guilty. I was never really.. well, I was never really there for her. Like siblings are supposed to be. I never really knew her." I admitted.

-(Y/N)'s POV-

"I never really knew her." Julian admitted, therefore completing everything he had to say, "That's.. that's all."
"I could help you with that. She seems to like me." I offered, and Julian stiffened.
"You'd.. you'd really do that? For me?" He said, as if astonished by the words.
"Why would I not?" I asked, tilting my head and studying his face quizzically.
"Because I'm.. a murderer plague doctor?" Julian fumbled, quirking an eyebrow and shrugging, as if this were obvious.
"That's not a valid reason," I responded, crossing my arms pointedly. "And I'm gonna help you no matter what you say, Jules, so you might as well not waste your breath."
"Well, thank you.." Julian said awkwardly, looking down at his feet.
"Julian, I-" I started, making eye contact with him, right when the door of the bedroom slammed open.
"The magician says that we must leave soon." It was Valdemar. They had removed the mask from their face, so I could see their wide, toothy mouth. They were grinning twistedly at me.
They then turned and around briskly and strutted down the stairs.
Me and Julian shared a confused stare before I clumsily squeezed his hand before walking quickly down the stairs after Valdemar.

---

We had all gotten our things ready and were about to leave. Now we just had to discuss who would ride with who.
"I can ride my horse with Jæger. Somebody needs to be leader of the group." Morga said, giving us all a regal, confident look while she propped herself up on her staff by the elbow.
"I could get a couple royal guards to lead a carriage there, if-" Nadia started, but Portia shook her head sternly at her.
"No. We can't trust anyone other than our own group. I can drive your carriage, milady." She gave a quick curtsey.
"There's no need, I-" The queen assured, but Valdemar tilted their head owlishly to the side at her.
"A carriage would be safest. In case hiding would be necessary." The courtier said, giving a sharp grin.
Nadia nodded respectfully, "Of course. Okay, Portia, you may drive my carriage."
"I'll accompany you in the carriage. I can take shotgun, in order to scout the area." Valdemar said, still grinning.
Morga frowned down at them, but said nothing.
"Okay, Valdemar." Nadia agreed.
"I.. er, I'm afraid there may be a problem, your highness." Julian said, stumbling over his words, but still trying to act all bravado, nevertheless.
"Of course there is, Ily-" Portia started to retort under her breath, but stopped herself when Valdemar pointed their devilish grin to her.
"I'm afraid I don't know how to ride a horse. And the only thing left is another horse." He played with his auburn hair sheepishly, daring to look up at Nadia.
Muriel audibly sighed, knowing what was coming for him. Inanna craned her neck up in order to lick his hand.
"I can ride a horse. He can ride with me. If he has to." Muriel muttered under his breath, giving Asra a pained expression as he spoke.
"Wow! Thanks, Mario!" Julian exclaimed happily.
"It's Muriel." The ravenette responded bluntly, frowning.
"And you, Asra?" Nadia asked, turning her attention to the white-haired magician. "There doesn't seem to be any more modes of transport left."
"You'd be surprised at the kinds of tricks I have up my sleeve, countess." He said, grinning as he folded his arms comfortably behind his head.
He looked over at me quickly, winking at me and giving a dimpled smirk.
There was a gleam in his eyes.
I knew that look.
He was about to do something crazy.