Princess Thief [✔]

39. His Identity

SKERPLA DAY OF THOR

A full week has passed and I couldn't be happier. Although we were busy during the evenings in investigating Lady Mhilrim's whereabouts, I was having the time of my life doing whatever I could. Things that I was not able to do when I was trapped in the palace.

Reichen had been accompanying me in my morning ventures ever since. As for Night, he was always too tired to go with me and explore the towns. He had to travel every day to Nurien which was two kingdoms away here at Areska where I and Reichen were assigned to search.

I insisted that he should find lodging there to make it easier for him but he rejected, explaining he would not leave me alone with a single man. I did counter him saying that I would move out.

It was not like I planned to stay here in the first place. I was aware of social rules and having two unrelated gentlemen in a single house was preposterous for an unmarried lady. In spite of that, both men adamantly refused yet there was not a single day they didn't have a dispute.

They plainly could not stand each other as they always fought for trivial reasons. They were like little children instead of the grown man that they were. The moment they were getting out of hand, I left immediately hence as I did a while ago.

I took my time roving the forest that surrounded the place. The cottage built was not grand but the property it resided in was a large one and filled with lush trees around. The scenery was heavenly and I could relax, only that when I was alone, various thoughts came to mind.

I could not tuck away the worry that came to me from time to time. It had been quiet at Ezriel. Too quiet for my liking. Night assured me but I doubted it. Father always took his time. He was set in stone not letting go of me for years and I believed he would not give up at this point.

"I finally found you. You walk so fast, Carline."

I swiveled to see Reichen behind me.

"Are you done with your pointless spat?"

"It is not a pointless spat. It is a serious matter and I'm sure I win. You do favor books as a present than a weapon, right?" he probed.

I breathe out a sigh. Before they had a row, we were celebrating my birthday not until they debated whose gift I liked. I was not even able to answer as they already had started debating my preference.

"Here, too." He handed me a small bouquet of edelweiss I did not notice he was holding.

It was a rare flower to be given with its white star-shaped and golden buds as it signified devotion to another.

"To put it bluntly, I was reluctant to give this I thought you might reject it since you don't seem like other ladies but I noticed how you love tending the wildflowers here and you never failed to stop at a flower stand every time we go out."

His word naturally startled me. The gifts Cindra and Night gave me were weapons, books, or trinkets. I never received a flower from anyone. He was actually perceptive. It was true that I loved flowers more than anything due to Mother. Flowers always reminded me of her presence.

The corners of my lips unknowingly lifted as I took it from him. I was really wrong about him. These days I never had someone paying so much attention to me. He had been so attentive that it was weird. Weird but comforting.

"Thank you. Where's Night by the way?"

"He's out fetching the horse. It's a shame we cannot stay here for your birthday."

"I understand. Finding Lady Mhilrim is of utmost important than celebrating."

"If it is not that urgent and Night's partner wasn't injured I won't have to be grouped with him."