20. The Reward
1028 Words
Rosabelle's POV-
"Nina, are you certain about where we can find them?" I ask Nina who seems to be assured of herself.
"Yes, I have been trying to memorize the map of the Kingdom. I think now it's my test." She says frowning while nodding her head.
"I'm not doubting your talent of memorizing but you do remember we are new here, right?" I ask.
"Yes. I do and trust me when I say, I know every entrance to the castle. I know from where the things for poor are sent. I know where the dungeons are. I know where the training grounds are. I know where the crops are grown. I know where the poor live—"
"Do you know where are the horses stables of the knights? Or the place where the sand toys are made?" I ask cutting her off.
"Of course!" She exclaims and grabs the water bags before dragging me outside my chambers while continuing her ranting.
"I even know the lake nearby and they say the water is just cool enough—" Her breath gets caught in her throat as she suddenly seals her lips.
"My Lady." She quickly bows to Eleanor before going outside.
"Eleanor, how have you been?" I ask her smiling genuinely before turning to serve her a drink.
"Pretty occupied." She says.
"Really? May I know what has been keeping your mind occupied?" I ask before handing her the chalice.
"It's our talk from the last time. I have been rethinking about what 'Friends' mean?" She says while I pour myself water.
"And what you think?"
"That you shouldn't have one." Her answer makes me stare at her as I wait for her to explain.
"Well, that's not the only thing I came here for. I wanted to check if you are alright after the combat yesterday. After all, that's what a good friend does, right?" She asks before turning around.
"Eleanor, wait!" I stop her from moving any further.
"I have things to work upon, Rosabelle. I'm afraid I can't wait. We'll meet again. So please, don't bother worrying my brother." She says before leaving.
What did just happen? And why does she think I'll go complain to Dargan about her?
"Rose, what happened? That was a short visit." Nina says confused and worried at the same time.
I can't understand what she said, Nina. How can I explain it to you?
"Yeah. It was a short visit."
"Let's go though. We need to find Tina and Ana!" I exclaim and we both start our search for Tina and Ana.
***
"Rick! How have you been, little man?" I ask the little man who had taught me to make those paper birdies.
"Hello, my Queen! How come you are here?" He exclaims running to me.
"I'm here to gather my friends and take them with me to the castle. You remember Tina and Ana?" I ask crouching to his height.
"Yes, but why are you taking them to the castle? And are you friends with them? Aren't they someone of a lower status?" He asks making frown and I look back at Nina standing a little before the guards.
Who is teaching kids about such discrimination? Parents? Probably... Probably they don't want any troubles for their kids in case they run into some arrogant royal.
"The status isn't the word from God. It just the matter of where we are born. Some like me are born in a wealthy family which raises my so-called status from the day I was born even without me trying to do anything. A new born baby, who doesn't know anything gets judged by his status. It's all man-made s**t, I mean all man-made stereotypes. Don't believe in them." I explain to him while caressing his head.
"What does that mean?" He asks tilting his head.
"I just explained—"
"No, that word you said at the end. What does that types mean?" He asks and I understand before I smile.
"It means some shi— I mean some nonsence beliefs about something or someone without even knowing the reality." I say and he giggles.
"Well, there a lot of them like that then!" He says and I suddenly get curious to know more about it.
"Will you tell me more about it then?"
"Sur—"
"Rick! You have forgotten to have your meal once again! Come here!" I hear his mother yell at him while hiding a little from my eyes.
"Opsies! Gotta go. But will you meet me again? Can you be my friend?" He asks grinning and I nod returning his grin.
"I would love to!"
"Okay then! Meet you soon! And if we become really good friends then I'll take you to meet my other friends group!" He says while running off.
"He didn't even give me a chance to ask about his other group of friends." I chuckle and Nina just smiles.
"Children." She shakes her head before we move to the stables.
***
"Tina! Ana!" I exclaim before running off to the both of them.
They look startle and so do the rest of the people working there.
"My Queen!"
"My Queen!"
"My Queen!"
The people start as they come back to their senses while I try to keep myself laughing. Apparently, that's not how a queen should behave. I've already earned a long lecture from running here and I'm certain I'm going to have it all as soon as I'm alone with Nina.
"It's alright, everybody. You all can go back to your work. And you two, Tina and Ana, come forward." I say and Ana raises her eyebrow at me seeing through my act.
"Yes, my Queen." Tina says and they both make their way to me.
"You won't believe me! You both are coming to stay with me in the castle!" I say trying not to shriek too loud.
"What? But how? I mean, the last time I checked, Alpha hated us." Ana says.
"Yes, but after I did well in the combat yesterday, he promised me a reward and I demanded you two to come stay with me!"
- Writer
