Chapter 29 - Thank you for your warm welcome
1723 Words
He realized he should. “I will if that’s what you want.” He watched her expression closely, a hint of a smile on her lips.
“That’s what I want.” She affirmed.
“Alright.” He can do that. He should start considering her feelings. Maybe he won’t exactly know how she feels, but he can understand being misunderstood.
“Once, I was assigned to muck the stalls for weeks. Have you mucked stalls before?” Maybe he can cheer her up.
Her noble status was granted by the king she saved, the one to whom she pledged her loyalty to the throne. Before that…
“In fact, I did. My father raised horses and cattle. One of the ways to earn coins from him would be to muck the stalls.” That memory seemed like a long time ago. Well, it was.
“I see. Did you enjoy it?” In a way, he felt that it was a satisfying job. Mainly because no one else volunteers for it. He feels proud at doing something no one wants to do.
“In a way. I always look forward to receiving coins after completing the task.”
“That’s a great motivation, no?”
“And you? What do you get after mucking?”
“Me? I was paid wages for my labor, then I use it to buy food. Back then, Philip offered me a room at their place. I contribute by going to the market and bringing produce. Selene takes care of the cooking. Though recently, I’ve been having most of my meals at the palace.”
Hannah noted a girl’s name from his statements. His expression didn’t change, though. Who is this Selene?
Aaron noticed her stare. Did he overshare? What were they talking about again?
“I see. Is the food different there?” She replied when she noted his hesitation, or was it discomfort. She didn’t want him to feel that way with her. She tried to focus on something else, the horse she is on. It was a gentle one.
“It’s almost the same. There are some dishes though that I haven’t seen at the northeast. I’m sure the same spices grow on both kingdoms.”
“There is that.” She agreed. Except now, the conversation is almost dead.
“Have you been away from the palace before this?”
She was secretly glad when he continued asking, her heart was starting to go crazy. Why is she suddenly nervous?
“Yes. Sometimes I go out to help out.”
“I see. I heard the king respects you; do you ever get to refuse his order?” He almost whispered, but managing to pass it off as normal conversation.
“I am a member of the counsel. I do advise him on certain things. When I believe something would be detrimental to the kingdom or to those involved, I always tell them. The king usually listens.”
“Usually? So, there are times he doesn’t?”
“Yes. But he always manages to turn it around and prove me wrong. I respect him for it.”
“That’s admirable.”
“It’s to be expected. He’s a king, after all. Sometimes, he would have a better judgment on things.”
“Do you like what you do?” It seemed tedious to him. He would be burdened if it were him.
“In a way. It could get stressful at times, but overall… satisfying.”
“What’s your favorite thing to do?”
“Pretend I can’t read someone’s mind and force him to admit the truth.” That came out automatically. She was feeling comfortable that she didn’t put her guard up. Much.
She was relieved to hear him chuckling.
“Wait, don’t they already know that you can read minds?”
“Not everyone. And I don’t really use it often. Whenever someone trespasses into the kingdom’s territory, I am asked to question the person. To see if he’s a spy or someone with ill intentions.”
“It doesn’t get boring, does it?”
“In recent years, it rarely happens. I almost look forward to it.”
“I hope I can be as useful to the north.” Aaron aired his wish.
“You will be. Aren’t you the only other person with magic in that place, aside from the royals?”
“Yeah…” He reluctantly agreed. Pyro wouldn’t be helpful at this point. If anything, they all had to protect the innocent kid from harm. But then, he glanced at the carriage where two others with magic are currently occupying.
“Currently, they won’t be as loyal as you to the north. And loyalty count for much.” Her assurance meant a lot to him. Before he was found by them, he struggled to find a place where he feels he could belong and be useful. At the beginning, he’s already content to have friends like Philip and the others. The more he’s able to contribute, the more he feels helpful.
“Thank you. You’re very kind.”
“They won’t agree if they hear you say that.”
“Really? How so? I heard you’re a strict mentor.”
“More like a picky mentor. I don’t teach anyone who doesn’t meet my standards.”
“I see…” Aaron had to think about it. Her assisting him and Nate… that doesn’t count as mentoring, does it?
“Do you always question your worth?” Hannah couldn’t help taking a glimpse at his thoughts, though he’s actually very easy to read. He wears his feelings on his sleeves.
“I haven’t had a chance to prove my worth yet.” Isn’t that the truth? Aaron told himself. He’s doing his best, learning so he could be useful in the royals’ future plans. He’s both excited and nervous to be brought into the fae dimension. When Selene heard it, she was saddened that she can’t go. Glitters! Gold and silver lights! The girl is drawn to pretty things. Pyro, on the other hand, enjoys the company of his ice sculptures, which has become his toys.
“It will come, and you’ll do well.” Hannah knew that much. She’d witnessed his underlying determination and loyalty.
“Thank you.” Aaron couldn’t help smiling at her. She’s good in boosting his confidence and belief in himself.
When they arrived at the north kingdom three days later, it was past noon already. They were welcomed by the king and was shown their temporary quarters. Even Alec, the chatterbox, was too tired to speak. Hannah was given a room near Nate’s.
“I didn’t realize you’re planning to come.” Nate told her as she escorted her to her room. Vince and Aaron were following behind. They have shown Alec and Corrine their rooms in the opposite wing. Actually, Aaron’s room was on that side of the castle as well.
“I made the arrangements with your father. You need help and it would be too troublesome to keep coming to the northeast for a bit of knowledge. Taking into account how time flows differently in that dimension, it’s more convenient for me to be here and answer some of your questions quickly.”
“That would be very helpful, Lady Hannah.” Vince commended her initiative. He’d only seen her a few times during his stay at the north.
“Hannah is fine. Please drop the title, your highness.”
“If you reciprocate, I will. Call me Vince.” He grinned. They all did.
“You can rest first. You have not much experience traveling for days, do you? If you miss dinner, food will be sent up to your room. If you need me, this one’s my room.”
“And this one’s mine.” Vince noted. Hannah nodded.
“This one’s yours. Actually, I might go find you often.” Nate opened the door and they piled inside.
“I’m not sure which servant will be assigned to you, but you’ll probably meet her tomorrow.” She added.
Hannah walked around the room before turning back to face them. To Aaron she asked, “How about you?”
“I’m next to Alec’s. But I mostly sleep at Philip’s. I might go down and check with them.”
“I see. I’d like to meet your friends, too.” She stated to all three of them. She can tell they have a close circle of friends.
“Of course, you’ll like them. We only have a few, though. Vince has a lot of brothers.”
Hannah raised an eyebrow at that and Vince sighed before explaining. “Knights. It’s a brotherhood.”
Hannah slowly nodded with a smile, “I see. I am aware.”
“Well, we’ll leave you to rest then. I’ll check up on you later.” Nate went to briefly hug her. Hannah accepted, as she did last time.
“Thank you for your warm welcome.”
The next morning, they all had breakfast together. With the king.
Alec was mindful of his manners. Hannah wasn’t about to ask the king for permission or understanding of his unruly behavior. No. He has to behave sometimes. Though Vince did inform her that he did mention their personalities to the king. They would be working closely together, so it was imperative to gain an understanding of them.
Thankfully, Alec is easily pleased. The food was so delicious that he kept complimenting it during breakfast.
Corrine couldn’t stand him mid-way and kicked him under the table. He must know it’s only because they’re dining with the king. It won’t be like this every time.
And he actually ran his mouth, “How often can we dine with your highness, my lord?”
His formality is excessive. His tone was also uncharacteristically proper.
King Edward surveyed him. The new kid seems like a simpleton, but knowing Lady Hannah picked him… he must be special.
“I will probably meet with you all once a week.” He replied shortly.
Alec was more than thrilled, “That’s more than enough, my lord. Thank you for your generosity.”
Afterwards, he focused on eating more while exclaiming a few times how he likes them so much.
He did listen as the king briefed them on their plan’s schedule. Hannah already gave them the background.
Aaron became a bit frozen as he realized he’ll be going the next time they go. Hannah, too.
“So, three people. I would be glad if we could last an hour at least.” Vince tried to be upbeat, he’s referring to the non-users of enchantments.
“What does his majesty plan to accomplish in that hour?” Hannah turned towards King Edward.
“At the very least, scout the edge of the dark lands. I have already chosen a point in the map. Sir Quin would explain the plan to you later today, while I labor on kingdom issues.” He needs to address a number of them before they go. He made a deal with the counsel, that he will be allowed to be absent for a few days as long as his other duties are performed as well.
Vince squinted at his father, worried that he's overworking himself.
- Writer
