Chapter 35 - Can I tease you?
1927 Words
Hannah woke up early, considering she rested very early as well. She needed to get everything on paper before she meets with the others. After taking care of personal stuff, she went into the recreation hall. There were available supplies of paper and something to write with. She could barely recall the features on the maps of the dark lands. But it’s alright. The memories of those five fairies are enough for her to reconstruct everything. She seriously worked, temporarily dismissing her personal desires. After creating the maps, she sat down to write the other things she’d seen from their heads.
She sighed. They weren’t close to the dark prince. Of course, they aren’t. If they are, they wouldn’t be manning the borders. They need to get closer to the palace.
She was finishing up one last report when Aaron came in. She only glanced for two seconds before returning to her work.
“Hey…” He greeted as he came in. He immediately noticed his blade on a seat.
“Thanks.” He picked it up and sat on the other side of the table. When he noticed the new maps, he stood up. They are more detailed. It wasn’t difficult to connect the dots.
“You made these?” He found the spot they were in yesterday and followed a certain trail up to the castle.
“Yes.” She replied without looking up. She would be able to have breakfast after this.
“It’s amazing.” He sincerely praised. The terrain, the hills, there was even a river… She noted several caves which are being used as hideouts.
“Hey, you guys are here. You’re too early.” Nate commented, carrying an open book with her. They both glanced over.
“Huh…” She stopped for a moment, her eyes flickering from Aaron to Hannah and back.
“I’m used to seeing you guys next to each other.” Her nonchalant comment made things a little awkward between them again. Nate didn’t notice.
“I found a potion. It says it can enlighten the eyes in a very dark place. Meaning you can see clearly even without any source of light.”
Hannah looked up from her writing, “That would be helpful.”
“You’re right. But I know nothing about making potions. Do you?” As soon as she found it, she looked for Hannah.
“I know a little.” She hesitantly answered. It has been a while since she concocted a potion for Queen Natasha. The queen’s healing abilities can be incorporated with potions. They have the best ointments and medications because of it.
“Let’s try making it, then.” Nate marked the page, before she stood next to Aaron.
“Oh, what are these?”
Seeing Hannah’s not planning to answer, Aaron explained things in her behalf.
“Wonderful!” She exclaimed upon going through the new maps. The circle near a boundary was their position yesterday.
“We only covered this much yesterday and yet you’re able to get the whole lay of the land. Amazing.”
“That’s what I said.” Aaron grinned with her, praising Hannah. She faintly blushed, continuing with the last report she’s writing.
Vince showed up with another book, this one of enchantments.
“You’re back.” Nate exclaimed upon seeing him. Aaron is guessing he went to see his mother and he’s right.
“Mother lent this to me. They also have an array of magical resources in their kingdom.”
“So, she’s fine, then.” Nate was relieved to hear she’s safe and back to their castle with no problems.
“There are pages on other types of transporting. See if this one would allow you to go to the northeast.” The prince stood next to her, absorbed in his book.
Nate looked over, “Should I try it now?”
“Uh, are you ready to do that?”
“Please, pace yourselves.” Hannah cried in her seat. “At least inform the king if you’re planning to do something.” She’s a stickler for respecting authorities. Unless it’s a personal matter that doesn’t concern the kingdom, she normally informs the royals of whatever she chances upon.
“Alright, you’re right.” Nate studied the book. When Vince asked about the other book on the table and the maps, Nate kindly explained things to him.
“Oh, wow…” He’s in awe as well.
As he watched, Aaron was feeling a little proud, for no real reason. Hannah’s her own person. He already knew she’s powerful. So, why is he feeling oddly this way?
Last night, he thought long and hard. He likes Hannah, but… he’s not sure if they’re on the same page. Does he like her the same way Vince likes Nate? Or does he like her like how he likes Nate and Selene? He’s already sure of the latter but he’s unsure if it’s more than that.
On her part, Hannah thought she might have overwhelmed him or something. Maybe she came on too strong. She should dial it down a bit. She’s trying hard not to stare at him too much. It’s making her sad, though. She likes looking at him. It makes her happy to see him, regardless of what he’s doing. She already misses staring at him.
When Alec and Corrine came in, they asked about what they experienced in the fae. Aaron immediately stood up before turning to Hannah, “You haven’t eaten yet, right? Let’s go.”
Hannah was startled, not expecting him to talk to her directly. She already noticed how he’s keeping a distance from her. Even Nate noticed.
“Okay.” She stood up to follow him. But she backtracked to leave her reports to the prince. “These are the other information I got from the five fairies. Show them to your father when he arrives.” She’s not sure if it’s timely that her stomach rumbled.
“I’m hungry. We’ll be right back.”
They watched the two of them go. Well, it’s not their business to interfere with them anyway. They shared all information with Alec and Corrine.
Hannah caught up to him but didn’t say anything. She’s maintaining a step behind and he noticed. He stopped abruptly making her bump into his side.
“Sorry.” She quickly moved away and apologized. Like this, she’s childish in Aaron’s eyes. It’s cute.
He only shrugged and they continued to walk. Are they simply going to have breakfast? Hannah can’t help wondering. Yes, they used to have breakfast together. A few times a week, that is. Definitely not every day.
As they piled food on their trays, Hannah noticed that he’s taking less than his usual.
Seeing her questioning gaze, he explained, “I already ate at Philip’s.”
“I see.” Then, there’s no need for him to accompany her.
As they sit down across each other, Aaron watched her. His gaze is a bit…
“You’re making me conscious.” She timidly picked up a spoon and started eating. She feels clumsy, wanting to look good in front of him.
“I’m sorry about last night.” His sudden apology made her choke a little.
“There’s nothing to be sorry about.” She can admit that much.
“It was just my own feelings. I’m sure you have no control over them.” Wasn’t it the truth? Her chest tightened.
Aaron watched her more, studying her expression.
“Why don’t you eat first? You have to eat what you took.” She reminded him when she couldn’t stand the silence anymore. Whenever she glances at him, she would see his intent gaze. She never realized how uncomfortable that could get. He wasn’t bothered before.
“Don’t you care about your status? Liking a commoner…”
“I was a commoner before I was a noble, so… what do you think?” She dared to return his stare.
He looked down to pick up his bread. “Well, I’m not saying I like you…”
Her heart stopped at hearing those words from him. It oddly hurt.
“I meant, not the same way you like me. I like you, as a friend, as a mentor, as a companion… beyond that, I’m not sure.”
She was revived and she almost laughed at the emotional up and down.
“At least, you like me.” She smiled at that. She’ll take it as a starting point.
Aaron wasn’t expecting that reaction. He’s almost used to seeing her smile and bright expressions.
“I didn’t want you to misunderstand.” He continued.
“I won’t. But… is it okay with you if I continue to like you like this?” Why did she even ask? Why if he says no?
Aaron frowned. Is it okay with him? “I can’t exactly tell you what to feel, can I?”
“That’s true.”
Then, they ate in silence. Hannah searched for things to talk about.
“I have a few ideas for your training.” She did think of a few. He did well and he seems to have a good grasp of his ability. It’s time to test its new limits.
“You do? If it’s not too much of a bother to you, then I’ll be in your care.”
“You sound too formal.”
“Do I? I mean… yeah, sure.”
Hannah grinned, that’s more like it.
Seeing her that way, he nodded in her direction, “You should also practice. I mean, I’ve never used daggers as weapons before, but we can spar. Me on my sword.”
“I’d like that.” Hannah’s thrilled. They would still be spending most of their time together. She was glad.
Aaron kept on having oddly feelings about her. When he saw her earlier looking so serious, he thought there’s something missing. Yes, he’s used to seeing her smile. He likes it. He realized that now. He likes her, right?
“Would it be alright to act normally with you?” Hannah decided to ask.
“Of course.” His answer was quick.
“Can I tease you?” She was only teasing but his look of discomfort made her grimace.
“Sorry, I won’t.” She promised as they walked back to the recreation hall.
Everyone’s already there, even the king. They bowed as they greeted and entered.
Their meetings are usually informal.
“I hear everyone’s already informed of what happened. We’ll go back in exactly six days. We’ll try to bring another person. Would it be Corrine or Alec?”
“I want to go.” Alec volunteered.
“Corrine would be the better choice.” Hannah suggested.
“You really have favorites.” Alec grumbled.
“She’ll be there to rein you in when you mess up. If you go without her, who’d keep you in line?”
“Why would I mess up in front of the king?” He puffed his chest.
“Or the two of you can go. I’ll stay back for this one.” Aaron feels that the two of them would do better than him.
“You did well. Your control of the situation was admirable.” The king commented and he could feel his ears redden.
Uh, did he just get praised?
“Since it was your natural ability, you did better than Nate or Vince. They clearly struggled.”
Nate nodded her agreement. Vince was wearing a dissatisfied expression.
“Or I could stay back for this one.” Hannah decided.
“If you stay there for an hour or two, I’m guessing you would have arrived somewhere around here.” She gestured at a place in the map.
“From what I’ve seen, there are not many fairies until up here. If there aren’t new fairies, you have no use for me. Even if you meet fairies at this point, I doubt they know more than the previous ones.”
“So, we’ll take this time to explore again and test the limits of the enchantment.” The king explained.
“Yes.” At Hannah’s answer, Nate and Vince exchanged glances.
“If the potion we found works, I’m sure we can move faster than last time.” Nate appealed.
“Should I try to find a potions master?” Her leads are quite old.
“Do you know any?” Vince looked up.
“They might no longer be where I knew them to be.” She didn’t want to get their hopes up.
“Or we can try making it ourselves?” Nate offered, but Hannah shook her head.
- Writer
