— Averie —
ALL she knows is that people are running back and front with no concrete direction. She saw how Selene fell, and with an exasperated face. People scattered throughout the places, but she decided to go with Selene's direction. She did not care about anyone, but her. The King of the Southerners vanishes into thin air and her friend is unconscious on the floor. She heard her father call her, but she do not care
"Selene! Selene!" she chanted at her as she was trying to wake her up. Averie just notices that Nicholas was the one who is holding her. "Get her to the nearest infirmary."
"There is no infirmary near the Citrine Palace," he replied.
She cursed under her breath. Having an infirmary at Citrine Palace should be on the top list of the proposition of the people that are in the congregation with her father. On top of that, a lot of people are coming in and out of the palace during these events and possible illnesses can occur at that time. Well, her thoughts do not help her any moment and Selene is still carried by Nicholas, who she notices to wear very heavy armor.
The Duke pants on the side, his face is also bruised with Roman's attack from earlier. "I would take her to the nearest inn," he said. "I could take myself there any second," he added. "Nicholas, I–" Nicholas did not let him finish and nodded his head. He touches his arm, right, the Duke's ability was to teleport from one space to the other. "Your Highness," he called Averie. "This may seem straightforward, but can you take Serena with you?"
Averie wanted to go with them, but with the Duke's state of being, the number of people he could take with him was numbered. Averie nodded at him. She, then, holds Serena. The poor child was astounded by all that happened. "Can you walk?" she asked her with a calm voice. She is the princess of Trirovia, she must be strong for the people. "They are gonna be fine."
Serena nodded as a response.
If Averie is going, to be honest, she does not know where to go. Even her father left the front of the palace. They are gone. What does she expect? Her father is a King, there must be a lot of knights around them. She held the child's hand and gave it a tight grip, her initial goal in the very moment was to protect her, no matter what the cost. They walked directly to the wing where the debutantes stayed before the unfortunate event. She shook her head, the phrase "leave the place" was the only thing that was chanted by her brain. Fortunately, there is no single obstacle in their way. She looks at Serena's way and gives her an assuring smile. A few more steps away from the door, not until…
"Sister!"
She swore with her life, her soul almost left her body when she felt his brother's palm in her arms out of nowhere. She took a deep breath and looked at him, "Why are you here?"
"I left behind," he answers, and he was actually delighted about it.
"Have you lost your mind?" She retorted. Thank goodness the other debutantes left and there are lesser people in the scene, and anyone could have said that for all she heard was shouting and pleading for assistance.
"No," he replied. He lowered his stance to be at the same height as Serena. "Lady Serena," he said and lowered her head like he was bowing. "It was a pleasure to meet you."
Averie rolled her eyes. He was acting as if nothing happened, and there was a commotion among the people. The child curtsied at him, nevertheless, she looked at him strangely.
"Alexander?" She called her brother. "Why are you still here?"
"Because, I intend to take you both into a safer place," he replied. "To protect you."
She rolled her eyes. For goodness' sake, she doesn't know how many times she did that just for this night and having this conversation with her brother. "Well, you are doing very bad at it, and we are still in a zone where everyone might hurt us," she paused. "Excuse us, but we will find a carriage that would lead us to the nearest inn or infirmary here from the Citrine Palace."
"I have an idea," he said. "It would be safe, I swear on my blood."
"Alexander—"
"You have a way to lead us where my sister is, Your Highness?" Serena asked.
"Yes, my lady," he answered, proudly.
The two of them looked in her direction, pleading their eyes. She sighed, it is not like she had a choice. She just nodded her head as a response. Serena holds her hand, again. The child gripped it like she was assuring her. She smiled at her, bitterly. The child is trying to comfort her in the moments when she should think about her sister.
They all walked through the door. No one cares about them, no one bows, no one even addresses them. She expected that and was relieved that she doesn't have to put a polite face to the number of people. When they reached the back doorway, she felt like a small amount of air was given into her body. She felt relieved, in a second.
"What are we going to do?" she asked her brother. "At some point, you also need to tell us your plan."
"I would," he replied. "Well, I know this knight—"
"We cannot trust anyone right in this very moment, Alexander, and you know it," she paused. "We cannot take the risk."
"I know," he replied. "But, he is a friend of mine. He is my friend when I was—"
"You have a friend?" she questioned without even hesitating.
"Rude," he scoffed. "Yes, I do and we will ask him for help."
She nodded as a response. They all walked at the same pace, Alexander kept asking the kind, regards her studies, hobbies, and other things as if they were that close. Alexander Lavine of Trirovia is the first son of the King. And, as of tradition in the line of Trirovia to the throne, he is the crown prince.
Averie was not very delighted with that idea.
"This friend of yours," she started. "What is he like? Or, is it a he?"
"It is a he," he replied. "And, he is good."
"Does he have a name to address him?"
"Elijah," he paused. "Elijah Martel."
"The lieutenant?" she asked. "You associated yourself with one of the lieutenants that commanded most of the knights, and who was, said by the rumors, killed at least twenty men of our enemies' soldiers. Do you mean that lieutenant?"
"How did you know this information?" he asked.
"Not that it matters," she replied.
He shrugged, "I do not know, sister."
She squinted her eyes, "Then, how did you know him, and why are both of you friends? On top of that, he is giving us service—"
"Elijah!" Alexander called him, which made Averie stop.
The man is not as old as she expected. He looks old, but not like her father and the other nobility who have big beards and wrinkles on his face. He was young, ahead years from them, she assumed. But, in terms of facial features, he was young. The man bowed his head to them.
"Your Highness," he addresses.
"Lieutenant," she replied. "My brother told me you are a friend of his.'
Alexander cleared his throat. The man looked at the Prince, asking so many questions with his eyes. As a sister, should she be concerned at any point about this?
"I… am honored, Your Highness," he hesitates. "Where to begin?"
"Alexander?" she asked the Prince, with a warning tone in her voice. "Can I have a moment with you, please?"
"But—"
"Now."
He winced. He followed her to a place, which is ten inches away from them. The lieutenant talks to the kid. Serena has her own way of making everybody feel comfortable in times of hardships.
"I beg of you," Averie started "Those four words taste bitter in my mouth," She paused. "Tell me that you did not bargain with that man and know where we are going."
"Then, I won't speak," Alexander replied. Averie glared at him, he grimaced. "On an unimportant note, I did not bargain with him. I just simply asked him a favor in the words of a…." his words turn into gibberish.
"What?"
"In the words of a crown prince?"
Averie scoffed, "Remind me to inform father of your misdeeds after this chaos."
"No, I—"
"Lieutenant Elijah," Averie called him and left Alexander. "I heard so many things about you, lieutenant."
"I hope they were good, Your Highness."
Averie smiled, "Believe me, they are."
"What service would I present to you today, Your Highness?"
"To accompany us to the nearest inn," Alexander replied. "With your abilities, you can take us there in no time."
Elijah cleared his voice, "I am deeply honored with your acknowledgment, Your Highness, however, I cannot take three people at the same time."
"You can just take Serena," said Averie. "It would be the safest place for her."
Serena smiled at her.
"How about you, sister?"
"Maybe the next one, if possible."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Do you need to prepare or…?"
Elijah nodded his head, "It would only take a few seconds."
"Thank you," Averie replied.
They move a few inches away from Elijah, to give him space. The man controls his breathing. Averie notices his choice of clothes, it looks like a commoner clothes that sells fruits in town. He and Alexander must be that close to do him a favor in the middle of his vacation, she thought. She looked at his brother, there were no signs of fear or disappointment in his face of what had happened today, as if his region, the one he would inherit one day, did not experience a threat — a great one.
She shook her head, it was one of the things she loathes about her brother. He is not bothered about the topics and somehow, he stays safe and still on his guard. He shows that during the war. He was sent to war when he was 16, the Court told my father, to prove if he is deserving of the throne. By the words of the other knights, her brother performed an outstanding improvement in fighting. He gradually ruined the men of Southerners with his gift and fighting skills.
Averie cannot imagine that. Her brother, in a war, killed and punished men. For all she knows, he is the person who would whine to her every night for the reason that the fish never knew the lion. Headache instantly hits her when she remembers those horrid and painful nights.
"What is the lieutenant's ability?" she questioned her brother.
"You will see," he answered.
She rolled her eyes. Averie hates surprises, even the good ones. She does not like the pressure and the anxiety that it can give to her. It made her feel vulnerable in every aspect. However, she did not ask her brother again. Their birth might be similar, however, they have different preferences, and these attributes did not make her life better.
Elijah instructed Serena to grip on him tight, as he carried her. Averie did not say anything, but a lot of questions were written in her face. Serena smiled at her, like saying goodbye or assuring her that everything will be fine. She smiled back. She, then, looked at her brother, he looked confident about what was going to happen. She looked back at them, Elijah lowered his head to bow.
"We will be off, Your Highness," he said.
The two royals just nodded their heads.
Elijah put his foot upfront, and took a deep breath. Then, the next thing they both knew, he just used the other foot to step forward, and wind hit them, and with the blink of an eye, they were both gone.
"He is a sprinter," Alexander told her.
"Well, that doesn't help," said Averie. "I already saw it."
Alexander sighed. "What's with you and surprises?"
She rolled her eyes on him. She took her attention elsewhere, she was stunned that the lieutenant's ability is being a sprinter. No wonder why he can kill tons of their enemies' people. She read that sprinters have strong stamina and legs, she does not have any ancestor having the ability of being a sprinter. It was a fascinating ability. By that, Elijah was back again where they were. His face looks fine, as if he doesn't sprint as fast as the apex animal.
"Your Highness?" he asked.
"What happened to them? Are there any complications to their health?"
He shook his head, "General Macintyre told me that there's no complications, but they still need to spend their day in the night to ensure their safety."
General Macintyre sounds so strange in Averie's ear. That is how they refer to Nicholas' father when they were young.
"Can you take me there, Lieutenant?" she asked. "Forgive me for being forward, I know that you need your rest, but I need to reach them."
"No worries, Your Highness," he replied. "I can take you there."
Like what Serena did, she gripped her arms around him. Elijah carried her as if she was light as a feather. She felt shy for a moment, she remembered all the food she ate earlier, including the drinks. However, she did not speak of it.
"Are you comfortable, Your Highness?" he asked.
She nodded as a response.
Elijah breathes, and takes a step. And, all she knows is that she grips him tightly. The world slows down, including the falling of the dust from the trees to the ground. It all slows down.
WHEN they reached the inn. The guard at the front bows to her, they all looked surprised. "Your Highness!" They exclaimed and lowered their heads.
She nodded at them. She looked at Lieutenant Martel who looked like he needed an hour to rest.
"You can rest here, Lieutenant," she told him. "I would order them to take good care of you—"
"Thank you, Your Highness," he said. "However, I need to get back with you brother. We have an accord."
Her forehead knotted, she did not ask what their accord was. She hates her brother, but she does not tend to pry with him. "Are you going to be fine, Lieutenant?"
"Yes, Your Highness," he answered. "They are in Room 35, if I remember correctly."
She smiled, "Thank you," she lent out her hand. "I am grateful to meet you, Lieutenant. May we meet again."
He smiles and accepts her hand, "Yes, we may, Your Highness."
He, then, accepts her hand and leaves the inn. She watched him run back. When she could not reach him, she turned around and entered the inn.
The inn looks clean, and quiet. People who see her face, look at her, flabbergasts, and immediately lower their head, and address her. She forced a smile at them. They asked her where she was headed, and why she was there. She keeps repeating herself by answering,"Room 35." But, they keep hovering at her, asking her all types of questions; Do you want to stay here, Your Highness? Is the King coming? Do you want your food hot or cold? Is the crown prince back from the war? How's your debut? What happened at the Citrine Palace? Before she even answers the question, a new one would come out from them. She tried to answer it, it was overwhelming and she did not know what to say.
"Your Highness," she knew that voice. She lifted her head. It is Nicholas. She almost gasped in surprise and ran towards him, thanking him for saving her. But, she did not. It would ruin her reputation. "Lady Selene acquired your presence, Your Highness."
She smiled, "Of course," she replied. She stood up and looked at the ladies. "Forgive me, madams. But, I need to go upstairs." They bowed their heads. She smiled at them. She followed Nicholas, when the sight of the ladies was gone, she heaved a sigh. "Thank you for saving me back there."
"Anytime," he replied.
"How's Selene? Is she awake?"
"No," he replied. "What I said back there was a lie," he said. "Forgive me."
She felt a point prick stab her chest. "It was fine."
Then, she did not say anything. They stopped at a room.
"Here's her room," he said. "The other one next is the Duke's. He collapsed when we reached the inn. The doctor said that they need a rest."
"Where is Serena?" she asked.
"At her father's," he replied.
She nodded. They both entered the room of Selene. It was clean, with white painting on the wall. It was a small room, there was a small table beside the bed. And, a couch on the other side. She studied Selene's face. She looks so peaceful while sleeping. Averie smiled bitterly, only if her abilities were stronger enough, her friend would not be in the inn in the first place, and she could've protected her. Or, be with her in order to defeat Roman.
The man's name lingers in her mind, and gives her shivers.
She and Nicholas stayed in the room. They set a time to also check Serena in the other room. Why can't they put them in the same room to make their life easier?
"Do you know how he got in?" she asked Nicholas who was standing by the door, keeping himself on guard.
"No," he replied. "In fact, not even the Southerners saw him."
She knotted her forehead, "What do you mean?"
"We caught a few of their soldiers," said Nicholas. "We held them for interrogation," this is the first time that she is getting information about the war without hiding behind the bushes and escaping her room. "And, their answer is always the same, they keep repeating the words: The King would not fall, Roman is the future. Trirovia would fail. And, it will all happen sooner." She gasped. He paused. "I should not have said these words to you."
"No," she replied. "This is the truth, Nicholas. My father and mother have a good way to hide those truths from me, and I do not want any more of it. You will not hide this from me."
He nodded. "After they said those words," he hesitates. "They…" he stops as if he is finding the right words to say to her. "Blood gushes out of their mouths."
"Then, what made you so sure that they never saw their King?" she questioned. She keeps a stern voice, hiding her fear.
"There is one soldier who surrendered himself to us," he continues. "Then, his answer was different, he said: We never saw the King for the last four years."
"And, you believe that?" she asked.
"It does not matter what I believe," he shrugged. "But, the man's eyes are full of fear and hatred. My ability cannot detect his lies, however, I trusted his answer."
She nodded her head. Her mind tried to imagine the battlefield between the Northerners and the Southerners. Fighting over their pride, she is not a fan of war — if she met anyone who is a fan of it, she would simply smack the crap out of them. The endless fighting and the sacrificing of the knight's life to be called a hero and to be put down in the history books. She imagined herself putting down the enemy with the power of fire in her hands, she never would've thought that that day would be necessary.
"She does not deserve this," she said. "She just turned 18 today."
"It was also your debut," he said.
"Yes, but it was not an actual day of my birth," she said. "But, her."
Nicholas smiled, bitterly. "Forgive me for being late."
She shook her head, "It was fine, you can see my performance some other time."
"I watched it," he confessed. "Just forgive me for being late in protecting Selene."
"No one blames you, Nicholas," she gazed at Selene. "I also believe she did not accuse you."
He smiled at her. They both went silent. She remembers what Roman said earlier. About this obnoxious lie about her truth. She almost laughed. She saw Roman when they were 14, giving horror to the children who first experienced their banquet. She also remembers both of them, Selene and Nicholas. How curious they are with the flowers in the garden, as if the Austrov manor is not famous for having the grandest flowers and fruits in their garden. She shakes her head remembering those times when they were free from their parents' judgment and all they cared about was eating chocolate off the cake. It all drastically changed. And, she doesn't like it. Especially at the time when Nicholas was sent to war. She always hoped to never hear his name in the letters from her father and keep getting sent to their parents, fortunately, the only time she heard Nicholas' name off her father's tongue was when they promoted him to become the new General of their soldiers.
They heard a groan.
They both look where it comes from. It was Selene. She held her head as she sat on the bed and she opened her eyes, looking at them.
"By the gods!" she exclaimed and immediately hugged her. "Are you fine?"
Selene chuckled, "I am now," she looked at them. "What happened?"
"Nothing you should worry about," Nicholas answers. "I would call your doctor."
They both nodded as a response when Nicholas left the room. Selene asked Averie, "What happened?"
"Nothing," she replied. "Do you want some water?"
"Averie, please," Selene begs. Selene called her Averie. It was one of the moments when they are alone with each other, they do not address each other and are just simple friends without any responsibilities.
"I told you, nothing happened," she answered. "You collapsed in the Citrine Palace, now you're in an Inn, the Inn of Crate."
"Did they capture him?"
Averie shakes her head, "They do not."
She sighed. "This is my fault."
Averie frowned, "If anyone is to blame, it is him. He is the one who ruined the perfect day, and it is not your fault. Why did you think that?"
"I…do not know," she replied, weakly.
Averie handed her a glass of water, which she happily accepted. When Selene stopped drinking, she noticed that Averie looked at her, very strangely.
"What?"
"Nothing," she teased Selene. "I am not uttering a word, my lady, ease yourself."
Selene sighed, "I knew that look, and I begged of you, please, stop."
"Oh, dear heavens," she exclaimed. "Not a single word is coming out of my mouth," she paused. "And, Nicholas may or may not escort you till I arrive."
"He is a general," she replied. "He would do that to anyone."
"But, you are not anyone, are you?"
"Your highness, I begged you."
"Alright," she said. They both went silent, Selene looks at the drink she is holding. "I am sorry," Averie said.
"Hmm?"
"Forgive me for being unable to protect you from the horrid man."
Selene shook her head, "No, forgive me for giving you something to be scared of."
Averie also shook her head and went in her direction and gave her a hug, "I cannot lose you."
"You won't," she softly replied. "I promise, not today." They let go of each other's hugs. "On top of that, I would still celebrate my 18th birthday with you and others, nothing was ruined."
"I must prepare then."
"Oh, as if you haven't done that."
They chuckled. Averie told Selene about the lieutenant. Selene was amused by her story, she smiled throughout the tale and asked what it felt like. By then, the door opened, it was the doctor. The doctor checked her and asked her things. The doctor bowed her head at her, but she did not care about that. She only cares about Selene and if her condition was going to be worse. The doctor said no. It gave her comfort and assurance. Selene smiled at her, giving her an assuring smile that she is not feeling any different with her body. By then, the door opens again, it is the Duke, Serena, and Nicholas behind them.
Nicholas and Averie leave the room and give them privacy.
"Where are you headed?" she asked Nicholas as he was walking towards downstairs.
"The Main Palace," he replied, referring to the Diamond Palace, where she lives. "My presence was requested, and I need to head back to discuss the matter about the sudden attack."
She nodded, "Take care, General."
"Likewise, Your Highness," he said and bowed.
Then, Nicholas left.
She felt a sudden comfort in her heart. With Selene being conscious and the man who attacked the palace being investigated. She just hoped that the news would not affect the people, which was completely possible. But, she hopes.
AT LAST Serena was asleep.
Averie went with Serena's governess to accompany her. Her father and her sister were ordered to stay in the inn. Perhaps it made the child anxious, but she did not show it. It pained her. She is a child, hiding her feelings should not be the first one on her list. She left the room when she made sure that Serena was asleep, safe and sound.
"She was asleep," she informed the governess.
The governess lowered her head, "I sincerely thank you, Your Highness."
Averie smiled, "It was alright."
"Should I prepare your carriage, Your Highness?
Averies nodded, "Yes, please. And, please notify them that I would not be heading to the palace. But, to the Inn of Crate."
"Of course, Your Highness," she left.
Averie walked through the halls of the Austrov manor. It was quiet and peaceful, a few knights were walking between doors. But, they did not make a sound or fret and quietly bowed at her. She gave them a smile. It was quiet and it gave her comfort, however she did feel uncanny. Why would she? The guards are on patrol to find any signs of the King of the Southerners. Her friend was awake, and she was fine. Or, that is what she wants to convince herself. There's a huge difference between being fine and feeling fine and in her own mind, she cannot choose which of the two is worse.
"Sister!"
She flinched, almost cursed at loud. Turns out it was her brother, "What?"
"What's with your mood?"
She rolled her eyes, "You scared me!"
He shrugged, "Father wanted your presence at the court."
She scoffed, "If, father wants to plead with me to marry the Duke of elsewhere, I beg of him to be my guest."
He opened his mouth. And, shut it, again. Averie shakes her head. The Duke that they talked about is an arrogant man. Averie found the man attractive, she ain't gonna lie, however trying to compliment her and accidentally insult her entire sex in the process. It is not a very good way to start a conversation with a woman.
"He is not," he said.
She turned to him, "Do not lie on behalf of him, Laxine," she said, teasing his brother with his second name and knowing how much he hates it. "I would head to the Inn of Crate, brother, would you come?"
Alexander smiles, "Of course."
She chuckled, he may get on his nerves but he is willing to listen unlike other people around her.
WHEN they reached the Inn, they were both astounded.
A couple of knights filled the Inn of Crate, she did not expect this. She looked at her brother's direction, he looked astounded as well. She cleared her throat, did her father send men on his behalf? Nevertheless, this was too much, commoners used this Inn, and having a ton of knights around would feel uncomfortable.
"Did the King ask you to come?" Alexander asked one of the knights that was near to their direction.
"Y-Your Highness," they flabbergasted. The other knights turned their back on them, they all kneel in their presence. Shock filled their faces.
Averie knotted her forehead. If the knights did not know that they were here, then why would they bother to cause a great commotion at the Inn of Crate. Alexander looked at her, asking the same question with their eyes. She silently shook her head, they walked in the middle to get inside the inn. Everything went well, not until two of the guards stopped them, using their swords. Averie looked at her, annoyed. Alexander's reflex action was to touch his sword, too. Averie rolled her eyes.
"Are you mad?" She questioned, she sounded like her mother, which made her shrugged.
"It was an order, Your Highness," he replied. "The King said to not enter the premises without the subject leaving the area."
"Subject?" She almost yells. "Whatever your duty is, mister, we are not going to associate with that, so I beg of you, best to leave our way."
"Forgive us, Your Highness," he said. "But, we cannot."
Averie's jaw clenched. She breathed in and out, and let out strips of fire out her fingertips. She stopped when Alexander held her arms, she frowned when her brother shook his head. She lifted her hands and swayed away the fire, she was not gonna attack them with those, just to scare them off. That is the alternative she thinks of, but knowing the people, Alexander perhaps thinks of the things they were going to talk to her behind her back. She did not care about her reputation, she did think about her family.
"How long will this take?" She asked.
"We are not sure of, Your Highness—"
She glared at him, "Not you," she looked at Alexander. "Do you think the Lieutenant would give us an opportunity here?" She needed to pull every string she could.
Alexander shook his head, "I do not know where he is, sister."
She sighed, she expected that. However, it makes her uneasy. For whatever reason, the more seconds they're gonna stay outside the inn without seeing Selene made her anxious. Like, her senses are coming up, like what happened earlier, when the attack happened. Averie pursed her lips, she did not talk to anyone and went back to the carriage that they used earlier, she keeps hitting the knights with sharp glares, but they're persistent. If she ever has a power higher than her father. As if the King would do that. She almost laughed.
As they were waiting, the knights began to move and collide at the middle part of the Inn. Her eyes widened and blood boiled, she saw Selene, all strained and looked vulnerable.
"Are you kidding me?" she whispered in her breath. She did not care about anyone and went directly in that direction, the knights held their sword and stopped her. "What are you doing?" she demanded. "I command you to let her out of those chains."
"Averie," Selene whispered, and gave her a bitter smile, as if she accepted and expected those chains on her. "Don't."
"What?" She questioned, forehead knotted.
"Your Highness, under the law of the King, we command you to move inches away from the subject—"
"Subject?" she hissed. "That woman has a named, do not refer to her as a subject, you insolent—"
"Averie," Alexander said and grabbed her arms.
She glared at her, as she tried to remove his grip on her. But, Alexander does not fret. Once again, she looked at Selene's direction, and she shook her head. Averie almost choked her feelings, it was summoning up to her very existence. It was a question of her entire being, it looks like everyone is jesting her. She glared at the knights, if her brother is not around she would've fire everyone.
"Let's go," Alexander told her.
"Where?"
"Palace," he answers.
"Fine," she replied, with disgust in her mouth. "The carriage was slow, let's use other horses—"
"But, Your Highness—"
Averie glared at the footman. Alexander nervously chuckles, "I would accompany my sister, father would understand."
"Your Highness—"
"Let us," Alexander said, silently get something from one of his pockets, and silently hand out some gold perhaps. Averie scoffed when the footman shut his mouth. Averie muttered a curse. "Let's go, Averie."
Her forehead knotted, "Why are you supporting me in this?"
Alexander let out a nervous chuckle, "I saw your performance, earlier. I know that you would burn the whole city down."
She looked at him, strangely. She won't do that. She is not that mad, alright, perhaps she is, but that doesn't mean she would attack an entire city of innocent people. She's the princess. Averie knows what is the right thing to do, she did the impulsive thing of showing her fire fingertips off her.
"We have our horses," he pointed at the horses at the back of the inn.
She sighed. Alexander did all the talking with the nurses and the one who handles the facility. With his honor and charming smile, he would've fooled them. Not Averie, she does not care what Alexander would do at the moment. She was preoccupied with what happened, it was making her nuts. After a few seconds of Alexander's words of foolishness to the people, they let them get two horses. Enough for the both of them. She simply bowed at them, to say thank you for she cannot utter a single word. She jumped onto the horse and rode it with the right speed and finesse.
Alexander smiled at him, trying to comfort her perhaps. She simply nodded at him. She needs to save Selene, her guts tells her that she would have a wretched fate.