Chapter 28: "Whispers Between the War"
I woke up as we prepared to continue our journey. The crisp morning air brushed against my skin as I mounted my horse, and the wind blew through my hair. I couldn't believe this was happening — I was actually going to war, riding alongside an army, with Prince Damier. My heart fluttered at the thought. This was more than I had ever imagined.
We rode for hours, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves comforting in the silence between us. As the sun began to set, we suddenly stopped.
Prince Damier was speaking to one of the knights. His commanding voice was smooth and calm. Then he turned to me.
"Ravena, with me."
Confusion flitted across my mind. "Why?"
He didn't answer at first, just motioned for me to follow. I hesitated for only a second before turning my horse to follow him. There was something in his gaze that compelled me, something I couldn't resist.
We rode into the forest, the trees stretching high above us, whispering secrets I could never understand. The sounds of the world around me seemed to fade as I focused only on him — on his every movement, his quiet authority. How had my life become so entwined with this prince who felt like both an enigma and a shadow, always just out of reach?
We came upon a large town, bustling with life.
"Why are we here?" I asked.
"To find someone," he replied. His voice was as calm as always, but something in the way he said stirred a strange feeling inside me. Why did he always keep so much hidden?
We rode through the market. He pulled the hood of his black cape lower, concealing himself. I glanced around, noticing how everyone watched us closely. Their eyes lingered on Prince Damier, some filled with awe, others curiosity. I didn't mind it, but there was something strange about how I felt under their gaze like we weren't supposed to be there, like we didn't belong.
We stopped at a small shop with rows of bottles filled with strange liquids. A man stepped forward as if expecting him.
"Good day, my prince. How can I help you today?"
Prince Damier turned to me for only a moment, his gaze unreadable. "The usual. I need it now."
The man nodded and hurried inside, returning quickly with a small bag of bottles. Without a word, Prince Damier handed over a bag of gold and turned it away. I watched the exchange, still trying to wrap my mind around everything that was happening. What was this mysterious task he had to complete? I couldn't ask him. Not now. Maybe later.
We mounted our horses again, and as we rode forward, the hum of the market seemed to fade behind us.
"You need anything, princess?" he asked, his voice low and unexpected.
I glanced at him, surprised. "No, I'm good."
He stopped at one of the ladies' stores, dismounting quickly. A quick flash of irritation flitted across my chest, but I quickly dismissed it. What was I feeling? We were allies, weren't we? Allies… I had no time for these distractions.
He handed a list to the store owner. "Pick anything you want," he said to me, voice warm yet demanding in its own way.
The woman smiled at me as she led me inside. "Come here, beautiful," she said, taking my hand like I was some delicate flower. Her voice was soft, reassuring. "Your lord knows how to take care of his lady. You are so lucky."
I smiled shyly, suddenly feeling out of place. Her words fluttered against me like the delicate petals of a flower. What was it about him that made people speak of him with such reverence? Maybe it was the power he held, or maybe it was simply his presence.
The store was a treasure trove, filled with so many things a lady could need. I allowed myself to be swept up in it — dresses, jewelry, hats. It was all so… foreign to me. What would he want me to choose? He had no reason to care, yet his actions told another story.
I picked a few things, trying to ignore the whispers of my thoughts. The store owner helped me select a few more items, her hands quick and sure. At one point, I caught a glimpse of myself in a full-length mirror, and for the briefest of moments, I saw a different version of myself. A version that belonged in this world of wealth and power, surrounded by beautiful things.
We left the shop with both Seraphina's items and mine, the storekeeper beaming. He paid, and without further ado, we mounted our horses again. I could feel his gaze on me as I looked up.
"Thank you," I said, giving him a small but genuine smile.
"You're welcome, princess," he replied, his smile faint but enough to make my heart flutter again.
We rode back toward the army, where the camp awaited. I couldn't shake the feeling that something inside me was shifting — that this journey, this strange connection, was about to pull me into a story far greater than I ever expected.