Chapter 5
Hazel's POV
As Laura and I parted ways at the edge of the fields, I headed back to the farmhouse to finish my chores. Stepmom was in a foul mood, barking orders at me like I was a dog. I did as I was told, trying not to draw too much attention to myself.
After finishing the chores, I retreated to my tiny pallet in the attic. The air was thick with dust and the smell of old wood. I lay down, thoughts drifting to Laura's excitement about Lexi coming back today. Laura was smitten, no doubt about it. But I didn't care much about Lexi or his return. To me, he's just another person with too much pride and not enough kindness.
I drifted off to sleep with the sounds of the farmhouse creaking around me. Dreams were twisted with images of fields, Stepmom's cruelty, and nothing much about Lexi.
Morning came like a slap. The bell clanged, jolting me awake. I rose, stiff from yesterday's work. Downstairs, Stepmom was waiting by the kitchen table.
"Hazel, I need you to go to the market today. Buy groceries. We need flour, eggs, and some vegetables," Stepmom said, handing me a list.
I nodded, taking the list. "Yes, Mother."
Laura was going to be at the market too. I figured I'd see her, but I wasn't looking forward to hearing about Lexi or his big return. Like I cared.
I headed to the market, walking through the village paths. The market was bustling with people buying and selling goods. I found the stalls with the items Stepmom needed and started buying what was on the list.
As I waited in line to pay, I spotted Laura across the market. She was staring toward the edge of the crowd like she was waiting for someone. Maybe Lexi. I rolled my eyes slightly. Like that's gonna be a big deal.
As I waited in line to pay for the groceries, I spotted Laura across the market. She was staring toward the edge of the crowd like she was waiting for someone. Maybe Lexi. I rolled my eyes slightly. Like that's gonna be a big deal.
Suddenly, a group of hunters rode into the market on horseback, their leather armor and weapons marking them as part of the kingdom's elite. Henry, the second in command, led the group beside Lexi's usual position... but Lexi wasn't with them. The hunters rode past me, their horses' hooves kicking up dust. People in the market stepped aside, watching the hunters with a mix of curiosity and respect.
As Henry rode by, his eyes met mine in the crowd. For a moment, he looked at me tenderly, a softness in his gaze that was unexpected. Then he looked away, focusing on leading the hunters through the market.
Laura's face fell as she looked at the hunters passing by. She'd been hoping to see Lexi, clearly. I watched her for a moment, feeling a bit detached from her excitement about Lexi.
I finished paying for the groceries and gathered the bags. As I turned to leave, I caught up with Laura. She looked disappointed.
"No Lexi?" I asked, knowing the answer.
Laura shook her head. "No. I don't know why. Henry was there though."
I shrugged. "Maybe Lexi's delayed or something."
Laura sighed wistfully. "I was really hoping to see him."
I didn't say much, not really caring about Lexi's whereabouts. We walked on her way towards the village path, me carrying the groceries for Stepmom, Laura lost in thoughts about Lexi.