"…Are you uncomfortable?"
Howarth's question made Josselyn flinch.
"N-no," she said, glancing briefly at him.
Two days had passed. She had spent much of that time sitting across from the two Edevan nobles. Long enough to realize that Howarth's face was too refined for a man.
Sebastian's features were much sharper. The faint stubble along his jaw made him look more like the older brother.
Josselyn drew a breath. "I'm just not used to this yet."
"Does the Kingdom of Valenroth lack carriages, that they only provided one for us? The Crown Prince should show more consideration for his favorite alchemist," Howarth remarked.
He tilted his head, his large eyes narrowing slightly as if amused.
"I'm not that valuable," Josselyn replied softly. She turned her gaze toward the carriage window, trying to relax, though her back remained straight.
Howarth, seated across from her, crossed his legs casually. "Ah… so that is how you see yourself?"
Sebastian, sitting beside him, glanced at her briefly before looking back out the window.
"You underestimate yourself," he muttered.
Josselyn let out a quiet scoff. "You two don't know anything."
Howarth leaned forward slightly. "Then how about we ask each other questions? I would like to know more."
Josselyn looked away. She was not someone easily drawn into curiosity over things that did not concern her. But this journey was long and tiring. A little conversation might ease the boredom.
"I didn't expect the Crown Prince to approve this cooperation so quickly."
Josselyn glanced over in surprise. She had not expected Sebastian to be the first to speak.
"What do you mean?"
"I thought we would have to wait longer," Sebastian continued. "At least until your confinement ended."
Howarth nodded, his expression growing more serious as he followed his brother's lead.
"To be honest, we were worried it might take even longer, considering how indifferent he seemed a few days ago." Suddenly, Howarth clapped his hands together, his eyes widening. "Ah, but that is just his nature, isn't it?"
Josselyn frowned, trying to understand.
Howarth leaned forward, sitting at the edge of his seat. "He is like that with you too, isn't he? Acting indifferent, then suddenly defending you with everything he has."
Josselyn rolled her eyes. "With everything he has is not the right phrase, sir."
Killian simply had no other choice because of my mistake, she thought. And damn it, that decision nearly got me killed.
Howarth, who had been lounging comfortably, suddenly tensed. His smile did not completely disappear, but his eyes changed.
He glanced at Josselyn briefly.
"…I see."
Josselyn frowned. "What?"
Howarth smiled again, thinner this time. "Nothing."
Sebastian glanced at him, as if noticing the subtle shift.
"Then why are you going to the North, Josselyn?" Howarth asked, changing the subject.
Josselyn exhaled. "Isn't that obvious?"
"From your own mouth, not our assumptions."
She narrowed her eyes. "I'm only repeating what you said before."
Howarth raised a brow.
"The finest wool comes from the North," Josselyn continued. "And it is the only thing that can save the Queen."
Howarth nodded in understanding. "And it is not cheap."
"That is why I need the two of you, isn't it?"
Howarth's smile widened. "At last, you admit it."
Sebastian let out a quiet breath.
"That is why we are here," he said. "The Crown Prince wants to ensure the negotiations go smoothly."
"Because Edevan excels at that," Josselyn added. In truth, she felt relieved when she learned the two brothers would be joining the journey. She knew nothing of the terrain, and she was no expert in negotiation.
"I will take that as a compliment. Thank you, Josselyn," Howarth replied lightly, placing a hand over his chest and dipping his head slightly, his teasing smile still in place.
Josselyn's cheeks nearly flushed. The two brothers were both striking in different ways.
But Howarth was something else. His jaw was defined, yet his features remained soft. Strange. Contradictory.
"Ahem." She cleared her throat deliberately, pushing the thought away. "Does your kingdom not mind you being away this long?"
Sebastian answered first. "Edevan's economy depends on textile trade."
Howarth continued casually, "So the longer we are away, the happier they are."
Josselyn frowned. "What do you mean?"
"To them, it means we are working," Howarth said with a soft laugh.
Sebastian gave a small snort and shook his head. "He exaggerates."
"But not entirely wrong," Howarth replied.
Josselyn allowed herself a faint smile.
For the first time, the atmosphere inside the carriage did not feel suffocating.
But just as that sense of ease settled in, a sharp crack rang out. The carriage jolted violently.
Josselyn grabbed the side of her seat. "What was that?"
The horses neighed loudly outside. Moments later, the carriage came to an abrupt stop.
"I will check," Sebastian muttered, already rising.
Howarth opened the door first. "Stay inside—"
But Josselyn had already jumped down. "I won't just sit and do nothing."
Howarth sighed. "Stubborn."
Outside, one of the carriage wheels tilted at an angle, the wood visibly cracked.
A soldier crouched beside it. "This is bad, sir. We will need time to fix it. We cannot force it forward."
Sebastian glanced at the sky. "It is almost dark."
Howarth scanned their surroundings. "We have been traveling for two days. The nearest village should not be far, right?"
Sebastian answered shortly, "Frostmere."
Josselyn looked between them. "We can rest there. But how do we get there?"
"Maybe they will escort us," Sebastian murmured.
Howarth turned sharply. "You sense something?"
Sebastian did not answer right away. His gaze swept across the surrounding trees.
"Too quiet."
Josselyn frowned. "Isn't that normal in a place like this?"
"No," Sebastian said quietly.
Josselyn realized it then.
No birds. No rustling leaves. As if the forest itself was holding its breath.
Howarth's smile vanished. His hand slipped to his waist, gripping the hilt of his sword.
A chill ran down Josselyn's spine. She stepped back, moving behind Sebastian.
Her fingers clenched the edge of her cloak.
"Sebastian…"
"Do not move," he replied. "Soldiers, prepare."
One of the soldiers raised a brow. "For what—"
Sebastian inhaled.
Too late.
Srrt.
A sharp sound cut through the air. An arrow pierced straight through his neck. He did not even have time to scream.
"AMBUSH!" another soldier shouted.
A second arrow. A third. Dozens came from every direction. Screams filled the air.
Josselyn froze.
The sound of arrows piercing flesh was too close, too real. Her heart seemed to stop.
"Get to the center!" Sebastian barked.
Howarth grabbed her arm roughly. "Do not freeze!"
They moved quickly. The two remaining soldiers stood in front of them, swords drawn.
"Howarth, right. I will take the left."
"Josselyn, stay in the middle."
Josselyn swallowed. "I cannot fight."
"You do not need to," Sebastian replied shortly.
Arrows kept coming. One of the soldiers fell. Only one remained. The circle tightened.
"How many are there?" Josselyn whispered.
Howarth smirked faintly. "More than we would like."
Then shadows moved among the trees.
From the corner of her vision, Josselyn counted them.
One.
Two.
Ten.
"No, there are more than that," she murmured, stopping when she realized the shadows were closing in.
They dropped down almost at once. Figures in worn black cloaks landed silently. Their faces were covered with cloth. Bows still in hand, quivers slung across their backs.
Josselyn held her breath.
"They are… bandits?" she whispered.
"Worse," Sebastian answered.