Lienna.
Caspian’s jaw tensed as he leveled Herme’s glare with one of his own.
“We both know there would be no resting happening if she spends the night in yours.” Caspian replied, his voice measured.
Hermes shrugged. “It’s not like you’re any better. She is under our joint protection, is she not?”
“I’m aware of that, Hermes. Which is why my decision is still going to stand. Lienna will be staying in my tent.” He stated, his voice brooking no argument.
“I don’t think so.” Hermes argued, his tone rising.
“Okay, she can stay in yours if you promise not to lay a hand on her or look in her direction while she’s with you.” Caspian offered and Hermes glanced at me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. I felt a shudder run down my spine and I lowered my gaze to the ground, biting the inside of my lips.
Surprisingly, Hermes gave up. “I don’t think I can do that. Fine, you win. Have it your way.” He said, looking away. But then he qqpturned, glaring at Caspian. “But it had better change soon.” He warned, his voice tense.
“If she needs assistance from either of us, we would be glad to help. But until then, I would prefer you leave her be.” He said, pointing at a nearby soldier was a busy guarding the area. The latter rushed to him, bowing his head once he was close enough.
“Escort Lienna to my tent,” Caspian ordered, his voice low and authoritative. The soldier bowed his head, his eyes flicking to me before returning to Caspian.
I fell into step behind the soldier, maintaining a close distance as he led me through the bustling camp. We wove past rows of smaller tents, the sounds of soldiers preparing for the night filling the air.
As we approached Caspian’s tent, I noticed its impressive size. It dwarfed the surrounding tents, its canvas walls sturdy and well-maintained. The soldier opened the flap, ushering me inside with a courteous gesture.
“Thank you,” I murmured, stepping into the tent. A gasp escaped my lips as I took in the luxurious interior.
Despite the fact that it would only be up for a few hours, the tent was furnished with surprising elegance. Expensive linens lined the walls, their beautiful patterns glowing softly in the fading light. A section of the tent had been partitioned off for privacy, creating a cozy alcove.
I wandered to the other side, realizing that this section had been created for me. A tiny smile bloomed on my face as I gazed at the cozy yet comfortable space. Caspian had thought ahead with this one. Even my suitcase was already available in the tiny space.
The tent flap opened, and a soldier peeked inside. “Is there anything you would need?” the soldier asked, his voice polite.
I glanced down at my travel-worn clothes and dusty skin. “A bowl of water, please,” I replied, longing to wash away the day’s grime. The soldier nodded and disappeared, leaving me alone in the tent.
I took a deep breath, letting the silence envelop me. Settling down on the cot, I began to pull off my boots, my thoughts wandering amd body sore due to the rocky ride I had endured, preparing for the night ahead.
The sound of footsteps outside signaled the soldier’s return. He entered with a steaming bowl of water, a linen cloth draped over his arm. “Your water, miss,” he said, setting the bowl on a nearby chest. I smiled, grateful.
“Thank you.” I muttered and he nodded, turning around as he began to leave. With the soldier’s departure, I was left to my own devices. I got rid of my clothes, leaving only the undergarments intact. Dipping the linen into the hot water, I squeezed out the excess and used it to clean my sweat slicked body.
Once I was through with my ablutions, I discarded the water, looking for a clean shirt in my suitcase and carefully putting it on. I then lay on the cot, expecting sleep to envelop me quickly, but it didn’t come as easily as I would have liked.
My mind began to wander, thoughts drifting from one possibility to another. Maybe it was the unfamiliarity of sleeping outside for the first time, but it took me quite a while before I was able to fall asleep.
The sounds of crickets and distant murmurs filled the night air, a soothing melody that eventually lulled me into a restless slumber. By dawn, I was awakened by the sounds of various tents being dismantled.
The sudden noise jolted me awake, and I grabbed my throbbing headache, letting out a loud yawn. My eyes, still bleary from sleep, struggled to focus on the morning light.
I stretched, rising to my feet and began dressing up as well. It was time to leave. I went out of my section, realizing I didn’t hear Caspian come in nor did I hear him leave.
I shrugged, maybe this was why he insisted on having me spend the night with him I would receive the least disturbance if I was with him. Stepping outside, I was greeted by the bustling camp.
Most of the tents that had been erected the night before were already gone, with people getting ready to leave. The air was filled with the sound of horses’ hooves, men shouting, and the creaking of wooden wagons.
I quickly made my way to the carriages that carried attendants and took a seat. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the scene, illuminating the chaos. By morning, everything was ready, and our journey began once more. lllllll
The carriages rolled forward, and I closed my eyes, leaning against my seat. Just like the day before, our journey was uneventful, except this time it was much slower to due how dense the forest was and the tiny roads that cut through it. I alternated between sleeping and practising my breathing techniques.
By midday chunks of bread was shared amongst us and ate it with water in my pouch skin, filling my stomach up with the dry bed. Once it was night fall, we set camp once more and everyone had their rationed meals before retiring to bed while others kept guard.
By midday, chunks of bread were shared amongst us, and I ate mine with water from my pouch skin, filling my stomach with the dry, tasteless bread. The routine was familiar now eat, drink, and keep moving.
As night fell, we set camp once more, the familiar sounds of tents being erected and fires being lit filling the air. Everyone received their rationed meals, the smell of stew and roasted meat wafting through the camp. Some retired to bed, exhausted from the day’s travel, while others took up guard duty.
This routine continued for a week, our procession winding through settlements, valleys, and hills. The landscape shifted from lush greenery to rugged terrain, a reminder of the unforgiving world beyond our camp. By the second week on the road, our first ambush happened.
Suddenly, shouts erupted, and steel clashed against steel. Luckily, it ended as quickly as it began, the shifter kings and soldiers swift in their defense. No one was seriously injured, and relief washed over me. I couldn’t be more grateful.
“Keep close!” a soldier yelled, his voice carrying across the camp. “We would be entering the enemy’s territory soon!” he bellowed. I stiffened, a chill running down my spine.
Oberon and Veronica. I would be meeting them soon. My hands trembled, and I squeezed them into fists. Excitement or terror? I couldn’t distinguish between the two.
The uncertainty gnawed at me, like a rodent burrowing into my heart. Caspian and Hermes moved through the camp, their faces set in determined lines. Their confidence steadied me, but my nerves remained on edge.
What lay ahead? Would we be walking into a trap? The questions swirled, but I pushed them aside. For now, I had to focus on the present. Stay alert.
Stay alive.