Chapter Twenty-Four - Getting to Know One Another

''You are unsettled, your highness,'' Fethawi stated.

Nassandra sighed as she strolled down the corridor with the Drasa hovering closely behind. ''When am I ever settled?'' she half-joked. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Fethawi about to lift his wooden hand. She quickly halted and raised her hand. ''That was rhetorical.''

She didn't keep her hand up for long, fearing that he would notice her trembling. Her gaze drifted to the side; staring at the brick walls allowed her mind to wander. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake away the nauseous feeling in her stomach. Skeletal claws pricked at her mind, casting doubt and fear. ''This was a horrible idea. Can you deliver a message for me, Fethawi?''

''What would you like me to say to Miss Natia?'' He responded obediently.

Nassandra grunted. ''No, no...I must do this. I've prolonged this long enough.'' Twisting her body to stare down the seemingly endless corridor, she drummed her fingers nervously. She took one step forward before turning to walk two paces backwards.

This was a process repeated a few times until she finally stopped to gather her thoughts. Nassandra silently thanked her lucky stars that she had Fethawi and wasn't thinning the patience of a Knight.

She pressed the palm of her hand against her face. ''Why am I like this?''

''Was that another rhetorical question?'' Fethawi inquired.

A gentle and humorous snort escaped her. ''Yes, it was,'' her smile faded and her eyes fell to the floor. ''I know why I'm like this. I just wish I could fix it.''

The princess's heart beat wildly. Trying her best to block all negative thoughts from invading her consciousness, she strode back down the corridor and turned into the final corridor that led to Ailith's room. She flinched at the sight of a tall, armoured Knight guarding the door. There was a split-second where she considered hiding behind the corner and retreating to her room. It was possible since the Knight hadn't seen her yet, too preoccupied with his spear, staring into the metal point's reflection to search for any breakfast nestled between his teeth.

''Why have you stopped, your highness?'' Fethawi questioned, startling Nassandra as he appeared around the corner behind her.

The Knight looked up, finally noticing them. The moment his eyes were drawn to the small crown atop Nassandra's head, his fist clenched over his heart and he bowed. ''Princess Nassandra? How may I assist you?''

Nassandra's cheeks flushed. Now, there was no turning back. Taking a deep breath, she approached him, each step she took more tentative than the last. ''I wish to speak with Ailith, please.''

The Knight lifted his head to face her, quirking his brow. ''Is that wise, your highness?''

''I don't...I mean,'' she stumbled. Sealing her lips, she took a moment to herself, ignoring the Knight's questioning look. She couldn't blame him for her anxious state. However, the longer he stared, the tighter her throat became. ''I need a few minutes with her.''

Luckily for her, Fethawi chose now to float by and offer his assistance. ''Princess Nassandra would like to give her thanks to Ailith Natia for saving her life.''

''I see,'' the Knight said. Although he seemed more understanding, apprehension was plastered over his face. ''I'm not sure if you should. She's most likely still licking her wounds from her duel with Commander Emlyn the other day.''

Nassandra's eyes widened. ''She fought Commander Emlyn?''

The Knight hesitated. ''I wouldn't call it a fight...''

Nassandra didn't know what to say or think. She'd never seen the commander in battle, but rumours of her skill were legendary in this kingdom. The white-haired swordmaster was a prodigy almost unrivalled...and Ailith dared to challenge her and expect to win?

She was dragged out of her thoughts by the sound of the Knight's clanking armour. ''If you insist on speaking with her, I'll keep watch.'' He firmly tapped on the door before the princess could question him further. At the same time, he reached for a set of keys dangling from his belt. Nassandra's ears flickered hearing their jingle. He unlocked the door and opened it before stepping inside, taking precaution by holding his spear tightly in his other hand. Letting out a loud gulp, Nassandra followed, glancing inside the room.

At first, her heart went out to her saviour for having to live in such small, secluded conditions after the treatment she received in her trial. Then, it dawned on her that the room seemed to lack a certain element...their guest.

''Princess?'' Ailith dropped into view, hanging upside down with her legs hooked over the upper frame of her bed.

Nassandra and the Knight screamed with fright. It was a miracle his reflexes didn't kick in and stab his weapon into Ailith's face. The only one untroubled by the sudden appearance was Fethawi.

After catching his breath, the Knight lowered his weapon and narrowed his eyes at Ailith. ''What are you doing up there?''

''Sit-ups,'' she replied. ''Doing it like this means I don't force pressure on my back.''

Nassandra felt the inkling of a smile growing. She wasn't sure if it was because of it being the reasonable reaction to a harmless fright, Ailith's blunt reaction to the question, or the fact that the young warrior continued to dangle upside down. Her blonde hair swayed gently with her movements and tiny beads of sweat rolled down her face. All she wore was a simple white vest tucked into the waistline of green, long pants. To the princess, it was a stark contrast to the woman who was quick to act in the library.

The Knight cleared his throat and gestured to Nassandra. ''Her highness wishes to have a word with you.''

Ailith turned to the princess with a worried look. Lifting herself up, she unhooked her legs from the upper frame of the bed and jumped down. She bowed so quickly she almost clattered her head against her knees. ''Hello, your highness.''

Nassandra curtly nodded before glancing at the Knight. ''Sorry, can we speak alone, please?''

He flinched and shuffled. ''Forgive me, your highness, I'd feel more comfortable if I remained to keep an eye on you.''

''I have Fethawi with me,'' she said.

''He's just a Drasa,'' he commented, not even looking at Fethawi.

Nassandra didn't respond, but Ailith couldn't stop herself from throwing him a glare. However, the last thing she needed was to get into another heated argument with a Knight, so she held her tongue. Instead, she turned to Fethawi, only to find him as passive and monotone as before. Ailith began to wonder if anything could elicit an emotional response from the wooden servant.

The room was eerily quiet, save for the sound of birds perched and cooing on the windowsill outside. It wasn't too long before the Knight sighed. ''Very well, your highness. But I'm keeping the door open.''

She offered a thankful smile, causing his bravado to melt. He looked away to hide his blushes before stepping outside. Half his body was visible and he kept his back turned, offering privacy but maintaining vigilance.

Alone with Ailith, Nassandra thought it would be easy. Guilt held her hostage. The longer she stood rooted in silence, the harsher her inner-thoughts became. The words climbed up her throat, but they would slip back down.

''How have you been?'' Ailith asked, surprising the princess. ''I haven't seen you since the trial.''

''I have been well, thank you. I hope the same for you.''

Ailith's smile grew wider. ''This has been amazing. I almost feel like a noble staying in a room like this.''

''You do?'' Nassandra asked, gazing around the room.

''I have a bathroom next to my bedroom!'' she proclaimed excitedly. The outburst caused a slight giggle to escape from the princess. Then, it dawned on Ailith who she was raising her voice to. Her body hunched and she lowered her head. ''Sorry, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to talk to a world leader.''

Nassandra's cheeks dimpled. ''I'm no leader...'' Her smile soured after that admittance. Refusing to let this moment fall back into another deathly silence, she smiled at her guest. ''You may speak however you wish. Whatever makes you comfortable.''

Ailith rubbed the back of her neck and flashed a smile. ''Thank you.''

The smile proved infectious as the princess returned the warm gesture. Her eyes glided from Ailith's face to her arm, noticing her bicep bump that slipped out of the hem of her vest. Examining it closely, she then detected something else. Faded on the skin was a sizable scar, unquestionably left by a sword with the intent to kill. Nassandra cupped her hand over her mouth. ''Did Commander Emlyn do that?''

Ailith followed her troubled look and pulled her sleeve back to reveal more of the scar, showing a slight curve that almost reached her shoulder. ''Oh, no, that happened a while ago. One night, a group of bandits attacked the camp I travelled with. One of them left this, but I made sure to leave him with a few broken bones.''

''I'm certain you did.'' Nassandra commented and started to search for more scars without realising, intrigued by their history.

Under the princess's fascinated gaze Ailith felt a sense of pride. She bent down to roll up her pants, revealing four small marks embedded below her knee. ''This happened just over a year ago. I was helping a village with their fishing when this massive Argo-Shark swam up from behind and caught me. I think it mistook me for a seal.''

''Goodness,'' Nassandra gasped. ''That must have been terrifying.''

''It was,'' Ailith nodded. ''And I couldn't use my magic to defend myself because I would have broken its teeth and there's no way it would have survived afterwards. So, I had to swim back to shore as quickly as I could. It was a close call.''

''Is that the closest you've ever come to death?''

Ailith took a moment to think. ''It's definitely top five...''

''Five?''

''Maybe three?'' She rummaged through her memories, thinking back to every near-death experience. They weren't difficult to forget. A drop of sweat hung on the end of her eyelash, so she grabbed the neckline of her vest and wiped her face. In doing so, Nassandra caught a brief glimpse of her abdomen. Fashioned like a true warrior, with more scars on display. Outside of her modest attire and unevenly cut hair, Nassandra couldn't see Ailith out of place in the ranks of other Knights.

Hoping that she hadn't stared for too long, Nassandra cleared her throat to get Ailith's attention. ''Where did you train?''

''Anywhere I could,'' she replied. ''I built up my strength from a young age helping at my Mama and Papa's inn. Then, without them knowing, I used whatever coin I earned to ask travellers to teach me how to fight and learn the same magic Kuval had. But, I knew I could get better if I went out into the world to learn more. So, when I was thirteen, I set off...''

Nassandra blinked quickly. ''And your mother and father allowed that?''

''Eventually,'' Ailith laughed. ''They knew I could fight and take care of myself, but they still didn't like the idea. Over time, they realised it's what I wanted and let me go, as long as I remembered to visit every so often.''

Taking a deep breath, Nassandra looked out the window. ''I could never see myself doing something like that.''

''You never know what you're capable of until you try. Also, with your skill with a bow, I think you could protect yourself.'' Her smile widened. ''Your accuracy is incredible. Did you have a teacher?''

''I had several.'' Nassandra paused, allowing fond memories to take hold. ''I could see the archers practice whenever I passed the courtyard. I fell in love with the art. Though I never spoke of it, my father could see it clearly as if written across my face. He hired the best archers from across the continent to teach me.''

''It's also another way to protect yourself,'' Ailith said.

''That is another reason. I'm still not perfect...''

''Could have fooled me.''

The comment was simple yet effective in making Nassandra stop, startled once again by Ailith's blunt response. The warrior smiled goofily, somehow making everything seem easy for the princess. She brushed a loose strand of hair back behind her ear and regained her dignified composure. ''Well, whenever you're not be attacked by bandits or...devoured by creatures, what other activities do you like to indulge in?''

''I quite like to travel. I also like to cook, though I have a friend of mine who outclasses me with every recipe.'' She smiled affectionately. ''I like to get lost in a good book too...''

At that statement, Nassandra stepped forward. ''You do? What genre?''

Ailith reared back and couldn't stop the giggle that passed her lips. ''It's predictable of me to say, but I love books with adventure, explorers and warriors travelling to new lands. You?''

''I've acquired a taste for all genres.''

''I'm not surprised with the size of the castle library. You must have every book ever written.''

''I don't believe that's physically possible.'' She locked eyes with Ailith and took another step forward. ''Adventure? Hmm, then I trust you are familiar with The Tale of Galish?''

''I love that one!'' Ailith squealed.

''Hymlad Fables?''

''I've read the first and second.''

''Wait until you reach the third book; I cried myself to sleep the night I finished it.'' They shared a laugh. Nassandra had to cover her laugh behind her hand. She didn't care that her cheeks were turning pink or that she found it increasingly difficult to hide the snort hidden between her chuckles. 

When Ailith finally managed to control herself, she clicked her fingers. ''My favourite is The Guardian's Legend. An old warrior strides into a village and reclaims it from the warlord that murdered his family. Do you know that one?''

Nassandra nodded. ''I do, indeed. While it's not my personal favourite, I consider it a guilty pleasure. The stage adaptation is magnificent.''

Ailith's jaw hung. ''You've been to a stage play?''

''Many, and that one remains one of my personal favourites.''

Their moment was interrupted by a loud snort. They turned to the noise, staring at the Knight they'd almost forgotten about guarding the door. He stared wide-eyed, realisation clicking that he'd reacted loudly. He gulped and gazed towards Nassandra. ''I personally feel it made too many unnecessary changes to the source material and completely misrepresented the message the book was trying to establish. In my humble opinion, your highness,'' he quickly added before looking away.

Everything was quiet once again. Nassandra felt a shiver rattle her body. It felt as if she had flown across the sky and was now settled back on the ground. She couldn't remember the last time this feeling encompassed her in a positive way, even if it left her feeling drained and shaken. ''I should be going now. Thank you for your time, Ailith.''

The warrior beamed and bowed. ''Thank you, your highness.''

''You can call me Nassandra,'' she replied. As she turned to leave, her eyes wandered around the room, noticing it lacked something she knew would be of Ailith's interest. ''If you wish...I know you can't just leave of your own accord, I could bring you books from the library.''

Ailith stared in disbelief. ''You would do that?''

''As long as you return them.'' Nassandra smirked.

''I promise! Thank you so much, your...Nassandra.''

Another laugh came from the princess. ''You are more than welcome.''

She marched towards the door. Fethawi, who had remained silent throughout, followed. Nassandra looked over her shoulder one last time before the Knight closed the door. After giving him one last nod of appreciation, she continued down the corridor. Once she had rounded the corner, she took a deep breath before releasing it.

Fethawi stared at her. ''You are unsettled, your highness.''

With a knowing grin, she nodded. ''I am, but...in a good way, I think. That went smoother than I...'' Her smile instantly dropped. She slapped her hands against her cheeks and groaned loudly. ''I didn't thank her for saving me! That was the whole reason for going to see her.''

''Yes, it was,'' he said.

Her fingers clawed down her face. She didn't know what was stopping her from banging her head against the stone wall next to them. ''I can't believe I forgot. We were talking and I just...I just...'' The mocking voices in her head returned, taunting her, reminding her of how much of a fool she was.

''You promised Miss Natia that you would return with books from the library. You can thank her next time.''

Nassandra wished that she could approach situations as emotionlessly as a Drasa. But, then she wouldn't be able to share laughs or passionate conversations, like the ones she just experienced with her...friend? Acquaintance?

Even with her sense of guilt threatening to return, she couldn't wait for next time.

A/N: Hello everyone and happy Valentine's Day. I hope that you're all well today. I'm sorry it's been a few days since my last update, I promise that there'll be more chapters to come very soon. What did you think of this chapter? Don't be afraid to let me know with a comment and click on that little star. Have a great day and until next time, take care.