Chapter 81: chapter 81

The royal procession moved steadily toward the northern mountains, their banners fluttering high above the caravan like restless birds in flight. It was the king’s decision, and so, as always, no one said a word against it. Horses snorted and hooves kicked up clouds of dust along the dry, winding road. Amid the grandeur of shining armor and embroidered cloaks, Amelia rode in quiet contrast—her eyes scanning the distant peaks, where hope, though faint, shimmered like a mirage.Amelia sat on her horse quietly, her thoughts far away. Deep inside, a flicker of hope stirred—the slightest ray, fragile but persistent. There was a very rare chance, she believed, that she might see her family again. If she could just find the right moment to slip away—when everyone was too busy and no one was watching. Her village was nestled in those northern mountains. She knew every inch of that place.The road ahead was dusty and stretched endlessly through the rugged terrain. Her horse moved at a steady pace, guided by the stable boy walking beside her. He held the reins carefully, eyes on the path, lips sealed. There was a silence between them—thick and strange.Amelia broke it first.“What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice low but curious.The boy didn’t look at her. “I am doing my duty, my lady.”Amelia exhaled sharply through her nose, narrowing her eyes. “I know who you are. I saw you before.”This time, the boy glanced at her. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Then you have a very sharp memory, my lady.”Amelia’s tone grew firmer. “Now tell me—why are you here, with these people?”The boy’s expression remained calm, almost unreadable. “I told you I am doing my duty. But not for these people, my lady,” he said slowly. “I am doing this for my lord.”Amelia’s jaw clenched. Her grip tightened slightly on the reins.“Did Ivar send you here?” she asked, her voice suddenly heavier, layered with suspicion.The boy didn’t answer right away. But in his silence, Amelia found her answer. It hung in the air like smoke—unspoken, yet undeniable.After a brief pause, he said quietly, "Yes. He did."Amelia stared down at him, her heartbeat drumming in her ears. “Why?” she demanded. “To spy on me?“No,” the boy said firmly, meeting her gaze. “To protect you.”Amelia’s voice cracked slightly, frustration rising in her throat. “Really?” she said bitterly. “Then go and tell him—tell him my situation has worsened because of him. You don’t have to protect me Liam. It’s dangerous for you to stay here. He shouldn’t put your life in danger to shield mine.”Her words hung in the air, heavy and trembling with truth. She meant them. Every syllable.But the boy, didn’t flinch. His voice remained quiet, unwavering.“I can’t do that, my lady,” he said gently. “I can’t disobey him.”Amelia let out a long, exhausted sigh and looked away for a moment, her thoughts spinning like dry leaves in the wind. Then, turning back to him, she asked in a softer voice, “What’s your name?”“Liam, my lady.”She studied him for a moment. Then said “Cover your head properly, Liam,” she said, leaning slightly closer. “One of your pointy ears is peeking through your headband. People will notice. They’ll see your strange, inhuman elven ears.”Liam blinked, then gave her a sheepish smile. “My bad, my lady,” he said with a slight chuckle. Then he reached up and adjusted the headband, pulling it down carefully over both ears until they were hidden from sight.Amelia watched him with a mix of curiosity and concern. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The forest loomed ahead, ancient and silent, as though listening.“Liam,” she said at last, her voice low, “tell me something. Do you believe in the cause you're serving? I mean—getting involved in human matters, which is clearly not something that you should do.”Liam straightened, his expression turning thoughtful. A brief silence passed between them as he looked ahead, then back at her.“I believe in him,” he said simply. “And in you.”She said nothing more. The journey continued ahead, but in that quiet space between them, something else had begun.They all came to a halt near a wide, open valley. Across it, the dense forest loomed, dark and endless, its trees standing tall like silent watchers. The valley itself was breathtaking—bathed in golden light, the breeze carrying the soft, sweet scent of wildflowers. A gentle stream flowed nearby, its water glistening under the sun and murmuring softly as it moved over smooth stones. Amelia’s heart stirred as her eyes swept over the familiar landscape. She knew this place. It was the same valley where the bonfire festival was held every year. After dismounting from her horse, Amelia took a moment to examine her surroundings. Her boots pressed softly into the grass as her eyes scanned the open valley. In the distance, the forest stood thick and shadowed, its canopy rustling in the soft breeze like a whisper from another world.The hunting party was already beginning to move. The men, armed and eager, started heading toward the forest, while a few younger women, brimming with excitement, chose to follow them. The rest—mostly older women—decided to stay behind and rest, making a small camp at the edge of the valley.Amelia chose to stay. So did May and Rosaline.To Amelia, this was more than just a pause in their journey. This was a golden opportunity—perhaps her only chance—to see her family. Her village was not far from here, hidden in the northern mountains. But if she were to slip away, it had to be done in complete secrecy. No one could know. While she stood quietly, racking her brain for a way to sneak out unseen, a familiar voice broke her thoughts.“I think you have enough time,” Rosaline said, approaching with a subtle edge in her tone. “Now we should talk.”Amelia swallowed hard, her heart tightening. She remembered Aron’s warning—and she knew Rosaline was not to be trusted. But standing here now, face-to-face, Amelia didn’t know how to refuse her without raising suspicion. A wrong move could turn Rosaline into an enemy—and that was something she couldn’t afford.Keeping her voice steady, Amelia replied, “Your Grace, I will never go against you. But... on that matter, I need some clarification. I mean, what is your plan—and what exactly am I supposed to do?”Rosaline smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. It was a bitter, sharp smile.“Love,” she said in a soft, almost condescending tone, “all you have to do is listen to me—and keep it a secret. Nothing else. I’ll make sure you get rid of him without any trouble. And you have to trust me. That’s the most important thing—like I told you before."Before Amelia could respond, the moment was interrupted.Caspian approached them with quiet authority in his steps. His gaze was fixed on Amelia as he spoke, firm and direct. “You are coming with me.”Amelia lowered her head respectfully. “My king, I wished to stay with the other women. I let you know before—I have no interest in hunting.”“I told you,” Caspian replied, his voice edged with command, “you are not the one to decide.”She met his gaze, trying not to let her fear or frustration show. “I’m already tired from the journey. Please, Your Majesty, I wish to rest.”Rosaline, spoke gently, “If she wishes to stay, then let her—”But before she could finish, Caspian reached out and grabbed Amelia’s hand, cutting off the conversation. His grip was firm but not violent, and without another word, he led her away from Rosaline and the others, walking far enough that no one could overhear them.When they were alone, he turned to face her. His expression had shifted—it wasn’t anger that filled his eyes now, but something else. Urgency.“We’re not going to hunt,” he said quietly. “We’re here for something else. And I need you on this.”Amelia’s brows furrowed, confusion mixing with caution. “What is it?”“I’ll tell you,” he replied, his tone serious, “but only if you agree to come with me.”She hesitated, glancing back toward the camp, toward Rosaline. She didn’t know what saying yes would mean. She didn’t know what would fall upon her if she said no.But the weight of the moment pressed down on her, and with no words left, she simply nodded.Whatever lay ahead, she was already caught in the tide.