Chapter 20:
Nikolai
I try to feed her another piece of fruit.
Then I realize: our master has fallen asleep.
Her peaceful expression makes her look even more beautiful. I chuckle softly to myself. She's like a cat, always finding comfort in lazing and sleeping.
I gently brush stray hairs from her face. Once again, I'm struck by her stunning beauty.
I whisper a silence spell to ensure she remains undisturbed.
"Haroun."
He stops massaging her feet and looks at me questioningly. I gesture toward our sleeping master. He understands quickly and gently carries her to her room.
I watch as he lays her down, making sure she's comfortable before quietly leaving the room.
I return to the living area and settle comfortably into the couch.
My brief moment of relaxation shatters.
"Nikolai."
Valendor's cold voice cuts through the air. I make my way to the kitchen area where he's preparing dinner. The aroma of his cooking fills the air, making my mouth water.
"Please tie up my hair. It's distracting." Valendor focuses on chopping vegetables.
"Yes, yes, princess."
The nickname 'princess' started with our master but has somehow stuck with the rest of us. I gather Valendor's golden locks into a neat ponytail. My fingers deftly work through his hair.
Haroun speaks up from the corner. "Should I grow out my hair too?" Curiosity fills his voice.
Valendor and I both scoff.
"Hey, hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Haroun folds his arms defensively.
"Nothing, big guy. It's just not a look for you." I give him a playful tap on the shoulder as I finish with Valendor's hair.
"But you and Valendor can pull it off apparently?" Haroun grumbles.
"Yep." I grin.
"Yes." Valendor chimes in.
"This is bullying." Haroun looks slightly put out.
Valendor puts Haroun to work, enlisting his help in the kitchen. As they get to work, I make myself cozy in the living area, enjoying the banter and camaraderie among us.
Haroun tries to sneak away.
A mischievous green vine suddenly wraps around his neck, catching him mid-attempt.
I snicker to myself at his predicament.
***
Valendor
It warms my heart to see our master enjoying the meal I've prepared. Her expressions of delight and contentment make all the effort in the kitchen worth it.
She takes a small piece of meat I offer her. She practically moans in pleasure at the taste. A small, indecent sound. But in this moment, she cares not about propriety—only about savoring the flavors.
I decide it's time for me to eat as well. I pick up my fork and begin to enjoy the meal I've created.
Nikolai's eyes bore into me. He attempts to steal pieces of meat from my plate.
A quick glare stops him in his tracks.
"Half elf."
I remind him that I do eat meat despite my elven heritage. It's always a battle of wits and appetites with Nikolai around. One must always be on guard.
Sneaky fox.
The table fills with soft chatter as we enjoy the meal together. The atmosphere is warm and comforting.
Then the mood shifts.
"After the new year, I'll be leaving on a holy pilgrimage for two years."
Our master's words hang heavily in the air.
The conversation halts. Everyone freezes.
Nikolai and I exchange glances. Both equally distraught.
"But Master, don't most pilgrimages last just a few weeks to a month?" Nikolai voices the question on all of our minds.
"They do." Our master's voice carries sadness. "However, my circumstances are a little special. I have to serve the Goddess for eight hundred days."
The weight of her words settles over us like a heavy blanket.
A pilgrimage of this length means complete isolation from the outside world. No communication. No visitation. No connection with the world we know.
For the duration of her pilgrimage, our master will belong solely to the Goddess.
Cut off from us.
The gravity of the situation hangs over us like a dark cloud. The thought of her being away for two long years feels almost unbearable.
The rest of the meal passes in somber silence.
The weight of our master's impending departure casts a pall over the room. Appetites vanish. Everyone merely picks at their meals, lost in their own thoughts.
"Perhaps I should have waited to share the news."
Our master notices the lack of enthusiasm. She lets out a weary sigh. The weight of her decision is evident in her expression.
*
After dinner, she settles into Nikolai's embrace.
She pats Haroun's head affectionately, as if he were some prized pet cat.
In a way, he is.
I chuckle at the direction of my thoughts.
I take a few strands of her curly white locks and begin to braid them absentmindedly.
Kai once told me that braiding hair is a way to show affection in this world. I rolled my eyes at the time. But now I find myself doing the same to Nikolai's long purple strands.
It's a strange compulsion. Surprisingly difficult to resist.
I've unwittingly fallen into its compulsion again.
***
Lucina
I sit in the compartment on the back of the Gilcha lizard, making my way back to the palace.
I absentmindedly tug on the braid Valendor put in my hair earlier.
The boys were clearly distraught with the news of my upcoming pilgrimage. I can't blame them. I did just spring this on them, after all.
Unfortunately, I have a deal with the Pope. I must fulfill my end of the bargain for him to keep his.
The thought of being separated from the boys for two years is daunting. A pang of guilt twists in my chest for putting them through this.
I sigh and lean back against the comfortable cushions of the carriage.
Lost in my thoughts as the Gilcha lizard carries me toward the palace.