She swallowed her pride. "My carriage is nearby. I suppose we can offer more to each other if we stick together for now."
"Good," Renji replied with a grin.
Her carriage was new but had been scratched and dirtied, probably from the beasts' attack. Miraculously, the horses were untouched. They stamped nervously as Renji and Aya approached.
They climbed in and continued their journey.
By evening, they stopped at a clearing. "We can camp here," Kaede said as she got down from the carriage.
They began to set up camp, but they had barely started when a snarl pierced through the forest, and then another.
Three foxes stepped out, snarling at them.
They were smaller than wolves, but Renji knew they were fast and clever, and that made them dangerous. He could not let his guard down.
The first fox ran at him, and Renji met it halfway, slashing it down from the neck. It squeaked as it fell to the ground.
The other two attacked. One rushed at Renji and then feinted at the last minute to Aya. She managed to activate her telekinesis in time and flung it against a tree.
Renji slashed down the third fox and then dropped to his knees, panting.
"I'm tired of fighting all the time. I am weak, hungry, and sleep-deprived. Why can't things just be normal?"
Aya grabbed his sword and began to cut open the foxes' heads, taking the crystals.
"Well, I can't solve the rest, but I can solve your hunger problem," Kaede said and headed to her carriage.
Moments later she knelt by the carriage, holding an empty crate. "My food! It's all gone."
"It was probably the beasts," Aya replied.
Renji sighed. "It was too good to be true anyway. Free food is not something the universe will want me to get."
"How will we survive? We're doomed," Kaede said with despair.
"Why do you think so?" Renji asked, confused.
"My food is gone," Kaede replied with a snap.
Renji tilted his head. "So? We're in a forest. Food's everywhere."
Kaede stared. "Everywhere?"
Aya giggled. "He means hunting."
Renji winked. "Exactly."
An hour later, he returned with two rabbits dangling from his hand.
They set to work immediately.
Renji went to fetch wood while Aya cleaned the rabbits, humming softly.
When the wood was gathered, Aya lit it and began prepping the meat for roasting.
Kaede stayed by the carriage with her arms crossed and her chin high.
Yet her eyes kept flicking toward Renji. He was accused of killing his father, but the prince in front of her didn't look like a murderer or traitor.
He looked calm, loyal, and honest, and it made her wonder.
Finally, she pushed off the carriage and went to the fire.
Aya's eyes tracked her warily, but she said nothing and continued her work.
Kaede sat beside Renji wordlessly.
He smirked faintly. "Couldn't stay away after all?"
She ignored him. "Tell me, Prince. Were you truly framed?"
Renji turned to look at her and frowned slightly. "You were there," he replied. "You saw it all unfold. Why are you asking me again?"
Kaede was determined however. "It doesn't matter what I saw," she said in reply. "I want you to answer me yourself. Were you framed?"
Renji exhaled loudly. He placed his elbows on his knees and stared into the fire. Yes I was. He replied. I didn't kill father, I would never do such a thing! My dear stepbrother framed me so he could get my throne.
He paused. But I promise myself and the seventeen gods of this world, I am going to have my revenge.
It was then he remembered he was not alone. Aya had left what she was doing and had turned to face him.
Kaede stared at him in silence and Renji laughed bitterly. I know you don't believe me, and honestly, I don't blame you.
Kaede's expression softened as she suddenly felt pity for him. She leaned a little closer to himself. No no, I do believe you. And I'm sorry that happened to you."
Renji shook his head, a small smirk forming on his lips. "It's fine. I don't need consoling."
Kaede didn't say anything in reply. She moved even closer to him until her shoulder pressed gently against his. Then she wrapped her arms around him in a hug. "You do need it," she whispered softly. "And you deserve it."
Renji leaned into her hug, feeling her body pressing against his.
Then she pulled back and stared at him.
You know, you've got beautiful eyes," Renji said, using his most seductive voice. And your scowl, it's adorable.
Kaede blinked, caught off guard by his statement. Her cheeks quickly turned pink. Before she could think of what to say, Rneji was leaning in closer to her.
He kissed her lips and then paused to watch her reaction. Her breath caught in her chest."That… felt stronger than I expected," she said, her usual confidence gone.
Then quickly she looked around. Wait where's Aya.
Renji followed her gaze to where Aya had been sitting moments ago, the spot was empty.
Renji figured Aya had left to give them some privacy, or maybe out of jealousy.
Either way it would work for him. Don't worry about her. He said to Kaede with a faint smirk.
But… Kaede started to say but Renji cut her off and kissed her again. This time the kiss was harder, more passionate and his hands moved to her chest.
He grabbed her boobs through her dress.
Oh. She gasped into his mouth.
Encouraged by her moans, Renji began to tug at the ties of her dress. He was clumsy but eventually he freed them and her juicy boobs were naked for him to see.
Wow. Renji said, befor he could control himself.
He tweaked her brown nipples. You remind me of spring, you know, when eveything just blooms. He added.