The Next Morning~~~~~~~~~
The morning sun spread gently over the palace rooftops, casting a soft glow across the grand halls. The scent of dew and blooming flowers filled the air as servants moved quietly through the corridors—packing satchels, carriages
Lila stood by the window of her chamber, dressed in the soft travel gown the maids had laid out for her. Her eyes were distant, her mind replaying the beings words from the spring
"What did he mean?" she murmured to herself. "What power was he talking about?
Before she could think further, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," she said softly.
The door opened to reveal Master Shiho. His expression calm as ever as ever.
"I'm here to give you a check-up," he said, stepping inside. "I am Master Shiho, a healer of this land."
Lila nodded, moving from the window to sit on the edge of her bed.
"Alright," she replied. "Go ahead."
Shiho approached and began the examination—feeling her pulse, listening to her heartbeat, and checking her breathing. After a few moments, he stepped back with a small nod.
"Good," he said. "You're very healthy. Just make sure to eat properly and get enough rest."
Before Lila could respond, another voice came from the doorway.
"Are you ready?" Davien asked, standing there with his arms folded.
Lila turned toward him and nodded. "Yes, I am."
"Good," he replied simply. "Get your things. Let's go."
She stood up, gave Master Shiho a grateful smile, and followed Davien down the long corridors. They passed through the palace doors until they reached the main gates. There, the Queen stood waiting, surrounded by her royal escort. Her robe bright and shining complementing her hazel brown hair.
"You look better than before," the Queen said with a kind smile.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Lila said, bowing her head respectfully.
"Then I wish you safety on your journey," the Queen continued. Her gaze shifted to Davien. "And you—make sure she's kept safe. If anything happens to her, I won't forgive you."
Davien bowed slightly."I will, Your Majesty."
The Queen pointed toward the carriage waiting by the gate.
"I've prepared a new carriage for you, along with food and water for the trip."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Davien said. "We'll take our leave now."
He turned to Lila. "Let's go," he said quietly, walking toward the carriage.
Lila looked back at the Queen and Master Shiho one last time.
"Thank you once again, Your Highness," she said. "And thank you, Master Shiho… for saving my life."
She bowed deeply, then hurried after Davien.
On the Road~~~~~~~~~
The wheels rolled steadily down the dirt path, the forest slowly swallowing the view of Verin behind them. So much had happened since they had arrived there.
Lila sat quietly, stealing glances at him now and then. He hadn't spoken a word since they got into the carriage.
"So," she began, her voice low, "you never told me anything about yourself—just your name."
Davien didn't look at her. His eyes remained fixed on the window, his tone calm and distant.
"There's nothing to say about myself."
"That can't be true," she said with a small smile. "Mother always said everyone has a story. You saved me, traveled with me for weeks, and I still don't know who you really are, not even your complete name."
There was a pause. The wheels hit a bump, and for a moment the only sounds were the wind and their quiet breathing.
Finally, he said softly, "Hmm," then closed his eyes as if he were sleeping, ignoring what ever she said.
Lila looked out the window without saying anything, already used to his behavior. The silence between them grew again—but this time, it felt a bit more comfortable.
Back at the Inn at Verin~~~~~~
A man sat in a chair facing the window, staring outside while holding a glass of wine. Behind him, two figures knelt.
"My lord," one of them began nervously, "we found out a few minutes ago that the queen sent them off this morning. They are no longer in Verin."
"Idiots!" the man roared, throwing the glass to the ground, letting It shatter into pieces. "Why can't you fools handle a simple task? You let the queen beat us to it! Where did they go?"
"My… my lord, we do not know," the other stammered. "It's said even the queen doesn't know where they're heading."
"Then follow them!" the man shouted, his voice sharp with rage. "I don't care how—find them!" we have to.
"Yes, my lord," the figures said in unison before disappearing.
Back on the Road~~~~~~~~
It was evening already.Lila sat beside the campfire Davien had built, the evening breeze cool against her skin. The sky was getting darker.
"Take this," Davien said, handing her a blanket.
She looked up at him and for a heartbeat met his eyes then smiled softly before collecting the blanket.
She wrapped the blanket around herself and watching him as he sat across the fire. The faint light from the flames highlighted his sharp features.
"You are really a mysterious person, Davien," Lila whispered softly, almost to herself.
He didn't respond. He just looked up at the sky, then turned to face her.
"Go to sleep. We'll leave very early tomorrow," he said, laying his back on the floor.
Lila, clearly annoyed by his reply, just lay down too without answering him.
The forest grew darker, the night silent—only the sound of burning wood and their breathing could be heard.