Chapter 28 CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
ROSALINDA
A loud, rhythmic thud jolted me from a dreamless sleep. It sounded like the world was cracking open. I scrambled out of the bed, my heart doing a frantic tap-dance against my ribs, and practically tumbled down the narrow stairs. I reached the window, gasping for air, expecting to see an invading army.
Instead, I saw Cyrus.
He was outside in the crisp morning light, swinging a heavy axe into a pile of oak logs. I frowned, folding my arms tightly across my chest as the adrenaline began to recede, leaving me feeling slightly foolish.
"So it's just him chopping wood and not a fucking war?" I muttered to the empty room.
A soft giggle erupted from behind me. I spun around to see Diana walking toward me, her hands laden with a wooden tray piled high with fresh berries and sliced melon. She looked radiant, as if she hadn't just spent the night on a lumpy couch.
"Good morning. Your highness," she bowed. "I'm sorry if that bothered your sleep. Cyrus insisted on getting me enough firewood to last through the month before you guys left," she said, setting the tray on the table. "I hope you slept well?"
"Yes," I lied, nodding as I walked over to the table and pulled out a chair. "How about you?"
She shrugged, a small smile on her lips. "Eh, it was okay. The couch had its charms."
The door creaked open, and Cyrus walked in. He was shirtless, his skin glistening with sweat that made the hard planes of his muscles stand out in sharp relief. I felt a traitorous heat creep up my neck. I eyed him up and down- the way the light caught the ridge of his spine, the coiled strength in his arms- I quickly caught myself and snapped my gaze back to the fruit tray before anyone noticed I was gawking at him. I shoved a piece of melon into my mouth, focusing intensely on the sweetness to drown out the sudden dryness in my throat.
Just then, the ginger cat from yesterday- Rose- leaped onto the table and padded over to me. I froze, the name Cyrus had given her yesterday echoing in my head.
'Her name is Rose'
I shook my head, trying to dislodge the stupid scenarios my brain was trying to build. It was just a name. A common flower. It didn't mean anything.
Nothing at all.
I reached out and gently scratched the cat behind her ears.
"Weird, she likes you," Diana noted, her eyes bright as she watched us.
"Doesn't she like anyone?" I asked.
"Just Cyrus, she's quite cranky," Diana giggled, nudging Cyrus's arm as he reached for a glass of water. He just huffed, his expression unreadable and picked up the axe he'd leaned against the wall.
"I want to shower," he announced, his voice a low rumble. He turned his gray eyes to me, a brief, lightning fast intensity in his gaze. "Good morning Princess Rosalinda, pardon my rudeness earlier."
"There's nothing to pardon."
He nodded and disappeared towards the back of the house.
"Seems extra grumpy this morning. What's up his ass this morning?" Diana asked as she watched him go.
"Wood, probably." I said dryly, making Diana burst into a fit of laughter.
She sat down at the table, stroking the cat's fur. Rose occasionally used her head to bump Diana's head away, wanting my attention instead which made me smile. For a monent, the weight of everything felt miles away.
\-
A few hours later, we were ready. Diana had given us a set of maps, directions to the nearest marketplace, and a bag filled with enough dried meat and fruits to last us the journey. She'd even provided a change of clothes- simple, sturdy linen that felt much better than my ruined silks.
"Thank you so much, Diana," I said. Before I could stop myself, I stepped foward and pulled her into a hug. She startled at first, her body tensing, then she wrapped her arms tightly around me.
"It's more than a pleasure to assist you, Princess Rosalinda," she whispered, pulling away. "May the gods be with you," she turned to Cyrus, her expression softening. "Be sure to take care of the princess."
"Don't need to tell me twice," I heard Cryus grunt from behind me.
She giggled and let go of me then punched his arm- a gesture that made my stomach twisted. "I know. Also do make sure to visit soon."
"No, I won't visit you." He said flatly. He picked up his bag, but then opened his arms just a fraction. Diana quickly moved into them, hugging him hard. I looked away, staring at the dirt path, feeling like I was intruding on something private. My gaze fell on rose, who was sitting on the doorstep, watching me with her emerald eyes. I bent low to her level.
"I'll miss you," I murmured, stroking her soft fur. Immediately, she purred and nudged her head against my leg. "I'll make sure to visit one day." I added, mostly to the cat.
"Let's go, Princess Rosalinda." I heard Cyrus call out. He was standing a few paces away, already looking toward the forest. With one final wave to Diana, we turned our backs on the farm and headed into the dense treeline.
We walked for hours. The terrain was rough, and the silence between us was thick with things unsaid. We stopped near a small stream to eat and refill our waters. Just as Cyrus was handing me a piece of Apple, the bushes behind us erupted with a thumping sound.
Cyrus reacted instantly. He dropped the bag, picked up a nearby stick and shoved me behind his back in one fluid violent motion.
"What's going on-" Before I could finish my sentence, a dozen of knights on horseback thundered out of the bush, their armor bearing the crest of Eldoria while few were the guards from Zade's control. Cyrus still held his ground until the lead Knight, Sir Zion, raised a hand, signaling a halt.
"Sir Cyrus!" The Knight called out. He climbed off his horse and dropped to one knee the moment his eyes landed on me. "Princess Rosalinda! General Zion at your service."
"General Zion!" I breathed, stepping out from behind Cyrus who had now dropped his stick. "Good gracious-"
My eyes widened as the line of the knights parted. A familair white stallion strode forward, the rider tall and imposing in his Royal regalia.
Zade.
He looked down at us from his saddle. There was no relief in his eyes, no joyous smile. His face was a mask of cold fury and his jaw was set so tight I thought it might snap.
He didn't look happy. He looked like he was ready to start a war and for some reasons Cyrus seemed to be at the center of it.