ADVANTAGE

ADVANTAGE
Chapter 39

ROYANNA

I didn’t let myself believe it when Clio told me. A sennight of freedom? It was far too good to be true. A situation we could never imagine ourselves in.

I couldn't partake in her joy or anyone else's, because I was scared that if I did believe and show a slight happiness, it might get snatched away from me.

But now, sitting in a carriage, the cold misty morning air slapping hard across my face, it finally felt real.

Not only did I believe, but my excitement was starting to spread across my heart and face.

Clio sat across from me, bouncing like a child on the seat. “Can you believe this, Royanna? We are actually going! No guards glaring, no cunt of a Commander breathing down our necks, just freedom!”

I laughed, unable to contain the growing warmth in my chest. “I know, it feels unrealistic. Maybe the Goddess does love us after all.”

“Or maybe she just took pity,” Benedict shrugged beside me, and we all burst into laughter.

“So where do we make our first stop?” Jira asked as she leaned near the carriage window.

“We should go to the market!” Clio chimed in, bursting with excitement.

“I don't know, the market would be the most tempting place to be, so many beautiful things we can not afford,” Benedict said, reminding us of a sad, but valid point.

But Clio didn't seem to waver, swatting her hand dismissively. Her happiness seems to double every second. “I am sure the villagers will be pleased to see us, and they might actually offer us gifts. It’s tradition in my village to respect the soldiers of the king and treat them well at every chance you get. Maybe this might be to our advantage.”

I shook my head, crossing my arms skeptically. “This is Frost Vale, Clio, a cursed kingdom far from the lands we once called home. Their tradition may be different. We shouldn't be so expectant of their kindness.”

“We can only admire and continue on our way. The last thing any of us wants is to get into trouble. We all know Saphena is desperate to see us crumble.”

“Fair enough,” Benedict said. “Royanna is right, after all, she's the voice of reason.”

“And beauty,” Clio added, grinning mischievously.

I rolled my eyes, holding back the urge to snort. It was hard to accept, having lived in a place like Stone Peak, the village that made sure to snatch every confidence of my appearance and remind me that only witches looked like me.

The ride to the village was more lively than the first time we rode there. We joked and laughed, sharing our expectations for the next few days, before we would be returning to service.

The carriage came to a stop near the square, and the moment we stepped out, the villagers began to whisper.

Smiles greeted us but there were wary glances as well. A few children waved shyly, and some of the villagers went about their day unbothered by our presence.

In the faint glow of the sun, we strolled into the main market, and it was surprisingly breathtaking.

A kaleidoscope of colors unimaginable for a frozen kingdom that should bear only the hues of blue and white.

Yet there were baskets of fresh and vibrant apples, figs, other fruits, and vegetables.

There were bolts of fabric in different hues, pottery embroidered with suns and wolves, and some battle scenes that had me intrigued.

The first time in the village, Saphena didn't let us explore the village because she knew the beauty that lay beyond it. Thanks to this short freedom, my eyes could relive the true beauty of nature and life.

“Royanna, look at that.” Clio pulled at my hand pointing to a small clothing stall that hung stunning dresses right outside.

“It's so beautiful.” She said, her eyes not leaving the piece of tailored fabric.

“The colors are so vibrant,” Benedict added, also staring. Jira wasn't left out because right in front of us was beauty.

But I had seen dresses like this a million times, they were mostly made for Orphelia, and I was always there to tell her how amazing she looked in them.

An elderly woman with grey hair and a face that has known time, steps out of the stall, her gaze landing on us,
“Oh, my heavens!” she gasped, a smile spreading on her face. “Warriors of the Plague!”

She hurried towards us, hands clasped, with eyes brighter than the sun. “ You.” She pointed at me.

“You played the harp that day, and it was a very marvelous melody, nothing I have heard before.”

“Please, come into my stall, let me treat you all to some of my dresses.” She offered and the girls and I exchanged glances.

“Say yes,” Clio whispered, smiling with her teeth out.

I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “If you insist.”

“Please come on in.” She said, and led us in.

Her shop smelled of lavender and linen, it was filled with silk and wool hanging from the rafters. Half-finished gowns lay folded neatly on a wooden table. While completed dresses hung on the walls.

“Welcome, dears. I am Elena, and this is me.”

“I am Royanna. Thank you for having us.” I said with utmost gratitude.

“And I am Clio.”

“Jira.”

“Benedict.”

Elena passed us a warm smile, “I am pleased and honored to meet and know you lots of names,” she said, and then scurried to the wall and pulled down a few dresses that seemed to shake her stance. I stepped in to help her, taking some of the dresses from her.

Walking back to the others, Elena pulled out a small table for me to drop the clothes. She began handing the dresses she picked out to each of us.

“Go on, try it out,” she said, her eyes on me.

I hesitated, but glancing at my friends, I saw that Clio was already halfway into ridding off her cloak and armor.

Jira was admiring the dress she had been given, and Benedict was trying to figure out her own.

I smiled, pleased to see this side of them, I turned to the woman and mouthed a ‘Thank you.’