Chapter 6 CHAPTER SIX
ROSALINDA
It's been two days after the incident with Cyrus, and frankly speaking, I've been feeling like shit ever since then.
It was almost as if Zade had noticed my foul mood so he decided that today we went for a walk outside the palace walls for fresh air. I couldn't help but fall for him even more.
Cyrus followed us, which I didn't quite like, especially after what happened two days ago. It was so awkward to be around him, but I had to hold it in. I blame myself honestly. I acted so recklessly and foolishly.
However, I didn't know that when Zade meant 'just a walk' he meant a parade. Because why the fuck are we using a carriage?
"Uhm..Zade?" I called out softly as I climbed down the stairs, my maids following me quietly behind.
"Hm?" He looked up, a charming warm smile tugged on his lips as our eyes met. His blond hair, usually styled for court was swept back, revealing a sharp jawline. Even with the loose fine linen shirt he wore, he still looked so handsome, it was replaced look, a prince trying to blend in, and it only made him seem more impossibly handsome.
Gosh, I was really falling so hard for him quickly.
"Isn't a carriage a bit too much?" I asked as I stood few feet away from him, wincing slightly as the sight of the servants laden with duties. "Plus...we don't need to stress the servants, now, do we?"
"Well," he shrugged, looking at the carriage. "When I said for a walk, I did mean we would use the day....would you prefer we use horses?" He asked.
"Yes please."
"Okay," he smiled. "So shall it be. Please wait for me." He said and turned to Cyrus, who caught my gaze but I quickly looked away, biting my lower lip nervously. The kiss flashed through my mind but I shrugged it off, however, my cheeks warmed, remembering how good his lips felt syncing with mine.
God, I was an idiot.
\-
Just as I wanted, Zade discarded the carriage, so we used horses with only a few guards following us, and two maids. I loved how considerate he was. Things could work out perfectly fine between Zade and I... He had everything...everything I could ever ask for.
But...my eyes trailed off Zade and landed on Cyrus.. If only I could get him off my mind, loving Zade completely with my whole heart would be easier.
We went around the the marketplace first. Zade was extremely sweet to the villagers and I couldn't help but melt at his kindness. He genuinely seemed to enjoy their chatter, even laughing heartily when an old woman tried to sell him a 'magical cure for grumpiness for Cyrus' in the form of a pungent herb mixture.
Later, we dropped the horses at a stable and decided to use foot with just Cyrus following us behind quietly.
"Hey, what's happening over there?" He asked in amusement as he stared at the gathering crowd, a peculiar mix of gasps and cheers erupting from their midst.
"Come on, I'll show you," I giggled as I grabbed his arm softly, leading him towards the crowd. We pushed our way through the throng of bodies, I heard him gasp as he saw the performance.
Normally, the villagers did this. I've watched some from my carriage ever since I was a kid. There wasn't any particular reason as to why they do it often. It was just a bunch of villagers with weird, crazy talents that come to the road and decide to entertain people, then some decorations and food- it seemed like the town cane together just to have fun. It was strange, but extremely amazing to watch.
Makes them money too.
Right now, we were watching a man who was forcing a sword down his throat, making it to the hilt.
"There's no fucking way that would fit," Zade bellowed, half horrified, half impressed, as he watched in amusement, his mouth agape.
"Watch and learn mister." I taunted, glancing up at him, then back at the man.
The polished blade disappeared slowly, inch by excruciating inch, jnto the man's gaping maw, his eyes watering but you could see the determination etched on his features.
It was horrifying yet captivating all at once. Just then my eyes fell on Cyrus as I scanned the crowd, he had his helmet on, so I couldn't see his face, but I could feel his unwavering stare. I cleared my throat and looked away quickly, forcing myself to enjoy the moment. The crowd cheered as the man successfully pushed the sword into his mouth, only stopping at the hilt.
"Fucking gracious!" Zade gasped, clapping loudly.
"Told you." I winked at him, slightly nudging his shoulder.
He laughed and reached into his pocket, I wondered what he had in mind to do, but I was left bewildered when he pushed through the crowd and poured a handful of gold coins into the man's basket. The whole crowd gasped at the sheer generosity, a hush fell over them before a fresh wave of cheers erupted.
He turned to me and winked, then back at the crowd. "If anyone else can impress, I'll do the same."
Oh brother....this is going to be a long day.
The villagers looked at themselves, bewildered at first. Gold coins weren't common currency for these impromptu street shows: coppers at best. But Zade's pronouncement had ignited a spark. A slow smile spread across my face as I watched everyone surround him, children even.
This is really going to be a fucking long day.