SOMETHING SO RARE

SOMETHING SO RARE
Chapter 29

ROYANNA

My back burned, my stomach ached, my legs wobbled, but I pushed forward, with the help of Clio and Jira. They stood by my side supporting my weight, as we returned to our quarters,every step feeling like a punishment.

“Thanks,” I whispered, my voice breaking. My body felt so weak that I couldn't even speak properly. We soon arrived in the large room and bypassed the hateful stares being tossed my way. They helped me settle on my bed, then settled beside me.

“You did well out there, you know that, right?” Clio said, her tone smooth and reassuring ,enough to melt some of my pain.

I glanced at Kithara and a few others who had gathered by her bed, speaking incoherently. I forced a smile, slowly shaking my head, “No. I was trying to make things right.”

It ended terribly for me, Kithara paired with me for that reason, to beat me to a pulp and make me pay for my actions. I was dumb enough to think I could speak to her while we clashed swords.

“And what did you get in return?” Jira asked with a raised brow

I inhaled, recalling the sharp kick that connected with my rib. “They hate me.”

“Not for long.”Clio chirped in, her optimism igniting a tiny spark of hope in me. “I need to talk to them again.”

Jira's eyes widened, “That's not a good idea Royanna. Let it be, you need to rest.”

“I will get some rest right after.” I said, grabbing their hands, “Can you help me over there?” Jira frowned, folding her arms.

“We need to be supportive Jira, Royanna is trying to fix this mess, and I am with her, all the way.” Clio said, squeezing my hand, “She's innocent and deserves the chance to prove it. Commander Saphena needs to be put in her place, she needs to know that breaking us apart would only bring us together, stronger than ever.”

Jira hesitated, glancing in Kithara’s direction, then redirecting her gaze to us. Finally,she shrugged and intertwined our fingers. “You are right, we should fix this together,” she said, and relief flooded me.

My lips stretched, a genuine smile forming. I glanced at Clio for a brief second, thanking the goddess for sending her my way. She was slowly becoming my Ophelia, keeping me sane and grounded in this part of the world.

“Thank you both.”

They helped me to my feet, leading me towards them. All eyes turned towards us, not entirely welcoming. Kithara stood up, blocking my path, like she was guarding me away from the others.

“Why are you here?” She spat venom dripping from her tone, “To snitch again?” Her lips curled in a scowl.

“Leave now, you back-stabbing cunt.”

“I will, but I just want to clear the air. I didn't snitch on you, I never told the commander where to find you. You have to believe me.” I reveal, my voice cracking a little.

“Royanna is right, as soon as you all chose to leave, we headed our way too. We weren't even aware of the route you chose to follow. The commander had guards chaperoning us in secret.” Clio said, and Susan, who was sitting by the wall, stood up, stepping forward.

“Are you sure?” Susan asked, staring between Kithara and me.

“Royanna is innocent!” Jira cut in on Susan. “And you all know that, this silly hate of yours is just an excuse to blame someone for your failures.”

“Jira,” I whispered, squeezing her hand to calm her down. “Don't make it worse, please.”

“It's the truth, Royanna. We had nothing to gain by snitching on you all, especially Royanna. She was punished by the commander for actually keeping your escape a secret.”

Kithara’s glare faltered for a split second, then she scoffed and backed away from us. “And what proof do you have to justify your words? Or do you expect us to blindly believe you?”

“The commander received a letter from the guards who secretly chaperoned us that day. I plan to steal it and prove to you all that we are not enemies. Right now, the cold and the commander are the only enemies we should have.”

Susan reached for my hand and placed hers on it, caressing it softly. “Don't do it Royanna. I don't know about the others, but I believe you, and honestly, I am happy the guards found us. Heaven knows we would have died of frostbite out there.”

“Yes Royanna, please forgive us. We should never have blamed you for our misfortune. This place is new to us, dangerous, and scary. But if we truly want to survive, then sticking together is all that matters.” Someone else stepped forward and said, making my heart swell.

“I believe you, too, Royanna. Your plan saved our lives in that hall. I didn't get a chance to say this earlier, but thank you.” Another said and my smile widened.

Tears filled my eyes, and I let them fall freely. Clio tightened her grip on my shoulder, passing me a smile.

One by one, the appreciations came in, and I realized everyone believed me, except Kithara. She remained quiet even when Susan nudged her to say something.

“Come on Royanna, that's enough. You need to rest now.” Jira said, slightly pulling me away from the others.

This time, I obliged, and the burden I had been feeling suddenly vanished, replaced with a sense of peace. I cleared my name, and I didn't have to steal the scroll anymore.

It was a great relief, but this was more than just that. It was unity, trust, and support in the midst of strangers.

I had it, something so rare, in the cursed part of the world, I had them by my side.

But most of all, I had Clio, my anchor, and Jira, a protective force. The goddess sent them my way, and now I had to take i
t upon myself to be there for them and protect them at all costs.