We trained until Lily, a maid from the villa came to deliver a message. In its content:

Bethany

Preparations will be completed in two weeks. Everything has been sorted, I just need to convince papa to let me accompany you now. You absolutely must wait for me. Lily will let you know when I am ready. I’ve prepared mounts for us. I will travel with the two of you up until we reach the crossroads to Rockwell. Next time we travel, I hope you’ll take me to some nice places and treat me to lovely food. Oh, and by the way tell Mother Kathy I said hi and tell Richard he sucks. Thanks!

P.s I hope you don’t know how to ride a horse. Because then you’d get to ride together with me.

Sincerely yours

Cecily x

“Must be nice being so close to the lord’s daughter, I’d be in heaven if she were that gentle with me.” Richard eyebrow lifted curiously as he held a pack of ice to his arm.

“Yes, the kindness in which Cecily shows me. I appreciate it. Richard, I heard you’ve spoken with Henry, what was that about?”

“Ah, the lord has placed me under Cecily. I’m now undergoing training to become a knight. No doubt my family is overjoyed, but I have more responsibilities and work and Cecily isn’t the kindest towards me. She thinks I’m stealing you from her or some rubbish like that.”

“That’s not exactly what I’ve heard. According to Cecily, you’ve been following her even to the baths? I see that part of you hasn’t changed, still a peeping Tom huh?” A bright flush of red filled his face.

“N-NO… as her personal knight it is my duty to remain by her side and to make sure no harm comes to her. Even if she were to travel to the gates of Hell, I’d follow her there.”

“The gates of hell? More like, to the doors of the bathhouse.” I couldn’t hide my grin, deliberately teasing him like this is way too fun after all. “So, why aren’t you with her right now then?”

“Because…”

“Because?”

“Cecily apparently told Lord Henry that I’ve been sexually harassing her when I’ve clearly haven’t. Why doesn’t she understand, that I was only doing my job?”

“Who knows, maybe because you’re a pervert? Anyways, you better not disappoint me Richard. I’d be god-damn surprised if you still failed to become a knight whilst under my contract. Shall I remind you the powers of a witch contract?”

“Please do, I’d appreciate it.”

“You are stronger and faster than the average human. I didn’t tell you this before but because my blessing is one that heals. You should have access to something similar, albeit a lesser version of it.” Upon hearing this, his expression immediately flipped. Excitement sparked within his eyes, I could almost see the stars flood out.

“Deth! That’s amazing! But wait, am I still human?”

“Call me Bethany from now on okay? And yes, you’re still very much human. Take a fatal-wound and you will still die.”

“Um, sure thing B-Bethany… could you stop messing with my hair?”

“No, I do what I want. Stop me if you can.” I stroke his hair until his ears turn red.

“Bethany?”

“Yup?” I look into his brazen-eyes.

“So, you’re saying I might have the same power as you? To heal?”

“Well, yes that is what I’m saying. However, you will have weaker version of it. At most, I think you’ll have enhanced regeneration unnatural to that of a human. I’m probably right since your injuries are already gone. Although you’re stronger than before you met me. Please try to remember that I am not the only witch and therefore you are not the only human under a witch’s contract. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ruth amassed her own army with her blood. Richard, do me a favour and get good at using a sword and don’t rely too much on my healing. You aren’t anything normal, but you aren’t anything special either. Remember that.” My words must’ve hit home real hard, he became silent.