Ahara

I traced the tracks left by the soldiers and their unique boot prints. It was easy to track them because on the way over they walked through land that had just rained making their boots muddy, and when the trails stopped, all I had to do was ask people what direction the large group of Aantari soldiers went. I followed them to the busier side of the Outer Rim. I found myself in front of one of the most expensive hotels on this side of Aantari, “Typical” I said, tightening my fists.

The moment I stepped into the hotel I could tell that the whole place was filled with rich snobby people. There was classical music playing in the background, waiters in suits holding trays over their shoulders, fancy chandeliers, and marble floors. This kind of money could have gone to helping the poor people in the Outer Rim, but no, they couldn’t live without their indoor koi ponds and tiny fancy crap they call food. A receptionist noticed me and waved me over, “Hello, we’re fully booked tonight” said the lady.

“I’m an Aantari royal soldier and I heard that we are staying here for the night, mind telling me where the rooms are?”

The way the receptionist immediately stiffened and changed her facial expression was swift and disappointing.

“I’m so sorry, yes of course. The entire top floor is all booked for you guys tonight,” she croaked. I nodded my head at her as a sign of thanks and walked to the elevator. The highest button was twelve so I clicked it twice and stared at my feet as the doors began to close.

“Hey! Wait up!”

My head shot up to a guy about my age with golden-brown hair running towards me. He must have wanted to enter the elevator, but the doors were half-closed.

“Wait! Wait! Keep the door open!” He was yelling across the lobby.

“Let’s see if you can make it!” A bright smile took over my lips and I crossed my arms amused.

Panic was plastered all over his face as he ran like his life depended on it. Then, just before the doors closed, he stuck his hand between them and the doors re-opened.

“Thanks for the help.” He smirked.

“It is my pleasure,” I said, still grinning from ear to ear.

He was certainly easy on the eyes, his chiselled jawline that trailed to his stumbly chin. “So, what is your name miss?” He glanced in my direction.

His eyes were a deep blue. The outside of the iris was darker but the inside was a mix of blue and gray.

“Oh? Quite the ladies’ man,” I raised my eyebrows. “I’m Ahara.”

“Ahara,” He muttered under his breath, “What a captivating name, I’m Josh.” He reached down to take my hand and placed a soft kiss on it. “It’s nice to meet you, Ahara.”

The rest of the way up was silent. Josh was leaning against the elevator wall beside me as he fiddled with a loose string on his shirt. His red t-shirt clung to his body revealing his lean arms and muscles.

The elevator eventually slowed to a halt.

“So, which room are you in? I’ll gladly escort you there.” Josh smiled warmly.

I chuckled.

“I'm here to fill in for Hailey Mills. We think she was attacked by the Zartari refugee.”

At least I’m only partially lying.

“Let’s hope she’s okay. Anyways, Hailey was to share a room with me, Max, and Bryn in room 202. But since you’re her replacement you can take her bunk. Follow me.”

We walked down to the end of the hall to find a pristine door with 202 above it. Josh knocked at the door and waited for someone to answer.

“Who is it?” A woman from inside called out.

“Hey, Bryn, it's me! I’m here with Hailey’s new replacement.” He called back. The door swung open a few moments later.

“I didn’t get the notification that Hailey was to be replaced.”

The girl that opened the door had soft features. Her hair was wavy and long with a caramel tint. She had a small button nose and rosy cheeks that were covered in freckles.

“Hi! I’m Bryn.” She reached her hand forward for a handshake. Her nails were painted purple.

“I’m Ahara.” I shook her hand.

“Nice to meet you! I bet we’re going to be great friends!” Bryn was twirling around the room.

“Anyways, can I see your soldier I.D.?” She started eyeing me suspiciously.

“Bryn, stop messing with her,” Josh was chuckling as he walked past Bryn into their room.

“I don’t think she’s suspicious! It’s just the rules Josh!” She was now yelling back at him as he jumped onto his bunk.

“I didn’t get an I.D. yet. I received a letter signed by the prince informing me that I was exempted to be a part of the imperial soldiers, but when I arrived at the palace the prince sent orders that I was to be Hailey’s fill-in before I could claim an I.D.” I took out the letter and handed it to her. The girl stared at the paper, then at me as a bead of sweat fell down the back of my neck when she finally spoke.

“Alright! Welcome to your new room Ahara! You’ll be bunking with Josh.” Bryn stepped aside and motioned for me to come, handing me back the letter.

I thanked her and then proceeded to walk into a medium room with two bunk beds in each corner. My side of the area was cluttered with armour and trash whereas the other side was spotless. Josh was laying on the top bunk with his legs hanging over the side, probably passed out.

I looked over to Bryn’s space and noticed a tall guy with slicked-back chocolate hair.

That must be Max.

Everything about him was alarming. His facial features were sharp, especially his eyes. They were darker than obsidian and held judgment. There was a long worn scar on his right cheek, definitely from a blade. His structure was bulky and tough, covered in muscles from years of training. Max then noticed I was staring at him but didn’t say a word.

“Sorry about the mess over there, that’s what you get when you share a room with Josh.” Bryn was laughing and Max joined her. He had a low laugh.

“Oh shut up, it’s not that bad!” Josh threw his pillow down trying to hit one of the two.

I didn’t bring any luggage besides my sword and the little pouch of money from earlier. So I just placed them both on the bed beside me. I sat down and began taking off my armour, or I guess Hailey’s armour. There were many pieces, made to protect you from every angle possible. Once I finished up I decided to lay down for a bit. It’s been a dreadful day and I had an even worse week waiting ahead of me.

I must have fallen asleep because I woke up to the room being enveloped in darkness. There was no longer sun through the window and the mess on the ground had been put away. I got up to see Max, Bryn and Josh sitting on the bed across from me all looking overwhelmed.

“We didn’t want to wake you up for dinner because you looked worn,” Josh said, not making eye contact. His hand was holding Bryn’s while his other hand was patting her back.

“What’s going on? Is everything okay?” I sat up more to lean against the wall to my left.

Bryn looked up as tears flooded her eyes, “they confirmed that Hailey is dead. The soldiers couldn’t find her body but found a lot of blood on her I.D. on the ground.”

I was silent.

“Everybody thinks that the fugitive killed her when she and a couple of others killed the old man that snuck him in,” Max added, it was the first time I heard him talk.

I forgot that everyone thought the Zartarian was a guy.

“Those troops shouldn’t have killed that old fellow, it’s so cruel,” Josh replied.

I hadn’t expected anyone to say that. To think one of the soldiers didn’t want to kill master Wei made me respect him just a bit more.

“I’m so sorry guys, you must feel miserable.” I tried to sound like I cared, which wasn’t too hard because I was a good liar.

“It’s alright Ahara,” Bryn wiped away a few tears and put on a small smile. “It’s not your fault.”

Yes, it was.

Not sure what to say I stood up and grabbed an extra pair of pyjamas.

“I hope you feel better soon,” I spoke while escaping to the bathroom, bringing my sword with me.

While I showered I thought about some scenarios of how I was going to get close to the prince. He most definitely had protection at all times and guards watching him. After the job is done, I wouldn’t be able to stay in Aantari, so I’d have to return to Zartari, the Z empire.

After I changed into my pyjamas, which were just some loose shorts and a t-shirt, I heard footsteps in the room. Quietly picking up my sword, which was leaning up against the sink, I opened the door and lifted it in a swift movement, Josh put his hands up in shock.

“Woah, sorry did I startle you?” laughed Josh as he used his finger to lower my sword.

“Sorry about that, I forgot that I was sharing a room.”

“Yeah no worries, but I do have a few questions for you... Ahara” said, Josh.

“But first I’m going to take away that sword of yours so I can guarantee my safety haha,” he nervously chuckles as he slowly reaches and takes my sword.

“Okay fine, but don’t take too long, I’m tired.”

“So, question number one. Are you a royal in disguise?”

“What? No wh-... oh right, because my name starts with an A” I sigh as Josh nods and laughs it off.

“Yeah, I don’t know why my parents chose this name either. Never got to know them, they sold me when I was young. What's your next question?”

“Oh,” He seemed surprised at how easily I brushed it off.

“My next is, who assigned you to fill in for Hailey? And how come I’ve never heard or seen you, Ahara?” He was getting a bit too close.

“The prince assigned this mission to me as a replacement for Hailey, like I told Brynn. Now if that's all you have to ask me. I’ll be heading to bed now, goodnight.” I stand up, grab my sword from Josh and jump onto my bed. Josh gets up to close the light and climbs up the ladder to his bunk. Darkness and the sound of Josh snoring filled the room as I lay there contemplating whether to choke the life out of Josh or to just go to sleep. Finally, I got up and flipped my pillow over to the cooler side then closed my eyes to try to get some sleep.

A beam of light slices down my face, squinting at the bright sun seeping in from the window. “Rise and shine pumpkin!” Josh yelled.

“Pumpkin? I said as I covered my eyes.

“You look orange under the sunlight.” A small chuckle escaped his lips.

“Why are we waking up so early?”

“Well, we need to get on our way. The prince expects us to be at the palace at nightfall for a debriefing, so that means we need to move now.” He replied while he picked up my clothes and threw them at my face with a laugh. I rolled my eyes and then got up to change as Josh headed to the kitchen where Bryn and Max were. In the washroom, I examined my new armour which seemed to be made from steel and iron. This kind of armour can only be found in the imperial army and maybe even on the black market. Before latching up the armour, I put on a pair of black shorts and a sports bra under my white shirt.

As I finished changing, I searched the room to see if there was anything left behind before walking to the kitchen.

“Good morning Ahara,” smiled Bryn, “Morning guys” I responded. The room smelt of waffles, bacon, and maple syrup. When I was little I would only get something like these meals on my birthday because of our lack of money. Other times I’ve only ever seen it in shops when master Wei took me to the more populated areas of Aantari to settle some business matters. Usually, my meals with master Wei were often boiled potatoes and some unseasoned meat, which frankly, I’m starting to miss the flavour and memories that they come along with. Brynn hands me a plate full of food and Max hands me a fork while pulling up a seat next to Josh. I stare at a large amount of food sitting in front of me.