'it is kinda cold... Today don't you agree?'.
"I have a blanket." He said and stood up, reaching to a compartment placed above them and taking out a big fluffy blanket. "Here." He said as he put it on her shoulders and sat across from her.
She only nodded to him as a 'thank you' and warmed herself. She tried to smile again, but her lips could barely move from the stitches. The blanket's warmth made her feel safe and calm, which led her to relax and sleep like never before. The young Duke sighed in relief that the black hair princess fell asleep; that meant only one thing for him... Relaxation.
During their journey, Richard watched her from his seat, studying her every move. It was hard to believe the king's fabled weapon was, in fact, his own daughter. He wondered what pushed the man to treat her and scarred in a way unfit for a parent. Yet the Duke felt nothing when he looked at her stitched eye and lips. Human cruelty was not unknown to him
It would be simple if she was a normal human, but she was far from ordinary. He had to think through every move he made toward her. Even removing her stitches should be carefully calculated. He crossed his arms as he was lost in thought. Despite the rain, his carriage was going smoothly. Time passed and Duke felt like he could take a nap, but he was startled by the girl who gasped. He looked at her, thinking she had a nightmare. Without addressing her, he observed what she would do next... But the only unreal thing that happened was an infuriating growl, like a lion's roar, from the petite princess. Her pale cheeks flushed with shame. She knew very well that it was funny and not as decent as it should be for a girl with a title like hers.
' I think that maybe a lunch stop would be great if that is okay with you, my lord,' She said kindly with her mature soft voice. It seemed the princess was one step ahead of him. So he accepted her request since they had the same thought.
"We are still far from the nearest town, but I have rations in the carriage. We can stop and eat." He said before focusing on her mouth. "How were you fed in the tower? Your stitches seem tightly holding your lips."
' They used to unstitch them and feed me. But I do that by myself too,"
Her hands held tight to the blanket, feeling tired from spending so much mana to talk and explain the situation.
Richard listened to her answer and thought how inconvenient it must have been to stitch and unstitch her lips like that. He also pondered if it was cruelty or a security measure. "I will remove your stitches before we eat." He said and pulled a small string that was hanging not far. A bell could be heard, ringing two times and the carriage started to slow down as it changed course.
' My Duke? Are you afraid of me?'
"Should I be afraid of you?"
"I believe as a lady, I deserve an answer to my question and not to receive a question. Above all, you should know that a lady, a princess like me, should be treated equally...Because I was treated as a machine weapon does not mean I am one,"
Her answer greatly surprised him and also reminded him who she was. Despite seeing her scared, naked in a forsaken tower, sitting in urine and scraps of food. She still was, by rule, a princess. She was strong and proud, clinging to her birthright despite not having anything of her own... And he was a gentleman who respects women, especially noble ones, but he too notes to be sure to temper her attitude if she crosses the line.
"My apologies, Princess." He said humbly. "Allow me to fix my mistake. Answering your question. I am worried about you, but I cannot say I am scared." He replied. The panel slid from which the driver peeked.
"My Lord?" He spoke softly.
"We are taking a small break. Warm yourself and eat. I will notify you when we will continue our journey."
"Yes, my Lord." The man replied and slid the panel close.
Slowly, the horses' galloping calmed down, and the carriage's speed began to drop gradually until it stopped at a beautiful mountainous, downhill spot with beautiful, colorful flowers. Aravis took a deep breath and held out her hand to Richard. With dismay, she looked at her damaged hand, it was full of scratches, and three fingers were missing, proving that her life was not easy.
"Shall we go outside? Fresh air would be better..." She said kindly, waiting for his response along with holding her hand to guide her outside. She was obviously testing his manners to someone as equal as him but treated poorly. "Or are you afraid to even hold my hand? I know about the rumors about touching people that got killed ... but don't worry, I won't let this happen."
"I have not heard such rumors. Is there truth in them?" He asked worriedly, keeping his hand to himself.
She chuckled 'nope... It was only one time when I was little, my lord.' she kindly spoke as she waited for his hand to hold hers and guide her outside from the wooden carriage. 'Shall we go?'
The birds were singing at that time... And the young Duke wondered how their relationship should be. On paper, he was her guardian, but it was never stated what she was to him. Still, the hand stretched out to him, awaiting his guide, could not be ignored. Her warning, however, made him hesitate.
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