Chapter 11

Asher

Should I have asked her for permission before I entered the tent? I’ve never seen what a female soldier wore under their armour. But then again, should I apologize? Ahara walked out of the tent which broke my train of thought.

“Ahara, stay there for a moment” I called out as I caught up to her.

“I apologize for entering the tent while you were in your-” I looked down and so did she.

I covered my eyes. “What are you wearing?! You’re still in the shorts that go under your armour!”

“Asher, it's fine. They’re just trunks, they’re the same ones that you guys wear.” Ahara shrugged and continued to make her way over to the bonfire. I had to admit, I was a bit shocked that Ahara was completely unfazed by the situation but it was better than her freaking out. She and I went to get some food before joining our friends on one side of the fire. “Hey, guys.” greeted Max.

“Pumpkin, you’re wearing my sweater,” Josh said while eyeing her up and down.

“Oh, I can give it back if you want.” Ahara started to pull it off, and her shirt underneath started to ride up along with the sweater.

Max and Bryn raised their brows in shock while a twisted smile made its way to Josh’s smug face.

“NO! No, she’ll give it back later.” I was pulling it back down for her.

“Anyhow, what were you guys talking about?” asked Ahara, taking a bite of her food.

“We were just discussing who would win in a fight, Josh or Asher” smiled Bryn.

“It’s definitely Josh. Have you ever seen Asher use a bow” Ahara laughed, covering her mouth.

I looked at Josh who was sitting there quietly knowing very well that I’d win in a fight against him. We fought once before, a friendly battle. We fought for three matches and I won all of them. I may not be skilled in many sports, but I could hold my own ground in hand-in-hand combat. 

“Actually, Asher and I have fought before” murmured Josh.

“Really? Who won??” asked Bryn eagerly. Josh looked at his feet and then pointed at me.

“No way!” laughed Bryn. Max also covered his mouth to keep from laughing, as Josh was making up idiotic excuses for his loss that day. 

“Asher, let’s go one more round. I was just not feeling well that day.” Josh got up and started stretching and preparing his stance.

“Maybe another time man. Everyone should rest a little longer before we head out.” I stood up and so did Ahara, we said our goodbyes, then headed back to the tent.

“I’ll just be doing some reports, will you be alright out here?” I asked before entering my tent.

Ahara nodded and took her place outside in front of the entrance. 

I was jolted out of focus by a gust of wind that burst through the flaps of my tent. The sun had just begun to rise. Ahara stood in front of my tent as she had been for the past hour. 

“The sunrise is truly bewitching isn’t it?” I said soaking in all its beauty, standing next to Ahara. The air was sweet and breathing it in filled my lungs with joy. 

“Although I was ordered to guard your tent, it has been hard not to pay attention to such a beautiful sunrise,” she replied. Throughout the entirety of our conversation, Ahara did not once bother to look at me. It was obvious that she was trying to end our conversation so I returned back into the tent to change into fresh clothes. 

The troops packed up their tents to continue on our way. We were more than halfway to the village with no unexpected or unwanted events. 

Ahara walked beside the horse I was riding with one hand on her sword and the other swaying by her side. Normally soldiers would have the blacksmith craft them a normal imperial sword, but Ahara brought her own sword in when she arrived, not to mention the quality and elegance. I’m quite intrigued about what her past was like. “Asher,” Ahara spoke.

“What is it?”

“We’re almost at the village, and there seems to be a crowd of people at the gates.” Ahara handed me her telescope and pointed to the large group of unarmed people standing in front of the gates.

“Ahara, take one of the horses and see what their intentions are,” I ordered. Ahara mounted the horse beside me. She clicked her heels against the horse’s sides, then took off. I watched as Ahara slowed to a stop and spoke with one of the villagers in the crowd, then turned her head to me and waved us over.

“These people were waiting to welcome us into the village,” reported Ahara, dismounting the horse. 

“Your highness, we thank you for your warm heart and kind gesture,” bowed an elderly woman like the rest of the crowd bowed with her. I peeked over at Ahara who wore a surprised expression.

I cleared my throat to speak, “On behalf of the Aantari Royal Family, we apologize for not taking action sooner and have brought food, water, and blankets for ones in need,” the crowd cleared a path for the wagons and the troops while Ahara and I led the way.

We set up the tents and began to hand out supplies. Already a few well-known wealthy people have tried to sneak past the soldiers and steal some of the supplies to make a profit off of them, but Ahara managed to stop them. 

The carts emptied quickly and the sun had started to set. The soldiers all looked a little fatigued and flushed from non-stop working and dealing with problems throughout the city. Eventually, I stepped in and started to help with handing out congee and bread alongside Bryn, Max, and a few other soldiers while Ahara and Josh helped the other soldiers hand out clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags.

Hours rolled by as if they were mere minutes. Half of the troops had already left to check into their hotel rooms that we’d booked after completing their duties. The rest of them including Ahara, Max, Josh, and I was still outside packing everything back into the carts to prepare for our journey back tomorrow. Bryn had already gone to “patrol the rooms” as she said. 

“Aye Asher!” Ahara tried to get my attention. Why can’t she address me properly? It’s not good for my image.

“We just finished tidying and packing the tents.” 

“Good work, tell the other soldiers that they will be rewarded for this,” I said, dusting myself off. Ahara turned to speak to the other soldiers, but I stopped her to tell her one other thing, “Ahara, you will be sleeping in the spare bedroom in my room,” Ahara nodded then walked away, something was nagging at me from Ahara’s expression to my demand. Did I want her to protest?

I went into the hotel before the rest of the troops to prepare for the following day's events. “Excuse me, mister,” said a small voice. I looked down and saw that a little girl had wrapped herself in my leg.

“Hello there, what can I do for you?” I knelt down and patted her head.

“I can’t find my mommy, we were getting some things from the big tents but I got lost in the crowds.” She was about 6 years old with pigtails.

“It’s alright, I can help you find her. Now, what do you remember where you live?”

“Yes, we live in the neighbourhood. I don’t remember my address, but I remember what our house looks like!” Smiled the little girl.

“Right, and before I forget, what's your name huh? Mine is Asher.”

“My name is Measha, but my mommy calls me flower”

“Alright flower, Let's go now!” I laughed, picked her up and sat her on my left arm, “Up we go!” the little girl laughed and pointed me in the direction of her house.