*Pamella*

Marcus and I sat on opposite sides. His eyes focused on the letters in his hands, reading them carefully as he had during the whole trip. We’ll be going our separate ways when we reach the next town. Marcus will be off for another month or so before he heads back. He’d insisted I might as well finish the trip, but I just couldn’t bare with it anymore. 

I felt as though crying every time I considered Lili’s reaction. But truth be told, it’s been a pleasant trip when I don’t consider things back home. Marcus has been great company, and for once I think I understand what Lili sees in him. 

Sometimes I’d look at him and think about how Lili would like the way his hair is tucked behind his ear, how he squints his eyes the shape a crescent moon when he smiles talking about what he likes. I’ve learned to tell apart good and bad days from just the way he walks. How he looks at things when he thinks I’m not watching. 

“You sure you won’t regret this Pam?”

“I’m sure.” Yet I clenched the fabric of my skirt tightly, “I’ve already seen plenty, so I’m happy with that.”

He looked up from the papers at me, “Well as long as you’re sure.”

“I am.” I assured, looking out the window trying to ignore his gaze, “It’s been a good trip and I’m bringing presents back home.”

“Did you send that letter to the Baroness?”

I could feel my chest getting tighter, “I did.” It had been a couple of days already. And while it was indeed a far way to send one it should have arrived already. 

He nodded, his eyes drifting back to the pages in his hands, yet somehow it felt as if he was still watching me, waiting for a response. 

“How- How’s the business been?”

“It’s been great.” He looked back at me, “The capital should be getting all sorts of new products they haven’t seen before.” his lips curved to a smile, “The new line of pearls is a great example on how successful the rip has been, and don’t even get me started about the potions.”

Smiling back as I listened to him talk the time seemed to go by faster. By nightfall we’d just arrived at the town. 

“I just don’t know when to shut up.” He said once the driver announced we were here. 

“Well you seemed so happy.”

I could see his face turning red as he opened the door getting out, “But you hardly got to say anything. And you’re leaving.”

I felt my face heavy, unable to hold up a straight smile without it shaking, “We can meet up once you’re back.” I assured him, getting up and taking his hand as I stepped out, “Besides, this is practice for everything you’re going to tell Lili.”

I saw the smile back on his face, “Fine, fine, but I don’t think business interests Lili much.”

“She’ll want to hear what you been up to Marcus. Also…” I looked him dead in the eyes as his smile fell, “Be sure to get a present on time.”

His face that had been laced with worry sighed, “Don’t say it like that, you make me worry.”

“You should be if she doesn’t like it.”

“I already got her something, I can get her something extra and call it a day.”

I looked at the inn, light emanating from every window, “Lili would probably like that.” My eyes focused on the door, seeing Marcus fidget from the corner of my eye, “You know I’m a little nerves now that I have to head in.”

“You can always continue with me.” He suggested without missing a beat. 

“I already made up my mind Marcus.” 

“I know.” He tucked his hands into his pockets, “In ten days time you’ll be back home.” He looked at the inn for a second before turning back over to me, “Well. I better be on my way if I wanna make it to the next place.”

“Right.” Seeing as my bags had been taken inside as we talked I pulled out a letter from my pocket, “I wrote you something.” I’d prepared it this morning, “I rather you read it tomorrow.”

He raised a brow, “And why is that?”

“Because… well I just hope you listen.”

Marcus nodded grabbing my hand which held the letter, seeing his other hand open, seeing a necklace, “Might as well make it an exchange, right?” He placed it in my hand as he took the letter, “I’ll be back in no time at all.”