Elara’s POV:

“I would like to hire you as an herbalist,” Evren said.

“Why?” I asked.

“Well, you helped me recover quite well that night. When I tried to return the favor by sending gifts, the cabin was nowhere to be found in the directions you showed me. That left me with the confirmation that a mage is in the forest. But who would that mage be?” Evren pointed at me.

“You…” He said.

I lowered my head to avoid his eye contact. 

“It would be a shame to waste such skills in herbs when you can get money out of that. And also, I think it would be better to keep our eyes on you so you don't cast magic on anyone.” Evren said. 

Magic is forbidden in this kingdom; if someone is caught doing magic, they will get punished. Rumors of said punishment were that it would be either banishment from the kingdom, long-term imprisonment, or death. 

So, it’s as if his words spelled out a message: ‘You either die here right now if you refuse, or die later when the business with them is over…’

I wonder why my grandmother hasn’t shown up yet. Maybe taking them aside to talk before she sees them would be a better idea.

“...” We stayed silent for a good five minutes until I spoke, 

“Can we at least talk somewhere else?” I asked as I got off the ground and dusted my skirt.

Evren’s friend opened his mouth to disagree, but Evren shook his head towards him.

“That’s fine by me,” Evren said. “Though I think it’s better if you check in on your grandmother and make up an excuse to go out. I think you stayed longer than intended.” 

Is he threatening me with my grandmother?

I scoffed at them, then walked to my cabin. My grandmother was not in the sitting room. Fear came over me at the thought of potential harm that might have reached her. I walked fast to her room by the kitchen, forgetting to take my shoes off, and there, in her room, she was asleep. 

Relief washed over me, and I let out a breath that I didn’t realize that I was holding. I gently closed the door so as not to wake her up, then walked outside the cabin again to see the men still standing there, waiting for me. Evren was leaning on the old oak tree, and his friend beside him was standing tall, right hand still on his dagger. 

“Well then, what do you think?” Evren got off the tree and walked towards me. His friend stayed behind, watching my movements.

“...” I stayed silent. I do not want to work with them, but I also don’t want to die.

“Look, Ms. Elara… We do not plan on punishing you or even killing you. I think it’s a better idea to use your skills in herbalism back at the capital.”

“Just say you want to imprison me. Do you think you can trick me with a job opportunity?” I almost laughed at that idea. The capital is where many politically powerful people and nobles are based. Which means that I will be in the center of danger.

“Hey, lady! My patience is running thin here. Talk politely to this man here!” Evren’s friend yelled at me again. I rolled my eyes at him and scoffed. 

“Why are you hella obsessed with him, huh?! You two are royal guards; he’s not even the prince to begin with. So why should I be mindful of how I talk to him when you are trespassers and followed me here!” I yelled back at him and sent him a glare.

Evren only stood in the middle, watching all of this without saying anything. His mouth twitched into an amused smile, eyebrow raised. He finds this entertaining?!

“How dare you!”

“Yes, I dare! You are not royalty, nor is he! We are humans, so why do I need to worry about how to address you or him?! Even royalty are humans like us!!” 

“Do you know what you are saying right now? This can be considered treason against the royal family.” The man said.

“So what! I am dead anyway! This kingdom treats us Mages like pests.” 

With that, we stayed silent once more. Until Evren broke the silence, “You will be working in the capital. I will come get you tomorrow morning. So plan everything accordingly for the rest of the day, since we are still in the afternoon.” 

Evren took his friend and walked back along the path he'd come from, leaving me alone with my thoughts.