Chapter 50 : I know what I saw.

Nectar and Jewlica met halfway with Liam but Nectar was back to her usual carefree self " What took you so long? We still have to make it up to little Ica before we go back ".

Liam rolled his eyes and Nectar squinted hers, pinching his cheek " You really think you're something huh? Coming out here acting cool ". Liam smirked, rubbing his cheek and looked at Jewlica " Don't you think she looked really cool Ica? I had to steal the spotlight ".

Jewlica giggled lightly while Nectar suddenly pulled his ear " Look at him Ica, treating me like air after I let him out for a while ". Liam had to bend down to try and lessen the pain " Yes yes, Liam knows his mistake. Ica speak to your Sister Qidu "

Nectar let go of his ear with a smug smile and knelt in front of Jewlica, speaking softly " We're really sorry about what happened Ica but we'd like to know if there was anything we could do to try and make it up to you ".

Jewlica seemed surprised but she suddenly smiled " I'm grateful to be alive and I owe you my life. There's nothing I want right now ". Nectar got back up and nodded understandingly and Liam patted Jewlica's head.

" You're so wise Ica, you should give Nectar here a few pointers ". Jewlica giggled again as Nectar slapped the back of his head " You need a brain check ". Liam rubbed the spot playfully, he sighed and looked down at Jewlica " See and she's so short tempered. I never expected her to get married ".

Nectar felt her mouth twitch, though she wasn't as thick skinned as some she wasn't one to blow up easily either but Liam could be so good at getting under her skin and provoking her. Breathing in and out, she smiled and picked Jewlica up.

Jewlica rested her head on her shoulder and smiled " Don't worry Sister Qidu, we can deal with him later ". Nectar regained some of her pep and smiled " I was right, you are a smart girl ".

With that, the three left the area, all laughs and smiles as if lives weren't at stake a few minutes ago.

~ ~ ~

Nosa finally got his bearing after watching Liam leave in a daze [ What did he mean? Isn't the empress a weak level one water mage? ] Then again, he'd never seen such control, she could easily control any one of them and the situation [ She might be as powerful as the emperor, it would make sense ]

As he stepped out, he saw Nectar and Liam who had yet to leave talking to the little girl he'd come to identify as Jewlica.

He felt his brain shut down as he saw Nectar slap Liam's head. He had a new respect for Liam, a sort of awe and fear that only complimented the mystery about him he was now determined to solve.

But Liam didn't seem to mind and even seemed to be teasing her. It was an odd sight to watch but he couldn't look away. He was about to run over when the chief guard ran up to him and saluted.

" Third commander, the prisoner has been contained and sent back to the palace ". Nosa nodded, his usually carefree expression gone " It'd be best if he was hanged immediately ".

The chief guard clicked his tongue and shook his head " That would be better commander. Were there any experts to help you catch him "? Nosa raised an eyebrow " Why'd you think that "?

The chief guard shook his head again " Despite the cuts on his skin and bones, almost all his internal organs have either become twisted, deformed or melted ". Nosa was unable to hide his shock but he spoke seriously " It'd be best if you didn't know ".

~ ~ ~

Eros and Dodwen had already departed and been given horses to ride back. Dodwen couldn't understand why Eros looked so upset but it didn't matter to him.

" It could have turned out differently if the empress didn't show up ". Eros nodded, looking at the castle " What was she even doing here "? Dodwen shrugged lightly " I'm not sure, you can ask her later ".

Eros raised an eyebrow " Why would I do that "? Dodwen smiled " Don't act like you don't want to, plus it'd be better if you two were on good terms ". Eros glared at Dodwen " Where's all of this coming from? I thought you hated her ".

Dodwen smiled slightly " Hate is such a strong word Eros, I just feel it'd be best if she felt welcome, you haven't been the nicest ". Eros nodded " You're right, I haven't. So to make up for it, I'll assign you to her palace immediately ".

With that Eros rode up and Dodwen after " Don't be childish Eros, can't you take some friendly advice from a friend "?

~ ~ ~

Jewlica was happily licking a lollipop as she patted Liam's head. They'd bought whatever Jewlica wanted, which were mainly sweets and toys till they got to the meeting point.

Nectar had a lollipop in her mouth " You really don't remember the bookshop Liam "? Liam shrugged " I've told you several times, that wasn't a bookshop ". Nectar furrowed her brows and looked up at Jewlica " You remember Ica, the place with all the books ".

Jewlica tilted her head to the side " I don't think it was a bookshop. I do remember seeing a lot of green and blue, maybe it was a dress shop ". Nectar felt her confusion increase " No no no, there were books all over the place, do you remember the pretty lady that let us in "?

Liam nodded " Of course, she said you could look around ". Nectar's face brightened again " Yes to look at the books ". Liam raised an eyebrow as he touched her forehead " I think you're having a fever, there weren't any books in there ".

Nectar frowned and swatted his hand away " I know what I saw, there were books everywhere like the ugly duckling and Jack and the beanstalk ". Jewlica shook her head, whispering in Liam's ear " I think Sister Qidu needs to lie down ".

Liam nodded and Nectar sighed " Forget it, I guess it was a dress shop ". Nectar wasn't sure why no one but her could remember the bookshop even though it wasn't there anymore but she really had a few questions [ The King of Sepafi will be coming soon, I'll ask him then ]