Chapter 62: Finding Dear Sister [Free]

"Isn't this the People's Public Market?" Markolin asked. It was past noon when they arrived in the plaza. The place was packed with people, vendors and buyers alike. It took them almost 10 hours to travel here since they had to stop several times on the road from the heat. 

Nikolai bobbed his head, "We're in the Mitskapalazah. If I'm not mistaken, it's two or three towns away from Windamere."

They scurried through the road and led their horses, avoiding people. Their outfits were enough to take everyone's attention, jewels embroidered in Vysela's dress, exquisite cuts of coat worn by Markolin and Nikolai. If people including the lower classes had familiarized the noble families of the country, it wouldn't take a second to guess that these people walking with them were already the royal children.

"We need to change our outfits," Vysela tugged the hem of Nikolai's coat.

He turned around to see his sister, "That won't be needed. We'll drop by a food stall to eat our dinner then rent a room or two in a cheap cabin."

"Did you even bring enough money with you?" Vysela walked beside him.

He didn't answer. Well, that already told her much. Since they weren't allowed to control their wealth, they still had to ask the Master of Trade and Coins to reimburse money whenever they had a project or activity for the castle. Nikolai must have kept a little in his room if he couldn't ask for funds. Although they seem to have everything, the reality is, they were nothing more than penniless princes and princess.

The walk was long and hot. There wasn't any shade from the trees. The place looked like a dead end, a dessert in the wilderness with all the orange rocks and sand polluting the air. Vysela had to cover her nose most of the time to prevent herself from inhaling all the unwanted particles.

When they arrived at a food stall, probably the most famous one in town as it was full with noble-looking diners, Markolin and Vysela followed Nikolai towards the counter.

"What do you want?" Nikolai asked, reading the menu banner on top. The little resto offered a lot of food and beverages ranging from desserts to a full-course meal. Vysela recognized some of the cuisine from the castle. It's been just a day and she already missed so much about it except for being treated like a baby.

Markolin murmured to himself, placing his hand under his chin, "I want that, that, that and..." he pointed the most expensive one that was on discount for today, "...that."

Nikolai narrowed his eyes, "You do know I'm broke today right?" But it isn't just today, Vysela thought.

Markolin sneered, "Of course I was kidding! I'll just have some bread and water. Thanks brother," he tapped his brother's shoulder and went to look for a table for three. Vysela stayed with Nikolai.

"I don't know what to pick," an honest reply from Vysela. They never had the luxury to pick what they wanted to eat as long as it was cooked by the finest chefs in the kingdom. The queen was the one responsible mostly for everything. The children were just there to accept what was already handed to them.

A considerate smile carved in Nikolai's lips, "Just choose what you want. Mother is not here to scold us," he laughed inwardly.

"Well... If you say so," Vysela contemplated for a few seconds. There were a lot to choose from and she also had to consider the price. Eating has never been this hard. "I want that." She pointed on the blawmanger and morat. "I don't know if the money you have is enough so if it isn't, you can change my order."

"It's fine. Go now, look for Markolin and I'll deliver the food as soon as I'm done."

Vysela nodded in reply, "Thanks brother."

She proceeded to the table where Markolin sat. He was spacing out when Vysela plopped on the chair beside him. She flicked a finger in front of his eyes, "Busy thinking about life?"

He blinked and sat back, "Stop doing that. You're startling me."

"What?" she raised her shoulders, "You were too serious. The Markolin I know doesn't look like that at all," she let out a slight laughter, "Did you already regret the mistake you did last night?"

Markolin snorted, "As if you didn't cry like a newborn for almost 'losing me'." 

Vysela rolled her eyes. During the travel, Markolin teased her for what seemed to be like a million times for what happened. "What do you want me to do? Smile? Laugh?" she burst out laughing, "HA-HA-HA-HA, is that what you want me to do?"

"You're too mean for your age."

"Is there an age requirement for speaking my thoughts out? I can't believe you people."

Markolin showed a crooked smile, "Stop whining. Food is already here." Vysela followed her gaze and observed Nikolai walking towards them with a food tray in his hand.

"Here's your order, ma'am..." he placed the plate in front of Vysela, the same one she pointed in the menu earlier. She guessed he had enough money to get them by if that was the case. "...Sir," he handed him his and sat as soon as he was done, "Lastly, my delicious meal," Nikolai said, setting his sizzling steak and red wine on the table.

Markolin locked his eyes on his brother's meal and glanced back at his in a disappointed look. Vysela cackled at the observation, "Drooling now, Markolin?"

"You're all unfair. You waited me to leave so that you can order whatever you liked," he pouted like a 7-year old.

"What?" Nikolai laughed, slicing a portion of the steak, "You were the one who requested that so you have no right to complain," he munched the meal from his fork.

"Backstabbing brothers and sisters," he glared and grabbed the food with both of his hands, gobbling it with a bitter face. 

"You act like a kid," Vysela commented.

"Shut up, crybaby," he replied and focused on his food. 

Vysela snorted, laughing at his grumpiness. "Oh, Markolin." 

They ate almost silently. Food will never be the same without the Aleshkovsky siblings' banters at each other. If heavy meals were the main course, their exchanged conversations were appetizers.

"Let's go?" Nikolai asked as soon as they were already done. They could already see the violet and dark blue hues from the windows meaning it was already sunset. 

Vysela and Markolin nodded and stood. It was time to find a place to sleep.

***

Nikolai cursed under his breath when they entered the room. It was small and dusty with three beds lined on the walls, windows hanging in each, "I can't believe we spent 25 qintars for the food only," he counted the coins he had in his hand and rested on the bed positioned on the left side.

"How many money did you bring?" Markolin asked.

"50?" he said nonchalantly.

"What?" Vysela's eyes widened. "We lost half of the money for the food? Wasn't it cheap enough? And how much is the room? Don't tell me it costs the same amount too."

Nikolai shook his head, "Just half."

"It's still a lot," she replied, sauntering towards the bed in the middle, "I can't believe we're worrying about this. It only made me realize how poor we are. Eternal Gods, help us."

"That's okay," Markolin said, "Everything will be fine as long as we're together."

"Ew," Vysela's brows furrowed in disgust, "Stop with your cheesy remarks, Markolin. You make me want to vomit."

"You better tape his mouth," Nikolai commented.

"That's a great idea, brother!" Vysela smirked, walking towards Markolin in an attempt to scare him.

Markolin raised his hands in defense, "It's not funny anymore. Stop teaming up against me. This is so unfair," he complained, "I need to call Allyria and ask for backup."

Vysela halted from her steps. They haven't uttered her name for weeks now. No one in the family did. Whenever the siblings attempted to speak of her name, the King and Queen would dismiss them immediately. Allyria betrayed the family, she worked with the rebels. It was only unforgivable.

"Sorry," Markolin muttered as if what he said was worse than a curse. 

Vysela ignored it. She stumbled back, slumping on the corner of the bed. Her mind ticked with millions of guesses but one thing only made sense.

"We're here to find Allyria," she concluded.

"W-what? What are you saying?" Markolin asked.

"Ask Nikolai."

Markolin faced his older brother. The curiosity etched in his face. "What is she talking about? Is this the reason why you escaped the castle? For Allyria?"

Nikolai stood, "It's… I told you... I warned you not to come with me. I don't want the both of you to be bound in this."

"You should have informed mother and father about what you were planning," Markolin said.

"You know they will never let that happen," he gave an icy laugh. "Anyone of us could go missing and they won't care at all. I'm doing this because I'm her brother."

"But..."

"Do you really think she could do all that? She's part of the family. We've known her since we were kids. Allyria can't be capable of doing such things."

"Well..." Markolin hesitated to give a reply so he stayed silent. Vysela couldn't believe it. She loved her sister as much as they did but it was their mother and father who announced it. If it wasn't true, how could they do such thing to a daughter whom they once loved?

"If you want to go back, I'll take you to the castle tomorrow. I'm not forcing anyone of you to come with me," Nikolai said though the words sounded heavy from his mouth. 

Vysela heaved a deep sigh. "We trust you, Nikolai so if you think Allyria is innocent, we'll believe you."

Nikolai smiled flatly, "Thank you," and turned to Markolin, waiting for his reply.

"We'll help you find her. Allyria's our sister after all. Besides, she still owes me a wrestling match," he said and the other two laughed.

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Written and edited by ephemery.

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Allyria will hunt you down to the ends of Arde Terra and cast you out together with the Undying in the Islands of the Cursed. You've been warned.

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