36 Lost Memento

They were already in the food stall when Allyria's eyes fastened on something she hasn't seen or touched for longer than she can remember. Whenever she left the castle, she would always bring it with her. It was a practical habit, but a comfort too. The blades were her companions. She liked knowing she was ready for whatever the day might bring.

But now, she was empty-handed. The rebels must have thrown it away when they tossed her inside the carriage.

"What is it?" Kaius asked, "Is there something wrong?"

Allyria's head jerked in frantic disagreement, "Nothing. Let's just go inside."

The food stall was a cacophony of loud chatter, each table a cosseted huddle of people raising their voices to be heard above the din. Cries of newborn and toddlers throwing tantrums mixed to the turmoil that was already happening. Over the countertop, people fell in line and gossips were traded like poker chips.

Despite workers being bathed in the sun during the morning, the place was a sundry smell of sweet and spicy aromas pouring from the kitchen.

"Find us a table, I'll take it from here," Kaius requested.

Allyria just nodded and scanned her eyes for an empty table.

She could barely get a glimpse of the surroundings as busy waitrons were pacing back and forth carrying a tray of orders, rushing like a hurricane to tame the teeming hunger of the customers. People kept swarming towards the inside for a taste of cheap and appetizing food.

So she walked around, strolling around the small food stall to find a table for two. Finally, her eyes landed on a table beside the window that looked detached from the place.

Allyria went towards it and sat as Kaius ordered food for them. She had nothing to do so she just stared at the passersby, listening to stories of the people, looking out of the window to see more walking around and purchasing things from humble shops.

She noticed a family of six entering the eatery, two girls holding their father and mother's hand and the other two boys running like contenders in a drag race, active as ever despite the hot and unpleasant atmosphere. A smile crept on the corners of her lips as she reminded them of her siblings.

Missing them was hard to bear. She couldn't help but wonder if they are even worried about her after being gone for a few days. For years, they stood by each other like four peas in a pod. This was the longest time that they've been separated. And the Queen and King, were they already sending a search party for her? The guests? The victims of the bombing? Is the castle handling the accident just fine? How was everyone doing?

"Here's your order, ma'am."

Allyria was brought back to reality as Kaius approached and placed the food in front of her.

Kaius raised a suspicious brow, "Deep thoughts?"

She nodded in reply.

"What were you thinking?"

"My family."

"Oh."

As soon as he was already seated comfortably, they started eating. It was a simple meal but already enough to fill her ravening stomach. Kaius seemed to be pleased staring at her as she gobbled the food.

Most of the time was found eating, considering they walked the Mitskapalazah from the forest for almost three kilometers since they didn't have the means for transportation. Carriages and carts were too expensive for their budget.

"This is actually good," Allyria said, raising her glass of muscadine.

"Believe it or not, I only bought all of this for 20."

"Really?"

Kaius bobbed his head.

"We should have these in every part of the country, then," Allyria suggested.

"I won't disagree to that."

And it was true. Not everyone can afford much. She realized that despite the hard work of people in lower castes, the wages were really minimal compared to the lords and nobles her family were acquainted of.

Being out there, she understood that there were still so many things to work on the country. She never knew it until now. Back then, she believed the life they had in the castle were also the same kind the others were living outside. But the truth is, it wasn't. They were blinded by the perfection of life that they became out of touch with reality.

And she didn't want to go back to that kind of person anymore.

"Let's drop by the woodworker's stall after this," Kaius said.

"Sure," Allyria said as she chomped on another piece of bread, "Silas would be glad about it."

"Yeah, we still have to–" Kaius paused, staring at her with curiosity on his eyes, "Allyria?"

She raised his head to meet his gaze, paying attention to what he was going to say, "What?"

"Were you wearing a pendant earlier?"

"Yes, I have it," she pulled the pendant from her neck but froze when the thought hit her, "It's gone."