Knowing Her

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CHAPTER 11

Arriving at her usual garden, Pearl and Zale took a seat on one of the rocks, continuing their conversation.

For the most part, he tried to gear the conversation towards knowing her and just gave a few stories about himself.

"By the way, how is your trade coming along?"

She had kept silent about it since, so as not to pry but seeing as he took interest in her, she decided to take the discussion elsewhere.

"My trade, hmm, what can I say? It wasn't as I expected it to be."

'Still haven't found what you are looking to buy?"

"Huh, I did not say I want to buy anything, to be honest."

"You didn't need to tell me before I knew. As a trader, if you did not have a market ready found for your wares you would not have planned to stay a few days and you wouldn't even be here. That's a clear waste of time."

"Nope."

"Why do you think so?" Raven questioned.

"I think I should be the one asking you that," Zale replied as he bent forward and picked up a small stick on the ground.

"I believe you are more of a buyer. Besides, I do not see any wares with you and the way you came, there was no way you would have hidden it."

"Hmm, for someone who is more to herself, you are sensitive and witty I must say."

"So, I am right?"

"Yes. But technically you can also be wrong. I can come to trade information in order to get information."

"Wouldn't that make you a spy or something?"

"No. Just here for personal matters. You can rest assured. I am no spy. I have no interest in your kingdom, to be honest."

She narrowed her suspicious gaze at him, checking with her instincts first before answering.

Zale let out a small laugh at the way she scrunched her face while figuring out her thoughts.

When she felt she had a good answer, Pearl nodded. "Hmm. Okay, what have you gained from staying at the inn so far?"

"Nothing."

Her furrowed brows raised up in shock. Heck, how could he have said the one place always bubbling with news and gossip he found nothing?

What was he searching for anyway? A God or what?

"Nothing?"

"Yes."

"How? Why? How in the world is that possible?"

"Very possible if you ask me."

"Explain."

"He gave me possible links to people whom he knew in the black market but none of them could help me get what I needed," Zale explained.

"Hmm. And what of the customers?"

"Nah. Instead, all I get is, come and dine or sit with the men drinking and hear their tales."

Pearl smiled calmly. She could see he was totally not a drinking type and was sure such a place would irritate him. However, she got what the innkeeper meant wrongly.

"No, Zale. You misunderstand him."

"No."

"Yes. One or two men should have drunk and become loudmouths. They do that outside sometimes. And yes, it gets them in trouble. Not only dead men tell tales but even drunk men," she giggled softly, earning a fraction of a smile from Zale.

Just listening to the sweet sounds of her giggling, Zale could feel his heart suddenly calm down.

Whenever he was with her, everything felt serene, pure, good and void of pain.

Earlier on he was a bit restless with his mother's death. As much as he would wish for no one to be near him, he could not take her out of the equation.

Yes, considering she was this calm, brave and sensible, a quality he admired in ladies, particularly his mother.

"I see. Anyways, I will keep searching," he informed. "And who knows, one day I may just have to sit down and listen."

"Yes. You can do it, they are not all that bad, hahaha."

"Aye. Thank you, once more. You keep helping me and even reasoning things out."

'Well, I do my best."

They both exchanged pleasant smiles at each other before looking away.

Sensing how awkward things were now that they stopped talking, Zale glanced around, checking for something, anything at all.

Her brows drew together and she tried to follow his line of sight. In the end, she found nothing and returned her attention to him.

"What? What bothers you? Did you hear someone?"

Xavier held up his palm and took one more look but seeing as everything remained the same as the first day, he arched a brow questioning her silently.

"What?"

"Why do you always come here, alone? Do you have something you do other than learning your powers?" Zale inquired.

"Shhh!" she placed a finger on his lips, subsequently drawing close to him while taking a quick look around.

"Don't mention that again, Zale. Not out loud."

He tried to speak but she pressed her hand firmly over his lips. Pursing them together, Zale rolled his eyes at her.

At first, Pearl failed to understand what he meant until she realized she had prevented him from speaking.

His smile broadened including his dimple, as he watched her frightened expression, plus their closeness.

Ever since he knew her, this was the first time he got a close view of her face and all of his special features.

Her perfect crystal-blue eyes, small pointed nose, lovely not too full brows and sweet rosy pink lips.

And the way she moved her brows, knitting them when she was worried and unsure of what to do, further left him wondering what went on in her mind.

For the next few seconds, he admired her face properly until she got nervous enough and pulled away.

Her cheeks heated up from having him stare at her so intensely.

Averting her eyes from him, she took her eyes elsewhere but stopped speaking.

"It is just two of us."

She snapped her head to face him again. "Yes, and that was how I thought it was just me until I found out you were watching. Please."

"Fine. I understand. Now tell me, what are you doing here?"

"I have a friend, a best friend actually. We meet here always to escape from reality and just be happy hahhaa. Honestly, she is the only friend I have got."

"So, you meet daily?"

"No. Four or three times a week," Pearl explained.

"Ah, I see. That is nice."

"Yes. Sadly, like today, she did not come the last time. I wonder if something is wrong."

Her eyes softened as she lowered her head. The thought of something being wrong with Scarlet frightened her but she did not wish to tell it out loud.

"Do not overthink. I am sure she had her reasons."

"Okay."

"So, what do you plan on doing now?" She opened her mouth to respond but before she got the chance to, he continued. "Do not tell me you wish to sit here doing nothing."

"No. but you do not have to worry about keeping me company. You can leave if you have other things to attend to."

"Tsk, silly girl," Zale said and pinched the bridge of her nose. "If I was going to run away, I wouldn't have come here. Do not worry, I will accompany you for as long as you want."

"Are you doing this to repay me?"

"Technically no, but It's the little I could do for your help."

"Naughty."

"Huh?"

"Nothing," she lied and stood up. "While we're at it, why not teach me how to use a sword? That's if you know how to," she teased.

"You've got yourself a deal."

While they got ready for their mini-lessons, Pearl and Zale were not aware of the presence lurking behind the bushes watching them since.

Gritting her teeth, the red-haired girl watched with narrowed eyes as the pair searched for a suitable stick to use for a weapon.

Her brows furrowed deeply, her hands clenching hard into fists as she watched on, her breathing quickening by the second.

"Tsk, how easily you replace me, Pearl. Did you even care to wait for me? Nor did you miss my presence," she muttered, hissing bitterly as she let her rage crowd her reasoning.

"And to think I sneaked out irrespective of my punishment. Fine. Have it your way. Enjoy your day, Pearl."

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