Chapter 76 : What's making me sad?

Reli turned the brown stone in her hand over fascinated by the new found possibilities, " Sister Empress is quite clever, shame no one in here takes her seriously ". Cookie nodded, she'd taken the jars filled with cookies and chocolate drops.

She was shocked when Nectar gave her a yellow mana stone. They were indeed rare and she'd only seen a few in the barracks or on the dead bodies of their enemies and that was just to enhance their powers.

But to use it as a communication device had never been thought off. The one given to her had to at least been sitting in that mine for ninety years absorbing mana any way it could.

A lowly servant like her never thought she'd even own a decade old one but now she was pleasantly shocked owner of a nearly century old one, " That's their loss, the empress is simply not on the same wave length ".

Reli couldn't help but laugh as her palace came into view, " Do you think we should mess with my brothers a little "? Cookie smiled mischievously, shaking the jar of chocolate drops " Only if we can make them beg for some of these ".

Reli and Cookie laughed, already plotting against the poor brothers. It was almost sunset but these men weren't letting up. Arron was practicing his sword play while Nosa tried to win William at a game of chess.

Nosa saw her first and glanced at her, " This isn't what you were wearing when you left this morning ". Reli laughed, skipping over to his side and giving him a hug " My little brother's so worried about me, even memorising what I wear ". Nosa blushed slightly, trying to pull away " No I don't, someone just has to keep an eye on you ".

Reli didn't let up as she hugged him tighter, rubbing his green hair with her hands, " You're so sweet, admit it. You love me ". William laughed at the sight, " I'm guessing you had a good time at her majesty's ".

Reli nodded, letting go of Nosa and taking a seat next to him " Yeah, I can't wait to tell you all about it ". Arron joined them at the table bare chested " Not right now, we got a message saying the welcoming banquet will start soon ".

The two of them groaned, resting their heads on the table " How do you do it Reli? This is too much ". Reli laughed lightly, " You don't think it's just dress up anymore "? Nosa shook his head, " If only it was just dress up ".

William planted his chin on the table, " The etiquette, the fake smiles, the uncomfortable shoes. Everything ". Reli laughed, patting his back " Don't worry, you'll get used to it. I think I have something to lighten your mood ".

Cookie opened the jar, allowing the aroma to fill their noses. They perked up instantly and Cookie teasingly asked William, " If my Lords want some ". Reli wagged her finger, " You'll just have to go get ready ".

Nosa held her hand, " Of course Big Sis. Just let me have one ". Reli laughed, handing him one " For being such a good little brother ". Arron just watched " I didn't know you could cook now Reli ".

Reli shook her head, " I didn't make it, Sister Nectar did ". Nosa nearly choked on it, " When did the empress learn to cook? Is she even supposed to "? Reli laughed, " I dunno why you're still surprised. But I can eat them myself if you don't want ".

Nosa frowned, swallowing the cookie " Of course, I want some. It's an honour to eat what the empress has made ". They all laughed and ate a cookie before going inside to get ready for the banquet.

~ ~ ~

Kancor felt refreshed as soon as he left the boat. Then he realized he'd been a cranky pants all week. Though he could be mean to people when they deserved it, he preferred when they provoked him first so he could thoroughly deal with them.

He sighed as he picked one of the books on his bed and opened the door. Caitlin was on the other side and seemed like she was about to knock. She smiled wearily " I guess I should go see to how we get there ".

Kancor nodded and held her wrist, stopping her from leaving. She seemed surprised as she turned to face him, " Is something wrong Kancor "? He shoved a book with a green cover to her.

She seemed surprised as she ran her hands over the vines on the cover framing the JACK AND THE BEANSTALK written boldly on it " Don't misunderstand, I just want you to help me go through it "

Caitlin smiled and turned around, " I'll send it back as soon as I'm done ". Kancor wasn't sure why he did that, he just didn't feel as angry as he originally did back home [ Should be the fresh air ]

He helped Caitlin unto the carriage and stared out the window. He'd been doing a lot of staring out the windows for the past two months and he had an unexplainable urge to drink. And he also knew that meant he was sad or missing someone but he had no idea how or why he knew that.

" Are you listening Kancor "? Caitlin spoke softly, nudging his boot. He snapped at attention and nodded " Hmm "? Caitlin smiled gently, " Don't worry about Axis, he can be quite blunt so don't take offence ".

Kancor nodded slightly and slouched in his seat, " Alright, just tell your brother to leave me alone and I'll do the same ". Caitlin frowned slightly, " Could you please not talk about my brother in that tone ".

Kancor smirked, scratching his pointed ear [ When she wants to pick a fight ] " Alright, I think writing our thoughts down would save you the disrespect ". Caitlin held her dress tighter, " That isn't what I meant ". Kancor sighed, " Just write it down, we'll deal with it later ".