Eleven

Aaliyah and Zara walked towards Aaliyah's house, which was a small and rundown cottage on the outside of the town. Aaliyah felt nervous and embarrassed, knowing that Zara would judge her for her humble living conditions. She wished she could have avoided bringing Zara home, but Zara had insisted on accompanying her, saying that she had something important to tell her sister.

"Your house is really shabby," said Zara, as they reached the front door. She looked around with a disdainful expression, taking in the cracked walls, the broken windows, and the overgrown garden.

"I can't afford it," said Aaliyah, a little offended by Zara's comment. She felt a surge of anger and resentment, wondering why Zara had to be so rude and insensitive. She had never asked for Zara's help, or for hersfelf to be her bodyguard. She had been happy with her simple life, until Zara had turned it upside down.

"And then you had to follow me," said Aaliyah, a little annoyed. She glared at Zara, hoping that she would leave her alone. She didn't want to have anything to do with Zara, or with her royal family, or with her enemies. She just wanted to be free and safe. But she have no choice.

"I wouldn't want you to run off and get your things, because you're going to follow me," said Zara, crossing her arms and opening the door to Aaliyah's house. She pushed Aaliyah inside, as if she owned the place. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Aaliyah. You'll thank me later. Trust me"

Aaliyah felt a pang of fear and curiosity. She wondered what Zara had in mind, and what she wanted from her. 

They entered the house and saw Zoé, sitting on the couch. She was reading a book, unaware of their arrival. She looked up and saw Aaliyah, and smiled. She was about to greet her, when she noticed Zara behind her. She gasped and dropped the book, then knelt down on the floor.

"To what do I owe your presence here, Princess?" said Zoé, genuinely surprised to see Zara. She bowed her head, showing respect and fear. She knew who Zara was, and what she represented. She was one of the princess of Larcin, the most powerful and wealthy kingdom in the land. 

Zara walked towards Zoé and said, "Please stand up, I've come to tell you some good news." She smiled and helped Zoé up, then hugged her. She acted as if they were old friends, and not strangers. She said, "You see, I've taken a liking to your sister, Aaliyah. She's a remarkable person, and a talented archer. She's also a half-demon, which makes her even more special."

Zoé looked at Aaliyah, who nodded. She felt a mix of relief and worry. She was glad that Zara knew about Aaliyah's secret, and that she didn't seem to mind. She was also worried that Zara had ulterior motives, and that she would use Aaliyah for her own benefit. She wondered what Zara had in store for them, and what she meant by good news.

Zara continued, "I've decided to make Aaliyah my bodyguard, and to take her with me to the capital. She'll be my personal protector, and my companion. She'll have a better life, and a brighter future. And you, Zoé, you'll come with us too. I'd like you to move to the capital, and to be part of my household. You'll have a comfortable and safe home, and you'll be able to pursue your interests. You'll be happy, and you'll be with your sister. What do you say?"

Zara looked at Zoé and Aaliyah, expecting them to agree. She smiled and said, "Isn't this wonderful? Aren't you excited? Come on, say yes. You won't regret it."

As Zoé stood up, a mixture of confusion and surprise played across her features. She had been reading a book on the couch, enjoying a rare moment of peace and quiet, when Aaliyah and Zara barged into their house. Her gaze shifted between Zara and Aaliyah, trying to comprehend the unexpected turn of events.

"Move to the capital? But why?" Zoé's voice quivered with a blend of anticipation and uncertainty. She had never been to the capital, or to any other city for that matter. She had lived in this small and rundown cottage all her life, with Aaliyah as her only family and friend. 

Aaliyah watched the exchange, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. She hadn't anticipated Zara's sudden proposal or the implications it held for her and Zoé. She had thought that Zara was just a friendly and helpful stranger. She had not expected that Zara would reveal her secret, or that she would ask her to be her bodyguard. She had not expected that Zara would invite them to move to the capital, or that she would claim to be a princess. She had not expected that Zara would change her life, in such a drastic and irreversible way.

Zoé looked at Aaliyah, silently seeking guidance. She trusted Aaliyah more than anyone else in the world. She knew that Aaliyah always had her best interests at heart, and that she would never put her in harm's way. She also knew that Aaliyah was smart and brave, and that she could handle any situation. She wanted to know what Aaliyah thought of Zara's offer, and what she wanted to do. She met her sister's gaze, conveying a mixture of concern and contemplation.

Aaliyah felt Zoé's eyes on her, and sensed her unspoken questions. She wished she had the answers, but she didn't. She was as confused and conflicted as Zoé. The prospect of leaving their current life behind was daunting, yet the idea of a secure future and opportunities for Zoé compelled Aaliyah to consider Zara's offer seriously.

She wondered if Zara was sincere and trustworthy, or if she had ulterior motives and hidden agendas. She wondered if moving to the capital would be a blessing or a curse, for both of them.

"Zara, this is… unexpected," Aaliyah began cautiously. She tried to sound calm and polite, but she couldn't hide the hesitation and doubt in her voice. She wanted to ask Zara a lot of questions, but she didn't know where to start. She decided to focus on the most pressing ones. "But what about our current life? What about our safety?"

Zara nodded, understanding Aaliyah's concerns. She replied earnestly, "I understand your concerns, Aaliyah. But I can assure you that the palace is well-guarded, and I have the means to ensure your safety. Your current situation might not be ideal, and I can offer both of you a chance at a better life."

Zoé's eyes glimmered with a mix of hope and excitement. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Zara was offering them a way out of their misery, a way to a new and improved life. She was offering them a home, a family, a purpose. She was offering them a dream come true. She glanced at Aaliyah, silently conveying her unspoken thoughts and willingness to embrace this potential change.

Aaliyah saw the spark in Zoé's eyes, and felt a tug at her heart. She knew how much Zoé wanted to leave this place, to see the world, to learn new things, to have fun. She knew how much Zoé deserved to be happy, and to have a chance at a better life.

She wanted to give Zoé what she wanted, what she deserved. But she also wanted to protect Zoé, from any harm or danger. She wanted to make sure that Zara's offer was genuine, and not a trap. She wanted to make sure that they would not regret this decision, or pay a high price for it.

Aaliyah pondered for a moment, weighing the risks against the promised benefits. Her loyalty to her sister and the opportunity for stability tugged at her heartstrings. Despite the uncertainty, she found a sense of determination welling up within her. She decided to take a leap of faith, and to trust Zara.

She hoped that Zara would keep her word, and that she would not betray them. She said, "Alright, we'll come," her voice resolute. "But on one condition - Zoé's safety is my priority. If anything happens to her, I won't hesitate to leave, regardless of the consequences."

Zara nodded, acknowledging Aaliyah's concern. She respected Aaliyah's devotion to her sister, and she admired her courage and resolve. She also appreciated her willingness to accept her offer, and to follow her. She said, "Your sister's safety will be a priority. I give you my word." She smiled and hugged Aaliyah, then whispered in her ear, "But don't forget, Aaliyah. You're mine now. And if you ever try to leave me, or to cross me, I'll make you pay. I'll make you both pay. You don't want to mess with me, Aaliyah. I'm not as nice as I seem." She pulled back and winked at Aaliyah, then turned to Zoé and said, "Come on, you have to pack your thing wright"