Chapter 16: The Start of a Journey

•Palace Entrance•

Ovelia's POV

As we approached the palace entrance, I was immediately struck by the imposing guards stationed at either side. In the center stood an covered wagon, crafted from sturdy timber, its unpainted finish revealing a rustic charm. The spacious wagon bed promised comfort, resting on strong, iron-rimmed wooden wheels, perfectly designed to traverse rugged terrains. Two powerful horses—a dappled gray and a deep chestnut—poised beside each other, their harnesses elegantly adorned with intricate leather and metal buckles, embodying strength and grace.

"That's the wagon we'll use to really blend in as traveling merchants," Ray said with a teasing grin.

"Wow, it's my first time seeing a wagon like this!" I exclaimed, my excitement bubbling over.

Ace glanced at me, a warm smile spreading across his face. There was kindness in his expression that made my heart flutter.

"We can't waste any more time standing around. Let's get in the wagon," he urged, glancing back at me with an air of determination.

We followed Ace, with Ray and Ann taking the front seats, responsible for driving the horses.

As I stood beside Ace, he turned to me, a teasing challenge in his eyes. "That wagon's pretty high up. Think you can manage?"

"Yes!" I replied, though doubt flickered in my mind.

I attempted to climb onto the wagon, but my long skirt impeded my efforts, making it difficult to lift my legs. Frustration began to creep in as I struggled.

Seeing my dilemma, Ace inhaled deeply, then stepped behind me and effortlessly scooped me up. I gasped in surprise as he set me down gently on the wagon.

"If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask," he said softly, a hint of concern lacing his tone.

"Thank you," I replied, my cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. I watched him climb up next to me, feeling a warmth spread through me at his kindness.

Inside the wagon, I spotted bags, baskets filled with food, and two pigeons confined in a single cage.

"That pigeon is a carrier pigeon. They're well-trained; we use them to deliver messages by attaching letters to their legs," Ace explained, his voice proud.

"This is my first time seeing a carrier pigeon!" I exclaimed, my eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Ma'am Ovelia, I also packed some village outfits in the bag so you can change after your bath," Ann chimed in, her voice warm and thoughtful.

"Thank you, Ann," I replied, genuinely grateful. I was relieved she had brought additional clothes, as I had completely forgotten to prepare my own earlier.

"Ray, why haven't we left yet? Aren't we in a hurry?" Ace asked, impatience tinging his voice.

I turned to Ray, who was gazing up at the palace, lost in thought.

"Our father is on the palace terrace. Aren't you even going to look at him?" Ray questioned, a hint of concern in his voice.

Ace and I stepped closer to Ray, our eyes following his gaze. We could see King Raymond on the terrace, looking down at us with a warm smile. After a few moments, he turned away and walked inside.

"So that's his way of saying 'take care'?" Ace mused, a smirk flickering across his face.

I heard Ray stifle a laugh and noticed the guards standing at attention, saluting the King as he departed.

The horses began to stir, and the wagon moved alongside it. Ace and I sat down on the floor of the wagon.

"Wait!!" A woman shouted, suddenly blocking our way. The horse reared back, startled, causing the wagon to jolt violently. Two pigeons in their cage flapped their wings wildly.

In an instinctive move, Ace pulled me close, his left arm wrapping protectively around my waist while his right hand gently cupped my head, shielding me from a potential collision with the wagon wall.

Fortunately, Ray quickly calmed the horses, easing its panic.

"Eliana, what are you doing here?!!" Ray yelled, his tone a mix of anger and concern.

"Ovelia, are you okay?" Ace turned to me, his eyes softened with worry.

I nodded, offering him a reassuring smile. He relaxed a bit and moved closer to Ray.

"Ace, why didn't you tell me you were leaving?" Eliana demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of frustration and hurt.

"I'm sorry, I didn't have time—I was in a rush," Ace replied, guilt etched on his face.

As the wagon stood still, I stepped aside to fix our supplies, which had been scattered by the sudden motion. Thankfully, our food hadn't spilled.

"Take me with you!" Eliana's voice rose, desperation evident in her tone.

"I can't. We're on a mission, disguised to avoid being recognized by the bandits. We're not just travelers; we're from a royal family sent to capture them." Ace hesitated, then added, "Eliana, you're a princess of Cinderheart Kingdom. It's too dangerous. I'm really sorry, but we can't take you."

I leaned against the wagon, observing the tense exchange. My gaze met Ann's, who mirrored my concern.

"It will be okay," she whispered, a warm smile barely managing to push away the tension in the air. I smiled back, though doubts lingered in my heart.

"But you have Ovelia with you!" Eliana protested, her voice rising, laced with anger and fear.

"Eliana, we're in a hurry!" Ray responded sharply, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior.

Ace placed a firm hand on Ray's shoulder, breathing deeply as if to steady both himself and his brother.

"Eliana, I promise when we return, I'll come to Cinderheart Kingdom and spend time with you," Ace reassured her, his voice softened by sincerity.

"Sir Ace?!" Ann exclaimed in surprise.

At that moment, my heart ached, a sudden pang that left me breathless.

"Really? That's a promise. Take care, everyone," Eliana said cheerfully before stepping away from the horse.

"Is it really okay for you to make that promise to her?!" Ray exclaimed, his surprise laced with anger.

"I'm sorry, but that's the only way we can move forward," Ace replied firmly, urgency in his voice. "We can't waste any more time."

As the horse began to move, the wagon jolted forward.

Ace sat down beside me, his expression softening. "I'm sorry, Ovelia. That was the only idea I could think of to get us out."

"It's okay, I understand," I said, forcing a smile despite the anxious flutter in my chest.

He turned to face me suddenly, and before I could react, he kissed me. I gasped in surprise, my heart racing.

"Don't say it's okay if you don't really mean it," he murmured softly, concern in his eyes.

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I looked away, flustered and unsure of what to say.

I glanced around, trying to regain my composure. Life flowed on normally in the kingdom, with shops bustling and people conversing.

Once we left the kingdom's borders, I was captivated by the scene before me—a sprawling green plain scattered with grazing sheep. It was my first time seeing this beauty in the morning light; my previous visit had been shrouded in night.

"From the look on your face, I can tell you've never seen this before," Ace commented, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I've read about it in books, but seeing it in person is entirely different! The breeze feels wonderful here," I replied, joy bubbling within me.

"Lucky I brought you along. Is everyone hungry?" Ace asked, glancing at me.

I realized I hadn't eaten breakfast, but surprisingly, hunger was the last thing on my mind. Ray and Ann echoed my feelings, shaking their heads with a smile.

Ace unfolded the map and laid it down with a sense of urgency.

"We can't reach Thunoa Village in one day," he announced, pointing at the chart. "So we need to get to Meadowlark to rest for the night. Our goal is to arrive there before dark." His voice held a mixture of determination and concern.

We all nodded in agreement, the weight of our mission settling over us like a heavy cloak.

"Seven days until the festival," Ray said, his brow furrowed. "Before that, we must catch the bandits and return to Silverhowl Kingdom." The seriousness of his tone made me wish to ask about the festival's significance. Curiosity gnawed at me, but hesitation silenced my questions.

"I hope we won't have trouble locating the werewolf bandits' lair," Ace added, his gaze drifting towards the dense trees surrounding us.

Suddenly, I felt Ann's eyes upon me. "Ma'am Ovelia, are you okay? Do you feel comfortable?" Her concern was palpable, a warm contrast to the cool breeze.

"Yes, Ann, I'm fine," I replied, forcing a reassuring smile. Her returning smile eased my nerves slightly.

"Sir Ray, if you want to take a break, I can drive the wagon," Ann offered, her voice brightening.

"No, it's okay, Ann. I rested a bit while waiting for you all," Ray replied, his tone steady yet friendly.

As we ventured deeper into the forest, the leaves rustled like whispering secrets around us.

"Ovelia, if you want to take a nap, feel free to lean on my shoulder," Ace suggested, a soft smile gracing his lips.

"Thank you, that sounds nice," I said, feeling a wave of warmth.

Just then, a strong gust of wind swept through, carrying a warning. "Be careful, enemies are near!"

"Wind?!" I gasped, startled.

"That voice—it's the one that helped us find you in the forest. We saved you from the werewolves because of it! Wind is its name; it's who you wanted to speak to earlier," Ace explained, his eyes wide with realization.

"That's just his nickname," I clarified, feeling the atmosphere tense.

Then, a sudden movement rustled the underbrush. Ray halted the horses, instinctively Ace gripping his sword, ready for action.

"Ma'am Ovelia," Ann said firmly

My heart raced. We had only just started our journey, yet danger loomed ominously ahead.