Potions

After Hebron's departure I cleaned my room. It was messy, very messy, and it matched just how chaotic I was feeling. 

He left his knife. A four inch blade with a bland black handle, nothing special about it, no interesting features. I held onto it, I spent god-knows-how-long sewing a cover from a leather piece I had. I altered it so it would fit my new possession perfectly, then I hid it in my safe. By now it was almost dawn, and I could not bring myself to sleep. 

I made my bed once again, cleaned my room twice too, making sure to collect every piece of the shattered glass. I aired my covers and dusted all surfaces. I rearranged my books by genre. Romance, thriller, Politics, and of course scientific research. It was quite the work convincing Nasir to let me bring this much, apparently researchers don't get to take whatever books they want on their trips, and we had to be searched like every other party joining us. 

I was not mad, after all no one knew I possessed any romance books. I did a great job of disguising them as  autobiographies of random geologists, from then I argued with a few officers who did not seem to be bothered by conversing with me, one of them was so brave that he asked:"Is it true that a poet wrote to you once, your highness?". The answer was yes, but he did not want just a yes, he wanted real drama, so I gave him fake real drama, and they gave me a pass. 

My books were kept neat, protected in layers of  leather and thin film. Their contents however? Not as much. I wrote on the margins, I wrote every possible thought that crossed my head. From plot-driven comments, to harsh criticism, to unrealistic what-ifs and complex theories, my books were very entertaining. Reina once said she reads them for the comments I write rather than the plot itself. 

I picked one at random, sat on the floor with the windows wide open, right where Hebron was standing, and I started reading. I read about forty pages before it was prayer time, so I prayed, ordered myself clean bath water and waited for my maid. 

A slender fair-skinned girl came into my room, a large basin in hand, followed by another one carrying stacks of towels. They immediately started preparing for my morning bath, and once all set waited aside to assist me, casting each other side glances. I knew what they were thinking, 'Why is she bathing after a few hours of sleep in the freezing winter?', and I know exactly what they might think the answer to that question is, and I'm comfortable with it. In fact, I plan to do this a few more times, preferably when Hebron is on the Lord's territory. I'm sure servants were not made aware of his sudden departure, so there will be no problem with the rumours they will spread. 

"Leave.I do not want your assistance. I'll call you when I'm finished." I dismissed the two, confirming their suspicions.

I took my sweet time bathing, I used all sorts of rose-scented oils and soaps, mixing them into the basin as if I were mixing a magical potion. I remembered playing like this when I were a kid, gathering all kinds of leaves, grape leaves especially, and mixing them with all sorts of liquids I find as if they could turn a brilliant colour and light up. 

When I got satisfied with the beautiful mess I made, I dried myself off and wore my undergarments. "Mary! Come in!" I yelled for my maid to enter, I still needed a hand to button up and fix my appearance. 

My maid dressed me up quickly, emphasising on how cold it was outside. I wore a thick cape over my dress, and as I passed Nasir's room I slipped him a note under his door. I knew he would be out training by now, and shall be back by the time I'm already gone. 

"Bridget!" I yelled from the window, looking down at the lady and her husband by the carriage. I ordered my knights to be present there early on, and there I found them, looking alert and ready for departure. When I finally approached them The Lord was gone, instead I saw Axel besides Bridget, his face clean-shaved and his hair tied in a tight ponytail. He was not dressed in armour or a knight-in-training attire, rather he was dazzlingly well-dressed, his appearance is that of a noble youngman. A white dress shirt in silver embroidery, a thick blue coat, matching his slacks. He smiled at me, eyes gentle and welcoming. "Your highness," he kissed my hand, "I am overjoyed to make your acquaintance." He let go of my hand reluctantly, and I struggled to contain my smile. Axel looked like an overgrown wolf-pup, one that requires  so much attention and a lot of petting and treats. 

"Viscount," I smiled warmly,"It is great to see you again. I trust that the duke's message has reached you." 

"Ah yes," he nodded," generously. I must thank you for such a gesture." 

"No, it was your lawful right. I do not stand injustice, especially toward my friends." 

"I am grateful, your highness." he winked. 

"Sure thing." I smiled again. "What were you up to?" I asked them. 

"I was just telling the Viscount about your genius invention." Bridget responded, her cheeks red, matching her nose and locks. The winter suited her so well. 

"Yes! It seems your brilliance is beyond my comprehension." Axel complimented me," How did you come up with such an idea?" he asked.

"It's a bit complicated, would you like to hear about it while we test it? I'm eager to get going." I told the two. 

"We're all set. We shall leave in a minute." Bridget answered me, and the three of us climbed onto the carriage.