[MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: THE PONY OF DEVIL ~ SEOWL]
Almaria and Deonisia sat inside the tent they had already reserved before the walk began, sipping tea from their cups and laughing heartily.
"I didn’t know she’d fall for it that easily," Almaria said, reminiscing about how everything had unfolded.
Lady Deonisia had orchestrated what seemed like a casual walk but was, in reality, a setup to punish Kitanna. She ensured the walk would lead to the same woods where they had stationed men to attack Kitanna.
"Do you think Nix caught on?" Almaria inquired.
"Let’s watch until the end," Lady Deonisia replied with a smile.
During the stroll, she had deliberately caused a distraction for Nix, making him move ahead and leaving Kitanna alone. She had swapped Kitanna’s real dagger for a fake one while they were engrossed in their earlier conversation. Her mission was almost ruined when Kitanna’s horse suddenly stopped causing her to fall on the ground, but she had still managed to exchange the genuine dagger for the phony one.
"Why did you insist on keeping Nix away? I told you he’s not someone to worry about," Almaria mentioned casually.
"I said I’d decide on that. Enough about that mere guard. Let’s enjoy the show. By now, I’m sure the boar is running rampant," Lady Deonisia smirked, her eyes gleaming at the thought of Kitanna being devoured by a wild animal.
Deep inside the woods, far away from the camp where the princess was left all alone to fight for her life. Kitanna struggled with the wild boar. She grunted as she tried to keep the animal at bay, preventing it from sinking its teeth into her flesh. Her strength started to reduce, and she fell to the ground, her body covered in sand as she fought to keep the beast away. Stopping it from using her as a free meal.
The struggle was nearing it’s end, with Kitanna on the losing side because her strength was waning and her hands were now trembling due to weakness. Sweat streaked down her face, her midnight hair which was initially tied up was let lose, sprawled on ground.
"Get off me! You beast!" Kitanna yelled using her last willpower.
Ready to take her last breathe, she felt warm blood splash on her face, startled, she closed her eyes out of instinct to stop the blood from blinding her.
The boar she was holding back grunted in pain, the force at which it was using to attack her suddenly reduced.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself holding a lifeless boar. She pushed it away and quickly checked her body for injuries. It wasn’t her blood.
"Are you alright?" Nix asked, sheathing his sword and stepping forward.
Kitanna finally noticed the presence of Nix in front of her, she did not wait for him to come closer rather she rushed to stand in front of him. Her tiny hands hitting his chest frantically.
"Where were you? Where?? You always disappear when I need you to be there, and then you show up to ask if I’m alright. Who would be alright in this situation? Are really sure you’re on my side. I’m starting to think that you’re untrustworthy!" Kitanna wailed, still hitting his chest.
Nix gently held her hands with one of his. His touch soothing the panic had consumed Kitanna
"Calm down," he urged Kitanna.
Kitanna tried to relax, her heartbeat slowing, she composed herself and then let out an exasperated exhale.
"I’m fine now. Let go of me," she said, her voice softer.
Nix released her hands, and without further explanation, Kitanna continued with the game. As long as she had no scratches, she was determined to finish it.
Nix did not say anything, he just walked her behind. As they walked deeper into the woods their footsteps on the dry twigs and grasses made creaking sounds that was covered by the forest natural noises.
"Princess Kitanna, I think you should end the game now," Nix finally suggested from behind.
But Kitanna, stubborn as ever, kept walking, going even deeper into the woods.
"Kitanna, stop being stubborn; it’s a trap. You were never meant to win this game in the first place," Nix said, stopping in his tracks and his blue eyes watching her closely.
Kitanna halted abruptly, her eyes filled with rage and anger as she turned to face him.
"Tell me, Nix, can I trust you?" Kitanna asked, her voice slightly raised.
Nix’s expression remained unchanging and cold. "I don’t think my answer matters at this point. If you’ve already decided that I’m your enemy..."
Kitanna shook her head, she was not going to have his short replies as an answer in this one.
"I need to know, because you always disappear when I need you, and then appear when I’m almost drowned as if you’re acting as a knight in a show you already staged."
"I have lived all my life relying on my own instinct, I don’t have anyone who is on my side and your reason for staying beside me is not enough. You are someone who can switch for a better bidder, I need to know. Am I just a pawn in your game?" Kitanna asked looking directly into Nix eyes. Trying to find any atom of insincerity or change in his countenance.
Nix moved his head to the side, he noticed some movements from the side of his eyes. Without waiting to respond Kitanna’s agitation. He swiftly moved to where she was, his movement fast and calculated.
Nix moved Kitanna to a side, using his body to cover her.
"We need to leave now. You can send me away if you don’t trust me when we return to the palace," Nix said softly.
Kitanna closed her eyes briefly when she felt his words brush on her skin.
As they made their way back to the starting point, Nix’s eyes remained vigilant, scanning their surroundings. When they were almost within sight of Larel and Khelan, Nix released Kitanna’s hand.
Kitanna looked at him with a questioning expression.
"Go ahead," Nix said, his voice sounding breathy.
Kitanna rushed to where Larel and Khelan were waiting. She noticed a troubled look on Larel’s face.
"Princess Kitanna, welcome back," Lady Deonisia greeted her from behind.
Khelan stepped aside to reveal Almaria and Lady Deonisia.
"I came back unscathed, which means I won, too," Kitanna said, trying not to be intimidated.
"What’s that blood on your face?" Almaria asked.
"It’s boar blood. Khelan, you can come and confirm it. And I wonder who released a wild boar when we all agreed to exclude it from the game," Kitanna glared at the women.
"It’s a wild forest, Kitanna. Don’t jump to conclusions. We won’t prevent the animals from enjoying nature, will we?" Almaria replied, trying to stop the side of her lips which was pulling up.
Kitanna gritted her teeth, her chest puffing with anger and hate. Khelan approached and confirmed it was indeed just animal blood.
"Well, you came out unscathed. We can’t say the same about your partner," Lady Deonisia interjected.
Kitanna turned to see Nix, who was struggling to move away. His face contorted in pain. She then realized that he had used himself as a shield to stop the arrow meant for her.
The group rushed to where Nix lay, and Kitanna examined the part where the arrow had pierced his skin. It was turning black, and dark veins were spreading across his body.
"Poison!" Kitanna muttered.
"He’s been poisoned. We need to take him back to the palace now!" Kitanna yelled, her focus on Nix, mindless of everything else happening around her.
"Not so fast, princess. Why make a fuss over a mere guard? Or could it be that you’ve developed feelings for him?" Lady Deonisia taunted.
"Someone is dying; let’s stop this madness and get him the treatment he needs," Kitanna raged, trying to lift Nix. His blue eyes slowly closed, his expression calm and peaceful.