Page 43 of Warrior Princess
“What are you doing here?” I asked, genuinely startled to see him so far from his solitary cave. “Is everything okay?”
He smirked and lifted a brow. “Shocked to see me out and about?”
“Well… if I’m being honest, then yes.” I exchanged a worried glance with Ronan, who seemed equally puzzled.
Shiro laughed. “I had some business in the market. When did you two return to the Grasslands?”
“Last night,” Ronan chimed in. “It was fairly late, or we would have gone to visit you.”
“From the look on your faces, things did not go as well as you planned,” Shiro intuited as he looked between us.
“Something like that.” I chuckled dryly, although I didn’t find much humor in our situation. “Let’s just say our midnight training sessions were invaluable.”
Ronan rolled his eyes. “Much to my reluctance.”
Shiro’s face lit up with curiosity. “Oh? Did someone unleash their new skills?”
I nodded enthusiastically. “It went well, but as you can tell, the scars are taking a long time to heal.” I showed him my wrists.
“What about there?” He pointed to his neck. “I see you’re still wearing a scarf.”
I subconsciously touched my skin. “Yeah, it’s still there.”
“Do not hide it. It is part of you now. Aryan does not deserve to linger in your thoughtsoron your skin,” Shiro said.
I peered over at Ronan, who let out a sly smirk at Shiro’s comments. “He’s right, Leila.” Ronan turned, reaching for my scarf and untying it. “Don’t be embarrassed or afraid.”
I let him remove the scarf. Though I was self-conscious about the bright red scar, I knew they were right. I couldn’t give this one thing too much power.
“It does not look so bad.” Shiro tilted his head to the side. “It’s fading, but there will be a line there for the rest of your life.”
I nodded. “I know.” I already felt like everyone’s eyes were locked on me.
“Relax, Leila!” Shiro laughed. “No one is paying attention to you.”
Ronan wrapped an arm around my shoulders and nestled me into the crook of his arm, dropping a kiss onto my cheek. “You’re beautiful, Leila.”
I smiled shyly. “Thank you.”
“Well, my job here is done.” Shiro stretched his arms. “It is time for me to return to my cave.”
“We’ll visit you soon.” Ronan gave him a knowing look. “We have much to discuss.”
Shiro nodded. “I will await your visit.” With a wave, he left and headed toward the mountains again.
As Shiro disappeared into the distance, Ronan and I turned our attention back to the market. The morning was vibrant with villagers bartering and the air filled with the scent of fresh bread and spices. It felt good to be back in the Grasslands amidst familiar sights and sounds, yet the weight of our recent discoveries hung heavily between us.
“Are you hungry?” Ronan pocketed the scarf, leaving me with no other option but to walk around with my neck bare. “We can get some fire berries, since it’s too early for sweets.”
I nodded nervously. “I’d like that.”
Ronan took my hand and led the way.
We approached a stall decked with an array of berries—deep reds, vibrant blues, and the glowing oranges of the fire berries that had caught Ronan's eye. The vendor, a stout woman with a wide smile, greeted us warmly. “Morning, Ronan! Back for your favorites, I see.”
Ronan grinned and nodded, picking up a handful of fire berries to examine them. “You know I can't resist these.” He turned to me. “They’re sweet with just a hint of spice. Perfect for a morning like this.”
I reached out, taking one and popping it into my mouth. The berry burst with flavor; a perfect blend of sweetness and a mild, fiery aftertaste that pleasantly tingled. “They're delicious!” I smiled and picked a few more to taste.
