Chapter 2 - Slave and Master

“Huh? Slave?”

“Isn’t that why you helped me? You almost strangled me, by the way, instead of saving me.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. I just thought you’ll grab on if—wait. Hold on! You’re… you were a unicorn. And now, you’re a man. Is this real? Am I dreaming?”

Nyneve slapped her right cheek just to be sure. It shocked the man in front of her since her slap was a bit hard.

“Okay. Not dreaming then. So… unicorns are real.”

She laughed nervously. When she heard other people from town are about to pass by, she hurriedly grabbed his hand and run towards her house since no trees can hide them in plain sight. She did not think it through. She was more afraid to be found by those who knew her than to be with a total stranger. But once they arrived at her house she could only think of one thing to do.

“Sorry if I dragged you that way. I’m just not ready to face anyone yet. Let me bring you some dry clothes so you can change.”

“Are you a criminal?”

“Oh, no. I’m just—”

He grabbed the cover on her face and pulled it down. For the second time that day both of them are surprise with each other.

“What… why do you have…”

Nyneve instantly covered her scarred face again. The man seemed to regret asking about her scar and probably thought it was not his business anyway. Still, she explained briefly.

“It was from an accident. It happened a long time ago. I’ll just go get some clothes.”

She hurriedly went to her father’s room and opened his wooden chest where she organize his belongings. She suddenly remembered she was still mourning. But she shook her head and grab a shirt and a pants.

“Here. You can wear this for now.”

The man sniffed the clothes she was holding before he reluctantly grab them from her. When he removed his upper garment, Nyneve had no other choice but to turn her back.

“Uh… I’m Nyneve. May I ask your name?”

“Reis.”

“Race?”

“I said… Reis. R-E-I-S.”

“Oh… right. Reis,” Nyneve said while smiling awkwardly. Why was he being rude to me?

“So what do you want in exchange of helping me?”

“Nothing.”

There was an awkward silence as they stared at each other. Then he scoffed and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“Oh, please. Drop the act. What do you want? Eternal youth? So you can be the fairest of them all?”

“I’m not sure I understand… but if you mean you wanted to repay me for helping you then can I ask for your help?”

“Ha! I knew it!” he said while sounding so sure.

“Great. Let’s hurry so we can finish before noon.”

Eh? Reis could not believe what he heard. What does she mean we should be finished before noon?

Reis is not good with household chores.

Though he asked if he will be a slave, he never expected that he would do labor work for a human. They started gathering vegetables and fruits earlier, packed each set, and organize everything in her wooden wagon.

Was she going to ask me to deliver all these goods?

“Let’s go. We can reach the town early if we pull on both sides.”

Huh? Both of us?

He really thought she would ask him to turn into a unicorn again to pull the wagon for her. But they did end up pulling it from her home to the nearby town. Once there she asked him to carry a package they prepared earlier and have it delivered to the houses she was pointing at. Her instructions were simple. Knock twice as soon as he dropped the package in front of the door. Then they quickly leave as if she was afraid someone might see them.

“If I didn’t know what those packages are I’d really think you’re a wanted criminal.”

“I know we’re being sneaky. I’m just not yet ready to face anyone right now. But I need to keep working or else I could not afford to buy any meat this week.”

“So that’s what you wanted then? Money?”

“Everyone needs money. I mean… us humans. By the way, aren’t you hungry? Is there anything here that you wanted me to buy for you?”

Instead of answering her, Reis is already looking at the gathering crowd nearby. Everyone seemed excited as several horse parade with their rider.

“What’s that?”

“Oh, I think that’s the horse race prepared for the royal family whenever they visit our town.”

“And the prize?”

“I think a hundred gold coins.”

“Let’s join.”

“What?” Nyneve asked while suddenly looking at Reis.

“You said you wanted money. If we win. I’m free.”

“But it’s been ages since I’ve ridden a horse. And what do you mean you’ll be free?”

“What? You intend to keep me as long as you have used for me?”

“That’s not what I meant!” she answered while sounding offended. Reis has been cold and rude ever since earlier. He only follows her directions but he seemed unhappy about helping her.

“What do you mean then?” he challenged her.

“My point is, you’re free to go whenever you want. You are not my prisoner. I thought you just wanted to repay me earlier but it seems like I’m mistaken.”

She sounded frustrated. And she was trying to calm herself because feeling that way only meant one thing. She wanted his companionship. He was the first stranger who knew nothing about her and that offered comfort. He does not look at her with pity or asked about her past. But he was also making it clear that he wanted nothing to do with her.

A rider with a brown horse passed near them and Reis could not help but look at the two. The rider noticed them and shoo them away.

“Make way or else you’ll be stomp upon by Shawn.”

The horse seemed proud like its owner.

“Oh… the fastest one is here,” one of the crowd said and others cannot help but cheer.

Nyneve heard Reis scoffed while he murmured.

“The fastest, huh?”

The rider looked back for he heard his remarked.

“Are you challenging me?”

“Why not?” Reis answered while shrugging. He then held Nyneve and raised her arm. “This woman will definitely outrun your mare.”

The rider looked at them angrily.

“Shawn is not a mare. He is a stallion.”

“Oh. I barely noticed. Anyway, see you later.”