Someone to rely on

After Teiran’s declaration I couldn’t complain. I felt terrible. After crying my eyes out, we left the palace and went outside to where the knights were awaiting us, so we could prepare for the departure to the Vermonde Dukedom. However some things never change.

“Dalton!”

“Lady Sherya, are you alright? Why did you say something like that to his majesty?”

“Forget about that, you have to save me!”

“Again? Is it what I think it is?”

“Dalton, I am definitely not capable of riding with Teiran! If I do, I will die!”

“You won’t die my lady!”

“Dalton, please I am begging you, you have to let me ride with you. Even if this whole engagement thing is just a formality to stop everyone from questioning why I am staying at the Vermonde, I can’t talk with Teiran right now. Not after crying like a little child and leaving tear stains all over his clothes. I can’t look him in the eyes. I am embarrassed. Embarrassed! Save me Dalton!” I screamed at him in panic, shaking him forward and backwards.

I did steal a glance at Teiran though. He didn’t seem to have heard anything I said but he did stare at us questioning what we were talking about. Feeling flustered I desperately looked back at Dalton.

“Dalton!”

“You are not really having a hard time spilling the truth when you are talking with me though?"

“That’s because you feel comfortable to be around. Like a big willow tree close to the sea or like an uncle that’s right. You are reliable like an uncle would be!”

“Are you calling me old now, my lady?”

“No, it’s a compliment! I mean out of everyone here right now, I can only rely on you master! Saviour!, Hero!, Greatest Swordsmen of the empi-”

“All right, all right, stop complimenting me I get it. Sure you can ride with me. But I think Teiran, that boy will probably not be that happy about it.”

“Let’s just tell him I am feeling nauseous! Or that your horse is the most comfortable to ride for a long time. You can do it Dalton. I believe in you! You are the only one whose opinion he can’t refuse!”

“Fine, wait a second here.”

After a few minutes Dalton came back and gave me a thumbs up and I gave him a high five. Teiran didn’t seem to be bothered but rather understanding. When we prepared to depart for Vermonde he even helped me up to get on the horse. Which made my cheeks burn up again. As if it wasn’t enough before, I feel even more conscious around him now. I am screwed!

“Seriously I don’t get him.”

“You mean the Captain?”

“Gosh Luca where did you come from, weren’t you at the front? You scared me!”

“Hehe Sorry my lady I asked for permission to get back in the line, so I could talk to you.”

“To me?”

“Well, I…”

“Luca probably was worried about you. Actually we all were Lady Sherya.” Dalton stated.

“Dalton… It’s because of the words I said back at the palace right? I am sorry for worrying you all.”

“No, my lady, don't apologize, we didn't want to make you feel sorry, it’s just I hope you can rely on us more. I know we haven't known each other for a long time, however on the battlefield there is a saying. Once you fight back to back in the eye of death you will be comrades for life, so for us it means ever since we went through that ambush together you are not just a stranger. You are our family. Even before the first time we met I could see how much of a sincere person you are” Luca explained.

“Luca.”

“Also my lady I do have to tell you how thrilled I am that you are Captain’s fiance now. We have to celebrate this!” Luca cheered enthusiastically.

“Just on papers! On papers! We will for sure go separate ways after we clear the case and prove my innocence!”

“Don’t worry my lady! I will make sure that he is glued to your side and never leaves you!” Luca declared.

“Luca, what are you even talking about!” I panicked.

“It will be my honor to assist you in making him fall for you, so shall we start the operation, wait what should we call it hm… Come and fall for me? No, that's too cliche. Ah I got it Hit and pull that’s right, let’s start operation hit and pull” Luca stated.

“That rather sounds like an assasination attempt though!”

“Does it? I like it though” Dalton added.

“Dalton not you too!” I could understand Luca’s playfulness but Dalton, since when are you like this!

“I knew I could count on you master!” Luca cheered.

“Seriously you two, that's a rather crazy idea. Thank you, you both! You wanted to make me laugh right?”

“My lady, from now on I hope you can share the burden that you carry with us. We will be here for you and we will make sure to prove your innocence as well.” Luca smiled brightly. His honey colored hair and eyes sparkled in the warm sunlight.

“Lady Sherya, you know in the duchy there will be a lot of people awaiting your arrival. You don’t have to be afraid of what will happen, especially since I know a crazy and obsessed woman who loves to make potions and has a weakness for cute people would instantly fall for you!” Dalton said.

“You mean your wife right, master?”Luca questioned.

“Ah, Lady Carina, you talked about her before.”

“Right, but my lady let me warn you. There is one thing you have to keep in mind.” Dalton said.

“What is it?”

“It’s…”

“It’s ?”

“Well you see, the moment you see her she will jump at you.” Dalton declared.

“Why would she jump at me?” I wondered.

“Well let’s just say it’s her way of greeting. She might also strangle you.”

“Strangle?!” Is she trying to take me down for riding the horse with you! I started to feel nervous.

“Well it’s her way of hugging you, so it might seem awkward for you at first but I hope you know it’s just the way she is. She is the sweetest person I know, even though she might seem crazy at times when she creates her potions. I hope you won’t think negatively of her.”

Dalton smiled gently. I see so that’s what it was about. You could clearly tell that Dalton loved her wholeheartedly and dearly. Also if Dalton is the one telling all of this, then Carina would be a really beautiful type of person right? At the thought of that I smiled too.

“I am already excited to get to know her!” I exclaimed.

“I am glad to hear that young lady!” Dalton gave an even brighter smile now.

“But if we talk about kindness we also have Mirabelle”, Luca added.

“That’s Teiran’s sister right? ”I asked.

“Yes, she is a really sweet and bubbly young lady. She will probably greet us with a bright smile the moment we arrive.”

“I would be glad to meet her then too!”

I was so excited that I forgot about the most important thing grandma taught me. Don’t let your guard down, especially in new places. At that moment I didn't know that this lesson would be painfully engraved into my heart.