After riding for almost an entire day, we decided to take a rest and continue the journey the next day. We rode into Dellmount town late in the night, past the poles where lanterns were hung to give light. I don't remember this place that much but I only have faint memories of it. I may have been here once, or twice. The first time was probably when I followed my mother. I was so young back then, but I believe something must have happened that made her not stay and instead, returned to Geovia to live with me. I never thought to ask Uncle Garett about it though, but he must have known the reason, because this town was where he lived.
I turn my head to the side to see the others looking tired and mostly hungry. Uncle Garett already promised we would have a good meal, but I wonder where or how we would afford that. We rode slowly into the town and the people that were still outside seem to be minding their own business or just simply ignoring our presence.
"Do you think we'll be sleeping in an inn tonight?" Zeke asked randomly.
"Who knows?" Ryan replied him. "I wonder if we'll ever sleep comfortably in tiny rooms like that."
Zeke sighed and said, "I wonder if we'll ever adjust to living in a place like this."
"Hey," Ravenna looked at both of them and said, "It's just a matter of time."
I turn my head back to the front and see Uncle Garett's figure riding. He hasn't said a word to us for a while now…
We all heard horses approaching from the front and we halted immediately after Uncle Garett stopped. I saw two men on horses blocking our way and Uncle Garett got down immediately before looking at us, signaling that we should do same.
"I received a message that strangers were in our town and since I was nearby, I decided to come check for myself," one of then said. "If I may ask, what brings you here?"
"The king of Geovia sent for us and since we are coming from a very far place, we decided to take a rest here and continue our journey the next day."
"I see. You must be special guests then."
The person speaking looks a bit young, at least not much older than the rest of us. At the same time, I see him move his eyes to look at me and I looked down immediately.
"Since it's too late, I'm afraid all the inns would have closed."
"We don't plan on sleeping in an inn. Also, the rest of them may be strangers here, but I am not. We are actually heading to Duke Whitlock's home."
"What business do you have with the duke of this town by this time of the night?"
"I am an old friend of his. Though he isn't aware of my coming, but—"
"Uncle Garett?"
I pull my brows, surprised, and I see the man jump down from the horse. He walked towards Uncle Garett and a smile formed on his lips.
"Wow, it has been so long. Don't you recognize me?"
Uncle Garett struggled to recognize the person who stood in front of him and the man quickly reminded him, "I am Theos. Theos Whitlock."
"Ah, Lord Theos. Forgive me for not recognizing you immediately. You've grown so much and I've been absent for so long," Uncle Garett said to him.
"I became a Viscount already."
"Oh, so much must have happened already. I believe you are doing a good work," Uncle Garett said.
Ravenna sneaked next to me and exclaimed in a whisper, "Wow, so he's the duke's son, and what? A viscount? But he looks so young. Uncle Garett really is no joke. But, doesn't that mean you also know the Viscount?"
"I didn't grow up here," I say to her and I look back at Uncle Garett and Theos talking.
We soon started moving again, heading to the duke's home and being accompanied by the duke's son, Theos, and his aide.
Once we got to the Whitlock's residence, we entered through an entrance that had guards positioned at either sides and we stopped. We got down on foot and the guards came to take the horses.
"They will be fed and allowed to rest. You'll get them back tomorrow," said Theos whose eyes briefly fell on me before he continued walking, leading the way.
We walked through a courtyard and there, at the front, a huge house stood tall and wide. Lanterns hung at every corner and as we headed towards it, I see Theos whisper something to his aide who gave a bow immediately and left.
A servant rushed outside and welcomed Theos before looking at us. "'I see you brought company," she said to him.
"Yes, Matilda. They are also friends of my father."
"Welcome," the woman greeted with a bow and we responded back.
"Please, set the table and treat them well."
"You have nothing to worry about, my Lord," the servant said and gave another bow.
Theos turned to us and said, "Please, go in with her. If you need anything, ask freely and you will be attended to." He then turned to Uncle Garett and said, "Let me take you to my father."
"Please, come with me," Matilda said and started to head towards the house.
I watched Uncle Garett walk with Theos until Ravenna pull me by the arm and we enter the house together. We walk through a long hallway until we finally entered through another door and I look around the place. The place is big and spacious. I hear Ryan exclaim and tap Zeke before they giggle. So much for talks about adjusting, I thought and shake my head.
We were led to a large round table and we settled in as other servants came and arranged food at the center. I lean a bit forward and look at the steam that went up from them. They looked freshly cooked and it made me wonder if they had been cooking before our arrival. But then, back in king's fort, I remember the servants always prepare food every time. There were always excess food that would eventually go to waste, but enough to feed every one living inside.
"Uncle Garett really kept his promise about treating us to a good meal," Ryan said with a big smile.
"Hey, has he ever gone back on his words, ever?" Kira said to him with a deadpan look and turn her eyes back to the front. "All you know is talk about everything that looks pleasing. That is why you are dumb and annoying."
"How dare you talk to me like that?" Ryan said with a pull of brows, sitting up as if ready for a fight.
"Just ignore her. She's never in a good mood," Zeke said.
"I was talking to both of you anyway," Kira said to Zeke who banged his fist on the table and the servants halted what they were doing, looking startled.
I knew from the start that it was a bad idea to bring them along. I wonder why Uncle Garett decided to bring everyone. They should have been the one staying back at Coldbourne instead of Killian.
Speaking of Coldbourne, I noticed the weather here seem to be rather different. Although it was strangely familiar, my body already adjusted to the cold over the years. Here, there is a fireplace to keep one warm, but its rather uncomfortable for me. I wonder if it's because I'm starting to get furious at Ryan and Zeke for going out of control.
Before my anger would soar, the head servant, Matilda, came and said to us, "Please, be quiet. Lord Theos will not be pleased to see you arguing this way or even talking over the foods. Also, we are just a wall apart from Duke Whitlock."
"What do you mean a wall apart?" Ravenna asked her.
"This house is Duke Whitlock's, but because Lord Theos will be getting married soon, he made a partition to give him privacy. Please eat in silence and we'll take you to your rooms to rest for the night."
*
It was past midnight and everyone already went to sleep. I've been awake for so long. No matter how hard I try to close my eyes and will that sleep would come, it just never did. I knew it was because of the many thoughts I was having in my head. Feeling frustrated already, I got up from the bed and went out of the room and down the corridor, walking silently so I wouldn't wake anyone. I finally got outside, in the open air and I dared to breathe a sigh. I found a stone to sit on and I look towards the direction where Uncle Garett went earlier. Another sigh escaped my lips and I heard someone suddenly say behind me;
"Can't sleep?"
Viscount Theos was standing back and realizing immediately, I stood up and lowered my head.
"No, it's fine. You don't have to be like that around me," he said and I raise my head. Just then, I realized it was starting to become a habit again.
But…why would he say that to me? He is the duke's son and also a viscount while I am just a girl from a place I was told not to call home. I'm basically from nowhere. Compared to him, I am just a lowly servant, easy to trample on and—
"Why are you out here? Are you finding it hard to sleep? It happens when you are suddenly in a new environment, but still, you should try to sleep a little."
"What about you?" I ask. He is suddenly being so chatty so I should also try and engage him, at least that was what I thought. "Why are you out here?"
"I can't fall asleep either," he says. "I have to meet some people tomorrow."
"Are you nervous?" I ask him. "Or is it because you think you are too young to dictate for them? Because that is how they see you?"
Theos pressed his lips together and smiled. It made me wonder if I said something that sounded funny to him.
"You are really her."
"Huh?" I ask with a little pull of brows.
"So, your name is Brienne, right?"
I blink in surprise and ask him, "How did you know that? Did Uncle Garett tell you?"
"No, I remembered only just now. We've met before, countless times."
I raise my brows a little and wondered if I've ever met him truly. "I'm sorry, I don't think I remember you."
"That's too bad then," he said, faking disappointment. "We met in Geovia. Back then, we would always sneak into the king's kitchen where the servants were all working and we would steal food. You never had any reason to steal back then though, because when I asked you, you said you didn't like to be treated as an outsider, that you hated how the guards and everyone looked down on you, so it was sort of a revenge."
"Oh…"
"Do you remember now?"
I blink back and answer him, "Ah, yes." It was the only thing I could say, though I didn't feel excited about it. That memory was one of those I thought I had forgotten, maybe because they were not really good ones. My anger towards the people living in the king's fort didn't just start in a day. I watched people look down on my mother and even talked bad about her. The Queen also embarrassed her publicly in front of other guests by throwing drink at her and telling her she doesn't belong anywhere in their kingdom. It was later that walking in the streets became unbearable. I was still a child back then so that was the only revenge I could think of, because I thought the Queen didn't want my mother to eat foods prepared by the royal servants. I didn't know it was a lot more than that.
"So, you were the duke's son, but why did you steal with me?"
"Well, that's because I was fascinated by you, and I had fun back then. I realized I could do so much more without regarding who I really was, that I could be just like every other kid and have a normal life."
You think I was living a normal life back then?
"Things changed a lot for me, but I'm happy to see you again. Also, you've made quite a number of friends."
"They are my family," I corrected.
"Oh," was the only thing he said with a nod. "I should head back now. I think I will finally be able to fall asleep."
"How did you know Uncle Garett?" I ask before he would move.
"He is my father's good friend. Back then, he was my father's aide, but something suddenly came up and he had to leave. It took a while before my father could replace him. I'm still wondering why you are here with him though. The two of us need some catching up to do, don't we?"
"Uh…I don't know," I say.
"If you are not returning too soon, you should visit sometime. Or you can just come with Uncle Garett whenever he is visiting. I will be expecting you."
"Ah yes," I gave a nod immediately and say, "And congratulations on your wedding. I heard from Matilda so I thought to wish you first since I may not be there to wish you that day."
I waited for his response but his expression changed immediately and I could swear I saw disappointment cross his face.
"Goodnight then," he said and started to walk away.
I knew right there that whatever it was, I must have crossed the line.