Velt opened his eyes. The carriage was still moving with a steady sway. Beside him, Rosa slept peacefully, her breathing calm and her eyes closed. Carefully, he shifted just enough so she could continue resting comfortably, then leaned toward the window and looked outside. The sun was already beginning to sink below the horizon.

  —I slept all day… —he murmured drowsily.

  When he turned his head, he noticed the driver: an elderly man with a serene expression.

  —Good evening —Velt greeted.

  —Good evening, sir. I hope you rested well —the old man replied.

  —Yes, I slept great. Sorry for leaving you alone.

  —Not at all. I’m used to it. Besides, I have the horses —he said with a light chuckle.

  Velt looked at the animals and frowned.

  —They don’t seem very lively…

  —They’ve been pulling the carriage all day. They’re tired —the old man explained.

  —You didn’t let them rest? —Velt asked.

  The man hesitated briefly.

  —I thought you’d want to arrive as soon as possible…

  —Stop wherever there’s water and let them rest —Velt ordered firmly.

  —Are you sure? Night will fall soon.

  —Yes. It’ll do us good to stretch our legs too.

  The old man obeyed and stopped the carriage beside a lake. The horses approached the water as he carefully unhitched them.

  Velt stepped down and began stretching. Shortly after, Rosa opened her eyes.

  —What happened? Are we there already? —she asked, stepping out of the carriage.

  —No. But the horses needed a break.

  —I see…

  However, she began rummaging inside the carriage.

  —What are you doing? —Velt asked.

  Rosa emerged holding a food container.

  —Since the trip will take two days, I figured we’d get hungry along the way. I prepared a few things.

  —Thank you. That’s very thoughtful —he replied with a sincere smile.

  She blushed slightly before sitting down and gesturing for him to join her.

  Velt sat beside her. Rosa took out a piece of meat and held it toward him.

  —Say “ah.”

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  —You don’t have to force yourself —Velt said.

  —I want to practice… unless you don’t want to.

  Without another word, he opened his mouth. Rosa quickly fed him the bite.

  —Well…? —she asked expectantly.

  —It’s delicious. A bit spicy, but delicious.

  —I think I overdid it with the pepper…

  —No, it’s perfect —he reassured her.

  She smiled and offered him more, which he gladly accepted.

  —How lovely… You remind me of my wife and me when we were young —the old man said, suddenly appearing.

  —Don’t sneak up on us like that! —Velt exclaimed, startled.

  —My apologies, that wasn’t my intention —he said, gesturing toward the horses. —They’re ready.

  —Already?

  —They’re my finest pair. They don’t need much rest.

  —Then let’s continue.

  They climbed back into the carriage and resumed their journey. Inside, the scenery drifted slowly past the window. Rosa rested her head on Velt’s shoulder.

  —Rosa, may I ask you something?

  —Of course.

  —Why do you think your friend didn’t do anything when Sarah cut the trade ties?

  Rosa remained silent for a few seconds.

  —She and Sarah always hated each other. When I stepped away from politics and Sarah took control, I suppose she saw no reason to spend energy restoring something she hadn’t started.

  —Do you think she’ll want to resume them now?

  —Yes. I’m sure of it.

  Velt nodded and gently stroked her head.

  After a long journey, they finally arrived. Velt stepped down first and extended his hand.

  —Thank you very much —Rosa said as she descended.

  —My pleasure.

  They both looked at the city before them.

  —So this is Felch…

  —Yes.

  Two guards approached.

  —Excuse us, the city is not receiving visitors —one announced.

  Velt was about to respond, but Rosa interrupted him.

  —Tell Princess Sasha that “Green” has come to visit her.

  The guards exchanged glances, and one went to deliver the message.

  —“Green”? —Velt asked.

  —I-it’s a silly nickname she gave me when we were children —Rosa replied, uncomfortable.

  Velt covered his mouth to hold back a laugh, but Rosa gave him a gentle punch on the arm.

  Minutes later, the guard returned.

  —The princess will see you.

  They entered under escort. The city was full of life: children playing, merchants smiling, couples walking hand in hand.

  —It’s livelier than ours —Velt murmured.

  —Sasha has always loved her people. It’s only natural.

  —So… —he pressed— why “Green”?

  —I told you, it’s not important.

  —I get the feeling you don’t want to explain.

  Rosa didn’t answer.

  —Alright, I’ll ask Sasha.

  She gave him another small hit.

  —Don’t you dare.

  —Okay, okay —he laughed, stroking her hair. —I won’t say a word.

  —Sometimes you’re such an idiot… —Rosa muttered, blushing.

  They finally reached the main hall of the castle. A young woman with gray hair, a crown upon her head and a sword at her waist, was studying a map.

  —Hello, Sasha —Rosa greeted.

  The young woman immediately turned and ran toward her, hugging her tightly.

  —Look who finally decided to show up! —she exclaimed with a laugh.

  —S-Sasha… I’m happy to see you too… —Rosa replied, barely able to breathe.

  —I missed you so much.

  —Could you let go of me?

  Sasha released her, smiling.

  —You haven’t changed at all.

  Then her gaze settled on Velt.

  —And who’s the handsome adventurer?

  —He’s Velt… my boyfriend —Rosa said.

  —Why do you say it like that? —Velt muttered.

  —Your boyfriend…? —Sasha repeated quietly. —So in the end, you rejected me.

  —I already told you I wasn’t interested in that kind of relationship between us —Rosa clarified.

  —Hold on, what exactly is going on here? —Velt asked.

  Sasha grabbed him by the shoulders and began shaking him.

  —Why?! I proposed to her first and she turned me down! Is it because you’re handsome? What kind of powers do you have?

  —Proposed? Turned down? Don’t tell me you…? —Velt stammered.

  —Yes. I like women. Do you have a problem with that? —Sasha challenged him. —Are you one of those who says it’s the devil’s work or some nonsense like that?

  —That’s enough, you’re going to make him dizzy —Rosa intervened, pulling them apart.

  —I don’t have any problem with your orientation —Velt clarified, straightening himself. —Just… don’t shake me like that.

  —Sorry. I thought you’d say something offensive.

  —As long as you’re happy, it doesn’t matter to me.

  —I knew this would happen… —Rosa muttered.

  Sasha looked back at her friend.

  —Alright, what brings you here?

  —I wanted to talk to you about a few matters… if you’re not busy.

  —I’d love to chat, but right now I’m dealing with some pests.

  —Pests?

  —Basilisks. Nothing serious. They built a nest in the mines —Sasha replied, downplaying it.