Unexpected Kindness
AURELIA/ LEXI
I didn't mean to wander, but the hallways were like a maze. Every door looked the same, and I wasn't sure where it led, or worse, back to Kael.
I turned around a few times; I doubted Commander Kael had followed me again. He was always like that. He would appear out of nowhere. He was the one who would give me heartache because of the extreme nervousness, even though I didn't drink coffee.
I wondered if he could still sleep at night because I seemed to be the only one running through his mind.
I was stunned.
'Shit, does he like me?'
I shook my head. 'That can't be. Judging by his attitude, he's not in love. Maybe he hasn't even had a crush or first love.'
I laughed a little at the thought. 'They don't seem to have any romantic interest in each other. Their personalities are too different.'
I took a deep breath as I continued walking. I need to know the ins and outs, so that I can get out. I need to know where the path to my world is. I can't stay here long. I also have many questions that need answers. How did I end up in this world and enter the body of a ruthless princess? Is this punishment from the world above me?
In the winding corridor that was like a labyrinth, the torchlight flickered so black that it seemed to swallow the light, and I tightened my grip on my black silk shawl around my shoulders. I didn't trust the silence here.
Every rustle made me turn around; sometimes I flinched. I thought to myself that I had made a mistake in running away from my three servants. They were surely looking for me. But tonight was important. This was for my future.
"Where am I?" I whispered into the air.
I looked around. The shape of the posts was a bit strange; even the sigils were not like those in the hall and council chamber. No more hurried servants were passing by, thick and patched clothes, carrying baskets of strange and shining fruits. There weren't many guards patrolling either, only those standing by the doors, at every corner, and near the windows; there was a guard on guard.
I approached the window. The two guards immediately gave me space to have my own moment. My eyes widened when I saw two moons in the sky. One was a full moon, and the other was a crescent moon. How beautiful to watch. At the same time, there were flying creatures in the sky that gave the sky an even more mysterious aura. There was still a streak of red lightning in the sky, but it matched the presence of the moon.
I shook my head. I couldn't be surprised; what I needed was to get out of this place. I continued walking.
I turned a corner and almost tripped over a small, swift figure. I noticed a servant struggling to lift a heavy basket of strange produce from the underground—glowing fungi and blackening fruits. They dropped it; the pieces scattered and rolled across the floor.
I suddenly stepped forward, kneeling to help pick up the fallen items. I even heard the maid whisper, "Vraeth-ka."
I didn't know if she was cursing me, but she was careful. Important, not painful, because I didn't understand.
"Careful!" I said, reaching for one of the fruits that had scattered on the floor while kneeling.
She froze and stared at me in shock. "Princess…?" Her voice trembled.
I waved my hand. "No, no. I'm fine… I'm not hurt."
The maid hesitated, then handed me a bowl that hadn't spilled. "Thank you, miss."
She stroked my fingers, and I felt a strange warmth there seeping through her rough skin. I smiled. It was a brief moment of normality, the kind I hadn't felt since… well, since.
Kael quietly appeared behind me, arms crossed, watching. I could feel his gaze, but I didn't look up.
'I told you, he's here again. He's really following me.'
I forced myself to remain calm, standing and holding the tray. "Those aren't damaged, are they?" I called out softly, trying to sound casual.
The maid didn't answer; instead, she quickly looked away from me. Maybe it was because Kael was there. It seemed like they were really afraid of him, just like Princess Aurelia.
I shouldn't be doing this. If Kael saw me helping a lowly maid, he'd just think I was performing for him. But I couldn't let these poor things go to waste; some of these fruits could be poisonous if left to rot.
"Commander," I said softly, lowering my voice, "don't look like you're planning my death now."
His lips curled, not a smile. "Helping a servant is the work of a Highness," he said.
"Maybe not," I replied, tilting my head. "But there's nothing wrong with helping and being kind… even with horns."
"And what do you mean?"
"I don't mean anything, Commander."
His gaze softened slightly, though I could feel my cheeks heat up, because he was looking at me differently. Less suspicious, more… curious.
Finally, Kael spoke. His voice was low and controlled. Breaking the silence.
"You're… different than I thought."
I froze, my hands still clutching the basket. His tone wasn't sarcastic; it was curious.
I realized my defenses had dropped. I feel a strange weakness. I didn't mean for him to notice.
The maid bowed slightly as she whispered over her shoulder. "Grathen." Then she quickly left.
Kael took a step closer to me, leaning in casually, but with a hint of defiance in his stance. Our eyes locked for a moment. I didn't know if he was testing me or genuinely impressed.
I took a few steps back and tightened the black silk shawl around my shoulders.
"Kindness isn't weakness," he says.
I nodded silently. It was true, but watching him, I felt like… he understood in a way I hadn't expected.
My heart beat a little faster. It was crazy how a simple glance could make me think about everything again, especially the underworld.
I continued walking, while Kael followed. I didn't turn around. Not yet.
His presence no longer feels entirely threatening, although caution remains. I realize he's noticing more than I'd like.
I'll have to stay sharp, but maybe… not entirely closed off.
I straightened my back, squared my shoulders, and continued walking. When I returned to the upper halls, my boots made no sound on the polished stone. I tightened the knot of my shawl.
Let him think what he wanted. But for the first time, I wondered if perhaps… he was beginning to see the real me.