Swords & Secrets || BeckFreen [Completed]

Chapter 9

On that night, Freen returned without a scratch, and she brought back a bunch of fruits for Becca. They both filled their stomachs and lay down on the cold wooden floor, staring at the hut's ceiling. But Becca couldn't sleep. She wondered why Freen came back when it was her chance to escape. It was a surprise that she returned right when Becca was hungry. She never expected all of this to happen.

Becca turned to look at Freen's peaceful sleeping face again. It had become a nightly habit for her to watch Freen sleep beside her. She didn't know why it calmed her every time she saw Freen next to her. Maybe it was because Freen saved her from those arrows, or maybe it was because she was the only one who let Freen know about her family.

Even though Becca knew she shouldn't fully trust Freen, she wanted to. She wished she could let her guard down and let Freen protect her. But the doubt lingered – what if Freen planned all of this? What if she knew about everything beforehand?

"You're always watching me sleep. Can't sleep?" Freen asked.

Becca nodded slowly, keeping her eyes on Freen. "Why? Can you do something about it?"

"Come here," Freen said, letting Becca use her arms as a pillow. "I know you can't sleep because you're scared someone might hurt you. I told you, Lady Becca, I'm here so you don't have to worry at all." Freen patted Becca's head and closed her eyes as they hugged.

Becca should have refused, but being in Freen's arms felt safe. She thought about moving a bit, but she couldn't. Freen's warmth was all she wanted at that moment, and she wouldn't let her pride take that away. Becca wrapped her arms around Freen and closed her eyes, hoping for a good night's sleep, at least for tonight.

***

"We're here." Becca got off Scallop and looked at Freen, who had her sedge hat on again. "Aren't you coming in?"

"No, I'll wait for you here." Freen lowered her head for a moment.

Becca furrowed her brows. Freen never showed this much respect before. Usually, she looked at Becca with confidence and even playfully flicked her forehead. But now, Freen behaved differently, almost too polite.

"Alright. Stay here and let me know if something seems off." Becca instructed.

Freen just nodded and stood outside the house, keeping watch. She was the lookout while Becca talked to the former maid inside.

"You must be Lady Becca," Nam said, bowing gently. "What brings you to my humble home?"

"I apologize for dropping by unannounced. I hope it's not a bother. I have some questions for you," Becca explained, looking around the neat house.

Becca took a seat, glancing at the simplicity of the place. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but why do you still live in this small house? You were the maid to many princesses; you could afford a grander place."

Nam replied honestly, "I prefer staying in my father's house until I decide to get married. I want to save the money I earned for my future child."

"Sorry for assuming," Becca said, smiling slightly. "I heard you left the princesses even though they wanted you to stay. Was that your choice?"

"Yes, Lady Becca. I served as a maid and a tutor. It was my duty to move from one princess to another," Nam explained. "How can I help you, Lady Becca? What do you want to know?"

Becca cleared her throat and met Nam's eyes. "I want to know about the Princess of Seraphoria. As her tutor and maid, did you notice any habits or mannerisms?"

Nam, unable to describe the princess's face due to the constant mask, shared a unique trait. "She always wore a mask but was cheerful, teasing with a soft voice and long black hair. She mentioned she wants to go to Valeria, a kingdom rich in minerals and gems, wanting to craft a bracelet for her parents. And one more thing, the Princess she's good at catching arrows."

Armed with new information, Becca thought about their next move. But before heading to Valeria, they needed to pass through Celestria, a dangerous journey with a potential threat against Becca. She had to inform the king.

"Thank you, Nam. Your help means a lot. Once we find the princess, I'll make sure the king knows about your contribution." Becca stood up, and Nam followed suit.

"It was an honor to have the renowned knight in my home. You don't need to mention me to the king; I just answered your questions," Nam said, bowing her head.

"I'll be on my way," Becca said, turning to leave.

Outside, Freen was holding a bunch of flowers. She handed them to Becca with a chuckle.

"I found these flowers nearby. Sorry for leaving my post, but I thought they might help you feel less tired during our journey. Just smell them, and you won't feel weary." Freen's eyes smiled before returning to where they left Scallop.