Red Strings

Sixth Twine : The Danger

"We're over here!"

Another rustling noise could be heard and soon after that both Liz and Leo could see seven figures approached them. Ken and Will were the first one to get there, both throwing arms to hug Liz but after 2 seconds hug, they let go of her and quickly apologized to the prince.

"No. I understand. She's your childhood friend. Of course you guys were worried." Leo smiled to them before approached Bradley to discuss what happened and what they would do next. Liz glanced to the prince, who perfectly managed to act natural like nothing happened before. On the other hand, the female still could feel her heart beating fast. She just hoped her face didn't betray her.

Will carefully checking the bruise on her cheek, while Ken checking her hands. She had to said that she's okay a few times until both of the satisfied. Then Liz heard the news from them, about the carriage now in the hand of the bandits and there's no way they took it back with only nine people. It's a miracle enough for all of them to survive without many wounds. Leo gave them order to find somewhere to stay at night, and some food. Liz already worried that she would be left behind alone, or maybe with Leo only. She didn't know how to face him after that confession. And fortunately for her, her job was to look after Rowen, who got wounded badly at the fight before.

Day turned into night. They already moved to a simple shelter that the men made in a short time. Liz was amazed, but the soldiers said it was normal for them to have such a skill. All of the men there sounded cheerful during the dinner, but Liz knew that all was for her, so she wouldn't get scared or worried. Even though she knew that fact, and felt bad about it, what they did in fact helped her to calm down a bit. What she's been through was too much for the day and in no time, she fell asleep, didn't know that the prince and his soldiers began to discuss much more serious topic after she's asleep.

A light tap on her shoulder woke her up, and the first thing that she saw as soon as she opened her eyes was Leo's face, being so close to her own face. Surprised, Liz unconsciously moved her body backward but then feeling embarrassed because of her reaction. Leo was kneeling near her before, clearly surprised because of her action, but that expression quickly replaced by a small smile.

"I hope you got a good rest. We need to get going now." He reached out his hand and patted Liz's head before stood up. Rick approached her soon after that, with some fruits and a grilled meat. She didn't know what meat is that and refused to know.

"I'm sorry milady, this meal is.." He fell silent. "..barbaric. But this all we got right now."

Liz shook her head. "Don't worry about that."

Rick only nodded before leaving Liz alone with her meal. The female could see that two of the soldiers were not there, while the others was busy preparing their stuff, or discussing things with the prince.

"Oh, you're up already? Have a good sleep last night?"

Ken walked towards her, and Liz could see that Leo glanced to them for a second before continued discussing things with Bradley. Tried to shake away the uneasiness inside her, she nodded as the respond to Ken's question. The lad sat next to her. His green eyes glued on her and that only made the lady felt more uneasy.

"So, what's our plan?" She asked after she ate her breakfast.

"Walking to the nearest city to ask for help. That's the only thing we can do now."

Liz nodded again. With no carriage, no horse, they couldn't do anything right now other than trying to get some help. The nearest city was about two days' journey by carriage, by walking it should be five or six days on the road.