SERIOUSLY? YOU ARE SCARED OF BABIES?!

"My Lady... are you sure about this?" Bertha whispered as both women hid behind the wall.

They wore simple and comfortable clothes and tip-toed their way bare feet.

"Of course I am sure about this Bertha! Why do you think I am walking barefeet on the ground?" Theodora replied in annoyance.

"But what if somebody catches us?" Bertha voiced out her concern for the thirty-sixth time since the morning.

"Why do I have a best friend like you then?!!"

Bertha sighed. Wasn't it always like that? Theodora would pull out a stunt creating a ruckus and when it came to the blame part Bertha was her shield.

Although both Lord Ralph and Lady Cordelia were well aware of their daughter's habit, Bertha had received punishments on various occasions.

But it was all worth it in the end when Theodora apologised to Bertha and shared her punishments. Like the one time Theodora had freed all the horses free from the stable, Bertha took the blame on herself.

Lord Ralph knew that Bertha would never do such a thing, but he was so angry that he punished Bertha by ordering her to clean the entire stable daily and that too alone.

Bertha agreed to the punishment without any complaints. Theodora had no heart to confess her mistake but she made sure to accompany Bertha and help her even though that help was restricted to only engaging Bertha in random conversations so that she would not feel bad about it.

But for Bertha, that was the most Theodora could do for anyone, and that anyone was her! Knowing Theodora since childhood, Bertha never found anything wrong with their friendship, and if somebody dared to point out the obvious, they would then need to face Bertha's wrath.

A minute later, Theodora sighed. "I promise I will share the punishment with you... only if we get caught. Is that alright?"

Bertha only smiled at her, and Theodora reacted with one of hers.

They watched as the guards took the rounds at every entrance and exit of the Longhurst mansion. Ralph had put strict security around the mansion, trusting the prophecy of that old priest. And that annoyed Theodora beyond limits.

"Are you ready?" Theodora asked, looking behind her at Bertha.

The other woman was nervous, yet she encouraged herself by reminding her that they had chosen the exit where only one guard was stationed.

The plan was simple.

Bertha had to engage him in a conversation, and Theodora would sneak out of the mansion. She would run beyond the borders of the property and would wait for Bertha under the tree, where they used to tie swings in their childhood.

Bertha would then create some excuse and exit the mansion to meet Theodora under that tree. And from there, nothing would stop them to reach their destination.

The only thing they had to be careful about was they had to return before the sunset.

Bertha had already made up storytelling that Theodora was angry at her parents and did not want to meet anyone. She had locked her bedroom door from the inside and used the other way to exit the bedroom.

And it was an unwritten rule in the Longhurst mansion. Once Theodora got upset with something, nobody should dare to go near her.

Theodora was proud of her planning and was sure that nothing could go wrong.

"Yes, I am ready!" She heard Bertha whisper slowly.

"All the best! And don't mess it up!" Theodora wished her friend good luck as she stepped from behind the wall and calmly walked toward the guard.

Theodora was ready to take a run by holding her dress a little above her ankles. She took a stance and waited for the right time.

The guard noticed Bertha walking his way and was confused to see her there. The young man was in his early twenties and was shy in nature which was an advantage for Bertha.

"Bertha? What are you doing here?" He asked, tilting his head in confusion.

Bertha smiled before standing in such a way that his back faced Theodora, and she could see her friend clearly.

"Nothing special really! I was just getting bored so I thought to take a walk around." She smiled a little too sweetly.

"Shouldn't you be with Lady Theodora?" he asked in confusion.

Bertha sighed, making a sad face. "Yes, I should. But she is very angry at Lord Ralph and Lady Cordelia and has locked herself in her room. You know how difficult it is to handle her in that condition."

The man visibly shuddered at that. "It is more scary than difficult!"

Theodora pursed her lips, narrowing her eyes at his back. She would need to speak about it to her father and dismiss that ungrateful man from the service for saying that behind her back.

Bertha could not help but glanced in Theodora's way because she exactly knew what thought must have crossed Theodora's mind after hearing that man.

Bertha laughed awkwardly.

"By the way how are you doing these days?" Bertha changed the topic conveniently.

The man was surprised to hear her. He blinked dumbfoundedly at her, not believing she was talking to him.

"A-are you... are you asking me?" He asked, still unsure.

Bertha giggled before batting her eyelashes innocently at him. "Of course silly! Is here anyone else?"

The blush crept up the man's face as he smiled nervously. Bertha engaged the man in the conversation and signalled to Theodora that it was safe for her to exit.

Theodora's face brightened up immediately. She ran from behind the wall with glee.

"Only a few steps and then you will be out of this cage Theodora!" She mumbled to herself.

But soon, her hopes crumbled down when two more guards walked in their way while discussing something.

"Lady Theodora?"

Bertha's eyes widened in panic, and Theodora shut in irritation. Straightening up and after taking a long drag of air, she turned to face the two men. By this time, the guard who was getting fooled by Bertha, also noticed Theodora's presence.

"Lady Theodora!" he bowed.

"May I know what are you doing here, My Lady?" One of the guards asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

Theodora clenched her jaw but maintained a passive face.

Ignoring the man, she turned her attention to Bertha. "Bertha!"

The poor woman literally jumped out of her skin as Theodora roared, glaring at her.

"I was looking for you everywhere and here you are wasting your time with this man?"

The guard gulped down in fear and shook his head.

"Do you want me to complain to my father about you two idling around?"

Bertha bit her cheek and hung her head in apology. The guard was quick to plead to Theodora. "No My Lady, please! We were just having a general conversation."

"Is that why you get paid?" Theodora was venting out all her frustration about her failed plan, and she did not care if she was humiliating her best friend during that process.

"We... we apologise to you My Lady! It will not happen again." Bertha slowly said as she could feel the weight of all gazes on her.

"You better remember that!" Saying that Theodora walked away, and without meeting the men's eyes, Bertha ran following her.

One of the guards sighed, shaking his head. "Poor Bertha! That woman always gets this in return for her loyalty!" He sympathised with Bertha, just like many of the servants working for the Longhurst family.

"That is why you must be wise to choose where your loyalty should remain." The other one added.

The men forgot about the incident and resumed their duties.

But Theodora could not get over it. She stomped in her bedroom, fuming in anger. As soon as she reached there, she picked up the first thing her eyes laid on and threw it on the floor, breaking it into millions of pieces.

"Lady Theodora, please calm down!" Bertha ran to her side, worried she would hurt herself in a fit of anger.

"How should I calm down Bertha? Tell me! My plan was just perfect, wasn't it?" She looked at Bertha helplessly, disappointment dominating the other emotions in her eyes.

Bertha nodded her head. "Yes, it was My Lady. But seems like the luck is not on our side."

After about half an hour of effort, Bertha finally managed to calm down Theodora.

"My Lady, if you want we can do something fun together." Bertha suggested after some time, just to get Theodora's mind distracted.

"What do you want to do?"

Bertha thought for a minute before an idea came to her. "How about we go and spend some time in the garden? You love gardening, right?"

"Oh yes! And I also need to see how my babies has grown up. I haven't watered them with my own hands recently. Come on!" Theodora jumped in excitement and ran out of her bedroom.

Smiling in contentment, Bertha accompanied her. As the two of them walked through the corridors of the Longhurst mansion, they saw a group of maids gushing about something in overjoy.

"What are they talking about?" Theodora asked in curiosity.

"I do not know."

As they neared the group, their words became clearer and louder.

"Oh my God! And did you try that merry go round? I was laughing so loudly that my cheeks hurt. It was so much fun!" One maid amongst the group gushed in excitement.

"I have bought two dresses from the seller who has come from the East. They are so pretty! I will wear them one day and show you how beautiful I look in them!"

Bertha glanced in Theodora's way to see her previous excitement for gardening had subsided considerably. Yet they kept walking, passing past the group.

"My children emptied my pocket, you know?! And their mother! My God! It was so hard to control her because she was literally hopping from one stall to the other like a bug!" A guard complained, shaking his head.

The other guard laughed his shoulders shook slightly. "But you have to admit that it was so much fun! I mean we do not get such entertainment on Warthford Island that easily. You should not think about the money.

We can earn more in the future but think about the joy you gave to your family. Watching the kids laughing and yelling in delight and that blush on the wife's face after we compliment them for their choice of articles is just priceless!"

For the rest of the day, Theodora tried to ignore the hushed whispers and sounds of laughter and amazement, but she could not.

Seemed like only she was the one who was forbidden from experiencing that joy!

*

*

*

Late in the night, the fair was finally closed after hosting hundreds of people. The lights were exhausted, and so were the people who participated in the fair.

Their pockets were full of money and heart's content after receiving a vibrant crowd. But the sellers were not the only one's content and with full of pockets. There was a trio who had got an exceptionally good reserve for themselves too

Isabella was literally hopping around in joy, yelling and singing at the top of her lungs. Oscar was just watching her adorably with a bottle of alcohol in his hand. Gerald was busy chugging down the bitter liquid down his throat, complementing it with the spicy chicken and ham sandwiches placed in the centre.

"Hey, woman! You are too... l-loud!" Gerald slightly slurred as a result of the aftereffect of alcohol.

"Shut up you mood killer! Let me enjoy tonight!!!" Isabella threw her hands in the air and jumped again, looking at the open dark sky above their heads.

"How do you tolerate her?!" Gerald glanced in Oscar's way to see him smile like a love-struck fool.

"Just the way you do!" Oscar replied before taking a sip from the bottle in his hand.

That night the three of them lay on the grass staring at the star-filled sky with content hearts and heavy pockets. Filch was having the best time of his life as he lay in the pile of coins and gold jewellery Gerald had stolen that day which was A LOT!!

He was imagining the reactions of the ladies who might have found out about their lost items by now. But what made him laugh was the horrified expressions on their husbands' faces.

"I wish to live the night like this for the rest of my life!" Gerald was brought back to reality by Isabella's soft words.

"You want to sleep on the grass every night?"

She was in such a great mood that instead of smacking him on the head, she just giggled like a woman. That took Gerald by surprise because in his opinion there was nothing feminine that remained in that woman, except her body.

Oh, wait! She had more toned biceps than him. So no, even her body looked like a man's!

"No silly! I mean... just imagine when you will go to the bed every night, you have this content chest and a day that was worth living for. And you also have a tomorrow to look forward to with great hope.

Doesn't it sound amazing to you? When was the last time we all have felt that way?"

Gerald tried to remember but could not. Isabella was right. He would not mind every night to be like this one if it means he would have more than enough money with him.

But Oscar was not satisfied with life. No. He felt content though because one thing he had learned in his centuries-old life was that you either need money or power if you want to survive in this world.

And right then, he had both of them in enough amounts. So he was content. But what about the satisfaction?

He was not looking forward to the next day with great hope like Isabella because for him, the next day was going to be just the same. Waking up, stealing things and then end of the day.

Wasn't he living that same cycle for years now?

"Have you ever imagined where you will be after the next two years, maybe three or even five years?" He asked, gazing at the sky above.

Gerald and Isabella turned their heads toward each other to share a look.

"What do you mean?" Isabella asked.

Oscar sat up and then pulled his legs to his chest. Now his eyes settled on the vast greenery which ended just before the ocean began.

"I mean have you ever thought what we would be doing in our future? Well we cannot live on like this for the rest of our lives."

Isabella did not understand what had gotten into him suddenly.

She also sat up, followed by Gerald. But Filch decided to enjoy the feel of money instead of taking interest in human matters.

"Oscar what are you saying?" Isabella asked, still in confusion.

"Isabella... don't you want to live a peaceful life where people are not chasing us, the guards are not following us around. Don't you want to live in a world where people will respect us, treat us equally and where we can have the opportunities to better our future?"

Oscar's question put Isabella in a thoughtful position where she had no answer to those questions. In all honesty, she had lost all the hopes of getting to that dreamland. For her, the world was only a cruel place where nobody cares for anyone, and there were no sunshine and rainbows.

The loud laughter caught both of their attention and they watched Gerald laughing, clutching his stomach. He even had moisture gathered in the corner of his eyes as he tried to calm down.

"O-Oscar... you still believe in that dream? Oh my God! I c-can't believe it! Oh..." And he broke into another fit of laughter.

Isabella smacked his head, this time for making fun of her man. But Oscar just stared at him without getting upset at his reaction.

"You have never fell in love Gerald and that is why you do not think the way I do. I picture myself marrying Isabella one day, to have chidren with her. I dream of building a small house for my family where we will have the happy days and peaceful nights." Oscar explained.

Isabella's eyes teared up because that was the same dream she also had for years now. The only difference between the two of them was based on their perspective.

Oscar was highly positive about his dream, he was optimistic. But Isabella... she doubted that would be the life they could ever get.

Gerald scoffed, rolling his eyes. "And I do not wish to fall in love with any woman. They are just... annoying! I already have two annoying women in my life and, I do not wish to have one more.

And children... oh, that thought only makes me shiver in fright. They are the most dangerous creatures in the world!"

Isabella watched him shiver in awe. "After fighting with the dangerous magical creatures, putting your life in risk and completeing many adventures... the one thing that scares you is babies?" She asked with an evil twinkle in her eyes.

Gerald realised that he had just revealed the deepest secret of his life.

He should not have drunk too much alcohol because it was now messing with his mind!

Clearing his throat, Gerald tried to cover up his slip. "I did not say I get scared of them. I am just saying that they are dangerous."

"And why is that?" Oscar asked, intrigued by his reaction.

"Because... because they are very fragile and they cry like a whole day and whole night. Besides, they just drop poop and urinate wherever and whenever they want. It stinks and that responsibility of cleaning it sucks!" Gerald grumbled as if he had experienced it first hand.

Oscar and Isabella broke into laughter hearing his explanation. Gerald's cheeks burn, as he felt embarrassed at the situation. The rest of the night the couple kept teasing him, and that was when Gerald realised that it was going to remain the same way for all of his life.

What a great night it was!

*

*

*

The next day, Theodora woke up with determination. She had another plan ready for her escape from her house and this time, nothing could go wrong. Because?

Because of Bertha's recommendation, she had finally decided to take Zerith's help. How?

Of course, using his weakness! And what was that?

Bertha!

"Go... go..." Theodora whispered, gesturing for Bertha to keep walking by moving her hands. She herself hid behind the curtains from where she could hear the two of them speaking.

"Get this ready and be sure that nothing goes wrong. I have recieved complaints of thefts yesterday. I do not want the same for today. And-" Zerith stopped talking as he noticed Bertha walking his way.

She wore a beautiful smile on her face which made his breath hitched for a moment.

"You may go now," Zerith ordered the man, and after he walked away, he turned his attention back to Bertha.

Reaching near him, Bertha smiled brightly. "Zerith! Good morning!"

"Good morning Bertha! How are you doing today?" He asked, trying to sound casual.

"Erm... actually I am not feeling good today." Her face suddenly dulled as she tore her gaze from his.

"What happened? Are you alright?" Zerith asked worriedly, taking a step towards her but Bertha was conscious of their proximity. She subtly took a step back, thinking he did not notice.

But he did!

And it hurt!!

"Yes, I am perfectly fine but Lady Theodora..."

"What happened to her?" Now Zerith sounded alarmed.

Theodora stifled her giggle from behind the curtains. She knew Zerith loved her dearly!

"She is very sad you know. I tried speaking with Lady Cordelia but that was a futile effort. I do not understand what should I do to get her mood uplifted." Bertha sighed, reminding herself to not overreact.

"But why is she sad?" Zerith asked, blinking.

"Because everyone is talking about the fair around her and only she does not get to attend it."

"You are also not attending it when you can." Zerith pointed out.

Bertha bit her cheek before clearing her throat. "Can you please speak with her and see if she feels better?"

Zerith scratched his head thinking about it. "I would have Bertha but you know that is just useless. Theodora would not listen to anyone unless she gets what she wants."

"Then why don't you give her what she wants?" Bertha asked in excitement.

Zerith's eyes grew in size as he took a step back, holding his hands up to stop her. "Wait... wait... wait! What do you mean Bertha! Oohh!!!" And then the realisation dawned upon him.

"Now I get it! You are here to ask me to help Theodora get to that fair, aren't you?" He narrowed his eyes at her challengingly.

Bertha smiled sheepishly before she insisted. "Please Zerith! Don't say no. Please help her! She is very very sad, I swear!"

Zerith shook his head in denial. "NO... no no Bertha! I have already spoken with Lord Ralph and he would chop my head if I defy his orders. You know I cannot-"

"Zerith!"

His body turned stiff as soon as Bertha took his hands in hers. Gazing intensely into his eyes, she batted her eyelashes at him. He gulped down slowly as he found his heart beating faster than normal.

"I promise Lord Ralph will not know about it. Nothing will go wrong I promise! Please help us!!! For me?!!"

Theodora wanted to coo and clap in excitement. The way Zerith gazed lovingly at Bertha melted her heart into soft mush. The way his eyes followed Bertha's every minute movement made her heart feel jittery with joy.

She wished she would also find someone who would react the same way as Zerith for her. She prayed she would find someone who would love her more than she had ever imagined!

"Zerith?" Bertha called his name when she remained stunned for a long minute.

She knew what must be going on in his head. And she hated herself for giving him false hopes and exploiting his feelings for her in this way.

But she had promised her best friend that she would help her in any way. She only hoped that God and Zerith would forgive her for her actions.

Zerith blinked and came back to reality. He cleared his throat, tearing his gaze from Bertha's face. He could feel how tight his chest felt.

'No... Zerith. Stop before you walk on that forbidden path!' He warned himself.

Bertha was considerate enough to allow him a couple of moments to gather himself. And when his mind was clear of the previous thoughts, he freed his hands from hers.

But then why did she not like that?

"Bertha you must understand the extents you go to help Theodora. This is not going to work like this forever. We cannot listen and agree to her every demand. You have to stop overpampering her. She is not a five year old anymore!"

Bertha uneasily shifted on her feet, worried that Theodora must have heard it.

"I know but please! This one time? Please Zerith!!!"

Zerith sighed in defeat. How could he ignore her puppy eyes even if he try?!

"Alright! But... You have to be in the mansion before the sunset. And if Lord Ralph finds about your absence and he tells me to search for you two I will do that. And if he catches you then remember that I am not involved in any of this!" Zerith warned.

Theodora jumped out from behind the curtains and ran to Zerith. She hugged him bubbling with enthusiasm.

"Thank you... Thank you so much Zerith! You are the best !!"

Zerith only prayed that nothing would go wrong and everything goes according to the plan.

Pulling away from Theodora, he stared down at her with a serious face.

"And remember... do not let anyone know who you are. And you are not allowed to roam around especially in the forest and the beach beyond that. Is that clear?"

"Crustal clear!" Both women agreed in unison.

Zerith sighed again as for some reason he had a bad feeling about this. But he had already given in to Bertha's pleadings. He glared at Bertha, and she just smiled cheekily in return.

"Well... what's the plan then?"