Chapter 6: Suspected Interests

"Elara," Adriel called out, stepping forward with a charming smile.

That calm evening, the sun had cast a warmth over the streets, Elara made her way back from her daily duties, she would always assist some women at the market and get paid. She enjoyed these walks as moments of solitude, where she could think and plan their night's meal. But today, as she rounded a corner near the fountain, she was surprised to see Adriel, one of the young nobles who had been struggling for her attention for weeks. He was quite handsome, with dark hair that fell just above his eyes and an air of confidence that many found irresistible. But Elara knew better than to be swayed by appearances.

"Adriel," she acknowledged, keeping her tone polite but distant. She had learned to navigate these encounters with care.

Adriel took another step closer, lowering his voice. "You've caught the eye of many, you know. A beautiful woman like yourself shouldn't be allowed to be alone." He smiled, trying to appear sincere. "I could offer you so much more if you allowed me to."

Elara stiffened, sensing the underlying intent in his words. "I appreciate your concern, but I am not interested in such offers, Adriel," she replied firmly, her gaze steady.

He chuckled softly, as though dismissing her response as a mere formality. "You say that now, but I can make your life here far easier, think of your uncle and your sister. All I ask is for a little.. companionship."

Elara's eyes narrowed, running out of patience. "I am not for sale, Adriel. If you think you can buy my favor with promises, you are sorely mistaken."

The lightness in Adriel's demeanor vanished, replaced by a hint of frustration. "You may regret this, Elara," he warned, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper.

Elara met his gaze, unflinching. "That's a risk I'm willing to take. Now, if you'll excuse me." She stepped around him and continued on her way, her heart beating a little faster from the encounter.

Later that evening, Elara gathered with her friends at the front of their cottage. The air was filled with the scent of fresh blossoming leaves, and her uncle had set up a little fire for a warm, inviting atmosphere. Despite the earlier confrontation, Elara felt at ease among her companions.

"Adriel tried his luck again, didn't he?" Selene, one of her closest friends, her actual best friend in the village, asked after staring at Elara for a while, with a knowing smirk as they settled into the plush cushions.

Elara sighed, nodding. "He did. And I told him off, as usual."

"You're too harsh, Elara," chimed in Daphne, her other friend. "Sometimes, it's easier to just go along with things."

Elara frowned slightly. "I'm not going to compromise my principles for convenience, Daphy. It's not worth it."

Daphne shrugged, leaning back against the cushions. "You say that, but it's not easy being alone here, especially as a young and beautiful lady striving to survive. A little help from someone like Adriel could go a long way around here."

Elara shook her head, resolute. "I'd rather stand alone than be indebted to someone with such motives."

Selene, always the voice of reason, decided to shift the conversation. "Speaking of questionable relationships," she began, casting a sideways glance at Daphne, "we've been hearing some rumors."

Daphne's playful demeanor faded as she realized what Selene was hinting at. "What rumors?" she asked cautiously.

Elara exchanged a look with Selene before responding. "About the man from the North you've been seeing. People are saying he's Kellan, the in-law of Lord Tavros."

Daphne's face paled, and she quickly looked away. "I don't know where you heard that, but it's just gossip."

"It's more than gossip," Selene pressed gently. "If it is Kellan, you need to be careful. You know how dangerous it could be."

Daphne bit her lip, torn between the thrill of her secret relationship and the warnings of her friends. "I'm.. I'm being careful. It's not as serious as people think."

Selene humorously added, "then let's all begin to sleep with married men from the North, won't that be so careful and unserious", she rolled her eyes.

Elara placed a hand on Daphne's arm, her expression softening. "Don't listen to Selene, we just want you to be safe, Daphne. This isn't just about you; it could affect all of us if things go wrong."

Daphne nodded slowly, appreciating the concern in Elara's voice. "I know. I'll think about what you've said. But please, don't tell anyone."

Selene and Elara exchanged a glance before agreeing. "We won't say anything, but promise us you'll be very careful," Elara insisted.

"I promise," Daphne replied, her voice wavering slightly.

As the night wore on, the friends continued to talk, their conversation shifting to lighter topics, but the underlying tension remained. Elara couldn't shake the odd feeling of what Daphne's secret relationship with a married man could cause in coming days, where one wrong move could send them tumbling into the unknown.