Chapter 51

Valeria finished writing the letter to Katherine, unable to stop smiling at her memories. It was such a freeing experience. Even if the king captured her again, this was something he could never take from her.

She sealed the letter and debated whether to take it to the post office now instead of waiting for Asher to return. But what if she ran into the stranger again with the miss matched eyes? On the other hand, the chances weren't that high. She hesitated, then ultimately decided to wait for Asher.

Right then, a knock echoed through the cottage. Wow, Asher was back already? That was fast. Maybe he had forgotten something. With a grin, she got up and walked to the door, swinging it open—only to freeze.

Three strangers stood before her.

Her stomach twisted. Quickly, she lowered her head, hoping they wouldn't recognize her. Panic filled her chest, but she forced herself to stay calm.

"How may I help you?" she asked quietly, her voice trembling. This was probably nothing. Maybe they were just asking for directions. She shouldn't freak out.

"The owner of the cottage sent us. You're being evicted." Valeria's eyes widened in shock.

"What?" she breathed. That didn't make sense. Wasn't the owner of the house Lord Lohra? He would never throw her out.

"I… I don't understand," she stammered. "There must be a mistake. I'll speak to the owner." She moved to close the door, but one of the men shoved his hand against it, keeping it open.

"Sorry, but we have our orders," the man said coldly. "We have to make sure you leave today. Either you walk out on your own, or we'll use force."

Valeria's breathing quickened. This was real. If she left now, where would she go? She had to wait for Asher. None of this made any sense.

"Can't I get a few days to pack my things?" she pleaded. "I need to sort things out—"

"No," the man interrupted. "You're leaving now, miss." She bit her lip, her mind racing. She had to think fast.

"Okay, yes," she murmured, pretending to comply. "Let me just grab some of my things."

The men relaxed slightly. The moment they did, Valeria slammed the door shut and shoved the table against it. Not the best plan, but it was all she could think of. She would barricade herself in until Asher returned.

Shouting erupted from outside. Then—

CRACK.

The door shuddered violently as the men began forcing it open.

Valeria pressed her weight against the table, straining to keep it in place. The wood groaned under pressure, but she held firm—

Then the sharp sound of shattering glass rang out. Her head snapped toward the window just in time to see a man climbing through. Before she could react, rough hands grabbed her and yanked her outside. She hit the ground hard. Dazed, she barely had time to push herself up before they loomed over her.

"Leave now, or we'll make sure you do," one of the men growled.

Valeria's heart pounded. "Please, just let me take some of my things," she begged. "At least my gold—"

"No." The man took a step forward, his voice dripping with finality. "Move. Now. Last chance."

Valeria opened her mouth to argue, but the dark look in his eyes made her snap it shut. She scrambled to her feet and fled.

She didn't stop until she reached the outskirts of the village. By then, the sun had begun to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple.

She had nothing. No cloak, no gold, nothing but the dress on her back and a pen in her pocket.

She needed to hide.

Lohra was too far away to reach on foot, especially without an escort. Traveling alone through the forest was too dangerous. And staying at an inn? Too risky. If anyone recognized her from the wanted posters, she was doomed.

With no other choice, she curled up on a bench in a dark alley, hugging her knees to her chest. The cold seeped into her bones and tears burned in her eyes, but she didn't let them fall.

Why did the universe hate her so much? Yesterday, she had been wrapped in Asher's arms, happier than ever.

Now, she was homeless, starving, and alone.

---

By morning, her stomach ached from hunger, and her entire body was stiff from the cold. She had to get her gold back. Keeping to the shadows, she made her way toward the cottage.

From behind a tree, she peeked at her former home—only to see guards stationed outside. Her chest clenched. Why were there guards? Who had done this to her? Lord Lohra would never throw her out like this. He would have at least given her a reason. So who was this supposed 'owner' that sent men to kick her out?

Before she could think of a plan, a firm hand clamped down on her shoulder. She gasped and whirled around. One of the men from yesterday glared down at her.

"Fuck off," he growled, his breath hot against her face. "Or next time, I won't be so nice."

He shoved her back. She stumbled but caught herself, her heart hammering in fear and frustration.

It was useless.

Shivering, starving, and desperate, Valeria wandered the streets, her hunger clawing at her insides.

Eventually, she dragged herself to the only inn in the village.

The innkeeper barely spared her a glance before shaking his head. "No homeless people in my inn. Out."

"Please," she whispered, her voice raw. "I'll pay once my friend returns. I swear. I'll even give you extra."

The man remained unmoved. "Out."

She tried again, but it was useless. Defeated, she trudged back to the bench.

Slowly the sun went down. The cold was worse this time, sinking into her skin like ice. Her stomach twisted painfully, and her limbs felt heavy. A night before this she was in Asher's warm arms and felt happier than ever. Everything was going so good till she was out of nowhere thrown out of her cottage. Tears slid silently down her cheeks.

Happiness never lasted long in her world.