A Favour

Selena sat across from Alex in the carriage, her posture relaxed and her expression unusually open. The gentle rhythm of the wheels against the dirt road filled the silence until Selena spoke. She could not hide her excitement.

She knew a few things about the Empire, not too much though. But she was aware that the society there was not as patriarchal as the one in their kingdom.

She could finally be free and breathe for the rest of her stay. No constant worry about how she would be perceived, or making sure her etiquette was perfect.

Alex noticed the change, though he didn't say anything, content to listen as she began talking about everything and nothing in particular.

She asked him questions about the Empire—its cities, its culture, its people. At first, the questions were casual, even playful.