Shadow of the past Part 1

The holding cell was cold. I led the princess inside, chaining her hands to the wall. Her resistance had calmed, but her sharp gaze told me she wasn't going to make anything easy.

I pulled the scarf from around my neck, letting it rest on my shoulders as I sat down on the seat across from her. She didn't look at me immediately, but her eyes flickered briefly to my chest before she turned away.

"Now, answer my questions," I said. "Where were you going, and why?"

She lifted her chin, and my eyes met hers. "You expect me to answer? That's bold of you, and not expected."

"What I expect is you, to be smart," I replied.

"The sooner you answer, the easier this gets for everyone."

She let out a soft laugh. "Do you think I'm afraid of you?"

"No," I admitted. "But fear isn't necessary to get the truth."

For a moment, we stared at each other in silence. Then her eyes flickered again to my chest.

"What are you looking at? "I asked.

She hesitated. "That scarf. What's under it?"

I frowned. "Why does that matter?"

she looked away. "No reason," she said, but her voice had softened.

"You don't remember me, do you?" she murmured, almost to herself.

I frowned. "Should I?"

She replied, her voice quieter now. "Never mind.

I didn't like the change in her tone. "If you have something to say, say it," I said coldly, crossing my arms.

She nodded, a little smile forming on her lips. "It won't matter. You're too focused on doing what you're ordered."

I stepped forward, my voice firm. "That's right. My job isn't to entertain your riddles. You're here because you're valuable."

Her gaze returned to mine, and her expression hardened. "Valuable. That's all people mean to you, isn't it? Just tools to get the job done?"

"This isn't personal," I replied, my tone sharp. "You're not here to make friends. You're here because my orders demand it." I stood and headed towards the cell door.

Her voice stopped me before I reached the door. "What is your goal, Roy?"

I turned to look at her. "My goal?"

She nodded, her tone was calmer now. "Yes... You don't seem like the type to follow orders. So, what do you want? Why are you doing all this?"

For a moment, I didn't answer. Finally, I leaned slightly against the doorframe.

I said clearly, "I want a world where people can live... in peace."

Her eyes softened, and she tilted her head slightly. "Still the same Roy," she murmured, almost too quiet for me to hear.

I wondered. "What did you say?"

She shook her head with a faint, mysterious smile. "Nothing. it's a noble goal. But you'll need more than strength to achieve it."

I frowned. "Get some rest. You'll need it."

As I stood by the bars, I noticed that she was shivering. The air in the cell wasn't just cold, it was harsh, going straight into the bones. She tried to act as if it didn't bother her, keeping her chin up. But the slight tremor in her hands gave her away.

I should have left. She wasn't my business. But something kept me there, as if I couldn't turn my back on her just yet.

Without saying anything, I opened the cell door and entered. Her eyes widened, as if she were preparing for something.

"What are you doing?" she asked in a suspicious voice.

I ignored the question, kneeling beside her to untie her hands. The chains fell, and she rubbed her wrists, her gaze burning me.

"You think that's going to make me talk?" she said angrily.

I pulled off my cloak; it was still warm. "You'll freeze here," I said, holding it out to her.

She frowned; her pride looked in her eyes. "I don't need your pity. Keep it."

I leaned closer to her. "Your life is important. Take it and stay warm."

She hesitated, I could see that in her face, her eyes switching between me and the cloak.

When she didn't move, I gently threw it over her shoulders by myself. She shivered but didn't resist, her hands gripping the fabric instinctively.

"It doesn't change anything, you know," she said.

I met her gaze. "I don't care if it changes anything," I said. "Just stay warm."

As I turned to leave, she said something under her breath. It was too quiet for me to hear, but her tone was different, it was... soft.

I got out of prison, and my mind was full of questions that I couldn't find answers to.

Before going to my room, I stopped one of the guards. "Tell Daniel I didn't get anything useful tonight. Let the princess rest; she might talk tomorrow."

The soldier nodded, and I made my way back. By the time I arrived, the moon was high in the sky. I slipped into the small washroom, splashed cold water on my face, and took a quick shower, letting the fatigue sink in.

When I finally dropped onto the bed, Andrew was still awake, sitting on the chair sharpening his blade. He looked at me. "So," he started, his voice light with curiosity. "What did you get out of the princess?"

I leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "Nothing," I said. "She's stubborn. She's either hiding something or just playing with me."

Andrew smiled. "Hiding something? Maybe she's hiding how she feels about you. I mean, you're handsome after all."

I looked at him with an annoyed look, but he just laughed. "I don't think she's the type to care about looks," I said. "That girl... she's complicated. She seems sad about something."

Andrew's smirk faded. "Roy, listen. If there's something going on with her, you don't have to handle it alone. I'm here. I always have been. Just tell me what you need, and I'll help you figure it out."

I appreciated his words but still wasn't going to accept it. "This isn't your problem, Andrew. I'll deal with it myself."

He studied me for a moment. "You don't always have to carry everything on your shoulders. You can let someone else help sometimes."

I closed my eyes, shaking my head slightly. "I know. But this is different. I need to handle it, in my way."

Andrew leaned back. "Okay... You know where to find me if you need anything..."

I closed my eyes. "Yeah... I know."

The sound faded as I let myself sleep. His words lingered, though. I did know he was there for me; he always was. But this was something I had to figure out on my own.