The princess part 2

"Roy… Could it be?" she muttered under her breath, so quiet that I couldn't understand it.

She stared at me, her eyes searching mine, and for the first time, she didn't sound angry. Her voice, now soft and almost hesitant. "What's your full name?"

I paused and considered her for a moment. The sudden change in her demeanor confused me. She had transformed from a stubborn, angry princess into a… calm person.

Without stopping I turned back, I gently nudged her horse forward and said, "Roy Celgius."

The woods around us seemed to fall into silence. Her reaction was subtle, but it was there. Her shoulders stiffened slightly, and I heard her mutter to herself, "Roy… sounds familiar."

Her words struck me in a strange way. There was something about her, something that wasn't right, not in my head, but in my body, like an instinct trying to tell me something I couldn't understand.

Against my usual nature, I found myself asking, "What about you?", and maybe that will make her more comfortable, maybe she will be quieter if we talk a little.

Andrew said while smiling. "This is the first time I've seen Roy talk to a girl. Good for..."

the princess interrupted, her voice steady but calmer now. "Lily… My name is Lily."

She fell silent again, her gaze lowering for a moment as if lost in thought. I glanced at her from the corner of my eye without turning my head, feeling the same strange pull, I had before.

This wasn't normal. there's something deeper than I thought. I could tell she remembered something. Whatever it is, she's not the same person now, she's just become softer.

As we approached the camp gates, the air was filled with the familiar sounds of shouting soldiers, shouting orders, rattling weapons, and crackling fires in the distance. The mission was over.

Andrew stretched his arms, his heavy sword resting over his shoulder. "Well, that was something. Honestly, Roy, you keep things way too interesting."

Sophia smirked. "Interesting? You mean reckless."

I remained silent, letting their chatter pass me by.

Crimzo smiled lightly, walking a few steps behind us. "I'll admit, though, it wasn't boring. You have a way with things, Celgius. Makes a man think twice."

Andrew looked at him with a smile. "Think twice, huh? Looks like someone is ready to join the team. You're really fitting in, Crimzo. Besides, you have a style, and we could use someone who knows how to keep their arrows sharp."

Crimson shook his head, his expression unreadable. "Wait, I'm not a 'team' type. I never have been. I like to keep my options open, and I have my own reasons for wandering around."

Andrew replied, clearly amused. "Oh, come on. You're practically one of us already."

Crimzo scoffed, his voice dismissive. "Don't rush things, big man. I didn't sign anything. I just joined the mission."

Sophia glanced sideways at Crimzo; her expression thoughtful rather than playful. "Still, you didn't leave when you had the chance," she said, her voice calm and discerning. "Maybe you're looking for something more than just a mission."

Andrew laughed and said, wagging his thumb in my direction, "Roy has an effect on people. Stay here long enough, and you'll be hooked."

I didn't respond to Andrew's comment. But I felt Crimson's gaze shift towards me.

"You're smart, Roy," Crimson finally said, his voice quieter than before. "I admit you have something different."

I glanced back at him briefly, meeting his gaze. "If you want to join us, think fast. We don't have the time to wait for anyone who's unsure."

He replied. "Fair enough. But don't count on me just yet."

The camp was buzzing as we returned, dragging our prisoners behind us. The soldiers cheered, some of them exchange whispers. The princess sat stiffly on her horse, her posture screaming defiance despite her tied hands.

General Daniel was already waiting for us near the central tent, his arms crossed and a sharp glint in his eye.

As we approached, he stepped forward.

"Roy," he greeted, his voice firm but with an edge of satisfaction. "Well done." His gaze shifted to the princess. "She'll serve us well. The king will have no choice but to negotiate now."

Andrew put his sword over his shoulder. "What about the others?" he asked, pointing to the captured guards.

Daniel turned to them, his expression hardening. "Take them to the cells. They will be held until an exchange can be arranged. If they resist, you know what to do."

The guards' heads dropped slightly; their previous defiance now replaced by resigned silence.

"Understood," Andrew said.

Daniel stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. "The princess will need to be questioned. You're in charge of that. Find out where they were going, why, and anything else that might be useful. Be specific, Roy."

I nodded, keeping my response simple. "I will."

He gave me one last look, then clapped a hand on my shoulder. "Get some rest after this. You've earned it. All of you."