Shadow of the past Part 2

The morning sun broke through the fog, and the day began. The usual sound of daily routine echoed everywhere: soldiers fighting in the training ground, blacksmith hammers striking metal, and the sounds of orders piercing the air.

However, my focus was broken.

I ran through my usual routine, sharpening my sword and checking my equipment, but my mind wasn't fully focused. The training grounds were wide and rough, with dry, cracked ground and a few small patches of grass. It looked like a place near a desert.

There were some rocks scattered around, and the cold wind made me pull my coat tighter. The sky was cloudy, but the sun peeked through now and then, sending beams of light to the ground. It felt strange and cold, but with a little warmth from the sun, quiet but not empty. This combination of challenge and something else, something unsaid, stuck to my thoughts like a shadow I couldn't shake.

"Roy," Andrew's voice called as he ran towards me, pulling me out of my daze. He threw me a bottle of water, and with a smile on his face. "You've been distracted all morning. I think you're thinking about a certain person."

I looked at him and took a sip from my water bottle. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Sure," he said, leaning against a nearby pillar. "You're just distracted because you're so focused on your mission. It's definitely not because the princess is stubborn and knows how to get under your skin.

"She doesn't get under my skin," I muttered.

Andrew laughed but didn't press me further. He just nodded and walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts, once again.

At midday, I decided to check on her. The camp was bustling with activity, but I kept my steps measured and focused. I didn't tell anyone where I was going, there is no need to give Andrew or anyone else another reason to tease me.

As I approached the prison, the sound of my shoes floor filled the silence. The guards nodded as I passed. I opened the door that led to her cell.

She was sitting on the bed, her back straight, her hands resting on her lap. The cloak I had given her was Surround her shoulders, and for a moment, I caught a hint of softness in her.

But when she looked up and saw me, the attitude returned. "What do you want now?"

"I'm not here to fight," I said, stepping closer. "I just have questions. You didn't give me much yesterday."

"And I won't give you much today either," she replied in a firm voice.

I studied her, trying to read her face. Her tone was direct, but there was something else.

"You can keep playing this game," I said, crossing my arms. "But that won't get you out of here. And it won't stop me from finding out what you're hiding. "

She scoffed, leaning back slightly. "You assume I'm hiding something."

"That's right," I replied simply. "I can see it in the way you avoid my questions. The way you pause before answering. It's not just your mission, either. There's something else. And why you asked me at first if I remembered you? Where do you know me from?"

She hesitated for a moment. "You think you know everything, don't you?"

"No," I said, my tone calmer. "I just know when someone is lying."

I shook my head, forcing myself to stay on track. "Why were you traveling with such a small group? What was so urgent that you'd take that risk?"

She leaned back again, her smirk fading. "If I told you, it would only make things worse for both of us."

"Worse for you maybe. Not for me," I replied

Her gaze softened slightly, her voice quieter now. "You don't understand, Roy. There's more at stake here than you realize. "

I frowned, stepping closer to the bars. "Then help me understand."

She looked away, her hands gripping the edge of the bed. For a moment, I thought she might actually say something. But instead, she just sighed and shook her head. "You can't change anything even if I told you."

"Try me." I replied.

Her eyes flicked back to me, holding my gaze for a moment. Finally, she said, "What's your goal in all this? Why do you even care?"

I studied her for a moment longer, trying to piece together what she meant, but she gave nothing away again, and I don't know why, but I'm very distracted. 

I will come back later, maybe, When I've gathered my thoughts.