5 days to Volkorod

The next day, the group began their journey, hoping to catch up with the rest of their companions. Zhanna also started tending to the injured Shura, helping him apply ointment to his back and assisting with tasks that required him to stretch.

Later, as they moveded toward the next village, Zhanna gently massaged his back while they chatted in low tones.

"Where's Kazmir?" Shura asked, glancing around. "I haven't seen him since yesterday."

"He said he had something urgent to take care of back in Volkorod," Zhanna replied, eyes forward.

Shura frowned, puzzled. "Urgent enough to leave without saying a word to me?"

Zhanna gave a small shrug. "He did mention something about meeting his father. He looked genuinely worried."

She paused, then added,"Honestly, I think it's nice. His father must be proud of him. Not every father has a son he can count on. Some sons do nothing but criticize their fathers and act like having a simple conversation with them is a punishment. And the worst part? Their fathers actually care and want to be involved. Mine barely even knows I exist. But those sons? They have the nerve to act like their fathers are the problem."

She kept talking, unaware of the effect her words were having. Shura's expression darkened. Though Zhanna hadn't meant anything by it, her words struck a nerve. It felt too personal.

Without warning, he stood up, causing Zhanna to lose her balance and fall to the ground.

"What was that for?" she asked, startled.

"There are some fathers who are truly at fault and deserve to be treated by their sons that way," Shura said angrily.

"I was just talking. I didn't mean anything personal. But still that wasn't enough reason for you to push me to the ground like that," Zhanna replied, beginning to get angry.

"I didn't push you," Shura said nonchalantly.

"It's still your fault I've got this bruise!" Zhanna snapped, expecting an apology from him but none came.

"Can you help me and.." Shura started to say.

"Do it yourself!" Zhanna cut in and marched off.

They reached the next village just before noon and were relieved to find the rest of their group already there. Zhanna spotted Vika first and rushed forward, wrapping her in a warm embrace.

"They've found out our secret," Vika whispered.

Zhanna nodded. "I know. But it's fine, I'm working on a strategy. Shura got injured in the last battle. I'm taking care of him in exchange for his help getting us to Volkorod."

Vika smiled. She didn't know for sure what Zhanna was planning to do once they reached Volkorod because what she (Vika) wanted was simply to live a peaceful life with the villagers and avoid being caught by the queen but she was certain Zhanna's plan would be a good one.

Before midday, the group resumed their journey. The trip to Volkorod would take approximately five days or less, depending on their speed. It was day two of their journey, which meant they would reach Volkorod in three days' time.

To everyone's surprise, Zhanna and Shura began to warm up to each other again. Their arguments faded into jokes, and during stops at nearby villages, they wandered markets together, buying fruit and fabric, sometimes laughing over shared observations. They joined in local festivals, danced with the villagers, even tried foreign dishes neither of them could name.

It wasn't just the two of them, the whole group had started to bond. Walls came down, laughter grew easier, and everyone slowly began to warm up to each other.

Later that night...

"What are you doing?" Shura asked Zhanna. It was late, and he had come out for some air after struggling to sleep only to find Zhanna outside too. She was writing something, but quickly hid it when she saw him. Curiosity got the best of Shura, and he wanted to know what she was writing.

"Nothing," Zhanna replied.

That answer only made him more curious. "Right," he muttered, stepping closer. "Let me see."

Before she could protest, he lunged for the book. She shrieked and tried to pull it away, but they fell into a clumsy struggle, more playful than serious. In the tumble of limbs and laughter, Shura ended up above her, pinning her down without meaning to.

His breath caught. So did hers.

"Oh my goodness! I am so, so sorry," Shura said, immediately getting off her.

"No worries," Zhanna replied as she brushed the dirt off her dress. But her cheeks were flushed

Shura now held the book in his hand. He read it silently. He frowned as he went on. Zhanna looked tense, she had written down her plan to destroy Boris's life in that book. She didn't want Shura to see her as an enemy- someone plotting the ruin of their beloved prince.

He looked up at her, frowning.

"I-I can explain," Zhanna said.

"Go ahead. Explain! Why are you planning to disgrace my stepbrother?" Shura demanded.

"Boris has a brother?" Zhanna asked, clearly shocked. She had been married to Boris for over a year and had never heard him or anyone in the castle mention the king having another son.

"Indeed! I've never heard the king announce having another son," she added.

Shura explained that he wasn't a prince- just a son of the king, rejected by all. Zhanna sympathized with him, silently relieved that he seemed to have forgotten all about the book detailing her plot against Boris.

"Just so you know, you still owe me an explanation," Shura said suddenly.

**************

Shura's group had been prepared for anything. As their leader, Shura himself was always ready; for ambush, betrayal, or sudden news that might shift everything they thought they knew.

But even a man as calm and composed as he was could not have prepared for this.

They had finally reached Volkorod.

Kazmir was already waiting by the gates, arms folded, his stance relaxed but his eyes alert. Shura's group members dipersed, each to different directions where their families were standing. The joy of the reunion filled the air; chatters and laughters filled the air.

Zhanna stood still in the midst of it, the weight of displacement coiling inside her chest. Vika was silent beside her, gripping her hand, her young face tight with worry. They had no family here. No one to run to. She watched as Shura turned to leave with Kazmir, the two men walking side by side.

Shura! He had earlier told her that he was Boris' brother, so he must be a prince. If she could find her way into the palace, she would kickstart her plans and live the rest of her short life in peace. Shura was her ally, surely if she worked as a maid for him it wouldn't be that hard. He might even respect the fact that she was a princess in her kingdom. She had to stop him. Had to speak before the moment passed her by.

"Shura, wait… please, I beg you!" she called out, breathless as she ran forward, tugging Vika along.

Both men stopped and turned.

Shura had a brow raised, but there was something, something softer, beneath the surface.

Zhanna came to a stop beside Shura, trying to steady her breathing. "I want to ask for a favor," she whispered into his ear, her lips barely moving. Zhanna resoned how she would tell him such thing- A princess begging to be a maid, in public.

She had just spoken three words but even as she spoke, she felt the scrutiny tighten around them.

Vika. Kazmir. The villagers. Watching. Listening without hearing.

She couldn't ask for a private word, not now. Not without raising suspicion. The very request would put her social status and future legacy in danger.

Suddenly, she had an idea. Something unspoken twisted in her chest. She didn't want to do it. The very thought made her hands go cold.

And yet… something kept pulling her forward.

A thread of something she didn't want to name. Something fragile, warm, and terrifying.

Before she could stop herself, she leaned forward and placed a kiss on Shura's lips.

It was nothing more than a peck. Light, brief, and uncertain.

But it happened. And it changed everything.

A collective gasp swept through the crowd, sharp and immediate. Kazmir gave a warning look to all and all eyes were averted.

Shura stiffened.

He hadn't expected it.

He didn't kiss her back, but he didn't pull away either. His hand twitched at his side, whether in confusion or restraint, even he didn't know.

Zhanna stepped back quickly, her breath caught in her throat. She kept her eyes low, her face burning with shame, or fear, or something else entirely. This was not the reaction she imagined he would have. He was a Prince, a man... surely he had been kissed before. She just needed a way to force away everyone's attention without clearly saying it.

Kazmir slowly nodded with a knowing smirk. "I knew it!" He murmured to himself.

Vika looked between Shura and Zhanna, shocked and confused but quiet.