Chapter 8
I glanced at Yngritt, who was just staring blankly as her father’s carriage left. In that moment, all worry seemed to vanish from her eyes. When she noticed me, she just looked past me.
“See you on Monday, Astra…” Lady Christy drew my attention again.
I smiled at her. “See you again, Milady…”
She got into the elegant carriage, peeked out the window, and waved. I watched it go until only dust remained.
I sighed. In an instant, I was alone. The leaders were gone. I turned to the towering gates. The familiar silence of this place was bizarrely calming. This is the quiet I grew up with.
Unlike before, I could now enter freely. I was walking back when I felt someone sling an arm over my shoulder. I turned to see Prince Nigel smiling.
“Can we be friends?” he asked.
“Lord Hezuera went home,” I told him.
“And?” Thankfully, he withdrew his arm.
“Why didn’t you?”
“Training…” He shrugged.
I just nodded. He was still following me.
“Uhm.” He looked like he was thinking of what to say. “Weren’t you with Magda?”
“If you’re going to interrogate me about her whereabouts, we’re not friends.”
He let out a heavy sigh.
“Why?” I asked after a moment.
“Nothing.”
He followed me to the kitchen. We found the others packing up. It was late afternoon and we didn’t have much left to do. This was also our rest day.
“Do you girls want to drink?!”
We looked at Nigel. No one answered. Lady Lena just shook her head.
“Come on!” he frowned. “My treat!”
“They’re tired, Mr. Hezuera.” Celeste entered and came to stand beside me. “They need rest more than anything. Also, Lord Hezuera told you not to drink, remember?”
“He won’t know—”
“I want a reward.”
Nigel raised a brow. “Fine. I’ll just invite Lord Oscar.”
“Can I join?” They both looked at me. “I want to drink too.”
“Sure!” Nigel grinned.
I turned to Celeste. “You?”
She gulped, making me smile.
After dinner, we returned to our dorms. Celeste said she’d pick me up later. I took a quick bath—I felt sticky.
“I’m coming too!” said Blessy.
“You’re too young, Blessy,” I scolded while brushing my hair.
“Why? Am I a child?”
“Your height—just kidding!”
She pouted and sat next to Grandma, who was folding clothes again. She did this almost every night.
“I miss Magda…” Blessy whispered.
I stayed silent.
“The Hezueras won’t let her rest,” said Grandma with a sigh. “What she did was betrayal. So you, Astra, Blessy… don’t you ever get pregnant. You’re still young, and emotions can be reckless. Be careful.”
“I’m not going to get pregnant,” Blessy replied. “I don’t even have a crush.”
“You never know, Blessy,” Grandma said, turning to me. “It’s the child who suffers most—living without knowing a mother or father.”
My chest tightened. I hated this topic.
Thankfully, Celeste arrived, holding a lamp as we walked through the quiet grounds. The Main was far from here, so it was quite a walk.
“Are you sure you want to come?” I asked again.
It felt like she was only doing it because of me.
“I can’t just leave you with them, Astra.”
“Is that all?” I teased, but she only shook her head.
We circled around to the back of the Main, where some huts were used for resting. In the distance, we spotted a well-lit one—Lady Lena and Nigel were already there.
“Gorgeous evening, girls!” greeted Nigel cheerfully, but he was looking at Celeste.
I smiled at Lady Lena and sat beside her. The hut was circular with one entrance. We were at the far end facing it. Celeste sat next to me. Nigel was at the opposite end, wearing an open-collar polo shirt.
“I can’t stay long,” said Lady Lena.
“You too, Lady Celeste?” asked Nigel.
“As long as Lady Astra is here,” Celeste replied.
Nigel looked at me. “I still can’t believe you talked to the Greatest Cardinal. He’s my idol. Don’t tell Papa, but… Brix is really cool.”
I let my gaze rest on the table. Luxurious alcoholic drinks were scattered there with shot glasses. One was already opened and half gone—Nigel’s work.
“Can you tell me about Brix?” Nigel asked again. “Aside from being the Beast of Nightfall. Everyone knows that. What else is fascinating about him?”
It seemed everyone—Lady Lena and Celeste included—was waiting for my answer. But I couldn’t think of anything fascinating.
“Come on, Astra.” Nigel was eager.
“I don’t know…” I looked into the distance, where people were arriving. “He can be your greatest friend or your worst nightmare. You choose.”
“No way…” Nigel chuckled.
“They’re here,” said Lady Lena.
Lady Feera smiled and gave a small bow. Celeste edged closer to me. Only Lady Lena stood to greet the leaders.
I felt so awkward. I could tell Celeste was even more uncomfortable. If I was right… this was her first time seeing Oscar again after a long time.
Lady Feera and Lord Oscar sat beside Nigel. Nigel grinned as he opened more bottles.
“I can’t stay long,” said Oscar. “I only came because Mr. Hezuera invited me.”
“Sure. No worries, Lord Oscar,” Nigel replied while pouring drinks. “I’m not leaving while the ladies are still here.” He laughed.
“You have early training tomorrow, Mr. Hezuera,” Oscar reminded.
“Really?” Nigel teased.
Lady Feera took a glass, cut her arm, and let a drop of blood fall in before handing it to Oscar, who took it. I know she’s different behind the mask, but how she treats Oscar seems genuine.
Nigel handed us drinks too.
“Thanks,” Celeste mumbled.
“Ah!” Nigel sighed, leaning toward Celeste. “It’s so peaceful when Lady Christy isn’t here, isn’t it?”
I took a sip before answering. “It would be more peaceful without you—”
“Ouch. You’re rude, Lady Astra.” Nigel laughed. “Is this how you treat Brixton too?”
I glanced at Oscar, leaning with his arm around Lady Feera.
“Why didn’t you invite Lady Yngritt?” I asked, changing the topic.
“Didn’t she leave with her father?” asked Oscar.
I shook my head. “She stayed.”
“Not me.” Nigel shook his head. “That woman scares the hell out of me. She barely speaks, and when she does, it’s just a nod. She doesn’t even interact.”
“You probably scared her,” said Celeste, shaking her head. “Be gentle, Mr. Hezuera.”
“I am!” Nigel insisted.
“Then why did you once run over the guards with your horse?”
“What? I lost control!” Nigel blushed in embarrassment.
“That’s even worse. How many years have you been riding and still act like a beginner?”
Nigel licked his lip. “I do know how to ride, Lady Celeste. It’s my favorite thing to do…”
Lady Lena laughed—clearly thinking of something else. Celeste, however, didn’t seem to catch the innuendo.
“Whatever you say, Nigel.”
“Are you teasing me so I have to kiss you to shut you up?”
I widened my eyes, holding back a laugh. Lady Lena didn’t even try.
“Is that your definition of gentle?” Lady Lena asked.
I looked at Oscar pouring himself another drink. He was just listening, but I could tell he wasn’t enjoying it. He looked bored.
“Tease me more, Lady Celeste…”