I don't rember when it started, but I guess it was when my mother told those words.
Everyti my mom gets drunk, she would always hold close and tell those words after her story of how she fell in love with that man.
"Love is dangerous, kiddo. Being in a relationship is like trusting soone with your heart, hoping they won't use it as a target. While it may not be sothing you can control, it's still your choice how you'll handle it. And if you can, think dozens of tis before you decide to let others hold you."
Although I didn't understand her words back then, it was still sothing that was rooted in .
I still rember the last words she said before she left that day, saying she was gonna end it once and for all and we'd finally live happily ever after...
---
I looked up at the bustling streets around , snapping myself back from mories I kept hidden, the people walking from stall to stall erasing the tension I held in my heart.
Alright, Aria. No more thinking about what can't be solved right now, and let's go eat!
Besides, it's only a matter of ti before we get caught so let think about it as I eat!
I noticed that I was still carrying Mika and holding Titan so I went ahead and dragged us off to the nearest stall that had the most delicious sll.
The scent that was carried on the smoke coming out of the at they were grilling was enough to make hungry.
"Mama! You're drooling!" Mika giggled as she pointed at the corner of my mouth. I didn't realize I was drooling until she had pointed it out so I hurriedly let go of Titan and wiped the drool on my cloak instead.
When , Jin and the others went out earlier this morning I wore a grayish black cloak. It was because I could feel the human's staring at us when we entered the kingdom a few days ago. As much as I wanted to gouge each of their eyes out I couldn't, that would just allow them to have a reason to throw in jail and I didn't wanna touch them.
So, I decided on a cloak instead! It was safer and wouldn't put in jail.
"What'cha want, girlie?" The owner of the stall, a man wearing a stained apron over a faded tunic and a rough leather cap that barely concealed his graying hair, leaned forward. His hands, rough and calloused, rested on the edge of the stall, and his eyes squinted at with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.
"How much for a stick, old man?"
"Ol-Old man?! I'm 35!" The owner said as he defended himself.
Damn, that's younger than I thought! I was thinking he was in the 60's or sothing.
When he noticed I didn't say anything he beca irritated. He smiled but the smile didn't reach his eyes as he told the price. "20 bronze per stick, if you buy a dozen it'll only be 1 silver coin."
"That's cheaper than I thought." I muttered, judging by the freshness of the at as well as the spices and ingredients he used I was even thinking it would cost atleast a silver coin or less.
Maybe he heard what I said but he did start telling a story I didn't ask for.
"Yeah. You can thank our empress for that. When she ascended the throne 12 years ago, this kingdom wasn't as bustling as it is now in fact it was worse, due to her uncle's corruption the people lived in poverty. But about a year of her reign she enhanced the living environnt around us, another year and she solved a pandemic going around at the ti, three years after she solved the poverty of the kingdom by forming alliances and opening up trade routes. And seven years later? She had already made the once small kingdom into the only empire on the continent. It was a miracle, none of the previous kings and queens were able to pull off what she had done in just a span of a decade and two years." The guy said as he started grilling about two dozens of at skewers.
He's not expecting to buy all that...is he?
When he finished grilling them he handed them to .
Dang it.
"1 silver and 50 bronze coin. Consider this a thanks for listening and your apology for insulting ." He said with a toothy grin.
"I didn't even wanna buy that much." I muttered again.
"What was that, lass?" He asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Nothing! Anyway, thanks!" I said as I paid the man before dragging Mika and Titan with again.
Before we even got far we heard a yell behind us.
"There you are!"
Yeah, I already know who's voice that is.
"Serena, she's over here!"
"Where?!"
I tightened my grip on Titan and Mika before running away laughing.
If they wanna catch they have to do more than just find !
The sound of hurried footsteps and Serena's angry voice chasing after only fueled my amusent. I glanced back to see her weaving through the crowd with a mixture of determination and frustration painted across her face. Her companion, a tall woman with fiery red hair tied in a tight braid, was pointing in my direction.
"Aria, stop running!" Serena's voice cracked slightly, and I couldn't tell if it was from exhaustion or exasperation.
"Mama, are we playing tag?" Mika giggled in my arms, her innocent smile making laugh even more.
"Exactly, Mika! And we're winning!" I said, dodging between two stalls and nearly crashing into a stack of crates.
"Aria!" Serena shouted again, her voice closer now. I cursed under my breath and ducked into a narrow alley, the scent of grilled at and fresh bread fading as we moved away from the market square.
"I swear, if you don't stop, I'll—" Serena started, but her words were cut off as she tripped over a stray bucket, landing with an unceremonious thud.
I paused for just a mont, peeking around the corner to see her sprawled on the ground, muttering curses under her breath. The others helped her up, but not before giving her an unimpressed look.
I was about to run back and help her up but then I felt Titan grip my hand before dragging away.
We turned down another alley, blending into the shadows, and ducked into a small side door that led to an abandoned room.
"Shh," I whispered to Mika and Titan, pressing a finger to my lips.
We waited in silence, listening as Serena and her companion's footsteps grew louder, then faded as they passed by our hiding spot.
When I was sure they were gone, I finally let out a relieved breath and sat down on a dusty crate. Mika climbed onto my lap, still giggling softly.
"That was fun, Mama! Can we do it again?" she asked, her bright eyes sparkling.
I laughed, ruffling her hair. "Maybe, but let's eat first. We did just buy way too many skewers, after all."
As we ate, I couldn't help but smile. Sure, I was probably going to get an earful from Serena later, but for now, this mont was ours, and nothing could ruin it.
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