~ 10 ~
ANYA
Our footsteps echo tensely in the tunnel. I’ve got a hand hovering over Sabri’s lower back, cautiously redirecting her whenever she wanders too close to the wall.
Maybe the blindfold isn’t really necessary—it’s not like we’ll be sticking around in this base after letting the princess and her royal clown committee romp around in here—but I can’t bring myself to feel too bad about making her wear it. Especially after she almost blew up again when I told her to put it on.
So much for no more tantrums!
Luckily, a few clicks from Mikko had her snatching the fabric and tying it on herself. With those intense blue eyes hidden away, she can’t stare at me like she does. And damn if I don’t need a moment to catch my breath.
Sabri may have given in and come along with me, blindfold and all, but I won’t make the mistake of thinking the fight is out of her, nor that she’s going to be easy to convince.
She honestly hasn’t changed that much , I think as I stare at the long line of her shoulders. It’s an oddly comfortable thought, which is off, because I really should hate her. There shouldn’t be any room for pleasant nostalgia between us. Perhaps it’s because predictability is safe, and that’s reassuring.
Well, maybe not entirely the same. She got stronger.
As if summoned by the thought, the ache in my chest intensifies. I swallow to keep from wincing. That’s another thing that changed—our old squabbles were relatively harmless, but Sabri isn’t pulling any punches today.
I readjust my shirt to distract from the ache, but the wet and stretched fabric hangs at an angle now. A few seams must have torn while Sabri was throttling me in the lake earlier.
I keep my sigh quiet so Sabri can’t hear.
Is all this trouble going to be worth it?
Saying that Sabri has not reacted well to me would be an understatement. I figured just revealing myself would help win her over, but I guess that would have been too easy.
Ah well.
I glance back at Mikko. He’s keeping a wary distance behind us. I think the little guy can sense when someone doesn’t like him, and Sabri radiates hatred. It can’t all be for Mikko, though, I’m sure I’ve earned myself a hefty serving of her displeasure too.
I can’t let Sabri being difficult stop me, though. It doesn’t matter how many tantrums she throws—I told the others this would work. Yes, it’s a gamble bringing the royal forces into our base and for me to go head-to-head with the violent princess. But all these years and we haven’t been able to get inside the palace. This is a glowing opportunity for us to plant the seeds we need for the future—and although it’s risky, it’s significantly less so than the other last resort options on the table.
I can’t let the others—or all the people who rely on the guild—down.
I pull the inside of my cheek between my teeth as we walk. A light touch against Sabri’s back causes her to stiffen, but after a moment she turns toward the touch, following the curve of the tunnel. It’s such a simple little thing and I know I shouldn’t read into it, but it causes a little bubble of hope to catch in my chest.
The Princess of Melsbrand might be a loose cannon ready to explode at any moment, but no one knows that better than her ex-best friend.
If anyone can handle Sab, it’s me.
Mikko clicks, then scurries excitedly down the path. The tunnel splits into three up ahead. Wooden boards block off one way forward.
With a gentle touch on Sabri’s arm—which she jerks away from, but obediently comes to a halt—I step up to the blockade. It takes a moment to heave the planks aside.
Mikko dashes into the newly revealed tunnel as I return to Sabri. The princess stands still and poised with a deep frown on her face and her arms crossed in front of her. I reach out to take her arm, but pause.
“What is it?” she asks sharply. She turns her head slightly, no doubt trying to hear to make up for her current lack of sight.
“Nothing,” I say with a small smile. “Come on.”
I’ll do whatever it takes to get her on our side.