The Cursed Prince

The two women drank wine and talked about the six stupid men that Kira taught a lesson earlier. Emmelyn's initial resentment for Kira because of her profession, slowly dissipated. She realized they had so much in common.

Perhaps, she could really see Kira meet Edgar and fell in love... and then Emmelyn could get her word to find out about what happened to Regan. She hoped it was not too late to save him and reunite him with her teacher.

That was... if they were still alive.

Ah, Emmelyn didn't want to think about it. Let's just focus on one thing at a time. Now, it was okay if she wanted to prioritize herself and sort her life together. Once she had broken the curse that befell her, she could save the world if needed.

If she could free herself from the Leoraleis' curse, she could feel relief because that means Harlow was safe too.

And that was all that mattered.

"Gosh.. it's almost midnight," Kira finally slammed her cup to the table and yawned. She had drunk quite a bit and was already feeling sleepy. "I have to call it a night. Make sure you get your horse tomorrow so we could go."

"Yeah, I will," Emmelyn got up too and walked her guest to the door. "I look forward to traveling with you."

Kira didn't say anything. She only nodded and then left. After she closed the door, Emmelyn lay down on her bed and closed her eyes. She felt lucky to find a new travel companion. She hated going alone.

Kira seemed like an interesting character and the fact that she was strong was a really good plus point. Emmelyn felt safer traveling together with her. She also hoped to meet Edgar on the way.

Ahh.. she must start asking around in case anyone met Edgar. She would love to know the results of his investigation.

*** 

Kira was right about the innkeeper could take care of the horse situation for Emmelyn. With only one silver coin, Emmelyn could already get a really strong and young horse. Elora called the horse trader and by lunchtime, Emmelyn saw the big and tall horse waiting for her at the yard.

"Whoa... this is a really good horse," she commented when she saw the animal. 

Elora smiled broadly and crossed her arms on her chest. "Drake is a good friend. He will only give my customers good horses."

"Well, thank you for your help, Elora. Now, I can continue my journey," said Emmelyn. Kira, who was standing beside her, nodded in approval.

"Yeah.. that's a good horse," she commented. "So, when are we leaving?"

"Let's go after lunch," said Emmelyn. "I already packed my bag. We can leave right away."

"Great!"

Kira was beaming in happiness and smiled a lot during lunch. Her boring travel would soon become more interesting and full of adventures, as she had wanted from the beginning.

Seeing the beautiful woman smiled, Emmelyn could only shake her head. Nobody would think the smiling woman ruthlessly beat up six men just the night before.

The diner was still very badly damaged and couldn't receive guests. So, Emmelyn and Kira ate lunch in their respective rooms.

After they ate their meal and settled their bills with the inn, the two ladies finally got ready to go.

"Which way is to Lakeshire, do you know?" Emmelyn asked Elora before she got on the horseback. 

The innkeeper pointed to the west. "That way. It's around a one-week horse ride. You can ask people in the next town to give you more direction."

"Yeah, I will do that," Emmelyn smiled. "Thanks for everything."

She turned to Kira and motioned her to go. The pirate princess nodded back. Soon, the two were riding their horses away from Glasswell.

***

"We can camp here," Emmelyn said. She stopped her horse and tied it to a tree. They were already far from Glasswell and their horses started to look tired. "This place has water. The grass is soft too. Perfect for sleeping outdoor."

Kira agreed with her. She also got down from her horse and tied it to a tree next to Emmelyn's horse. She cast her gaze around them and clicked her tongue. This place was really beautiful, she thought.

Not a bad place to spend the night.

Emmelyn took her waterskin and went to the small stream nearby and filled it with water. She drank her fill and then filled it again. Once she had enough, she washed her face and removed the 'birthmark again."

The sun was almost setting, but she could still see her reflection on the water. For a moment, she was dazed. It's been a while since she paid attention to her look. Her expression looked cold and aloof. She barely recognized herself.

After she was forced to leave Draec, her body was emaciated and she looked frail and sick. After months of being on the road, she had recovered her physical beauty. However, there was something about her that now looked distant and unfriendly.

She was no longer the happy-go-lucky woman who was mostly cheerful and talked a lot. Perhaps, she had suffered too much?

"You look sad," Kira's voice rang from behind her. "Are you missing your daughter?"

Emmelyn bit her lip, looked down, and then pretended to wash her face again. Once she was done, she turned around and replied to Kira's question. "I was just looking at my reflection. I barely recognize myself."

She didn't want to talk about her daughter. Thinking about Harlow would only make her sad. Emmelyn didn't want to dwell in sadness. She was worried it would distract her from her objective.

Kira could understand that her new travel buddy didn't want to talk about her private life. So she also went to the stream to drink and wash her face. Then she found fluffy grass to sit down and stretch her legs.

"Let eat dinner," said Emmelyn.

She sat beside Kira and took out dried meat and bread from her bag. They had enough supply for two days. They must buy more food in the next town or they could trap animals to eat.