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“I wasn’t that lucky,” Elias replied somberly.

Tears slid down Trybe’s other cheek, and she attempted to wipe them away before more filled their place. “It has been so long. I can’t believe it.”

Elias gave her a half-smile. “It is nice to see you too, Trybe. I wish I had known you were here, I would have come sooner.”

What did that mean?

I cleared my throat and the pair both turned to me.

“I’m so sorry, how rude of me,” Trybe said, wiping her eyes a final time. “Your friend Aura has just purchased my best bow. We were about to test it out back, but…”

I raised my hand up to stop her. “No, it’s okay. If you two need to catch up, I can find something else to do.” I said the words out of respect, but I wasn’t sure I meant them. The last thing I wanted was for Elias to be alone with her. But I knew how ridiculous that was. I gave a fake smile to the pair, and I swore I saw Elias frown slightly.

Trybe glanced between me and Elias. “I don’t want to impose on the day the two of you had planned,” she stated. “But I would love to catch up. I haven’t seen Elias in…what feels like centuries.” She then turned to me. “If that’s okay.”

I smiled back, although not completely genuine. “Of course.” I grabbed my bow and its accessories and walked towards the door. I paused in front of Elias, glancing up at him. “I’ll meet you at the inn later?” I asked hopefully.

Elias nodded, and I continued walking.

“Aura,” I heard him call out to me.

I turned to look at him as I reached the door, hope igniting that he had changed his mind and would stay with me.

“Be safe. Come find me if you need me,” he said with a dip of his head.

My heart dropped a bit, and a look of concern crossed his features. I stared at the perfect duo for a moment, any remaining confidence I had depleting. “I’ll do my best,” I answered, as I gave them a wave and left them alone.

Each step I took away from the weapons shop brought more nauseato my stomach. Elias now stood alone with the most beautiful woman I had ever met. And they seemed more than friendly with one another. I realized the heavy pit that sat at the bottom of my stomach was jealousy.

It was not an unfamiliar feeling. I was always jealous of Rose and all of the other Rimorian citizens who could walk through Rimor as they pleased. I was jealous of wanderers who got to see the stars every night. I was jealous of anyone who still had their mothers to hold them and tell them they loved them.

And now I was jealous of Trybe

I clenched and unclenched my fists, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling that I knew was unwarranted. Trybe seemed perfectly pleasant. Maybe they really were just old friends that simply wanted to catch up.

After a moment, I realized I had been walking for a few minutes with no destination. I decided to make my way back to the inn, and put away my new weapon before it brought any attention to myself. I got to the StarMoon Inn, and confirmed with Sam that he didn’t already book up our room. I assumed we would remain in Monuvia for at least one more night, since the day was fading. But we had already lost precious time. Each day we stayed stagnant was extra time for my father to find us.

Reluctantly, I paid Sam for another night and received the key back from him. I went to the room and hid the bow, quiver, and arrows under the bed just in case, then left the inn.

Making my way back towards the city center, I looked around at my surroundings. Children played in the streets, running through the shallow streams with their bare feet. I noticed that my own feet ached a little, as I hadn’t yet broken in the new boots. I found a bridge that crossed about two feet above a deeper stream, and decided to make my way to it. I sat on the bridge and took my boots off, settingthem down at my side. I dangled my legs over the edge and dipped my feet into the cool water, sighing at the immediate relief it brought me.

I observed the peaceful kingdom around me, and slightly ached for my own. I wondered how different Rimor would feel once I returned. How different my relationship with my father would be. And I wondered if Elias would come with me.

Sudden images of Elias filled my mind, all of them showing Trybe at his side. I let out a deep sigh, feeling irritated at how irrational my feelings were. What could even realistically happen between me and Elias? A blacksmith would be a better fit for him than a princess would. I should be happy for him.

Should be…but couldn’t help but feel otherwise. It was selfish of me, and I hated myself for it.

I lifted my feet out of the stream and let them dry before replacing my boots. I decided I was going to find some food and a stiff drink.

After asking some of the locals, I found my way to a tavern just outside Enaver’s city limits. I walked in, and found a quaint, pub-like atmosphere inside. It was nothing like the Cracked Hoof, but also not as light and easygoing as Sam’s inn. Many of the tables were filled with patrons enjoying their meals and drinks. Some tables were loud, some quiet, and all minding their own business. I walked toward the quieter section and found a small, empty table. I sat down and flagged down a barmaid, who then brought me an ale and some stew.

I couldn’t compare the stew to Sam’s breakfast, but it did its job of filling me up and leaving me satisfied. About one hour and two ales later, dusk had settled and I was ready to make my way back to the inn. Elias had given me some copper pieces to help blend in, as I slowly realized not many people carried gold, and I placed a few of them on the table. I started to stand up, when in the corner of my eye I saw a familiar pair entering the tavern.

Elias and Trybe.

I don’t know why I felt the need to hide myself, but I did. I sat back down and scooted my chair until I was hidden behind a large pillar. Elias and Trybe sat down at a table that was only a few tables from my own, and I slouched down in my seat, the barmaid eyeing me curiously as she walked by.

After I was sure I hadn’t been spotted, I began focusing on the voices around me until I could recognize theirs. They were close enough that I could hear them, but far enough that I could only make out bits and pieces of their conversation.