♔ Elise was speechless, her mouth open in awe and her eyes staring blankly at her sister, unable to focus. Silent sobs shook her body, but she couldn’t feel a thing. She felt like she was in a dream, waiting for the moment when she’d open her eyes and be lying in bed— dried tears stuck to her face— with her sister sitting beside her and caressing her head, telling her: It was just a dream. But as time went on, and Elise realized she wouldn’t wake up from this nightmare, her eyes slowly drifted over to Camilla’s. They were full of pain and sorrow, just like her own. Elise tightened her grip on her sister’s bloody body as tears started to cloud her eyes and stream down her cheeks.
❝ Please… don’t— don’t leave me, Camilla. I need you. I can’t lose you. Please. Please! Oh Gods, please! ❞
❝ I don’t think so… I think it’s just this stuffy closet! ❞
♔ Elise let out a frustrated sigh and let her head rest on Harold’s chest. It certainly was hot in there… drops of sweat formed on their foreheads, accompanied by labored breathing.
❝ Can you cool me down somehow, Harold? ❞ she said, looking up into her subordinate’s concerned eyes.
❝ A– A little bit… especially since I’m supposed to hate you… ❞
♔ Elise squirmed around in the tight closet, but smiled at the man. Something about him was pleasant. Perhaps it was the amusing fact that he looked like a lobster lord. Anyhow, she didn’t feel too uncomfortable with him.
“I see you’re interested in staves? Well, this Rescue staff, one of our best selling items, is on sale today only! Very useful for helping out a friend or two in battle!” Anna smiled cheerfully as she continued her sales pitch, deciding not to question why such a young girl was in her weapons section. It wouldn’t be the first time, after all.
❝ Yep!That’s exactly what I want! ❞
♔ Elise picked up the stave the young merchant had been praising, and ran her hand down its smooth surface. It was made with white, polished wood and had extremely detailed golden patterns. It was beautiful— and on sale! Elise was in love. She looked up from the stave and smiled at the merchant.
Rapidly do the once unblemished cheeks stain themselves with a crimson hue, a frantic nature brought to light. He fidgets – drawing a blank, and once it all settles in, he’s quick to bow his head in respect, eyes squeezing shut as words fumble out of his mouth.
“ I had… no idea I was in the presence ofroyalty– !! I deeply apologize for my crude behavior, your highness!“
♔ Elise narrowed her eyes and glared at the young man. She did not break eye contact— not even to blink— as she pointed her stave towards him. Elise raised her eyebrows and gave the stranger an evil grin, which progressed into an evil yet overly dramatic laugh, which finally progressed into Elise’s real, hearty laugh.
❝ I’mkidding! I’m just kidding! I got you good though, didn’t I?? ❞
