The woman’s arms engulfed the child, pressing her face to the top of Ryia’s head. She loved her. It all really came down to that. Zephyra loved Ryia as though she were her own little sister. And the two held each other in silence for those few moments, understanding that she would have to go soon. They both felt the sadness of the departure, Ryia because she was losing a friend and Zeph because she too was losing a friend. But she knew she wasn’t coming back. Still, Zephyra would not change this for anything, because this life was death itself.

At Solomon’s entrance, Zeph cast a glance in his direction and released the girl, who in no time at all shot off like a cannon to greet her brother. Straightening, the woman stepped away some in an attempt to offer them a little more privacy, though it was clear she was forgotten in their exchange. It was precious, the woman settling to sit on the edge of the girl’s bed to watch. She had never seen the two interact before, only hear from either of them how much they cared about the other. Solomon was more subtle in it, but Ryia never had an end of affection when it came to talking about her older brother.

It was a mix of playful and tender moments between the two, and the woman felt honored to be witness to it. Dropping her head some, she decided to allow them to have their moment, though could not resist listening to the conversation that went on. It was beautiful. Truly beautiful. Other than Ryia herself, it was the first beautiful and pure thing that Zephyra had found here in this palace... in Concorba. Solomon’s voice could never quite escape its gruffness, but there was a clear shift to it, and his sister? His sister was so happy, the woman amazed that the child was even able to get that thrilled considering she was often pleased with one thing or another.

It continued a little longer with the girl demanding her seashells, Zeph remembering how once upon a time, she was much similar with her father. And then that was it. It was all ending and she found her arms wrapped once more around the child, giving her a gentle squeeze and bending her head to lean it against Ryia’s before releasing her. Hazel eyes watched as she returned to her brother, the two exchanging their own farewell. How well Zeph remembered what those were like... They were never easy on either party, though when younger, she had believed her father would always come home.

Seeing the man rise, Zeph did as well, stepping over, pausing to brush her fingers tenderly across Ryia’s cheek. She said nothing, only smiled warmly knowing the child was more than able to understand the simple display of affection in the look and gesture. I wish I could have left you with something more. But there was nothing more she could give but the knowledge she had left and the company she had given while she was there. It was all she had of her own, and she freely gave it to the girl. There was some small comfort in knowing that she had done something good here.

Zephyra looked to Solomon now and nodded. “My bag is on my bed.” She gave one more glance towards Ryia before finally turning and leaving the room, heading towards the one that contained her rather small collection of items. Opening the door, she did not pause to glance around or search the area for anything, only grabbed her small bundle of clothes and her hairbrush. There would be no looking back, and she hoped to block these months from her memory, if anyone ever could truly forget that amount of abuse.

“This is all I have,” she explained as she met with Solomon to follow him. “I fear I do not technically own any of this either.” Not even my body anymore. She fell silent for a moment before glancing towards the large man about to say something but changing her mind. The woman had been about to as exactly where she would be during the traveling... because if there was one thing she knew, it was even while walking soldiers could not resist feeling her up. She could take the looks of lust and want, but it bothered her deeply to know that unless Solomon realized, every day walking would be spent with hands up her shirt and down her skirt, faces leaning uncomfortably close, her body being held tightly to another.

The woman’s gaze fell to the ground and she said nothing. Solomon was getting her out of the palace and at least securing her safety at night. Zephyra was not about to risk losing that by asking for more. Her head lifted again and she seemed to relax some, though it was merely for appearances as she prepared to throw on yet another façade, and start her search for another Herek if necessary.

Solomon watched as she paused briefly by his sister, the woman bidding goodbye to the child she would never see again as well. It all already had him feeling unwell, but he hid it the best he could. If his men suspected anything was wrong with him it could be fatal. Frankly, anything he did could be fatal, because this plan was still one of high risk, but of course, if it worked, it would also be a high reward. It was one of the reasons he didn’t tell Zephyra because relying on two people to keep a secret was much more risky than one. It was simply how this game needed to be played.

Solomon nodded when she spoke followed her wordlessly to her quarters, waiting outside for her to procure her bag. When she emerged, he looked her up and down, merely because he had a feeling she would find traveling to be more than uncomfortable in her current state of dress, but for the moment he did not comment on it. He spared no more than a glance at her small bundle. Honestly, it didn’t really matter what she brought with her, because if she needed anything, he would have provided for her. It wasn’t as if the man was going to let her sit in her same pair of clothes for months.

“Well, you own those things now, considering we’re leaving. It isn’t as if anyone is going to be there to keep track of what you have.” Solomon explained, gesturing for her to follow, the two beginning their journey to the outside, where the regiment would be waiting for them to begin what would be a long time traveling. But such was his job, even if he no longer found any purpose in it. He would merely be counting down the days till he had to escape. “And perhaps we’ll find you a pair of boots when we come near a town. It would make it easier on your feet.”

It was a strange offer and it was even more surprising that he’d noticed, but Solomon wasn’t trying to march her into the ground. Not when he needed her healthy. Not to mention he knew that marching was a difficult feat and was taxing on most men. Let alone a woman who had none of the same training. “Weather should be fair, though it might get a little rainy and humid the closer we get to the Isles. I’ll give you a jacket if at any point you need one, we have extras. So don’t worry about the elements.” Solomon explained. Truly, they could not have picked a more optimal time to travel.

“You may technically be considered a prisoner, but you won’t be chained or cuffed like the foolish trinkets Brom’s men brought you in.” At that point, the word prisoner wasn’t even that accurate, since she was just going to be going with them to the Isles. There wouldn’t really be restrictions and the only ones he would ever have would be to keep her safe from his men. “I’ll have you in the center of the regiment, so you’ll be amidst the rank and file like any normal soldier,” Solomon explained, opening the door for her as they finally reached the outside, the two stepping out into the sunlight.

As if sensing Solomon’s arrival, one of his lieutenants approached him. Juneau. He was a rather lanky, squirrely looking man who topped out around 5’8” with a head of thin, black hair that he kept combed over to the side. He was young, but stress had made him age. At first, Solomon didn’t address him, still speaking to Zephyra. “Let me know if anything happens, we’ll see each other tonight.” He told her lowly, before looking over at the lieutenant. “Juneau, take Zephyra to where she needs to be then help Attikos finish getting the men prepared. I’ll be meeting with Brom for a quick run-through before we take off.”

The man nodded, “Yes sir, consider it done. Your horse is already saddled and ready with your things. He waits for you in the stable whenever you are ready.” Solomon nodded curtly, throwing one last, reluctant glance in Zephyra’s direction before he started to walk away, hoping that the Heavens would at least grant him the favor to get the woman out of there safely. Because Solomon’s days would be numbered as soon as he defected, but as long as he could right this one mistake, he could die knowing that there was at least one of a thousand wrongs righted.

She could not hide the small flash of surprise that went through her eyes at his offer to pick her up boots when they got near a town. She was already painfully aware of how exhausting marching could be, and she was no longer in shape as she was during the long one that brought her to the palace. The shoes she had now were definitely not good ones for long periods of travel, more for show than anything else considering they weren’t really necessary. She hadn’t even been allowed outside. And even more than that, he was offering to get her a jacket as they neared their destination. “Thank you.”

There really was little else she could say, though she mentally faltered as he explained where she would be walking. If it wasn’t for the fact that she was already unnaturally light for her usual skin tone, it may have been more noticeable when she paled slightly. It was confirmation of her fears really. If she was in the center, there would be no Solomon to see as she became the center of attention and was in the most vulnerable space. But she still said nothing, not wishing to accidentally aggravate the situation.

However, some of those thoughts washed away as she stepped out into the light, hazel orbs blinking against the brightness for a moment as fresh outside air touched her skin. It was beautiful, and she couldn’t help taking a deep breath and taking in the scents and sounds as she looked around to see the outside world again. She had a window in her room, but there was something different about standing in the warm rays and being consumed by the outside compared to sitting in front of an open window.

Her head swiveled towards the prince at his words and she nodded before glancing Janeau, the uncertainties and fears coming back as she was led towards the gathering men. But perhaps the worst part was knowing some of those gazes... knowing those eyes and hands more than she wished to ever know. A good portion of the soldiers she saw, she had slept with on multiple occasions, and she could tell they recognized her in an instant. And why wouldn’t they? She was the preferred one to take to bed... even when they came to towns with other women to occupy the men, she was the one they wanted the most.

As Solomon said, her place was in the center with soldiers on every side, some she didn’t know but looked as though they wanted her to. And so the long day's march began with those gazes on her, some refrained, some much less so. For the first little while, it seemed she would escape untouched but that was quickly discarded as bodies inched a little closer and hands started finding their way around her waist. There was no enjoyment as warm calloused fingers splayed across her skin, or hips were bumped into hers, heads bent as hot breath found her ear. And she was tired the longer they went, her feet beginning to ache too quickly for her liking with still more time to go.

The entire experience was unpleasant and long, and among the hordes of soldiers, she could not even spot Solomon in the hope of some kind of redemption from her situation. The pain in her feet she could take, as could she suffer through the exhaustion and heat. But it was the infernal hands and whispered innuendos. It was the men she had known before and remembered her willingness to allow their hands to go where they pleased during the march as if she were an energy source. They were giving an example and she had no personal space, the woman left uncomfortable and with far too many visions and memories of her travels before. She could no longer tell when things had been worse, whether in the palace or the march there...

All Zephyra knew was when she shied away from one soldier, she was caught by another. She held onto the promise that Solomon would get her at the end of the march, her only hope to escape his men. It was with a relieved gaze that she saw the fort ahead as darkness began to fall. It meant rest and safety from the hands that claimed her as their own. She clung to that instead of the lingering fear that her life would revert back into the hands of the soldiers. Even as they came to a stop, the soldier having to move to do as instructed, a few managing a touch here and there, she held to it, waiting for the prince to retrieve her.

But it wasn’t Solomon who came from her. Zephyra would have taken every soldier a million times over rather than the russet-haired man that came her way, his eyes the ones from her nightmares. She had been abused before, sometimes the princes had not been mindful and before that, the soldiers rough. But no one... not a single one compared to Colonel Brom. The woman feared him, more so than even Heinrey, and instinct caused her to take a step back. This man was vile and cruel... he had taken pleasure in telling her the slow and painful details of her father’s death, down to every gory detail. He was the one who had ordered her punishment when she had been recaptured, taking the most joy from her humiliation and the horrors that pursued. He was the one that could break her and have no repercussions from the soldiers.

It was his hands that found her, one claiming a wrist and the other holding her waist so she was captured against his side. “It’s been a while...” His words brought horrible visions to her mind and she could not reply, fearing to even speak as she was well aware she was being led in the opposite direction of where she should be going.

Solomon’s day was long, boring, and left him aching for freedom a hundred ways. The sounds of soldiers marching and the sound of his horse's footfalls were what his entire day consisted of. There was yelling here and there as the man called out here and there, sometimes receiving a sea of hollers in return as he rallied them. But most of the time, he said nothing, swords thumping at his sides while he sat atop the stallion he’d owned for nearly a decade. Ambrose was his name and he was another one of the few things that Solomon held a strong attachment for.

On those occasions when he didn’t have to call over the crowd, he was thinking. Thinking about what he would do after he managed to get Zephyra to escape and how they would escape in the first place. There was so much prep that needed to be done and such little time before it would be too late. Maybe he could start preparing once they stopped off for the night. They would be at one of the military-dominated towns, which meant there were more soldiers than regular citizens if any at all. Solomon could use the rare opportunity of privacy to his advantage.

He wouldn’t have to worry about Zephyra either, since she’d be in her own room and the rest of his soldiers scattered about, some in tents at the city’s edge and others in barracks. Another sum would be in the few inns the city had to offer because there simply wasn’t enough room for over a thousand extra men in an already full city. But lucky for them, the officers had a floor reserved to themselves, so it gave Solomon a chance to do as he pleased without the worry of being caught. He just needed to get Zephyra settled in and if he went out that night, maybe he could see about the pair of boots. He didn’t need her feet blistering or bleeding from the prolonged travel.

Not that she hadn’t endured it before. Solomon knew she had survived once and would again, but he wasn’t there to push her to her limits. He was there to successfully get her from the palace to freedom and do it in the least amount of discomfort he could. All they had to do was play their parts until it was time… That was it. Seemed simple enough, didn’t it? If only it was. If they were escaping a regular kingdom and not a bloodthirsty empire, it would all be much different. Unfortunately, they were trapped in the jaws of the beast and he was clinging onto the faint hope that he could use what power he had to his advantage.

When they finally arrived at the fort, Solomon was beginning to fatigue, but he showed nothing. He only began to bark orders, splitting men up as they had planned. But suddenly, as he searched for Brom, the man meant to be his right-hand in those moments, he was not to be found. Audibly, the general growled, but as he whipped around with narrowed eyes, he caught sight of the Colonel, or rather, his more flamboyantly dressed company. He had Zephyra. Solomon cursed lowly and jumped from his stallion, shoving the reins into the hands of Attikos.

“Take him to the stables and have someone else deliver your men.”

“But General-”

“Go.”

Solomon slung his bag over his shoulders and jogged after them. No, not Zephyra. “Colonel Varinsson!” The name and title came out rather venomously, Solomon’s displeasure evident in his voice. His hand captured the woman’s wrist, though his touch was much gentler than his voice as he tried to discreetly tug her towards him, encouraging her to move away from the man who had captured her once before. Golden eyes sharper than a thousand daggers bore into the rogue official, whose only saving grace was the fact that Solomon was trying to keep himself out of the spotlight.

“Brom, you need to deliver your group of men to their proper places for the night. Now is not the time for revisiting your former “plaything”. You forget whose command you are under. I will not tolerate these games you seem to love playing.” The disgust was evident in his voice and honestly, he would have killed the man ages ago for going against his command. If only he’d been able to do so. “Now, I require the prisoner, not toy, for some information. Escort your group, feed yourself and get some rest. Tomorrow will be even longer and we leave at dawn.”

Solomon lowered his voice as he began to step away tentatively, taking Zephyra with him. He didn’t bother a farewell to his colonel. “Stay close. I should’ve fetched you when we stopped, this is my mistake. My apologies.” It was an apology that fixed nothing, but one nonetheless. The town was large and crowded and after what had just happened, he suddenly feared losing her amongst the throng of soldiers and was also acutely aware that was a possibility he hadn’t hitherto considered. Yet another thing to add to his list of mistakes when it came to Zephyra.

“We’re just going to the inn, you’ll have your own room, but Heavens don’t forget to lock the door. The officers share a floor and you’re with me. He should leave you alone, but his ego spans farther than the ocean. He’ll challenge me until he retires.” Solomon spoke as if his own ego didn’t, but that was small details. Brom had always been an issue. Mostly because he had been Luther’s colonel and Solomon had stolen the title from him… but small details. “I’ll be next door, but if anything happens, do something, tell me in any way possible, understand? It’s a vile scenario, but I can’t assist you if you don’t inform me.”

Hearing Solomon’s voice was beyond relieving as her head swiveled, just in time to see the prince coming their way. As his hand claimed her wrist, she made no resistance to come to the gentle tug that was leading her out of the arms of the colonel and to the safety of Solomon’s side. Anywhere away from Brom was a thousand times safer to her, though she preferred her saving grace to be the man she knew would not take advantage of being her escape.

“Yes m’lord,” she responded at his command to stay close, the title she was so used to escaping without her notice. Zephyra was more focused on glancing around the throng of soldiers with uncertainty, resisting the urge to glue herself to his side for optimal safety. Last thing he needed was for her to be pressing herself against him out of fear, the woman well aware he was not one who appreciated any kind of touch. “You could not have known what the colonel would do.” It was true considering Solomon had not been there when she had been captured or on the march back to have seen what the man was capable of when it came to her existence.

At the mention of her own room, she nodded, offering a glance towards the prince before returning her attention to the bustle around them. She would most definitely keep it locked, that certainly not something she would forget. “I will be sure to do so. I admit I am not interested in any unwelcome visitors.” That didn’t always mean that a locked door would necessarily do anything if anyone was determined enough and managed to get a key, but she held the belief that the soldiers would see her walking with Solomon and assume she was his for the night, which would keep her safe.

“I understand and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to try and let you know.” Which withing itself wasn’t saying much, considering if for some reason her room did find itself with an unwanted guest, chances were she’d only have a very short period of time to bang on the wall or call for Solomon before she was seized and taken advantage of. She was not exactly a strength match to any soldier. Though, she did find some comfort in knowing that he was blatantly telling her that he would not support that kind of attention and would want to intervene.

Zephyra said nothing about the conditions of travel, however. Yes, while the prince had made it clear that he would protect her if any soldier demanded her in his bed, he had never made note if she was being touched. So, she simply did not bring it up. Instead, she followed close to him while they walked, her gaze falling away from any soldier’s that may glance at her who had once known her. She had never wanted to see these men again, but it was better than life in the palace, and for that, she could not complain too much.

“I thank you for bringing me,” the woman finally spoke, glancing up at Solomon. While she was uncomfortable and very tired, there was some semblance of safety being with the prince. Her biggest fears and horrors here came from her own mind and doing, the ever constant feeling that at any moment she could be thrown back into the life of pleasing soldiers. That and her fear of Brom, which she did not mention to the prince either, nor did she say just how well she knew him and was aware of the man’s personality. What mattered was that she was free from the palace, allowed to walk around in the fresh air and have her nights without sharing a bed. And for those things she was truly grateful.

Seeing the inn ahead came as a relief to her, her feet hurting and the woman looking forward to some sleep for the night. “I am sorry if I am causing you any extra inconveniences though. I know it is not ideal to have someone like myself for journeys like this.” The woman continued to follow him as they were admitted into the place, following Solomon to the room that would be hers. It felt strange to her, Zephyra even hesitating and stopping at the door, just staring inside. When was the last time she had a room fully to herself? She didn’t know and in a way, it almost felt wrong to have a room, totally undefiled, to herself.

Solomon was glad to find her agreeable, though he knew there wasn’t much else to expect when it came to Zephyra. She always said yes no matter what you asked of her or when you asked of her. It was a life that had been forced upon her, but the prince knew that her agreements were no doubt genuine because he was aware she found no enjoyment in what she did. Nobody in her position would. It was one of the reasons he had taken her from Brom and even offered to save her from any possible intruders. It was him trying to help her escape the living hell his people had made of her life.

When she thanked him, the man blinked in her direction, somewhat shocked. There was no need to thank him… not when he was the reason she was there in the first place. But Solomon had to admit that he was glad he had brought her. Leaving her at the palace now would have eaten at him forever. In fact, he doubted there would have ever been a time when he didn’t bring her along. He had feared for a while what would happen when he was not there to give her nights off or time away, to protect her from his brother and keep her from other abuse.

It had gnawed at the back of his mind for months. “Consider it a pleasant accident, if there is such a thing,” Solomon told her as they entered the inn, or what used to be one. Now it only hosted soldiers and the occasional traveler. Snagging their keys from the young man at the desk, he led them up the stairs to where their rooms, or floor rather, awaited them. Solomon was glad for what would be the suite, as it would have a bath and fireplace. One of his perks of being a general. He always managed to get the best room with the best bed, though he didn’t mind a cot either.

“You get to be away from the palace and under my protection. It fixes nothing, but I would rather you be technically under my “control” rather than that of my brothers’. Traveling might be hard, but I believe this is safer in the end.” Finally, he came to pause at the room next to his, opening it before handing her the key. He inspected the inside initially, making sure it was to his standards, but it was only brief before he stepped back into the doorway, allowing her the space she would claim for the night. “I hope the room is to your liking. Talk to the innkeeper or myself if you require anything.”

He leaned against the frame, eyes watching her blankly for a moment with a face that was much softer than the grimace he usually wore. “As for causing me an inconvenience, you do not need to consider yourself a burden. I chose to bring you here and it is unlike my plans have changed.” Yes, his plans had changed. Changed from conquering another nation to revolving around giving her the freedom she deserved and his fight to save the Isles. All she needed to do was last a few weeks. Just a few weeks and then the hell and earth he had created for her would be gone.

“I am someone who has enough regrets for the entire army I command, but I have not once regretted my decision to bring you along. It may not make it much better, as you are still a prisoner who is now forced to march across a continent, but I can offer proper meals and solace from the beds of others. I suppose it would be up to you to decide which was the better option between the palace or the journey, but I believe you have already stated your opinion.” Solomon told her, arms donned with crimson sleeves crossing over his chest as he spoke, voice betraying nothing of what went on inside his head.

“So as long as you are satisfied with this decision, then there are no regrets to be had and you have no need to fear of me charging some sort of price for this journey.” She had no reason to trust him, but all he could do was tell her the truth. Because Solomon intended for the journey to be a relief from the horrific lifestyle that had claimed her for so long. She was still a prisoner, but he intended to erase her added “benefits” while they were together. “I will have dinner delivered to you when the time comes and I’ll fetch you in the morning when it is time to head out. If there is nothing else you need from me, I will take my leave.”

Zephyra took the key in her hand, glancing at Solomon before taking a tentative step inside. Hazel eyes scanned the room as she made no comment on it for a few moments, still letting it sink in that this was her own personal room for the night. What she wanted… how she wanted it… everything clean and she could ask for anything she needed. Not that she would ask, too uncertain to ever do so, that part of her having been taken from her. “I will not need anything. This room is more than good enough.”

For her it truly was. Perhaps she had been in a large rather extravagant room in the palace, but it was a place of horrors that she wished to never return to. This room here more than suited her fancy and she finally dared to move into it and explore it some. Though she never actually touched much of anything, only lowered her bag onto the floor next to the bed, turning to look at the prince. “Proper meals and solace are all I require. It is a much better state of affairs than I have been in a while.” And she truly believed, yet another reason she had not mentioned the soldiers during the day. It was a small thing comparatively to what had been, at least as she tried to convince herself.

“I thank you again for this kindness,” she offered, knowing the gratitude she felt for what she was given could not truly ever be expressed. “All is well here.” Zephyra looked around again, the woman still awkwardly standing near the bed, though she was not right next to it, nor did she move to sit. It was an instinct she did not realize she had, to stay away from furniture and avoid any moves that could be considered inviting. She didn’t have a choice with the princes when she had been there, but she also knew if she didn’t exclusively invite them, they wouldn’t have their drive piqued further.

It wasn’t until he left and the door was closed that she moved forward and locked it behind him. She still didn’t really touch anything, simply moving to sit on the edge of the bed and claim her bag from the floor. She only pulled out a pair of clothes for the next day and a hairbrush, setting them on the nightstand. It was then that she noticed two books left for anyone staying in the room and she moved to take one. Her fingers smoothed over the cover before she found her way to the chair in the corner of the room, settling there to read through it and find some way to keep her thoughts stalled.

4 days later:

Zephyra was exhausted and her feet were killing her, her shoes not helping in the slightest. She knew she had a few blisters but never once complained, keeping her walking as steady and normal as possible. That within itself was not too great an issue, the woman knowing it would pass soon enough the more they traveled. What had become an issue was what happened during the traveling, and it did not sit well with her, though she had faced it once before. But she had reached a point from her palace trials where she could barely even stand the thought of being touched.

If only it was just thoughts she had to deal with. But after she had started wearing the clothes she had gotten from the servants, keeping her covered up, she could not escape the hands that like to find their way to skin. Every day it felt as though the soldiers were getting bolder and she had a feeling if they had taken breaks or Solomon didn’t get her the moment they stopped, the touching would have gone beyond. It was obvious what was wanted, though it could not be obtained so the soldiers took advantage of what they could.

Which left her eyeing the flaps of the tent warily as she sat in the settling darkness, the candle casting a soft glow around. Solomon had retrieved her the moment they stopped to set up camp for the night and put her in his own tent since there was no inn for her to have her own separate room. She had long since come to terms with the prince not requiring anything from her, but Solomon wasn’t in the tent. Rather, he had gone out to do what he needed to, leaving her there. The woman had moved to the farthest, darkest corner she could, wanting to stay as far out of sight as possible. The chances of anyone daring to enter the generals tent for her was slim, but it was a fear that still lingered heavily after the past few days.

She still had not told Solomon, not one to bring up issues or add any more problems for him. But she had gone quieter and when he did come and get her, she had abandoned the concept of giving him space. Instead, she would stick close to him when he was near, almost to the point of pressing to his side to avoid getting close to any of the soldiers. That and she did feel humiliated by it, some semblance of shame still in her.

The traveling was rather easy, as the weather was fair and his men were in good spirits. That was the trick when it came to traveling. The higher the spirits of your men, the easier it all went. Granted, no one dared fall behind or drag their fellow soldiers down for fear of facing the general’s reprimand, but it was always better when you men were in a good mood. It made them more agreeable, more likely to perform better and travel longer. It was miraculous what mere morale could do for a regiment. They could go from depressed and lagging to moving fast and making record travel time.

Solomon’s time alone at the front of the group gave him plenty of time to think. His officers were spread out, Brom at the back and Attikos and Juneau at the sides on their own steeds. Truthfully, the man needed more than three officers on his team, but the generals always kept their officer list short and sweet. Less risk of dirty little secrets escaping. Solomon hadn’t understood before, but now it made sense. A lot of things made sense now. And with his newfound information he put a lot of his mind and heart into concocting the perfect plan.

At night, he had already begun to prepare for Zephyra’s departure. He assumed if he collected supplies little by little, it would keep prying eyes off his back and suspicion non-existent. Solomon also tried his best to keep her as comfortable as he could, making sure she was given what she needed and as much space as he could possibly offer her. He hadn’t yet acquired the pair of boots, but that was because they needed to be custom made because she was small. He had sent someone ahead a couple days earlier with the measurements. It had cost him more than he had anticipated, but at least they would last her.

Which left him at the cobbler’s, paying for the boots which managed to be both feminine and functional. In his opinion at least, considering he knew nothing about fashion. Fingers ran over the well-crafted leather before he handed the money to the man, giving a curt nod of approval towards the items. “They’re adequate. I believe they will suit her well for our journey.” Solomon commented, extending a scarred, calloused hand to accept his change before shoving the coins in his pocket and picking up the shoes to tuck them beneath his arm, waving off the bag the old man offered him.

“I tried my best, your highness. I was quite shocked to receive an order from you. If I may-”

Solomon cut him off with another wave. “I don’t have time for small talk, I have a regiment to get back to. The boots are good enough, so I’ll be taking my leave.” And that was that. He was given his space and he left the shop. A few people stopped to stare at him as he passed, the profile unmistakeable. The massive body and dark skin, with the giant neck scar and the custom golden-handled, gem-encrusted swords. He paid no heed, only returned to his horse who waited patiently and stowed the package in the saddlebag. He paused only to give the horse’s muzzle a rub, but was quick to move on.

Tonight they were to rest in a camp, which awaited his return. The ride was short but nice, breeze ruffling his short hair as night fell. The moon was full and wore a brilliant shade of silver while stars began to grace the land around him. It would be an utterly gorgeous night. It was unfortunate he would be spending it within the confines of a tent. But such was his way of life. There would be time to relax later, right? As if the man even knew how to relax. The only days he had ever taken off were when he was injured, sick, or when he gave Zephyra solace. But oftentimes even those had work of some sort involved.

Speaking of Zephyra, Solomon had noticed she seemed more withdrawn and nervous. She didn’t even talk to him anymore. It wasn’t that Solomon was social or wanted conversation, it was just unlike her to not speak to him. He approached the tent with the boots in tow, pushing the flaps open to step inside. For a moment, he thought she had left and his heart began to pound, but he quickly noticed her tucked into a corner, the shadows that came from the darker sky concealing her. His brow furrowed momentarily, but he didn’t think it was his place to pry.

Even though he really wanted to know, he refrained. Instead, he approached where she had squirreled herself away, holding out the boots he had promised her back in the palace. Custom requested and made, they were the closest thing to a gift Solomon had ever given someone. “Here, I ordered them at the last fort we were in, they’re yours now.” He explained, watching her curiously, “They should fit you perfectly, but let me know if they don’t so I can have that fixed. I shoved some extra socks in there for you to wear. They should last you far beyond the journey.”

When she took them, he walked over and dumped his swords on the makeshift desk he had and removed his coat. At least the tent was large. It made things easier with two people.The man stretched and cracked his knuckles, his exhaustion catching up with him, though he felt undeserving of it. He rode a horse all day, which was a luxury compared to walking. “I’ll go fetch dinner in a while,” Fingers absentmindedly drew over a scar on his forearm in a subtly awkward way to fidget. He pulled out a few papers at his desk and began to rifle through them, “but you should rest early tonight, our terrain will be uglier tomorrow.”

Despite knowing that it was Solomon who was coming, the woman familiar now with the sound of his walking when he was in full uniform with his swords strapped on, she still sank back just the tiniest bit more in case. Hazel eyes gazed out of her dark corner to watch him as he stepped inside, clearly looking for her before their gazes met and she looked down. At his approach, she looked up again, though she did not shy away from him, knowing better. It was everyone else, everywhere else that scared her and left her in a state of dread. Because one day someone might get too bold or Solomon might not be fast enough to retrieve her.

At the boots offered her, she reached for them, quietly taking them as she gave them a very short inspection. Truth be told, if they were five sizes too large she wouldn’t complain about them. They were better than what she wore, though she realized that these were... hers. When Solomon had said he was ordering her boots, she had honestly expected just normal soldier boots. But what she held were a woman’s boots, even designed for a woman, not a soldier. The prince had bought her custom boots.

Zephyra did not even try them on, only holding them close to her chest as she nodded at him, her only form of response. Her head bent as she hugged the boots close, the only things she could now call her own. She knew without even trying them on that they would fit no one else. These were hers. Totally hers. Had they still been at the palace, or even a few days before, she would have spoken a thousand thank yous, offered to find ways to help in repayment. But now? Now she was too tired, too emotionally exhausted, and struggling with her fear of the men. It was the longest she had been without pleasing someone, and the thought of going back was something she hated.

He mentioned she should rest, but even with Solomon in the tent for some reason, she still felt wary of leaving her dark corner. As if it was truly safe, but she felt more hidden in it. Though, the promise of more rugged terrain tomorrow did bring with it a spark of hope. If the soldiers were too busy, then perhaps she could have minimal privacy invaded. One could hope at least, though she knew there was no real escaping it or some soldier deciding it was his duty to help her up and through the terrain.

It was with slow and careful deliberation that she finally moved to the spot that she would be rest, lowering herself to sit. But one thing was clear, she did not trust the tent flaps. The woman glanced up at the entrance nervously many times. Pushing back a few strands of chestnut hair that had fallen loose of her ponytail, she was looking back at the boots. Her fingers ran over the leather a few times before she finally reached down and slipped off the sorry excuse for shoes she had been wearing. Slipping her hand into the boots, she discovered the socks as were promised to be there, and those were then put on.

Finally, she slowly slipped the boots on, flexing her feet gently in them and finding that they fit perfectly. But she did not leave them on, taking them off and putting them to the side as she pulled her knees up. Her arms wrapped protectively around her legs as she stayed quiet, staring at the flaps again. Without realizing it, whenever footsteps passed by, she shrank a little. Her attention had long since moved from Solomon towards keeping an almost hawk-like attention on everything else and all her surroundings.

As Solomon expected, Zephyra opted not to speak, instead taking the boots offered silently and without any true reaction. It wasn’t as if he expected her to grovel at his feet or even thank him, it was just… unusual. He lingered silently for a moment at the desk, unsure of what to say or do. Usually, Solomon didn’t care and even preferred the silence, but that night? That night he felt a need to talk, to try and fill the silence that had gone from perfectly fine to uncomfortable. He ran a hand through his hair, which had become tousled in the front. Apparently even short hair couldn’t escape disarray.

His head turned as she got up, Solomon watching her move from the corner she’d wedged herself into over her cot, turning away as he reminded himself not to stare. It was hard, given the questions on his mind. Instead, he sat in the chair at his desk, the object creaking under his weight as he settled to work. Or rather, plan for what was to come. He was tired, but it needed to be done. The routine that was his life had gone from something he loved and lived for into something he could no longer stand. Perhaps it was because he finally knew who he was working for or maybe it was due to the fact no one would ever enjoy a life such as Solomon’s.

For the most part, his back was to Zephyra as he scrawled on a map. The map from his table at home to be exact. He had a large chunk of it from his table at home, leaving the edges ragged and unsightly. It was what he was using to not only draw Zephyra’s path, complete with inn stops and all, but what he was using to help project his own destination. At the moment, he had two maps with him. One was a detailed outline of the Isles and the other was the one he was going to give to his companion in the near future. Both of which were equally crucial items in his quest.

He worked until Attikos popped his head in between the tent flaps, his mop of dirty blonde hair as unmistakable as ever. He would be one of the only things Solomon missed about his life. Attikos was one of the only people he had ever liked, but then again, how much did the officer know about Concorba’s more sinister side? Was he just as unaware as the prince had been or was he content with living amidst genocide? “General,” Atiikos spoke, piercing through the haze the man’s thoughts were in, “The meal is prepared. Would you like me to bring it to you here?”

Solomon shook his head. “No lieutenant, I’ll get it myself. Go eat.” He told him, turning back to the papers to fold them up, the other man leaving. Once he was sure his work was hidden, he rose, eyes looking over in Zephyra’s direction, where she was evidently tense and on high alert. He was prepared to move on once more and he approached the flaps of the tent, fingers grasping at the fabric to exit, but that was when he paused. And after a moment, his hand fell away. He had hesitated because his mind and emotions were getting the better of him, something they seemed to do lately.

Because he had to know. Solomon took a breath and glanced back at her before he turned, approaching the cot she called home for the night. He squatted in front of her, forearms propped on his thighs as his head tilted upwards. He had thought it would be better if he wasn’t looming over her as he usually did. “I’ll go get dinner, but first, I want you to explain what’s going on.” His curiosity had won out and he finally asked the question he had wanted to ask days ago, “To be frank, you’re acting unusual and you always knew well enough to act fine.” She had always worn a facade but now she seemed… scared. If that was even the right word for it.

Solomon had always known that animals hid weakness until they could no longer. He had often found it was the same with humans. They’d hide until they couldn’t. “Are you sick? Injured?” He only inquired because those were the first things anyone would have assumed occurred, “The boots should solve a chunk of your foot pain…” He trailed off not knowing what to do and he was out of ideas. “I believe I’ve told you one or twice to let me know if anything happens. I cannot help you if I don’t know what’s wrong. This journey may be rough, but it is not meant to be miserable.”