Chapter 35:

Time passed by in the blink of an eye. Leo had been right; life had a funny way of slipping by you in snippets, every little moment lost to the sea of memories, yet those droplets which form from countless experiences make cascading waves, and though the moments may be lost they color the whole, dying it in its hue. 

Eres sat in her private chamber, turning her head side to side, observing the fresh haircut she’d received from Lana. Her hair was far shorter now, though longish in the back. Her fingers ran through it, pulling free in a way she hadn’t felt since she was a child.  It suited her, she thought. And it would be less cumbersome. As of late, Eres had grown tired of the little inconveniences of her body.

She didn’t hate it, of course (Eres was rather proud of her developing body, given where she’d started) and had grown used to the life of the fairer sex. It would have been difficult not to, by this point.

It was her sixteenth birthday tomorrow, after all. 

Those who looked at Eres would describe her build as modest. Eres described it as cute. Leo had once called her a goblin, and in turn earned himself a knot on his head. Though she was petite, more-so than her peers, she was satisfied for the sole factor of having reached a reasonable height.

No longer could she be described as minuscule—even Leo had agreed on that. Though he still gloated, having grown into his gangly form from diet, exercise and luck. 

Leo was no longer the pint-sized punk she’d laughed at as kids. Though their relative height remained about the same, he’d sprouted into a well-built young man. 

Her friends had changed as well, though she hadn’t seen them since the break started, a month ago, and much could change in a month for sprouting teens. She wondered if she would grow any more, or if her height would catch on some invisible genetic wall that outside factors couldn’t help.

She looked down at the unopened letter on her desk. Anne had given it to her at her return from the market yesterday, and she’d yet to look at the seal. 

Was it Amira again? She had the most frequent correspondence, followed by Celise and then Arille. Those three were normal, well-adjusted young ladies. It was Eliza that baffled her with each gift, every one of them more unexpected than the last.

Eres wasn’t sure if she’d taken up a habit of sculpting, but for some reason, ever since that fateful trip to the woods in their youth, each month Eliza had sent her a statue of Eres, but not the Eres that opened her gifts; it was an Eres unleashed to her rage. The formidable muscles on the figure grew more bloated with each delivery, and the last one depicted her holding a Malneshian Strider by the head, punching it in the belly, her arm covered in tattered sleeves, her biceps having burst from them in her anger. The detail was as remarkably accurate as it was demeaningly insulting.

Perhaps she’d done more damage than she thought with the various tales of shonen anime she’d regaled Eliza with over the years. The girl had grown obsessed. 

Eres once saw her practicing one-fingered pushups in the courtyard while Arille hung from her legs, wrapped around like a koala. The sight was so strange she almost thought she’d died again. 

Nothing as exciting as the trip had occurred since. The years were filled with laughs and joy, and the terror of exams and the frustration of tying with Leo each time. The first was not a fluke. It had become a sort of competition, a measure of mental strength she didn’t intend to lose.

They would each slack off, only to see one of the other reading or studying, and fly to the library in a panic. Their dark habits scared off the workers during exam season each year, to the point that it became a sort of household holiday for the workers in that section to sit around and play cards or talk while the two battled. For that reason, the library wing was a widely sought after position in the Fritz household.

Their mothers had long since grown used to their inexplicable behavior. The Duchess had grown warm in their time together. She often took Eres aside for small chats and tea parties, though she wasn’t sure if that was as a worker or a daughter. 

Her engagement with Leo was old news, and she often forgot the damned fool had made the claim in the first place. Often, letters or gifts or visitors would arrive at the ducal estate, would-be suitors smiling and clamoring for his attention. 

Leo turned each one away, every time citing a deep love for his dear Eres. Eventually, the offers waned, though they never stopped. 

Eres frowned, glaring daggers at herself in the mirror. Why hadn’t she killed him off in the woods back then? If she simply claimed that the dragon or the strider ate him, who would question her?

Instead, she’d been stuck at his side all these years, and though his demands had lessened in absurdity, he certainly took advantage of their contract. 

Just yesterday, he had her hold his teacup so he could sip it while reading. She had sworn that it was an accident a drop spilled down his collar. She’d smirked when he screamed like a little girl. 

Eres snorted to herself as she flipped the letter over. The seal was golden, a roaring lion its mark—the hallmark of the Malneshe kingdom. Amira. 

A smile fell across her face as she cut the wax with her letter opener. It was a heavy parchment with many folds, the beautiful, spidery handwriting cramped tight over the space. Eres laughed. Amira had always made the utmost of her letters, often including multiple pages, depicting her training or her family or her troubles. 

It was endearing if overwhelming. Eres read them all, sometimes multiple times. There was a deceptive loss in phone calls, and a certain charm to letters that Eres had grown to appreciate.

The dancing of ink and its thickness told a story of its own, and Amira’s handwriting had a lively emotion to it. 

She read it over, smiling at points, frowning at others. It was when she reached the end that her brow raised.

I would love it if you were to visit me over the break, Eres! We have a celebration this year we do once every five years or so. And, if you want, I’d love to have you with me! Though, I know Leo is your partner and your employer. So, I’ve sent a formal invitation to the Fritz household! I’ve requested Leo’s presence to discuss a political marriage. Don’t worry - I’m not going to take him from you! 

After the last line, there was a small drawing of a cat with hearts for eyes. Eres looked at the line, expression complicated. Marriage? With Amira? She’d be bullied for life! Eres knew it was nothing but a formality, and the operation itself rather childish, but it was warm and heartfelt. Though, that last line rose her ire. She’d teach the girl when she got back. 

There was more to read, so she sheathed her wrath. 

It was the only way I could think of getting you to Malneshe without ruining your alone time~

You’ll thank me when I show you the palace’s quarters! I’m eagerly awaiting your arrival!

P.S. - I think Eliza is sick. I saw her punching a tree before we left last month. What scared me was…I think she was winning? Don’t tell her any more of those strange stories! 

P.P.S - I invited Celise too but I don’t know if she’s coming. I sent a letter to Arille but I haven’t received anything back? Oh well. I’m rambling. I should stop writing. Right now. I’m just excited to see you~

COME QUICKLY!!

Eres folded the letter and placed it back in its envelope. The last few lines made her snort, and she placed it in the wooden box she kept for all her letters. Another to the pile. Soon enough, she might need a bigger box…

Eres stood, stretched, and looked to her bed. It was time for some rest…

With a loud gurgle, her stomach disagreed. Eres bit her lip. Had she picked up a parasite? Or was it a matter of youth? She was constantly hungry, out-eating all of her peers by no small margin. Leo would look on in awe as she tore through plates with graceful efficiency, like a proper young lady put to fast forward on tape. Immaculate as ever, yet somehow more off-putting. 

Still in her nightgown (a silken thing she’d thought she’d hate yet loved), Eres lumbered out of her room and her stomach carried her to the kitchen. Her feet slapped against the floor in zombie-like movements, and before long she stood before the kitchen door.

Sneakily, not risking the mansion chef’s ire, she tiptoed in, slipped the cabinet open thin as she could, and snuck a pastry from the gap. 

Sweets were still her favorite. Though she’d gained an appreciation for charred food after her lizard experience. She’d asked the chefs to give her anything burned, and the flavor seemed to her even better than that without the molten crust. 

She must have picked something up. How could she have such strange tastes? Yet it seemed no matter how much she ate, her stomach filled quicker when it was burned black. It was only a shame the chefs refused to cook in that fashion for her—pride, perhaps. Or maybe it felt wasteful to them. 

Her thoughts were interrupted when a light cough sounded to her right. Eres froze, looking over, and matched gazes with a tall, well-built figure opening the pantry door. Eres, mouth still full of pastry, could only swallow when she realized who her company was.

Leo stood guiltily, one hand on the pantry door, clad in nightwear, and eating a massive turkey leg leftover from the night’s dinner. 

They stared at each other, and through silent camaraderie, flit into the shadows, nary a sound to be heard. She matched his pace, speeding up, though her off-hand still held two backup rations, and they walked to their not-so-secret place. 

The light trickling of the fountain where she’d first met him was a familiar comfort. The night was mild, and even though they walked outside in nightwear it was enough to leave them unbothered by the gentle kiss of the nights breeze. 

They sat next to each other on the bench, and though their legs touched at the knee neither moved. Eres tore through her cookies and licked each finger like a rabid dog. Leo bit at the meat until he was gnawing the bone. When he was satisfied, he passed it to Eres.

She licked her lips. Was the sharing of food like this disgusting? Probably. No doubt, if anyone they knew saw them do such a thing they’d vomit on the spot. But manners and decor were wont to change between one’s parents and their best friend. 

They’d long since discarded any measure of face between each other. He knew she liked the marrow and had a tendency to chew. It was only natural he should give his trash to the only person who could use it. 

Of course, that was probably justification for a girl who’s stomach screamed at her even still. She’d been living in a state of perpetual hunger recently, though it eased somewhat in the day. 

Leo watched the sky for a bit before his gaze fell to her. He gave a soft laugh. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were just pulled from the streets again.”

Eres stopped gnawing, looked at the bone, and blushed. She looked up, guilty. “I don’t know why I’m so hungry. I just…can’t stop.”

They looked at each-other helplessly. If he weren’t the duke’s son, Eres would have eaten them out of house and home. It was almost comical. Though, the chefs had probably long since tired of her incessant need. 

She set the bone beside her and leaned back against the bench. The wind stirred, brushing over her, and though it wasn’t cold, the chill still caught her. Leo noticed, and rested his arm over her shoulder.

Eres scooted a bit closer to him, the warmth comforting her immediately.

“Did you hear about Amira’s marriage proposal?”

Leo widened his eyes, smiling at her. “Congratulations!”

Eres’s lip twitched. “Not for me, you dolt. For you.”

He swept his hand over her hair, ruffling it.

“I know. I’m kidding.”

Eres snorted. It was only after he had ruffled her hair so much it must have resembled a bird’s nest that she pushed his hand off. 

Leo glanced down at her. “I like the hair.”

“Me too. Or, I did. You just ruined it.”

He raised his other hand a bit, fingers widening in surrender. “Sorry, sorry.”

Eres swept her hair back into place best she could and cozied up again.

“Yeah, I heard. That party—you wanted to go to it?”

Eres nodded. “I think so. Sounds fun, at least.”

Leo smirked. “You know you’ll be attending as my maid, right? You might not have time to fool around.”

“What,” Eres scoffed, “Need your grapes peeled? Wrists rubbed? Nose trimmed?”

Leo stroked his chin. “Those are excellent ideas, dear Eres. Good work. I’ll add them to your schedule.”

She laughed, elbowing him in the side. “Since when do we stick to schedule?”

“I need to look like a proper noble in public, Eres. I can’t have you mistreating me.”

Her brow raised of its own accord. Her? Mistreating him? Would that she could! Her lips twitched and she glared at him.

“Fine. I’ll act the proper maid if you act the proper prince.”

His smile was gentle as the morning glow over the horizon. “Yeah, of course. I’ll just yell at you a few times, slap you around a little, then demand you clean my shoes or something.”

“…”

“Isn’t that proper?”

“That’s a crime.”

“You’re my maid though?”

“Your maid’s going to unionize.”

He chuckled. “I think we’re a while away from that. You’re stuck with me.”

Eres giggled, raising a finger to poke his cheek. It was less squishy than it used to be, and therefore not as entertaining. “I’ll start an uprising. Maybe I’ll save your head from the pikes if you agree to be my butler?”

“There’s a sight. Imagine me with a big mustache.”

Eres rested an elbow on her leg and leaned forward, chin resting on her hand, tilting her head to look up at him. “Be glad you’re not named Sebastian. If you weren’t born a duke we’d both be fucked.”

Leo grinned. “So dear Eres is glad she met me? Hmm~ I seem to recall something like this…?”

Eres smiled, though she was silent. His face was outlined by the stars behind him, and his goofy grin set her heart at ease. What if he were anyone else? Would they have treated her so well?

She spoke unexpectedly close to her heart. “Yeah. Yeah, I guess I am grateful, Leonard Fritz.”

Leo widened his eyes. He watched Eres smile, radiant and without her usual armor. The wind stirred her hair as she spoke. 

“I’m glad I met you.”