"For…It…Is...tantamut…"
"Tantamount" Lucia corrected Mylene. "You have to be careful with long words. I told you already, don't force it if you are not familiar with the word."
"I'm sorry Your Highness." The little girl bowed immediately.
Lucia laughed at her reaction. She caressed Mylene's hair. "Don't be sorry. In fact you are making great progress Mylene." She flipped the book's cover and pointed at the author's name. "Also, can you read the name of the author?"
"Hu..go…A..bott" Mylene read.
"Do you know who Hugo Abott is?" Lucia asked.
The girl shook her head as expected. Even in the nobility, not many people knew of Hugo Abott.
"He is a reformer who lived many years ago. His ideas are fascinating and radical." Lucia explained.
She felt a little guilty using the book in teaching Mylene how to read. But she had no choice since didn't bring any book with her. Luckily, Timothy pointed her to Henry saying that the Knight always had a book with him. Henry lent her the book and here she is, teaching a child how to read using a book about politics.
"A reformer?" Mylene asked.
Lucia put down the book. She decided that teaching is done for the night. "A reformer" she stopped and thought of the best way she could explain the word to Mylene. "A reformer is someone who changes things because he or she believes that changing that thing will make it better"
"So…like King Timothy?"
Lucia analyzed Timothy's political views and realized that Tim is a reformer. He often tells Lucia that both the army and the political system of Castonia need changes.
Lucia nodded. "Yes he is. King Timothy is a reformer."
"I'm not as crazy as Abott though" a voice sounded from the other side of the tent. Lucia only saw a shadow and she became afraid until she realized that it was Timothy.
"Tim?" She stood up and went to the tent. She then put her hand on the fabric and a hand from the other side met hers.
"It's me" Timothy confirmed but Lucia already knew that. The warmth of his hand was unmistakable.
Timothy pulled the tent up and went inside. "I will replace your guards tomorrow. These guys are incompetent. If it was Captain Bisham, he would have already caught me sneaking into your tent."
"And why are you sneaking into a Lady's tent anyway?" Lucia put her hand on her waist.
Timothy patted the dust off his clothes. He stood up and embraced Lucia.
It was so sudden and her heart raced. But it was good. Timothy's unique scent filled her nose. She was pleased by this sudden show of affection and she also wrapped her arms around him.
"I missed you" he whispered. His breath tickled her and she had the sudden urge to bite his ear.
And then she remembered that Mylene was also in the room. She turned her head and saw that the girl was sneaking towards the entrance of the tent. Mylene noticed her and she waved them a goodbye. Lucia and Timothy both laughed.
"So, why are you here?" Lucia asked.
"I told you" he kissed her on her cheek. "I missed the presence of Lucia Vanadis"
After hearing his cheesy response, Lucia found that she couldn't hold it anymore. Her mind lost against her emotions. She tiptoed and nibbled on his ear.
Timothy let out an ecstatic grunt. He then lifted her with both arms like a newborn and put her on the bed. At that moment, both of them were driven by passion.
And then Lucia perceived the danger if they continue without thinking for consequences. It took a lot of effort but Lucia was able to free herself from her desires.
He was about to kiss her when she stopped him. "Tim, we can't. If we continue, something might happen."
Timothy stared at her. Their faces were so close that if she lifted her head a little, their lips would meet.
"You're right, we can't" he finally said. He put his hand on Lucia's cheek. The sensation of his touch was so fulfilling. She felt safe whenever he does this. "Soon"
"Yes, soon" Lucia said. She then changed to topic lest both their emotions devour them again. "Why are you really here Tim?"
Timothy rolled to her side. "They agreed" he said.
Lucia was confused at first. His answer was vague. And then he realized that he was talking about Leo's Tear. Timothy asked the other members to let her join a few weeks ago.
"You mean, I'm a member of Leo's tear now?"
Timothy shook his head. "Not yet. They agreed to consider my request but your application could still be denied until they made the final decision. But this is good news. I thought they will reject you outright because you are not a Castonian."
"Such a strict recruitment. What is Leo's Tear anyway?" Lucia asked. Apart from the seal she had no idea what Leo's tear was all about. She agreed to join because Timothy said that it will benefit both of them and she trusts his judgment
Timothy showed signs of guilt. He couldn't look into her eyes. "I'm sorry Lucia. I can't tell you yet. I mean, I want to but I can't. I have sworn an oath to never reveal the secrets of Leo's Tear."
Lucia can't stand his pained expression so she nudged herself towards him. "It's okay Tim. I know you want to tell me everything but you can't. So I'll just wait."
"Thank you Lucia" he smiled. "But I'm still troubled so I'll tell you this much. What I will tell you is not against my oath to Leo's Tear anyway."
Lucia prepared her ears. Although she said that she will wait, she was still interested about the secrets of Leo's Tear. The secretive organization piqued her curiosity.
"This world is strange Lucia." Timothy started. "No, strange is maybe an understatement. This world is full of secrets. There are many unexplained phenomena."
"Unexplained phenomena?" Lucia asked.
"Yes. Have you ever wondered how the Ninev Mountains make its unique sound? They say that the Ninev Mountains have been howling endlessly since the beginning of time. And what about the continent Lucia? For many years, the people have known that the world is round because of the shape of its shadow on the moon during an eclipse. But not a single one of those who tried to circumnavigate the world came back. Leo's Tear is not just an organization whose members help each other, Lucia. It is more than that."
Lucia's hair stood on end. Timothy was right, this world is strange. In fact, she had also thought about that in the past.
"And Leo's Tear has all the answers?"
"No" Timothy answered. "Leo's Tear is also blind. But we have enough knowledge to question the common beliefs of the people."
Instead of quenching her curiosity a little, what Tim said about Leo's tear further heightened her curiosity. She wanted to join the organization now more than ever.
Timothy must have also realized this because he held her hand. "I'm sorry, I must have made you more curious"
Lucia laughed. "What do you think Your Majesty? Of course you did."
"Well even if we lose this war, you could still join Leo's Tear. I even think that the chances of you getting accepted is greater compared to our chances of winning this war."
"Let's achieve both Tim." Lucia said.
"Yes, we can have both." He put a kiss on her forehead.
Lucia did not notice it but she fell asleep on Tim's arms. His scent was really her favorite. It was relaxing. It gave her a feeling of intimacy.
When she opened her eyes, it was already morning. Timothy was not beside her. His absence made her uncomfortable.
She looked around and became happy when she saw that he was still in the tent. He was sitting on the chair while reading a small piece of paper.
At first, Lucia thought nothing of the paper, but Timothy's frown said otherwise.
"Tim?" She called.
Timothy looked at her. His frown vanished but she could tell that he was worried. "You are awake"
Lucia stood from the bed and went to him. "You look worried. Why?"
Timothy handed her the paper. It was a report from the scouts. Timothy's brother, Ivan, had mobilized his army and was currently approaching them.
"Why would you be worried?" Lucia asked. "You told me back in Greenwater that you are expecting for this to happen. Surely, you have a plan."
Timothy did not answer her. Instead, he handed her another piece of paper. After reading what was written in the paper, Lucia understood Timothy's worries.
Prince Ivan is bringing Erik as hostage.