Lowering her head, Eva waited for the soldiers to pass as soon as possible. The voice became louder when she knew they were approaching.
The grip of her dress tightened, when she held the elderly lady's hand, with a firm grip. "Shh... there is nothing to be afraid of. Just stay calm and silent." That was all the lady said in response to her actions.
Nodding her head slightly, she waited until the group of soldiers, on their horses rode in their direction. Carrying a large flag of their kingdom in their hand, and wearing a protective layer of suit above, she saw how they appeared high and mighty.
'Now.. a simple soldier has the power and authority to rule over people!? what has happened to this kingdom behind my back?'
In the blink of an eye, fifteen years have already passed yet all that she knew was enough to understand that it was all nonsense.
The rules were simply put forward to make sure no normal human being can rise to the top.
Lifting her eyes, she saw the soldiers stopped in their tracks while passing and stared at a man, who was standing at a certain distance from them, "Hmm.. didn't we ask you to give us grains that your farm has asked?"
"I..i...I'm sorry. I will give them to you by the weekend.." the young man was merely afraid of the soldiers.
One of the soldiers nodded his head, when he averted their attention to another lady, "And you… what about the coins and money? The last time, you gave half of the money for the month.. this time we want double."
"His Highness.. will get them. I will try my best to provide you with the money as soon as the day of paying arrives." The woman was too timid to speak.
But the entire episode was making Eva think twice, about the circumstances in which she had earlier left, and now, what has this become?
When the soldiers enquired about everything, they once again started walking further, coming closer to where Eva stood with the older couple.
At this point, she lowered her head more, making sure that no one catches a glimpse of her eyes since she has no interest in getting revealed too easily.
Yet, her luck wasn't in her favor too when the soldiers stopped, just in front of the older couple's shop and her.
One of the soldier's eyes narrowed while staring at the little girl who was shivering too much, "You lady.. who are you?"
Her eyelids shimmered when she averted her gaze towards the lady. 'What am I supposed to say right now?' She wasn't sure with a lot of uncertainty written on her face.
Seeing her complicated expressions and messed heartbeat, the elder lady stepped ahead to answer back. "She.. is my daughter who has recently returned from her uncle's house."
"Don't you have a son already? And a daughter who is already married?" The soldier raised his eyebrows in doubt when he could witness the lady wasn't that confident.
This time, the elder uncle from the couple kept his hand on Eva's shoulder to say, "Now... What shall we say? This is a piece of sad news... but since you've asked we need to tell. The lady is my wife's brother's daughter. But.. he died a few days ago so she will live with us from now onwards."
"She is just like our daughter, and we like to keep her as one of ours. I didn't want my nieve to feel lonely in her own house so brought her here." The Elder Lady commented too, to come in support.
At last, Soldiers nodded their heads and started to go ahead while not paying much attention to the same. When they left their specific street, Eva sighed in relief.
Her heart which was harming against her chest too loudly, finally eased a bit when she saw them already departing.
With their exit from their street, everyone once again induced in their work like before.
Turning towards the couple, she smiled with a bright smile, relief washed over her entire body. "Thank… you so much. If not.. because of you.."
"There is nothing to say, girl. You have gone through the hardship and escaping though the slave trade isn't easy too."
They understood her well, yet she was grateful for the same. "But.. you lied for me. I can't pay you back for this ever in my life...."
"No need for this. Now that we have told them you are our niece, why don't you live with us too until you find your way back?" This time, the elder man spoke with an idea.
But the similar thought brought a frown on her forehead. 'Will that be too troublesome? But if I stay with them.. at least I will be relieved of not getting caught. At least a roof over my head too. A new identity and what not…'
The decision was difficult since she had no idea who they are. Yet from their behavior, her instincts told her to go for it.
"Alright. I will be staying here for some time... but I don't have.. any money to pay you back." This brought her again in a helpless position.
The elder lady walked closer o her and hugged her lightly, "So what? We are old people.. and our children are already out. There is no one to help us.. in our work. You are young, you will be a great help. you can be my helping hand... if that is fine with you to ease your heart?"
Biting her lower lip, she found it hard to resist the brilliant offer. At last, she slightly nodded her head in agreement.
they gave her a warm welcome inside their hose and shop, where she found herself comfortable.
Yet, a question remained in her heart. 'How will they both react.. when they realize that they have given an invite to a devil?'