Sebastian sought her eyes and whatever he found there was enough to make him hesitate. Shalei felt like her heart was going to jump out of her throat. What was wrong? Why did he look at her like that?
"It's 2132, Your Excellency." It was Keith who answered in the end when he was sure that his Alpha wouldn't say anything. His tone was tentative and careful. "And right now, we are on the outskirt of Vlence."
"2132…" Shalei muttered before giving a short, blank laugh. The last time she checked the calendar, it was 2004. It was no wonder, a voice in her mind elaborated, just look at their high-tech combat suit and their weapon, she should have known that something was off. It was just that the mansion they were living in just now didn't look too much different from the architecture in 2004, offering a false sense of familiarity and security to her.
Of course, they must have chosen an ancient, century old mansion, one that was both inconspicuous and wouldn't attract much attention. Now that she thought about it, no wonder that Sebastian had looked so shocked when she said he was ten years older than her.
It had been a hundred and twenty eight years, Shalei calculated numbly. What had happened for the past century? How could she be here? What about her mother? Did the whole situation have something to do with the kidnapping? Well, at least she was still in the city she lived in back then although she was uncertain how much comfort the fact could offer.
Shalei knew she ought to be flustered, to panic about her current predicament, but then everything that happened today had been so bizarre that Shalei didn't have the strength to show any strong emotions except for exhaustion. She couldn't help but wonder. If another surprise was coming her way, she might not even react anymore. Her mind was numb and white noises filled her ears.
It was only when Sebastian reached out to take her cigarette butt away that she realized that her body had lost all strength at some point of time and she was sitting on the ground. Such a vulgar position! The voice inside her mind screamed that sounded awfully like her mother. But what was the use of all the etiquette and rules she had imprinted to her mind and body if her mother was no longer here to punish her?
"Are you okay?" The man furrowed his brows. "You look… pale."
No shit, Shalei retorted inwardly. It was already a miracle that she could remain awake after all of this. But no, she couldn't continue any longer. Not when her stomach was churning violently and bile was rising in her throat. She pressed her lips tight and shook her head minutely.
She had no idea what it translated into Sebastian's mind but in the next second, she found herself being lifted into the man's embrace, ironically resembling the event that had only happened less than twelve hours ago.
However this time Shalei no longer trusted herself to open her mouth for fear that she would vomit all of her breakfast, opting to lean her head on the juncture between Sebastian's neck and shoulder instead, seeking whatever comfort she could get at the moment. She didn't even have the capacity to feel nervous when Sebastian squeezed her shoulders lightly as he stood up.
"It's been a long day." Sebastian told everyone present. "I will take Her Excellency back to her room. Get a rest. When the sun is out tomorrow, we will estimate our loss and start to repair the beacon."
The group nodded and dispersed. Meagan seemed to be asking something to her or Sebastian — she wasn't sure — but nothing truly registered in her mind. She closed her eyes and inhaled Sebastian's black licorice scent deeply. The sweetness was subtle but it was all Shalei needed right now. Her irregular heartbeat slowly calmed down and when Sebastian gingerly put her down onto the bed, Shalei already managed to put together a semblance of composure. She offered a smile, albeit weakly. "Thank you. I'm sorry that—"
Sebastian put a finger to her lips, not quite touching but more than enough to shut her up. The man promptly got down on one knee and peered up at her, still frowning. "Are you okay?"
No, how could she be? She was very, very lost and she felt like she would go insane if she were to let herself think about it even for a moment. But old habits really died hard, she wasn't accustomed to baring herself in front of strangers— no, Sebastian wasn't quite a stranger anymore. They had literally gone through a moment of life and death together!
Alas, the idea of confiding to Sebastian sent another wave of nausea up her stomach. She couldn't do this. It might just be her own problem, unwilling to let others see her weakness, stubbornly pretending to be fine. "Of course I am," she said in an airy voice. "Just a bit dizzy. I guess the breakfast didn't really sit well with my stomach."
"I apologize." Sebastian replied grimly. "I have planned to go out and look for another source of food but—" The Infected suddenly attacked. Ugh, Shalei's stomach churned again as soon as she thought about the non-human and non-beast creature that was just a split second from killing her off just now.
"No, forget it." Shalei heaved a sigh. She had been such a brat, hadn't she? Food was scarce in this place and she had the audacity to complain about it! What did Sebastian think back then? She must have looked like an insufferable brat. Her lips parted in apology but she was sure that if she were to get one word out, Sebastian would either stop her or sulk about it. The thought made her shake her head helplessly. "How can you go out in such a situation? Don't mind my mindless rambling, really."
Sebastian looked like she had just offended her greatly. He was a second away from protesting but Shalei cut her off. "Is it okay if I take a bath?" She gestured at her tattered attire and paused. Wait a moment... She eyed Sebastian suspiciously. "You don't happen to have a shortage of water too, do you?"
"Meagan will be here soon to assist you," was what Sebastian said which meant that yes, they also had a problem with water supply. Shalei shut her eyes and took a deep breath. Why was everything so messed up today? She nodded jerkily and Sebastian left the room, coinciding with Meagan that had just arrived.
"Your Excellency," the woman greeted, fraught with worry. Fortunately, she didn't ask something like 'are you okay' again otherwise Shalei would really have a mental breakdown right here and now. "Please wait a moment as this lowly one prepares the bath for you."
"Wait, Meagan." Shalei held her back when she was ready to leave. "Don't bother with filling the tub. It's wasteful, isn't it? I can just take a shower. Really." She offered an exhausted smile when Meagan seemed wanting to protest. Why did everyone have to accommodate her so? It just made her feel even more guilty. "I might enjoy a company as I bathe though. Do you mind waiting for me outside?"
This time, Meagan nodded readily. "Of course, Your Excellency."
Shalei finished bathing in record time. If her mother were to know that Shalei had merely splashed her body with as little water as possible, just enough to make sure she was clean, she would be horrified. Afterall, one of the most important lessons the woman ingrained into her early on was that one should keep their appearance in mind every single time. She wondered what her mother's reaction was when she went missing?
Shalei shook her head and sighed. Enough, she didn't want to think about it right now, or anything at all. So she just allowed her mind to remain blissfully empty as she dried herself, slipped on a new silk sleeping gown — Meagan had no idea where these exquisite gowns and dresses came from so she reminded herself to ask Sebastian later on — dismissed Meagan, bid her goodnight and then returned to her room. Alone.
She was laying straight on the soft bed, eyes staring blankly to the ceiling and seeing nothing at all when a soft knock resounded through her room. Shalei almost jumped off the bed from the shock. Sitting up with a jerk, she snapped her eyes to the direction of the sound and only relaxed when she heard Sebastian's voice. "Your Excellency, may I come in?"
"Seth…?" Shalei's voice wavered, still reeling in surprise. "Sure, come in. Do you need something?"
The man had changed out of the combat suit, once again wearing a long sleeved shirt and sweatpants, looking very casual and huggable.
Sebastian cleared his throat and hummed. Shalei waited patiently for what the man was going to say, amused by how adorably awkward he was.
"I assume you might wish… for some company." He enunciated slowly. "May I?"
Shalei's heart skipped a beat.