Primrose wasn't proud of herself.
As soon as she dropped off the dishes, she had walked off with purpose only to quickly remember that she didn't really have anything to do. Honestly, she could have done some maintaince on her sword or some training drills to keep her skills sharp, she could have asked around to see if anyone needed some extra assistance and earned her keep. Before she knew it though she was hiding in the brushes near where the performers were prancing watching intently.
The weird thing was she had never been a big fan of the arts, had always considered them a huge waste of time but she just couldn't tear her eyes away from Malik…'s performance! She couldn't tear her eyes away from Malik's performance with the trope! It was because every single member of the trope was so dazzling and talented, that's why she couldn't make herself move from her hiding spot.
She was grateful that no one had seen her sneaking her free show or when she slinked off to go to server duty. Dinner was a wildlife curry (basically whatever they got in their snares last night got thrown into the pot) which smelled surprisingly tasty not that Primrose was able to enjoy any. After she finished serving all the caravan members, she was expected to help with cleaning the dinner dishes then would get a staff meal of bread and jerky. She was glad to hear that because she had done serving duty this night, she wouldn't have to do it again for three days as there's a rotation.
She found a nice spot and settled before starting to scrub the dishes. All the other people who were on dish duty had gotten into little groups and were having lively conversations while cleaning. Primrose was a little jealous, but she shoved that feeling down and scrubbed with extra vigor.
"Finally, Prim I was looking for you everywhere!" Malik said running up to her and throwing himself down next to her.
"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be eating with everyone else?" Primrose asked, that bitter feeling that had been filling her chest was quickly erased by his presence.
"Oh, I ate fast and then I got bored so boom here I am." Malik said lying back and putting his hands behind his head, the very picture of ease.
"So, the solution for your boredom is to watch me wash plates?" Primrose asked teasingly.
"I'm never bored when I'm around you." he said then he quickly realized his tone was way too serious," I mean you made practice much more interesting with pretending to not notice you peeking from the bushes. You know I never took you for a voyeur-ouch!"
Primrose pinched his ear and twisted with all her strength blushing profusely," That is- I wasn't- I just liked the dancing," she said embarrassed.
"Okay okay okay I get it Prim. I'm sorry. "Malik cried apologetically and Primrose finally decided to let go.
"You're such a jerk." Primrose said turning her back on him and going back to her dishes.
"What me?! Would a jerk come all this way to visit his best friend and keep her company." he said pouting at her with pretend sadness.
"Hmm sitting on your butt and pestering me while I try to do my job…seems pretty jerky to me." Primrose said still not turning to look at him but that had less to do with her being mad at him and more to do with the slight smile tugging at her lips.
Malik jumped up and grabbed a pot and started scrubbing.
"What are you doing?" Primrose said finally turning to him.
"Well as long as I help out, I can keep pestering you and not be a jerk." Malik said as though that made perfect sense.
"That is not how that works Malik." Primrose said moving towards him to take the pot out of his hands.
"Well, it got you to look at me again didn't it." Malik turned his face to smirk at her but as she was already moving towards him their lips came dangerously close together. Both their eyes widened and that weird feeling that she felt when she watched him dance filled her again. A moment passed yet another moved either closer or father away. Malik's eyes searched hers, what he was looking for she had no idea but for the life of her she couldn't bring herself to pull away from him.
"There you are girl!" Elise squealed from behind them. The spell broken Primrose pulled back so hard that she fell on her butt. Malik gasped and helped her up again.
"Malik what are you doing here. Shouldn't you be eating?"Elise asked after she got closer.
"I finished early and thought I'd help Prim out." he said.
His tone of voice put a shiver up Primrose's spine, it sounded cold. She turned to look at him and almost didn't recognize him. His eyes were so hard and his usually smiling lips were pressed together tight.
"That's so sweet. I knew you two were traveling together but I didn't know you guys were so close." she said looking down at their hands.
The surprise of her sudden appearance had made Primrose not realize that Malik hadn't released her hand from helping her up.
Primrose would have pulled her hand back, but Malik tightened his grip and the flash of fear in his eyes made her stay just as she was.
"I don't see how that's any of your concern Elise." Malik said. This didn't sound the tone you take with someone you were casually seeing once upon a time. The rawness in his voice made Primrose's chest go tight.
"Ah right. You're right that was inappropriate of me. I was just hoping to get a quick word in with Primrose if that's alright."
"Is it something work related?" Primrose said surprised by her own tone. She didn't know what was going on between these two, but she did know that Elise was the one causing Malik to have that cold look in his eyes and she just wanted her to go away.
"Sort of. It's kind of a privet matter." Elise said.
Primrose looked at Malik unsure of the right course of action. There was a tight squeeze to her hand then he let it go and took a step back, "Well if it's a privet matter, I could cover for you while you guys talk." he said suddenly back to the old Malik.
"Okay Elise lead the way." Primrose said.
They walked at bit into the wood in silence then Elise turned to her," Before I say anything I need to know what your relationship with Malik is. Are you two honestly not together together?" she said.
It all became clear," Dear God Elise we're not like that! I can absolutely assure you that I won't stand between you and Malik. If anything, I wish you all the best together because he clearly still has feelings for you." Primrose said.
"Wait what no no no no," Elise gasped," that is not what this is about."
"You're not making sure I'm not dating Malik?"
"Yes I am making sure of that but not because I'm jealous. I'm just worried about him."
"You're worried about him?" Primrose was so confused now, "Then why are you talking to me?"
Elise hesitated, "You don't have any romantic feelings for him, right? Not even a hint, right?" she asked clearly needed direct confirmation before she started her explanation.
Primrose opened her mouth to deny it, but she was shocked to find that her denial didn't come as easy as should have. Was there a kennel of doubt in her heart-
NO.
That was impossible, she couldn't didn't have those types of feelings for anyone. She at least could keep her heart pure that was least she could do considering the vows she had made to the Rose Kingdom.
"I do not have any feelings for Malik," she said then unable to stop herself she added, "other than those of friendship."
Elise nodded to herself, "That's what I thought, "she said under her voice then she said louder," Listen I think I need to warn you. Malik doesn't exactly do platonic friendships and you should really pull back a bit before you end up getting hurt."
There was a long pause," EXCUSE ME?" Primrose said insulted to her core.