Vivian walked through the market lost in her thoughts, placing things from the list she'd been given into her basket. Crystal strolled beside her, speaking of the knights' return. "Did you hear that the knights are supposed to be returning soon? Aren't you excited?? It seems like you've waited for this day forever!"
The smile that lit up her friend's face pained her heart. Only she knew what the outcome of this fated meeting would be.
"What's the next item from the list?" Vivian questioned, trying to change the subject.
Crystal's smile dropped. A look of confusion replaced it, but still, she read from the list.
"Tomatoes… are you sure you're okay? You've been gushing to me for months on how excited you are to see what he looks like. Today you seem kinda... off" Crystal placed one hand on her friend's shoulder and the other on her forehead.
Vivian nodded and removed her friend's hand from her forehead. "I think I am starting to get a cold, is all. We should finish up quickly and head back."
Crystal still eyed her strangely but agreed.
After gathering all the items, they made their way through the thick crowd.
Excited chatter filled the air. "I heard that Maximus was the reason for our huge victory," stated one man.
"Maximus is the strongest knight we've seen thus far!" said another.
"Long live the kingdom of Alina! I want to be just like them one day!" shouted a young boy.
The conversations were soon drowned out by roaring cheers.
"Look, it's Edgar Conners! He's even more handsome in person!" A woman in the crowd screamed.
Vivian froze for a moment, facing away from the cobblestone road. A gust of cold chilled her bones when she heard that name.
A blazing inferno of anger and fear swirled within her. Her face contorted, resembling that of an angry demon.
She wanted to believe that she could move on and hide from his sight, but in truth, a part of her yearned to see him suffer. She had spent most of her life kneeling to him, begging and pleading at his feet to treat her kindly. He was supposed to be her everything.
The promises he made were seared into her soul. When he broke her, it wasn't just her heart, but he had twisted her spirit into something so ugly she feared the lengths she'd go through to watch him writhe in pain as he had done her. She realized something at that moment.
Her soul couldn't rest peacefully unless she saw to his downfall personally.
Her eyes widened at her revelation by simply hearing his name. She never thought herself capable of having such thoughts.
Crystal paused as well and looked towards the road. "Wait! Let's see if we can spot your man!"
Vivian pulled Crystal's arm, leading her out of the crowd and back towards the estate.
"I'll see him eventually!"
"Okay, I see what's going on here…" Crystal said after they exited the crowd. "You're just nervous, is all. I'm sure him not responding to your last letter has a good reason. I know that he'll be the o-"
"Drop it. Let's leave." Vivian's face turned sour, but her friend walked too far behind her to see it.
The silence stretched on during their walk. After some time, the tension in her shoulders slowly dissipated. She was lost in her thoughts, wondering how she'd get revenge on the man who'd taken out all his woes on her.
'I know about his biggest incident that led him to resign from the knights. I could get this information to a higher source if I could enter the castle. If he didn't get bailed out of trouble before it reached the King, I'm sure he would've paid a heftier price than being told to resign. Her brows furrowed. 'But who would listen to an outsider? Let alone a woman?'
The creases on her forehead deepened. 'That event also doesn't happen for quite some time. But what can I do?' She looked up in time to see the manor come into view; they were on time this time. She had no idea how alternating the timeline would work, but more than anything, she didn't want to be subjected to the same horrible end.
"I have the right to be slightly more selfish this time. I can't let my best friend die because of me," she murmured.
"Did you say something? You been giving me the silent treatment the whole walk back."
Vivian looked at her friend. "Let's drop off the supplies in the kitchen. I will retire for the night after, I'm sorry I think I am a little under the weather."
Crystal looked up at the sky. She took note of the sun still at its peak, it's very odd to get a cold on such a warm sunny day. "But it's- well, alright… just hand me your basket, and I'll drop it off. I'll also let Ms. Betty know you're sick, so get some rest."
Vivian handed the basket to her friend then hugged her tightly. "Thank you."
As they entered the foyer, they went their separate ways. One headed to the kitchen and the other to the maids' quarters. It took a decent amount of time, but she gathered all her items from her side of the room and stuffed them into a bag. She squeezed the little money she did have into an envelope and put it in the bag. When someone from the staff was sick, they were sent to a private room at the end of the hall. This was implemented to avoid getting the rest of the team sick, as there were usually multiple beds in one room.
Swinging the bag over her shoulder, she stepped out into the hallway and bumped into someone.
Anna glared at her.
"Hello, young miss. What might you be doing in the servants' quarters?"
"Last time I checked, I didn't need anyone's approval to be here."
"You're right. I apologize for my mistake."
She eyed Vivian's bag suspiciously. "I hear you're still talking to the man I've discarded. It's shameful to pick at someone else's scraps… but being the help, I'm sure you're used to it."
Vivian waited to respond. If there's one thing she's learned about people with a vicious temper, it's that no matter what you say, their hatred will still burn bright.
Crystal made her way around the corner, and after catching the tail end of the conversation, she walked up to Anna and bowed. "My apologies, my lady, but I'd be glad to help if you need anything. Vivian has fallen ill and is current-"
"Ew!" Anna's face twisted in disgust. "Why didn't you say anything earlier? I can't get sick! My beloved future husband has returned today! I'd never let him see me in such a dreadful state!" She turned on her heel and returned down the hall in the direction she came from.
Bringing her head back up, Crystal scowled and spoke when Anna was out of earshot. "What a brat! Who would've thought such a lovely tree would give way to such a rotten apple?"
"Yeah… whoever said the apple doesn't fall far from the tree lied. This apple fell from the tree and was dragged downstream."
Both women burst into laughter.
"You want help to get your things to the back room?"
"No. I got it. Thank you, though."
"No problem. If you need anything, let me know, okay?"
"You got it."
Vivian made her way to the back room. The single room was no bigger than a closet, but it was enough for tonight. The pale yellow walls reflected the setting sun's glare, and she made her way to the small bed in the corner of the room. She plopped down on the bed and stared at the brown bag she had placed on the floor. Tomorrow everything would change. She hoped for the better.
Wringing her hands, she looked out the window.
"I think I know what to do now."