Talen shifted his head to the side to see what was causing the holdup. He saw what could only be described as a pretty boy holding Historia's second hand.
"And who are you supposed to be". He asked, irritated by the foul being obstructing his will from taking place.
"She said she doesn't want to go. Is that so hard for you to comprehend".
His statement irked him as his muscles bulged. That wasn't even what got to him.
When Historia saw the guy, her expression changed. A girl who had been so bold and confident as to reject him now turned into this meek, shy girl who can't even raise her head upright.
"I don't know who you are, but what is happening here does not concern you at all". He declared, showing how low his tolerance was getting.
"Is that true... Historia? If you say I shouldn't meddle, I won't". To show he meant what he said, Mikeal let go of her hand and took a step back.
It was almost as though he was telling her to make her choices and stand by them, that he didn't believe she was too weak to defend herself against any oppressive choice about to be pushed on her.
She shrugged her wrist out of Talen's clutches as she lightly bowed and said. "I really cannot go with you".
She said that and made her way to Mikeal, leaving Talen behind to wonder what just happened.
"Did I just get rejected for a lowlife". He muttered, watching the back view of Mikeal and Historia leaving him.
"They will pay for this, the both of them". He said as he bit his lower lip in anger.
---
"I... I thought~ I thought you were not going to come". She stammered, shly as they made their way side by side to the grand hall.
"Do you know who I am". He questioned, his demeanour as cold as ever.
"Do you know what... I am".
Being that she has had a day after their encounter, Mikeal expected those she tells of their encounter to fill her in on the current affairs.
She might not have known what the forest is or who lives in it, but after she meets with others they are sure to tell her.
Mikeal expected a change in reaction from her today. He certainly did not come with great expectations from historia.
However... This sure is surprising to see! She is treating him the same way she did when they first met, openly showing her affection with no care in the world.
Is it that she had not been informed or that she has but refuses to listen? Mikeal has difficulties telling which one it is.
"You are Mikeal are you not".
"No. I don't mean my name, anything else but my name. What I am, the rumours about me! Haven't you been told any of that".
"Does that really matter". She asked with a straight face.
"Do you know". He wondered.
"I told you to come here because I wanted to spend time with you. Anything else does not matter to me". She said.
He looked at her lost for words. Is this human being for real?! Is this girl a living being?!
His thoughts wandered back to the past, to a time when he had made the mistake of revealing himself before a crowd.
The eyes he was stared with were forever etched in his head. So how could there be someone like her who cares about none of those?!
Ah... It must be that?! One of those clueless kids who only think of what they want and disprove other notions!
That's it, that must be what is happening. Historia is nothing but a child who has yet to understand the ways of the world, to understand what it means to be considered an ill omen.
She is at a point in her life where she has no care for right or wrong, just fun.
A kid! Yes... Twelve is what she said she was, it is only to be expected. She is nothing more than a kid with the mind of one.
He had forgotten. Quiet unlike her, the environment has made him mature faster than his age so he had forgotten what it felt like to be a kid.
How it is only rational to tag innocence and foolishness as the attributes of a kid?
Mikeal was silent after that. Seeing as how she has probably heard the rumours and is doing nothing, he decided to leave it be at that.
They kept on with their walk with Mikeal matching Historia's pace. It had gotten better but she still had a fairly hard time clocking eyes with Mikeal.
"!!!".
Mikeal stopped walking as he grabbed Historia by the waist and led her to a hiding spot under the stairs they were about to go on.
"Is there something wrong". She asked, sensing Mikeal's slight
change in expression.
"Shush~". He whispered.
"When are we expected to storm in leader". Questioned one of the men, his voice coming from above the stairs.
"Relax. Once they share the congratulatory drink, then we can storm in". Answered another voice from above.
"Remember the plan. We go in, kill the Imperial's delegates and take the king of Emedia as our hostage to guarantee our safe passage out. Is that clear". Ordered the first man that spoke.
Several voices echoed their submission to the plan he had just laid out. They couldn't tell how many it was as the voices answered in unison.
Their footsteps leaving the grounds could be heard. Mikeal and Historia waited until the sound could no longer be heard before they came out of their hiding places.
"The king! He is in danger! We have to go now". Historia urged as she took to her heels while having her gown folded up so it wouldn't disrupt her running pace.
"Why!". He said, standing still.
Befuddled by his question, she stopped to give him a reply. "Did you not listen to what they just said". She asked, rhetorically.
"If they kill the delegates of the empire, the kingdom will not be safe. Moreover, the king's safety cannot be guaranteed at their hands". She explained, roughly.
"And...". He says, maintaining his cold stance. "How is that my problem?". He added.