"Would you like anything?" The other guy asked, I still don't know his name, not that I care.
"No, thank you," I replied. I was sitting in a living room or whatever it is, waiting for Ryle to come. After almost passing out I could use a little sitting.
"So, what do you want?" Ryle asked, calling my attention, his buttons were fastened luckily.
"I heard something interesting," I said trying to clear the tension a bit. After how I acted, it's selfish of me to come here to ask for something, but he's my last resort. "You don't like nobles, huh?"
"Not all," he stated, and I nodded.
"Am I among the 'not all'?" I'm really trying my best here.
"Why are you here, Rose?" He asked. At least acknowledge my efforts, I'm trying, okay?
"It's Poppy, something is wrong with him," I said, going straight to the point.
"And?" Okay, I know I pissed you off but come on, "and?" that's taking it too far. The sooner I leave the better.
"I thought you'd know what's wrong with him since…," I said and trailed off. I don't want to say, 'since you scared the living daylight out of me with your terrifying dragon'. I still remember clearly how I acted that day, I won't blame me anyone would react that way if they have died twice already, not that I'm justifying my actions.
Ryle didn't say the word, he just still with his legs crossed staring at me blankly, karma really is real. When they said nobody knows tomorrow I was the one they were referring to, I've learned my lesson, so can the torture end already? I could almost taste the silence, it was becoming unbearable, but I knew if I opened my mouth I'd say something stupid.
"It might have something to do with his mana," he finally spoke. "I'll check him but if it's anything else I won't be able to help you, I'm not a healer," he said, and I nodded dropping Poppy on my lap. Ryle stood up and walked up to me, squatting in front of me, I just stared intently. He held his hand over Poppy's head and created a small circle as a bright light formed and dissolved quickly.
He sighed and stared at Poppy for a while before speaking. His silence only made me more nervous, I sat there anticipating the worst.
"It's just a maladjustment in his mana flow, it's nothing serious," he said, and I nodded, relief washing over me. Wait, isn't mana flow significant for mystical creatures like Poppy? I guess it's nothing to someone like Ryle, as far as it won't kill him I am content.
"Thank you, Ryle," I said massaging Poppy's head.
"Sure," he said quietly, then another awkward silence fell on the room. I miss when we didn't run out of things to bicker about.
"I… I guess I'll be taking my leave now," I said standing up. He just nodded and moved out of the way, I took a step and saw myself outside in front of the carriage. Perfect way to kick someone out, magic is so handy.
When I got back I freshened up and lied down on my bed unable to move, I was exhausted and drained. I'm grateful that it isn't dragon flu, if that's a thing, but I'm still worried about Poppy I still can't get the image of that night out of my head. Why did he faint if it wasn't anything serious?
…
I sat on my bed reading a book, after my stressful day yesterday I needed rest, but I was trying hard to stay awake to avoid another coma-like experience.
"My lady, a letter came in for you," Millie said as she walked in, she sounded reluctant to tell me.
"From whom?" I asked, uninterested.
"Well…" she said, giving me the letter. I dropped the book I was reading and collected it.
It hasn't even been a day since the 'gathering' and Jupiter already sent her stupid letter. Is she desperate? Or obsessed? Or she's just bored? Did she write the letter before I visited her yesterday?
I already knew the contents of the letter without opening it, but I opened it and scanned through it briefly before tossing it to the corner.
"What does it say?" Millie asked, concerned.
"Another invitation," I replied dryly. "I don't want to go," I told her.
"Should I send a letter?" she asked.
"No, once I go for this last one it will all be over, and I'll be free," I said looking at Poppy. "Millie," I called quietly.
"Yes, my lady," she replied.
"If I want to run away, will you follow me?" I asked an expressionless Millie. She sighed and held my hand, saying,
"You know that your father will find you and bring you back," she said and I nodded. "I, on the other hand, will be locked up so…," she said releasing my hand as she walked to the door. "Don't think of it, Rose, I don't want to see you hurt yourself, just focus on your recovery," she said. She called me 'Rose' I don't know why that makes me happy. "For now," she said before closing the door.
I glanced at my mashed potatoes Poppy, he looked like a worn out bag that was thrown on the bed, he could barely keep himself standing these days, I smiled weakly and called,
"Poppy," he moved a wing in response, I guess he figured out how scared I get when he doesn't respond. "Poppy," I called again, and he moved to my lap, barely. "If I want to runaway will you go with me?" I asked him the same question, he didn't reply. "I guess…"
"I'll be your ride," he cut in. A chuckle escaped my lips before I realized it.
"With your tiny body?" I asked.
"I am only small because of the seal," he shot back, but it didn't sound rude. I massaged the ring and said,
"Even if you become big I don't think I'll agree to ride any dragon ever again. I've been scarred too deep." I shuddered from the memory alone.
"You'll agree," he said.
"I won't," I said as sure as he was.
"We'll see," he replied, and I laughed.
"You mentioned before that you've found a loophole in the seal, is it working? Is that why you're taller now?" I asked, and he shifted a bit like he was uncomfortable, why doesn't he like talking about the seal?
"Yes," was all he said and it was enough. I touched his scales and smiled.
"Just tell me if you need anything, okay? I could pay the best mages to help break the seal," I bragged.
"Aren't you friends with the best mage?" he asked, but it sounded like an accusation.
"I guess I am," I replied.