Alexia lay sprawled on her bed, half-buried under her thin blanket, eyes half-open and unfocused as the morning light filtered through the broken wooden window.
The chill of the early dawn seeped through the cracks, but she barely felt it, her body too accustomed to the cold.
She lazily turned over, seeking the brief comfort of warmth and letting out a long, contented sigh, ready to drift back into a dreamless slumber.
But suddenly, her eyes snapped fully open. Panic clawed its way through her drowsiness as she remembered: the selection of the training guards was today.
A cold sweat broke out on her forehead as she realized how late she had slept. Her nightmares usually kept her awake, but last night had been surprisingly different.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she bolted upright, the remnants of sleep banished by the surge of adrenaline.
"That damn Alex," she muttered under her breath. "He knows I have to go to the palace today, yet he didn't bother to wake me. Such a hateful creature."
With a gasp, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet hitting the cold, rough floor.
She stumbled slightly, a sharp pain radiating from her temples as she stood up.
"Ouch," she groaned, pressing a hand on her temples. Like a thunderbolt, the events of the last night flashed through her mind.
"Oh my God, I totally embarrassed myself. So this was Alex's plan—to get me drunk so I wouldn't wake up on time," She gritted her teeth in anger.
She stormed out of her room, her heart pounding with both shame and fury.
Entering their cramped living area, she spotted Luke, who was engaged in a lively conversation with a woman, backing her.
The sight made her pause for a moment. Hearing her footsteps, they both turned to face her.
Alexia's eyes widened in surprise before she burst out laughing.
The "woman" was actually Alex, he wrapped his head in a scarf and wore a loose dress to hide his muscular frame. His naturally delicate features lent him a surprisingly convincing feminine appearance.
"What are you laughing at? It's not like it's the first time you've seen me like this," he spat, clenching his teeth, clearly uncomfortable in his disguise.
Alexia tried to stifle her laughter, wiping a tear from her eye.
"Okay, okay, enough, aunty. But why didn't you bother waking me up? I almost missed applying for the training," she demanded, planting her hands on her hips, her earlier anger flaring up again.
Alex expression softened into a wry smile as he stared at her, crossing his arms and remaining silent.
"I knew you did it on purpose, you asshole!" she fumed, pointing an accusatory finger at him, her voice trembling slightly.
Alex sighed, his shoulders sagging. He unfolded his arms, finally breaking the tense silence.
"Must you go?" he asked, his voice low and resigned. Though he already knew her answer, he still asked.
"Yes," Alexia replied firmly.
Alex let out another sigh, deeper this time, while nodding his head.
Reaching into the folds of his dress, he produced a small box and handed it to her, his eyes avoiding hers.
"What is this?" she asked as she took the box from his hands.
"You'll know when you open it," he said, his tone softening.
Alexia carefully opened the box, revealing a gleaming black dagger nestled inside. Her brows furrowed in confusion as she lifted it, the cool metal catching the light.
"Why are you giving me this? It's not like I'm going there to kill someone," she asked, bewildered.
"Just take it," Alex insisted, his eyes serious. "You never know what might happen."
He sat down heavily, the burden of his worry evident in his movements.
Luke, who had been silent throughout the exchange, sat beside him, his face a masked in concern.
Alexia's fingers tightened around the dagger's hilt as she looked at Alex, a complex mix of emotions swirling within her.
"Thank you," She said, her voice filled with gratitude.
She knew Alex cared deeply about her, and this was his way of showing concern. He was probably the only person left who did, apart from Luke and Beatrice.
"Alexia, I hope nothing will happen to you," Luke asked softly, finally speaking up.
Alexia smiled and walked over to him, cupping his face in her hands and bending down to meet his gaze.
"Of course, I'll be fine," she said reassuringly. "I don't want to leave my handsome brother too early. If something ever happens, I'll quickly run away."
Luke looked up at her, his eyes still filled with worry. But he nodded, a small, hesitant smile forming on his lips.
"Okay, I'll go prepare," she stood up.
She turned and walked to her room. She didn't have the luxury to bath, so she could only dress as quickly as possible.
She opened the chest at the foot of her bed and pulled out another set of black men's clothing. The fabric was rough and worn, but it was practical and would allow her to move freely.
She wrapped her round, firm breasts in thick linen, pressing them flat against her chest. Though they were her pride and a symbol of her femininity, they were always a problem when she dressed as a boy.
More linen went around her waist to give her the straight shape of a man, and she covered it all with a loose shirt and trousers.
She walked to the side of the room where a broken mirror was propped up and couldn't help but smile proudly at her reflection.
Despite her rough circumstances, she knew she was beautiful. Her face was striking, with sharp features and rare purple eyes that shimmered under the sunlight.
Her long red hair flowed down her shoulders to her waist, and if not for her disguise, her curves would have been evident.
With a sigh, she picked up another piece of linen and firmly wrapped her hair in it. She then grabbed her worn out boots from the floor and put them on, taking a deep breath to steel herself for the day ahead.
She walked back to the living area, her resolve hardening with each step.
Luke and Alex gaze immediately turned to her, She walked up to Alex and handed him a small pouch.
"Help prepare something for you guys to eat," she said, then pulled out a bigger pouch. "And when Scorpion comes, help me give this to him. I'm paying for an extra two months."
Alex nodded but handed back the smaller pouch. "I can definitely handle feeding us," he assured her.
Alexia didn't insist and took the pouch back.
"Will you have to live in the palace?" Luke asked, his voice tinged with worry.
"I'll ask if I can live outside the palace," she replied. "If they agree, I'll come back. If they don't..." She paused, her eyes betraying her uncertainty.
Luke nodded in understanding and then stood up, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug.
"I'll miss you," he whispered.
Alexia felt her eyes sting with unshed tears. She wanted to break down and cry, but she held it in, knowing she had to be strong... for him.
Everything she did was for him, so they wouldn't have to be separated again, so he'll have a better look life.
She patted his head and forced a smile, though it came out somewhat crooked.
"I'll be back before you know it. I'll probably only stay for about a month," she said, her voice wavering slightly. She planned on quickly stealing while still in training to avoid unnecessary problems.
After they finished their goodbyes, she waved them off and rushed into the forest path.
Alex watched her disappear down the path from the window, a loud sigh escaping his lips.
"I hope you remain safe," he murmured, his voice filled with worry. "You don't know the kind of danger you're walking into. Those people are..." He shook his head, unable to finish the thought, and turned back inside.
After some minutes of traveling, Alexia finally arrived at the front of a giant gate.
It was an imposing structure made of gold, and at the top, there was the image of a red dragon carrying a big black stone, it was the emblem of the royal palace.
Two guards stood in front of the gate, dressed in the official uniform: red shirts and black pants, with the kingdom's emblem displayed prominently on their chests.
As Alexia approached, one of the guards noticed her and called out, "Hey, young boy, what are you doing here?"
She could feel her pulse racing in her ears, but she forced a smile, trying to appear confident and friendly. "I'm here to apply for the training to be a royal guard," she said, flashing her most beautiful smile.
For a moment, the guards were taken aback, dazed by her striking appearance. ' This boy was really... beautiful'. But they quickly regained their composure.
"Do you think this is a playground? We're looking for guards, not a errand boy," the guard scowled, his voice dripping with disdain.
Alexia's face twitched slightly in irritation. She thought of a million ways to retort but knew that any harsh words would only get her into trouble.
She swallowed her pride and spoke politely. "Uncle, I thought everyone was allowed to participate."
The guard's face reddened, his lips curling into a sneer. Though he was older than her, he was still young and flared up at being called "uncle."
"Every man," the other guard chimed in, his voice laced with annoyance. "And you still have a few hairs to grow before that."
Alexia nodded as if understanding. "So you're saying I have to be as old as you two grandpa's before I can participate?"
"Grandpa's!" The guard tensed up at her words, recognizing her subtle mockery.
It was clear she was making fun of them, the guards exchanged a look, their expressions hardening.
If they didn't put this insolent boy in his place, he wouldn't learn to respect them.