Below the castle walls, a mix of hope and anxiety rippled through the crowd as the refugees awaited word from their lord. They knew that if allowed to stay under the city gate, their chances of survival would significantly increase.
Beside Baobhan Sith, a small child wailed, clearly hungry. Frustrated, she snapped, "Stop crying! You're so annoying!" In a moment of reluctant kindness, she fished out a piece of fruit she had taken earlier from other fairies. She didn't care for it herself, so she handed it to the child.
As the child bit into the fruit, a bright smile spread across his face. "Thank you, sister!"
Baobhan Sith's expression twitched at the unexpected gratitude. "I told you to stop crying," she mumbled, turning away.
"I won't cry anymore! I'm a man, so I have to be strong," the child declared seriously.
Baobhan Sith sighed and left him behind, moving toward another group of refugees. Just then, the castle gates creaked open, and her heart raced. No way! Is Lott really this cruel? She was shocked to see soldiers stepping forward.
"This is no time for kindness!" she muttered under her breath. He'll just drive them away instead of letting them in!
But as the knights announced that the victims could enter the castle and enjoy some broth and shelter, Baobhan Sith's hopes plummeted. What? Are they letting them in?
The crowd erupted in joy. This is unbelievable! They're not only allowing us inside, but they're also offering food! The refugees exchanged looks of disbelief and elation. This act of kindness from King Lott and Queen Morgan elevated their spirits immensely.
"Line up and enter the castle one by one!" the knight commanded, and the people obeyed, eager to receive the promised broth.
Baobhan Sith's original plan of launching an attack fizzled out. How can I harm him when he's being so generous? She clenched her fists in frustration, grappling with the admiration she felt for Lott's actions. If he's this noble, then maybe I shouldn't kill him after all.
Despite her initial intentions, she found herself drawn into the line of refugees, moving stealthily under her hood. Her high heels were muffled by the crowd, and her training allowed her to slip through unnoticed by the knights.
Once inside, she scanned the area, her gaze landing on two figures who stood out among the knights distributing broth. One was a tall, striking woman, radiating a sense of danger that sent chills down Baobhan Sith's spine. This one is powerful. I need to be careful.
And beside her was a young man with a handsome face, a gentle smile, and a demeanour that seemed genuine and kind. How can someone like him exist? she wondered. Unlike many nobles, he showed no disdain for those lower in status.
As the broth continued to be served, Baobhan Sith observed him closely. He treated everyone with warmth and respect, even offering extra meat to a small child, his face lighting up with joy at their happiness.
What's going on here? Baobhan Sith thought, her heart racing. This wasn't the cruel lord she had anticipated. This was something entirely different.
When her turn came, Lott looked up and froze. Their eyes locked, and in that moment, realization dawned on both. Why is she here?
Baobhan Sith's heart raced as she felt exposed. Lott had seen through her disguise. I didn't expect this! How did he recognize me?
The crowd continued to bustle around them, but in that instant, it felt as though they were alone. Lott's expression shifted to one of recognition, and Baobhan Sith could see the gears turning in his mind, piecing together who she was.
In her heart, she grappled with a mix of determination and uncertainty. Do I attack now? But Lott's kindness and the aura of the castle made her hesitate.
"Next!" Lott called out, his voice strong, but he paused when he got to her. "Come here. Here's your meat…" His tone was warm, but his eyes held a serious glint.
Baobhan Sith swallowed hard, her resolve wavering. What am I doing? She couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps, just perhaps, her approach needed to change.
And as she stood there, cloaked in shadows yet caught in the light of his kindness, she was forced to confront the turmoil within her—a battle not only of wits but of her very identity.