I woke up halfway buried in the sand, the wind's fury evident in the dunes' shifted landscape. The scorching sun beat down on me, my throat parched from dust and dehydration. I longed for the rain showers, if only for the taste of fresh water.
After a brief stretch, I walked several kilometers to get my blood pumping for the day's trek. Our journey would consume half the day, and I needed to be ready to escort Queen Astrid through this unforgiving desert.
A lone cactus caught my attention, its presence surreal in this desolate landscape. I'd walked a considerable distance to stumble upon this anomaly. Time to head back; I didn't want Astrid to wonder if I'd reneged on our deal.
As I jogged toward her tent, my self-deprecating humor kicked in: "You want to look like a twig? Someone who hasn't eaten in ages, taking on a daring weight loss journey?"
Upon returning, I settled into the sand, now warm from the morning sun. Leaning back, I basked in the sunrise's breathtaking colors – vibrant pink, radiant purple, and fiery orange hues dancing across the sky. The unique colors of the sunrise captivated the very essence of my soul, entrancing me with their beauty.
The desert's rugged landscape unfolded as the sun's rays cast long shadows. I created shadow puppets with my hands, lost in the serenity.
Astrid's chuckle broke the spell. "Never knew there was a child in a man's body." Her soft, dove-like chuckle was a pleasant surprise.
"I'm an unpredictable man, pretty lady," I replied, smiling. "This is just one of my many talents. Come, sit beside me, and let me show you what lurks beneath the shadows."
Astrid approached hesitantly, her uncertain steps endearing. Her morning look was comical – her hair stuck out in every direction, as if she'd been electrocuted. Her clothes were rumpled, resembling those freshly extracted from a washing machine. Her eyes were slightly dazed, struggling to focus, and sleep creases etched her face.
This vulnerable side of her was adorable. I couldn't help but smile.
As she settled beside me, I showcased my desert-honed skills. "Is that... a butterfly?" she asked, yawning.
I chuckled. "For someone who looks smart, you don't know much about animals." This was the third time she'd gotten it wrong; it was obviously a scorpion.
Frustrated, I stood to leave. "Where are you going? We haven't had breakfast yet," Astrid protested.
She rummaged through her bag, exclaiming, "Tuna and crackers!" Her childlike excitement was infectious.
As we ate, I studied her, trying to stifle my laughter. Astrid rolled her eyes backward and moaned with each bite, obliviout.
As we finished our meal, I studied Astrid, struggling to contain my amusement. She rolled her eyes backward and moaned with each bite, blissfully unaware of my entertainment. But as she completed her breakfast, the Astrid I knew began to resurface. Her stoic features reasserted themselves, her eyebrows settling into an unbothered position, and her eyes gradually lost their fleeting spark, returning to their characteristic calm.
I observed her from a distance, noting the moment she fully awakened. Her gaze swept the surroundings, scanning for any signs of irregularity.
With her tent packed, she turned to me, her voice commanding attention. "It's time to head out. It's 8:49 am."
Her dominance was undeniable, and I couldn't help but be charmed. "Yes, pretty lady," I replied, falling into step beside her. "Time to walk. Without breaks, we'll arrive in half a day, but with breaks, it'll take another day – and I'm too lazy for a journey with no breaks."
My long legs effortlessly kept pace with hers, catching up each time she attempted to quicken her stride. Astrid's eyes narrowed slightly, acknowledging my deliberate matching of her pace.
"Tell me, pretty lady," I said, curiosity getting the better of me, "what draws you to that book? Is it the tales of old gods and forgotten lore?"
Astrid's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "Perhaps."
"Ah, a woman of mystery," I teased. "But I sense there's more to it. Is it the poetry that speaks to you? The whispers of a long-forgotten world?"
Her stride faltered, and she shot me a sideways glance. "What makes you think that?"
"Your eyes light up when you read," I replied, smiling. "A rare sight, indeed. Most people's eyes glaze over when confronted with ancient verse."
Astrid's expression turned thoughtful. "You're perceptive."
"I have my moments," I said, chuckling. "Now, tell me, what do you hope to find in those yellowed pages?"
Astrid hesitated, her reserve crumbling. "Answers, perhaps. Insights into a world beyond this desert."
"Ah, a seeker of truth," I murmured. "And what do you think you'll find at our destination?"
Her eyes locked onto mine, a spark of curiosity igniting. "What do you know of our destination?"
"Only rumors and whispers," I replied, my grin sly. "But I sense it's a place of great power. A place where the fabric of reality is thin."
Astrid's gaze lingered on mine, searching for hidden meanings. "And what's your interest in this place?"
"Let's just say I'm a collector of stories," I said, my eyes glinting with mischief. "And I sense this journey will be a tale worth telling."
Astrid's expression returned to its usual reserve, but I detected a hint of intrigue. "We'll see."
"Oh, I'm counting on it," I replied, laughing softly.
"Time for a break, pretty lady," I said, pausing to catch my breath. "I'm tired already."
Astrid scoffed, her expression disdainful. "We've only walked for five hours, and you're tired?"
I chuckled, amused by her mocking tone. "You think me weak, don't you?" I teased, my eyes sparkling with mirth.
Astrid settled an arm's length away, her gaze drifting into the distance. She seemed lost in thought, and I wondered what occupied her mind.
"Pretty lady, you seem lost," I ventured, curiosity getting the better of me. "Mind sharing what's on your mind?"
My question hung in the air, and I held my breath, unsure how she'd respond. Would she shut me down or grant me a glimpse into her enigmatic world?
Astrid's gaze remained distant, her eyes clouding over like a stormy sky. She hesitated, her lips trembling before she spoke.
"You... remind me of someone," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Who?" I asked gently.
Astrid's eyes snapped to mine, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of vulnerability.
"Eira," she whispered, her voice cracking. "My sister. We explored the ancient ruins together, sharing our dreams and secrets. Your words, your mannerisms... they bring back memories."
Astrid's voice broke, and she looked away, struggling to compose herself.
"I'm sorry," I said, genuinely moved. "I had no idea."
Astrid's laughter was tinged with sadness. "No, you wouldn't. Eira passed away suddenly. Her loss still feels like a void in my life. Sometimes, your words cut too close, echoing hers."
I listened attentively, empathetic.
Astrid took a deep breath, her composure slowly returning.
"Forgive me," she said, her voice flat. "This conversation is irrelevant. It should be forgotten and buried in the past. Now, if we're done resting, we can continue our journey."
The sudden shift left me puzzled. One moment, she was vulnerable and open; the next, she was a fortress of ice.
"Astrid, wait—" I began.
She stood, her eyes flashing a warning. "We have no more time for sentiment. Let's move."
I watched her walk away, wondering what I'd uncovered. Why had she shared this piece of herself, only to shut me out again?