Chapter 13

Another update and it didn't take months?!?!?! Here is a little something for you to fill the gap and get things sorta moving 😏 enjoy and let me know what you think!

She follows me into a wooded area, slapping at mosquitoes as they attempt to bite her. When one lands on her neck she goes in for the kill but if flies away before she can get it. There's an audible slap as her palm connects to her skin and she lets out an aggravated huff. "I just don't understand why I'm the only one being bitten," she mutters to herself.

I give a chuckle and shrug. "Probably because I smell like an armpit mixed with a horses arse," I reply. Turning around, I see that there is a red mark at the base of her throat where she just struck. "I can take you back to camp if you'd like? The bugs get worse the further in we go."

She gives her head a shake. "That'll only waste time, I'm fine," she insists. "Besides, I'm interested in learning—I've always looked up at those who can rely on themselves for food."

Turning my head, I give my right shoulder a shrug. "Suit yourself," I reply and continue navigating through the brush. We continue for a few more minutes in silence until I push a palmetto frond out of my way and pause, squatting down to examine the base of a pine tree. Pointing with one finger, I gesture to Claire to have a look.

"See how the bark is smooth here?" I ask. Usually coarse, it's been rubbed down quite extensively. She gives a nod and I continue. "Boars will usually find some mud and then rub against trees to work it in and get a good scratch at the same time. They also do it to leave behind their scent. Keeps other board at bat while attracting females," I explain. Leaning forward, I pinch off a cluster of coarse black hair from a patch of dried sap and hand it to here. "See?"

She examines the hair in the flat of her palm before dropping it to the ground. "So are you going to set a snare here?" she asks me, swatting away another mosquito.

I give my head a shake. "No, I'd need more than what I brought to set a snare large enough for a hog. Besides, there's no telling when he'd make his way back here—could be a whole day. Best to move on," I reply. When I go to stand up, she follows suit but instinctively grabs my arm when I turn. Raising my brow at her, I watch as her blue eyes skirt around the woods around us. "Is something wrong?"

Pursing her lips, she releases her grip and sighs. "I suppose I'm just nervous about running across a boar. They can be deadly, yes?"

Smirking, I give her a nod. "They can, but I wouldn't be concerned about it. Most of the time they'll run away before coming at you—and even then, I'd protect you. Don't worry your pretty little head," I say causing her to blush. I then turn and continue on once again for a few more moments when I spot a small pile of droppings. Bending down, I pick up a few pearls and feel that they are relatively fresh. Wiping my hand off on my trousers, I give a nod. "This is a good spot. Whatever was here probably heard us in the distance and ran off."

Digging into my pocket, I pull out a thin cord, two hooks, and some bread. "So," I say in a low voice. "What you need to do is attach the cord to a limb—preferably something that will bend easily but will still snap back enough to catch the game." I then grab a sapling and test it before giving a silent nod. Tying one end of the cord to the sapling, I then fasten it to a wooden elbow hook before driving an identical hook into the ground. "Now, all we need is a retractable noose," I say, and show her step by step how to craft one out of the remaining section of the cord. Then, gently, I rest both ends of the hooks to each other and lay out the noose. "So, when the animal comes back and hopefully eats some bread crumbs, it will trigger the snare like so," I say, sticking my wrist through the circular rope and moving it around. Suddenly, as the hook detaches from the base, my wrist is snatched upwards three feet into the air. There's a sting as the rope burns my skin and I remove my hand from the snare. "It's pretty simply really—hardest part is getting the hooks to stay put."

Her full lips turn into a small pout as she gives me a nod. "Does it kill the animal instantly?" she asks, sounding somewhat hopefully.

I give her a shrug and begin to reset the snare. "Ideally it does but half of the time we find them still alive and have to finish them off."

"Hmm," she hums back in reply.

It takes me about ten more minutes to set four more in the surrounding area and when we're done I suggest we try to scavenge for herbs to give the game time to return.

"I think I saw some thyme earlier," she tells me, and we agree to head back in the direction of camp. In moments we come across a small patch and begin to collect the bright green plants.

"You don't talk about your sister much," she states softly, stealing a glance at me to her left. "I'm curious about her. You and your brother Rory seem so...extraordinary? I think that's the right word I'm looking for?" she asks herself out loud. "Is she like the two of you or more calm like your other brother? I believe that's how you once described him at least."

My hands pick the herbs carefully seeing as we aren't in any rush and I tilt my head to the side, silently debating as to how much information of my personal life I wish to share. Given that she has shared so much of her own life with me, perhaps it's only fair if I do the same. "Well, I told you the general run down of her before, right?" I ask, not exactly how much I had already said.

She gives a nod and slaps at a mosquito on her arm. "Yes, I suppose so. You had said that your brother Crispin and his wife had set out to bring her back to Paevia but she instead chose to settle down in another land and now has children," she answers.

Collecting the last bit of thyme near me, I shove what I have in my satchel and move forward a few yards to collect the rest.

I'm pretty sure I had gone into more detail than that—perhaps she's not bringing it up in fear reopening old wounds or did I really just summarize? Regardless, I decide to go over the past one last time with perhaps more detail than the last.

"A few years ago—Rory and I were fighting in a war similar as to the one now. Crispin's the youngest brother so he stayed behind with my father. He never really had a place on the battlefield, rather he trained the soldiers before sending them to us. Anyways, Rose is the youngest of the four Carlyle's and we all felt very protective over her—my father as well. One day she asked to set out to visit a friend in another kingdom, and after being told no she would beg every day until father agreed," I say, stealing a glance at Claire. The evening sun shines down on her through the canopy, illuminating her hair and a soft copper hue.

"Along her journey her caravan was killed and upon learning who she was they decided to take her back to Rorik for their leader, Santiago. For ransom if I had to guess," I continue. "Flash-forward to Crispin being sent with Cora, Laria, and Amiri, they set off on a long journey to retrieve her, suffering greatly while doing so. Taken by slavers, being beaten, almost assaulted, and branded...it was all for nothing when they found her not only living with Santiago, but carrying his children as well. It was a slap in the face to say the least when she refused to leave with them," I say, looking over to her once more. Her light brows are furrowed together and she gives me an understanding nod.

"They came back to Paevia empty handed and my father was going to hang them—well, not Crispin I guess. It was only because of me breaking Cora out of the prison that stopped it from happening. We forced my father to listen to their side of the story and he agreed to let them live. Of course it was only natural for the four to fall in love with each other after experience such trauma together, so Crispin chose to step down for the most part of his Paevian duties and they all got married and now of children of their own," I finish.

There is a few moments of silence as she process my words before speaking. "That's quite a story, I can't imagine how any of you felt when it was unfolding. Are they alright?" she asks, looking concerned. "From experiencing what they did I mean."

I give a shrug and turn my focus back to the thyme. "I think they are for the most part. Every once in a while Crispin will come to me asking for advice about how to deal with his dreams. I can't offer much help, so I mostly just listen as he tells me about them. Cora on the other hand has talked about getting her brand removed. As for Laria and Amiri..." I trail, giving my head a shake. "Amiri has become a close friend of mind, and he's told me that on rare occasions Laria has bad days where she can hardly get out of bed."

"Is she in pain?" Claire asks worried. "I know of a few plants that could help."

A ghost of a smile forms on my lips and I give my head a shake. "That's very thoughtful of you, but no. It's more up here," I say, tapping the right side of my temple. "There aren't doctors for the mind—at least not yet. Maybe one day," I say, shrugging once more.

"Hmm," she hums in response before standing up and brushing her hands off on her skirt. It's then that I realize that she does that a lot. "My heart aches for your friends though I know it does no good for them. I'm really sorry to hear what happened."

Plucking the last bit of thyme, I put it in my satchel with the rest and stand up as well. "It's okay. It's not often that the past comes up and relatively they're all thriving. They deserve happiness—even Rose."

She gives me a nod and crosses her hands over her chest. "And you? Are you happy?" she asks me softly.

My head jerks back at her question. "Where is all of this coming from?"

"Um...yeah I guess so. I mean my life isn't perfect but it's a good one none the less," I say truthfully.

"But are you happy though? To me it just sounds like you're content," she states.

Pursing my lips, I adjust the strap on my shoulder. "Is that a bad thing?"

She shakes her head, stepping closer before handing me her findings of herb. "No, I suppose not. I apologize for prying so much into your personal life but I—well—I just feel like you deserve more. You carry a heavy weight on your shoulders and all of your siblings seem to be happy except for you."

Exhaling, I slick my hair back with my free hand before letting it fall limp to my side in defeat. "We should check the snares," I say, ending the conversation. It came out more aggressive than intended.

"Are you angry with me?" she asks as a small pang of hurt appears on her face. "I didn't mean to upset you."

Looking at her, I offer a small smile. "No, I'm not angry with you Claire, and you didn't upset me. Talking about this with you is somewhat strange I suppose. If I were to ever explain how I feel to Rory or Crispin they wouldn't understand—probably just make comments about how I'm to be king and make me feel as if it's some honor when really I'd much rather switch places with either of them. Crispin was able to step down and live the married life with a woman he loves. Meanwhile there's an unspoken pressure for me to marry and give Paevia an heir—but I can't even manage to get past getting to know the basics of a woman," I huff. "And you already know about the situation with Rose."

"Then there's Rory. Sure he has responsibilities, but you've seen how he can be first hand. Nothing is ever serious to him—he drinks when he wants and fucks whoever he likes," I say. My eyes snap to hers again and I give her a sheepish look. "Pardon my language. I'm still not used to having women around, much less women of faith."

"It's alright," she replies. "I've heard worse. Especially from you lot," she teases."

I rub the back of my neck feeling somewhat embarrassed. Controlling our tongues is the least we can do for the nuns, but it seems we haven't even been able to manage that. "I've warned them about it, I guess I need to give them another talking to."

Claire laughs lightly and waves me off. "I understand we may come off similar to being children—having to be taken care of and all—but you have to remember that we are grown women."

Smirking, I give a nod. "Right," I say with a pause. "I guess my point in all of this is that I'd have to agree with you, about them being happy in life where as I have to settle. I know I've said it once but thank you again for talking with me, I appreciate it more than you know." And it's true. I've always been the one to lead and carry the weight of being Paevia's future king on my shoulders, but I've always just chalked it up to being how the way things are. "It's nice to know that at least someone understands how I feel when it comes to my siblings."

"Well, from what I can tell you're both a great friend and brother, Thomas, and I think you've earned the right to live a joyful life," she says, placing a small hand on my arm before giving it a squeeze.

Looking down at it, I place my own on top of hers, patting it lightly. "Thank you," I say with a tone matching her touch.

"Shall we check the snares?" she asks, removing her hand from mine. I notice that her cheeks have flushed a light shade of red and I'm tempted to point it out but decide against it.

Nodding, we set back in the direction of where we placed the traps and when we come across the first one I'm pleased to see a fairly large rabbit swaying a few feet off the ground. It's the only one that Claire set on her own and I see her gleaming at her own success. "Well look at you," I say. "Might have to replace Warren as my hunting partner with you instead."

She gives me a look and only shrugs.

As I go to retrieve the rabbit from the snare, it gives a small kick signaling the poor thing is still alive. I click my teeth in disappointment and being to offer soothing noises as I place on hand around it. "Shh," I whisper before giving me hands a swift jerk, snapping its neck in an instant. The hare immediately goes still and I look back to Claire to see her face twisted in an unrecognizable expression. "What is it?" I ask, handing it to her.

She takes it with one hand and holds it up, examining the animal. "I can't help but feel bad for it I suppose."

"Well, your stomach will thank you in an hour or so. Come," I say, gesturing with my head in the direction of the next snare. Thankfully, all but one have been triggered and we collect three more rabbits before we head back to camp.

"May I suggest something?" she asks, looking at me as we draw nearer. The sounds of laughter in the distance have begun to fill the air and I know that in moments we'll be back so I slow my pace.

"You may," I reply with a nod.

"Well, I was thinking...after your coronation perhaps you can step down from certain duties and bestow them to Rory? That way you can focus on your newer duties as king. I'm sure the level of stress will only raise and I couldn't imagine doing what you do now plus more."

I think her words over for a moment before exhaling. "Maybe I will. Crispin I think is ready to step up when the time comes," I say solemnly, as the time I'm referring to meaning my father's passing. Then again, there is no telling how any of us may react. Sure Crispin had assured me on night over ale that he would take on his previous roles, but those were drunken promises that I doubt he even remembers.

"But before I even return to Paevia this damned war needs to end," I say out loud. It's hard to imagine a homecoming at the moment. In what health will I find my father? How soon will another ball be held in hopes that I find a future bride? I frown at the thought and push it from my mind.

"And when will that be?" she asks just as the flickering flames of the camp fire comes into view.

"I have no idea. Hopefully soon," I answer, holding a vine out of her way. She ducks around it and slaps at another mosquito. I can't help but laugh lightly and follow suit, stepping out into the clearing. "If you stay by the fire you're less likely to be bit."

"I'll keep that in mind," she says, waving at Beth Ann who has spotted us. It takes me a moment to realize that she holds Rory's tankard of ale in her hand while sitting perched upon hid lap, giggling at something he has just said. The two of us share a look and I'm unable to read Claire's face. Is it anger I see? Hurt? Curiosity? Confusion? Regardless, I can't think of any words to offer her. "I'll talk to my brother?" A lot of good that has done. Half of the nuns left only this morning because of our negative influences, now the sun has yet to set and one has turned to drink.

As I open my mouth to offer a half-arsed apology, she raises a hand slightly. "Beth Ann is a grown woman and is free to do as she likes. It's quite alright. It's not my place to chastise her or anyone else's."

"But Rory p-" I begin, but she cuts me off.

"Try not to blame your brother, Thomas," she says before giving her rabbit a jiggle. "I better get this to Nikolas for dinner." She then heads off in his direction, leaving me speechless. Nik gives her a genuine smile as he sees her catch and relives her from the carcass. She then turns on her heel and starts towards Alma and the others who linger near Beth Ann. They all seem to be at ease, talking lightheartedly and paying no attention to the elephant in the room.

Realizing that my mouth hangs slightly agape, I close it and turn my gaze back to Rory. He has a hand placed on his thigh while strategically resting his thumb against the crook of Beth Ann's knee. He's shirtless, displaying his muscular chest covered in hair for all to see, though I can't blame him given the heat.

Remembering the three other rabbits, I head over to Nikolas who chats with Warren and Gale as he skins the hare.

"Hey Tommy," Warren greets, holding up his own tankard of ale. I take it without thinking and drink deeply. If I'm to last through the night without giving Rory another few bruises to add to his growing collection, I'll need all the alcohol I can get.

"I see your snares worked," Gale says, leaning against the base of a thick pine. "Mine were shite but so it goes."

I give him a chuckle and wipe my mouth with the back of my hand before passing the tankard back to Warren. "Maybe it was the smell that drove them off."

Gale smirks. "You're one to talk," he retorts.

I can't help but offer a crooked grin. "I know I stink. At least I can admit it my friend. Besides, I'm the one with rabbits," I say, offering the nearest one to me a pat. It's fur is soft and I notice the body is still warm, causing my stomach to growl.

Glancing over at Warren, I see he is concerned about something in the distance and I already know that he watches Rory and Beth Ann closely without having to turn my head. He then wags his eyebrows at me and takes a sip of ale. "Are you going to do something about that?"

Looking away from him, I give my arm a scratch where a mosquito bit me, noting the black grime is caked under my nails. It's funny how quickly filth can accumulate in swamplands. "Not if I can help it," I answer with a hit of annoyance, though it's not at him. "Beth Ann is a grown woman and if she chooses to have a drink or two who am I to stop her," I add, repeating Claire's words. "As for Rory, well—I think reprimanding him in front of everyone will only make matters worse. Addressing his disobedience in private is probably the better option."

Warren, Gale, and Nikolas share an amused look while the latter of the two share a shrug.

Warren nods, agreeing. "Well spoken Tommy, though I will say that it was Beth Ann who asked Rory for his ale—without any reason from what I could tell. The two had been teasing each other back and forth while helping setting up camp when suddenly she suggested a drink when they were finished. Even climbed in his lap."

If what he says is true—which they are as Warren as never once lied to me—then I'll admit it does change things, but only just.

"Welp," I say lightly, looking down at my still bare chest. Given that my shirt was a sopping mess I never put it back on. "I'm going to change into some fresh clothes and clean up as best as I can. Then lets all get piss drunk, yeah?" I suggest before walking away, feeling my forced smile fall.