Chapter 9: Crimson-haired Lady

Chapter 9

Not removing her cloak and moving carefully so that the cloak will stay in place thus making it sure Edward will not see a glimpse of her black hair beneath the cloak; she started treating Edward's cut on his left arm. The two of them were completely silent as Valen cleaned and treated his wound. The cut was not so deep; it will not take long to heal. After covering the wound with a cloth, Edward decided to ask the too many questions swarming his head.

"How are you able to make the bear back off?" Edward started, breaking the silence. Valen answered his question with somehow a fact but not the exact thing that she did.

"Er...have you seen the plants planted around my house? They are called repelia, that plant repels wild animals." She answered with confidence so as not to sound lying.

"But it did not back off right away...it backs away after you stood in front of me." Edward asked further as he was still confused.

"Uhmm...it is because it was a bit far away, it took time for him to realize and smell the repelias." Valen answered though this time, it was a bit of a lie as the bear was actually a bit farther away to smell it.

"I see, it's very convenient plant. I will take note of that. Why is it that you are still wearing your cloak?

"Do I really have to answer that Edward? It is none of your concern milord."

Edward grins with her response. She still talks back. Edward suddenly remembered the black haired lady.

"I was here in the forest yesterday and saw a black-haired lady. Do you happen to know one or someone living in the forest, like y.....wait....why are you living here deep in the forest? I believe my father and mother offered you to live in the mansion."

"Yes they did. However, I have been living here alone in the forest for f...for many years now and I want to stay here."

"But it is not safe here."

"Nothing has ever happened to me ever since. I can protect myself and you know that, you have seen it. And I have reason to stay here."

"What reason?"

"I do not have to tell you. It is none of your concern."

"But I am concerned...and..." Edward thinking what else to say. "... and this forest still lies in the land of Cellis, the land that I will soon be leading. All people who live in this land are under the protection of the Windsen royal family, under our protection. As I see it, it is not safe, you are just lucky that you are still unharmed, so you have to leave this place and live together with other villagers in Helena or Algom, we are even inviting you to live in the mansion."

Valen sighed, "I really thank you for the offer, but I do not want to leave this place. This is where I can easily get ingredients for my medicines....just let me stay here, please." Valen said calmly so as not to start an argument and looks at him.

"Uh...I...I understand." Edward stuttered as he looks back at her. 'Why does he feel uneasy when she looks at him?' he wondered. All the ladies he met, all of them always feel conscious around him. They would also either throw themselves at him or feel too uneasy and anxious; so it should be the other way around; she should be the one feeling conscious and not he, like it should always have been around other ladies. He pulls himself together and tries to be calm.

"I understand, however, you are still living within Cellis. It is the duty of the royal family to keep its people safe. I still do not think you should stay here but I will not argue with you this time, I think I will not be able to convince you to leave this place; perhaps I should discuss this matter with my parents."

Valen highly respect Lord Thomas and Lady Melinda; whatever it is that they will decide and agreed upon, she definitely will not be able to argue and will just obey. She may perhaps think of the worst and think of something to hide her real identity once the conclusion is for her to leave the forest. The oil in the two vials is no longer enough to keep her secret safe longer.

Edward stands up and takes his sword. "Valen, I thank you for treating my wound. I shall take my leave but I will be back very soon. I hope you will not escape this time."

"I will not escape; I just hope that you will let me stay here, I will be very grateful."

Valen leads Edward to door and once they are already outside, Valen cuts two stems of repelia that is planted outside and gave it to Edward.

"Take this with you. It will help repel wild animals while you are on your way outside this forest. Stay safe Edward."

"Thank you Valen. Until next time. Stay safe."

It was already afternoon. Valen has been deep in her thought since Edward left. She has been thinking of what to do if Lord Thomas decided that she should live in the mansion and leave her shack, how will she hide her identity as a black-haired healer all throughout the day for how many years. Perhaps she should always wear a cloak.

It was a good thing though that Edward forgot about his search for the black-haired lady. Valen sighs about the thought. Valen was unable to think of any solution and is very anxious, she decided to go outside, get some fresh air, and maybe catch some fresh fish again. She grabs her cloak, bow and arrow and goes deep in the forest.

Edward returned to the mansion safely when someone suddenly embraces him from behind.

"Oh I miss you Edward! Did you miss me?" The lady behind him excitedly asked as she tightly embraces him more.

"What do you think you are doing and who are you?" Edward sounded irritated.

"That really hurts Edward. Do you no longer remember me?" The lady said still hugging him.

"Meredith?" Edward finally recognizing the voice and that was the time the lady releases him. Edward turns around and is now looking at the very happy, lovely lady with wavy crimson hair and a very unusual red eyes yet it is captivating.

"You still recognized my voice, how sweet! What is that you are holding Edward?"

"These are just repelias, wait...what are you doing here? And why does it seem that there is something new about you. Is the iris of your eyes always been red? What I remembered and what I know is it's like auburn or something like a brown."

"Forget about my eyes. What's wrong if I am here? Is that how you greet your fiancée." Meredith said.

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