Though, if I was being honest, it was nice being in the company of someone other than Mother.
Quill had his hands in his pockets and didn’t bother to hide himself staring at me.
“I…” I started. “I planted most of the flowers around the cottage.” I internally cringed. I was not too fond of small talk, but the awkward silence was a tad worse.
“Really?” he asked, now scanning around our home. “You didn’t strike me as a flower girl.”
My cheeks heated.
Whywoulda dirty peasant girl with anger issues strike anyone as a flower girl?
His smile finally returned as he met my eyes. I twiddled my thumbs, turning to view my work.
“It helps…taking the time to tend and grow something.”
“Helps what?”
I stared at the vines trailing up the side of my home.
It helps deal with all the rage inside me…deal with the pent-up magic that wants out more than anything.
I never expressed to Mother the difficulties I had…how awful it felt to just exist on a day-to-day basis. She had enough to worry about.
Before I could respond, Mother flew open the door and handed me back my crossbody with the new elixir and scone, the fabric still damp from the broken brew from earlier.
“It’s 9:30. You’re going to have to hurry.” She glanced at Quill and gave a warm smile. “Thank you, again, for all of your help.”
He nodded, giving her a dazzling smile. “My pleasure.”
“Let’s go,” I mumbled.
We quickly made it to the first home, where a lady had purchased a single scone, the one that bitch took a bite of.
I knocked on the door and smiled as a woman answered the door.
“Delivery from Waylon’s, ma’am,” I chirped as I handed over the wrapped scone.
“I thought it would never get here,” the woman whined. She shoved the copper into my hand and then shut the door, not even giving as much as a thank you.
“My Gods,” Quill breathed. “I did not receive reactions like that.”
“That’s because you are one of them,” I muttered. I looked again at the giant clock tower built in the Center; its time was visible throughout the entire kingdom.
9:43 a.m.
“Come on, let’s get this finished.”
We quickly strolled past an area that gave an excellent view of the castle. I stopped in my tracks every time I passed it, glaring upward. Today, the sun beamed down on its intricate obsidian exterior, casting an imposing shadow over the Inner Ring. Its gothic style was both chilling and stunning. I couldn’t help but marvel at it every time.
Quill stopped beside me, studying me as I looked up in awe.
“I always wonder what it’s like up there in the Center. Never having to struggle or starve or use cold water,” I said with quiet resentment. I met eyes with Quill, who looked at me like I was a kicked puppy.
“I don’t need pity…I was just thinking out loud,” I said quietly while averting my eyes.
We continued walking and came up to the last house. I had grown to know Gerald and his daughter Guinevere, who was around my mother’s age. Gerald was sick with some disease, making it hard for him to get out of bed these days. My mother’s elixirs had shown significant improvement in him, allowing him to enjoy his daily walks again these past weeks.
I took another deep breath.
