Chapter 10 — The Childhood Friend and the Self-Proclaimed Bride

Part 1 — Exile, Then Saving the Nation

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Birdsong outside and the smell of breakfast pulled me awake.

Something soft and warm filled my palm. Something heavy rested on my arm. Groggy, I tried to figure it out.

“Mmm.”

A voice I didn’t recognize snapped me fully awake. Mimi lay on my arm, curled into my chest. Had I just grabbed something I shouldn’t have?

“Dan…”

“Mimi? What are you doing?”

“Getting my Dan fix. Heehee.”

“Off.”

“Aww. Your hand was all over me a second ago.” She clung tighter.

“Aren’t we lively this morning,” Ellie’s voice chimed from the doorway. The air dropped twenty degrees.

Right. Locks. We need locks.

◆◆◆

Aside from that fiasco, the morning went smoothly. Mostly.

“Are foxes in heat year-round?” Ellie sniffed. “Shameless.”

“We’re more reserved than humans,” Mimi shot back. “Besides, it’s natural to tell the man I love that I love him.”

“A priestess must be disciplined,” Ellie replied. “Unlike random country girls, I have responsibilities.”

“Oh look, the holy city snob. Adorable.”

“Adorable? We met yesterday and you’re already proclaiming love? Ever heard of modesty?”

“Love doesn’t need time. A guy who clears a crisis like that? I’d be stupid to let him go. Don’t get in my way.” She narrowed her eyes. “What are you to Dan anyway?”

“I… I’m…” Ellie faltered.

Not breakfast talk. The twins froze, unsure what expression to wear. Meg, however, leaned in.

I clapped my hands. “Fields need planting! Carrots and cabbage won’t sow themselves.”

“You garden too? Let me help,” Mimi said sweetly. “I mean, it’s not like a city lady could handle it.”

“Indeed,” Ellie replied coolly. “I’ll prepare lunch and tea. Bill.”

“Y-yes, ma’am!”

“Assist Dan. Thoroughly.”

Bill saluted. I groaned.

◆◆◆

Summer heat arrived overnight. Thankfully I’d tilled earlier; doing that today would have killed me. The push seeder saved time—hand sowing would’ve taken forever.

By late morning, the heat had us wiped. Mimi passed out in the shade. I conjured a Water Orb, launched it into the air, and detonated it with a Wind Grenade.

“Whoa! Rain!” Bill cheered as cool droplets showered the field.

I slung the exhausted Mimi over my shoulder and trudged home. Ellie met us with, “Should’ve buried her in the rows for fertilizer.” Mimi flinched.

Bill decided to bathe fully clothed in the backyard well. Meg scolded him while wringing his pants.

Ellie handed us towels. “Lunch is ready. You okay in that heat?”

“Just lost my appetite,” I muttered, wiping my face.

She smirked. “Knew it. I made tea—come to the dining room.” She looped her arm through mine. Soft, warm pressure. Effective stimulant. Mimi glowered but followed.

She served a chilled scarlet tea.

“Tea?”

“Just drink.”

The cold cup shocked my fingers. One sip sent mint tearing through my sinuses.

“Peppermint,” Ellie said. “Helps, right?”

“Yeah. My stomach… ah.” It growled loudly. Ellie laughed.

“Yummy,” Mimi murmured, staring at her empty cup.

“You did work hard,” Ellie conceded. “Credit where it’s due.”

“Thanks. Maybe you could hand over Dan as well?”

“No.”

Mimi pouted. Ellie chuckled. Whatever that was.

“Lunch is garlicky dried meat pasta. Eat up,” Ellie said.

◆◆◆

We napped through the worst of the heat and set up a backyard barbecue in the evening. We’d never actually done it before. Meg was the most excited—she’d never tried outdoor cooking. Bill just wanted meat.

By sundown, everything was ready. I reached for the tap on the ale barrel when a dark speck crossed the sky. It swelled into a massive shape, blotting out the evening light.

Wind roared as a dragon hovered overhead. Bill collapsed. Meg shook beside him.

A dragon. Just what we needed.

----- End of chapter -----