Chapter 6 — The Childhood Friend and the Saint

Part 1 — Exile, Then Saving the Nation

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Whoa, Ellie’s going dark again. Maybe put the crosier down. Yes, I recognize that chant—the apocrypha, right? I don't know the full effect, but the debuff vibes are real, and none of them sound pleasant. Hey—no casting that for real.

"Hold on. Why are we jumping straight to that?"

I yanked the staff away. Seriously, Ellie, that's terrifying.

"Give it back!"

"Cut it out. If anyone finds out, it's your neck on the line."

"But it's unforgivable."

"This isn't yours to take on. Still... thanks. For being angry for my sake."

I passed her the staff. She took it silently, looking like she might cry. I'd told her not to worry about me, over and over.

"Have you been sleeping? You look exhausted."

She took my right hand in both of hers. Warmth seeped through my chest.

"I've been working nonstop for a month. Maybe a little."

"That's not what I meant. What you need right now is warmth."

She sees right through me. My pulse jumped when she shifted closer.

"So tonight... let me—"

Heat flushed her cheeks as she looked up, gripping my hand. I'd suspected this might happen. Ellie can't ignore someone who's hurting. If she saw me like this, I knew she'd try to help in the gentlest way she could.

But that's not the answer. I gently released her hand. The lonely look she gave me twinged deep in my chest.

"Thank you. Hearing that from you means a lot. But I can't. Not yet. I don't feel anything... special when I look at a woman. I'm scared."

She flinched at the word.

I never want to be betrayed again. I know Ellie never would, no matter what happens.

And I never want to betray her—not for a second time. That's what makes soft comfort frightening.

"Sorry."

Would she be disappointed? I held her gaze anyway. It was the least I could do.

Instead, she smiled and shook her head.

"It's okay. Take your time. That's why you came here in the first place, right? I'm good at waiting. So don't worry. ...Say, I'm thirsty. Could you stoke the fire? Let's have tea."

Herbal tea. She’s loved it since we were kids. She always matched the flavor to the moment, drawing something new from an endless stash. I never stopped being amazed, and she never stopped enjoying my reaction.

"Good thing I packed enough herbs. I didn’t know what I’d find out here."

She hummed as she set out glassware, explaining cheerfully how boiling water is essential for proper brewing. She filled the pot, emptied it, added dried herbs, then poured fresh boiling water over them. A turn of the hourglass; cups laid out.

"Give it a minute."

I watched the leaves float and spin until she tipped the pot, golden liquid cascading into cups.

What flavor would it be tonight? I couldn't wait.

"Here you go—passionflower and lemon balm. They'll calm you down and ease you into sleep. Just what you need."

She settled beside me, eyes intent. She brewed it for me; that warmth alone eased my mind.

I lifted the cup. The dull yellow surface rippled. Ellie tilted her head, urging me on.

One sip. Gentle lemon, followed by a nostalgic grassy sweetness. Delicious. It felt like my heart was being rinsed clean.

"Amazing. Your tea's always the best, but tonight it hits especially hard."

She smiled, pleased, and took a sip herself, letting out a soft sigh.

Peace settled over us. With every mouthful and every childhood memory she shared, something knotted inside me loosened.

We talked about everything—how we’d live from here on out, what we wanted, what to do with the twins. She listened to all of it without a hint of annoyance.

"Hey, Ellie."

"Mm?"

"Maybe we should plant some herbs, too."

"I'd love that. Fresh ones come in handy so often. Let's check the market tomorrow."

She laughed, genuinely happy.

Did the princess ever smile at me like this?

That night, I slept through till morning for the first time in ages.

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