Chaos was bandaging and applying oil to Carysse’s bruises on her feet.The sun had fully risen and they were at a house of one of the civilians who was kind enough to lend his home to treat the wounded, especially Lord Adreic. He was in a critical state and they were preparing to transfer him to be brought to the royal doctors.The ointment stung and Carysse was doing her best to not groan in pain because she didn’t want Chaos to laugh at her. None of them spoke for a few minutes. Chaos stood and cleared all the blood-stained cloths that he used. Carysse saw the fresh stack of blue clothes at the table. Chaos saw her eyeing it and he said,”That’s yours. I will go outside while you change.”He was about to stand up when Carysse spoke. “Can you do me a favor while you're outside, then? I just want to speak with one of the noble ladies one more time.”“And who may that be?” It was rare for him to be curious. Or was that the Chaos she knew two years ago?“Liblei. Libeli Okkoa, a particip

And just like that, Carysse’s resting time was shattered.She should not be surprised. Every time she was with Chaos, there was always something shocking. Like right now, Carysse was literally inside the same carriage and sitting in front of the royal prince of Apharoth.Carysse didn’t want to go with him to the king’s castle because someone like her wasn’t really up for royalty things but after much persuasion, Chaos was able to convince Carysse that he would explain things while they traveled. “My childhood as a prince stopped when I was five years old. I heard that my brother was going to the farmers located outside Apharothia. I was insisting on going with him but my parents disapproved so I sulked for weeks until my birthday. As a gift, my father finally granted my wish to go with my brother.”Carysse was munching on bread and fruits. She wanted to gobble them all at once but she didn’t want to be rude while Chaos was talking so she controlled herself, scolding herself that she

The prince laughed an evil one after what he said, as if expecting the shocked reaction of the crowd. “What? There’s not a rule in Gairoshi that prohibits someone who just invaded a village,” he mocked. Carysse might not know him personally but she knew that he was one heartless and insensitive man, whether he was drunk or not. Carysse’s hand was already on the hilt of Chaos’ sword but Chaos knew her well enough to stop her immediately. Chaos’ hand was on top of hers, his fingers struggling against Carysse’s trembling hand, itching with the intent to kill. Her blood was boiling at the mere sound of his voice. Any more mention of Thalisse and she will let herself loose. “Breathe,” Chaos whispered as he looked slightly at her, still gripping her hand that was ready to draw the blade. Only then did she notice she was breathing hard like she just ran a thousand miles. He then turned his attention to Prince Saizen. “Looks like we’ll see each other in the arena, then. For that, you have

“I see that you have already met Master Saber,” Chaos said as they ate at the table.They were gobbling on lobsters, river fish, and strange fruits that Carysse had never seen before. One was called dragon scales because of its fin-like skin and another one was called Vargo’s berry. It is said that when the legendary first king named Vargo was about to die in a cave because of hunger from being pursued by the enemies, the heavens took pity and made a plant grow in the darkness of the cave. The plant bore fruit that brought Vargo back to life and was able to defeat the forces that were trying to conquer Apharothia. Whether or not the story was true, the fruit was definitely heavenly. Its pulp tasted of fresh milk and had the most pleasant fruit smell Carysse had ever encountered. One thing that Carysse noticed that was different in the dining hall of Chaos was that everyone was supping together. Based on the stories from the travelers that she had heard, lords and servants do not eat

Chaos saw Carysse and Master Saber outside. She was working hard. He also had to.He sent for his horse.“Do you want me to call for the Captain or your men?” his servant asked. The prince shook his head.“No, it’s all right. I’ll just be quick,” he said.The boy didn’t reply but Chaos noticed the trouble forming in his head.“Is something bothering you, Joras?”“I do not wish to offend you, my prince, but you are alone. They might scold me if they find out that you went outside by yourself without telling anyone,” the boy whimpered.Chaos patted the boy’s head. He found Joras in the streets of Apharothia a year ago. He was discarded by his parents because his skin was burnt that covered half of his body. His skin made him ‘hideous’, as his parents called him, making them unable to sell him to the slavers. When they saw that no one would buy him, they just left him in the market. Now, that hideous boy is his most trusted squire.“Just tell them it's my special order. They’ll understan