Heart Over Sword-Chapter 297: Farewells

Early the following morning, Evanna snuck out of the palace. Her heart still ached, even more so from the nostalgic feeling of sneaking around and trying to avoid Sir Hugh, who had now been replaced. Arawn was still asleep in her quarters, his long white hair blanketing the cushion to his side, his naked torso pointed towards where she had been lying. It took quite a lot of effort to slip from his greedy clutches without stirring him.

There was no way Evanna would miss this, though, and as though it really was like old times, Ger was already waiting at the edges of the forest to their village, his arms crossed, his leg resting against the tree trunk. The striking difference now was the slight change in Ger’s appearance. It was noticeable when he first returned before her quest for the gem, yet even now, whilst travelling with him, it was apparent his muscles had grown, going from lean to a more muscular physique; his right eye was one of a reptile, and his messy hair was pulled back into a bun.

It wasn’t only his looks but the aura surrounding him. Even if you couldn’t see him, his powerful presence made others turn around and search for him. Goosebumps flourished on their skin, and the hairs on the back of their necks stood on end. Ger was a warrior before, a monster hunter. Now, he was a predator. A beast in disguise.

He was still a monster hunter, but soon, it would be of his own kind lest he kill humans.

"I knew you would sneak out," Ger greeted, sounding amused, though his expression was not. There was a wariness to his gaze that moved from the princess and to their surroundings. "She will be here soon."

"How do you know?" Evanna questioned, stopping near him.

Ger tapped his ear. "Her footsteps."

Evanna’s brows rose at his answer, and true to his word, Maggie appeared with two guards behind her. A cart awaited her on the edges of the village, and she put her bags into it. Maggie paused the moment Evanna stepped out of the treeline. Her bottom lip wobbled, and tears sprung to her eyes; she looked down, ashamed.

Evanna rushed forward, glaring at the guards who started to go between them and embraced her former chambermaid.

"Oh?" Maggie sniffled, her voice high-pitched in surprise.

"You raised me, Maggie," Evanna whispered. This would be the last time she showed any weakness. Nobody besides these guards and Ger were here to witness this moment. "I can’t forgive you. Not yet. But know that I understand why you did what you did."

"Oh, m’lady." Maggie pulled back, her hands clutching Evanna’s shoulders as she stared up at the princess, growing into a fine young lady. "You have the purest of hearts. It has been an honour to serve and know you."

"You may call me Evanna." She felt a little guilty for having this moment with Maggie, considering she helped poison her mother, but it fell away as soon as the feeling rose. Maggie didn’t have a choice, and she knew the woman would never do it otherwise.

Maggie cupped Evanna’s cheek before the guard to the side of them cleared his throat. It was time to go. Ger nodded once at the woman in acknowledgement. He didn’t know her as well or fondly, but she was a figure in both of their lives. Many times, she’d scold Ger as a servant and for visiting Evanna when it was forbidden.

"Farewell, Evanna." Maggie glanced at Ger. "And Ger. May your futures be bright, full of love and warmth."

Ger almost clicked his tongue to Maggie’s statement. He forced the iciness now deep-rooted in his heart to melt. She was wishing them well. The former chambermaid didn’t know what future lay ahead for him, but he knew for a fact it would not be warm and fuzzy. Evanna most likely had more battles to fight, but she would still feel cherished by the end of it.

On the other hand, he would be nothing more than a monster.

Who would love someone like him?

⚔

On their return, Ger left, needing to stretch his limbs. Or more like his wings. He knew Evanna would be fine returning to the palace. Not only did she habitually carry her swords on her back, even whilst wearing a dress and cloak, but she could defend herself with powerful elven gifts.

Returning to the palace was easy; nobody noticed she was gone as it was so early. The day was dark, almost gloomy, to fit the mood following the executions the day before. As Evanna strolled past the gardens, lost in thought, she jumped and almost shrieked on the spot, shocked to be snuck up on. Spinning around, Evanna clutched her racing heart and shook her head at Killian, who watched her in amusement.

"Killian," Evanna scolded in a hushed whisper.

"My Queen." Killian bowed extravagantly for the princess. "I came to say goodbye."

Evanna’s hand dropped from her chest as she stared at the vampire. She felt saddened at the idea he would also be leaving.

As though reading her mind, Killian smiled charmingly, stepping into her space and tapping under her chin, "Chin up, beautiful. I promise to see you again."

Evanna nodded, though a light sigh made her shoulders sag. "When you have had your revenge and settled down?" That could be years.

Killian nodded.

"Will you tell me who it is? Should I be worried?"

The vampire took her hand in his and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, watching her through his long lashes. If Arawn was here, he would probably put him in an ice cube. "It will benefit you too, my queen. Witches. I am after the Salim witches. They work with black magic."

Evanna pursed her lips as he rose to his full height again. "Okay." She nodded. "Be careful. I don’t want to discover you in some tomb fifty years from now."

Killian grinned wolfishly. "I cannot ask more of my saviour. So I will make sure to be careful..." The friendly charm of the vampire slowly disintegrated, and his hand fisted while those ruby-red eyes darkened to something more sinister. "They wiped my people and civilisation out... I will reciprocate the favour."

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