Eye to Eye

A high-ranking noble. 

It's been five days since we went to the Count's house and since I knew that information about my father. I kept my silence and did not dare ask my mother about it. Days passed by quickly and I just did my routine every day. Tania's joining me on my morning practice, and then I'll help my mother with her chores throughout the day like, going to the market and cleaning the house. Sometimes Reiss visits me asking about my final plan but most of the time bragging about his lover.

"Are all your belongings ready?" My mother asks as she checks the boxes full of personal stuff which I will bring to the capital tomorrow.

"Yes, Mom."

"Nicholas, try not to involve yourself with the Royal Family too much or any other nobles. They are all dangerous, and no one but you can protect yourself from those of power." My mother said worriedly.

"Mom, I can protect myself and I promise I'll just do my job to teach the Crown Prince, nothing more." She nodded. 

I understand why she keeps on worrying about me, aside from the fact that I am the only family she has, the person who threatened her life will be in the same place as me. 

"Anyway, I'll go to Thria's house to bid my goodbye to them."

"You can invite them for dinner as well Nicholas."

"I will let them know," I said then went to Thria's house which is five houses away from us.

As I'm on my way to Thria's house, I roam my eyes around only to see the abandoned houses around us. Former workers for the County used to live here, and when the opportunity arose in the Capital, they all left the county and started working for the other nobles there, with the recommendation of the Count himself. Only some elderly, my family, and Thria's family remain here. There are other workers for the Count but they live near the farmland because it's convenient for them. That's almost three kilometers away from here, so there is no one but us and the elderly who are mostly inside their house.

I saw Tania leave their house running on the other side as if something urgent had come up. I immediately ran towards their door and called Thria.

"Thria? Are you okay?" I said calling her inside their house.

She came out from the door which seemed to be her room. "What happened Nicholas? Why are you shouting?" She asks bewildered.

"I… I thought something happened because I saw Tania running with urgency." I said pointing at their door, my voice toning down as I spoke. I suddenly feel embarrassed. 

"Nothing's wrong. What brought you here?" She said maintaining our distance.

My mind suddenly went blank and I didn't know what to say.

"Ahmm…" I scratch the back of my head. I look at her and I am suddenly intimidated by her presence. The way she looks at me right now feels like I am being judged by her amber eyes, and I don't know what to do.

"Mom wants to invite the two of you for dinner since I'll be heading to the Capital tomorrow and I won't be able to go back here for a long time," I said continuously, avoiding her imposing gaze.

"Uh-huh. Okay, I'll let Tania know." She said. Silence filled the whole house. 

"Do you have anything else to say?" She said breaking the silence.

"Ah…no, nothing, I'll see you both later." I immediately exited their house slightly catching my breath. I put my right hand on my left chest feeling the loud beat coming from the inside. Thria never fails to make me this nervous.

"Aunty, here's the bread that I made," Thria said as she put the bread on the table. It smells so good.

"Thank you Thria. I was wondering why don't you build your own diner. You have the talent when it comes to cooking," Mother said as she put the pumpkin soup followed by the fried pork and its dip.

"Maybe soon, Aunty, but for now I will save for Tania's future," Thria said seriously.

It must have been hard for her since she is the only family Tania has. She always prioritizes her sister over herself. I never saw her do something for herself, it's always for Tania.

"I'm sure it will be the best Diner here in the Western region. There's food is the best!" Tania said joyfully. Mother laughs because of her energy.

"Nicholas, can you please get the rag outside?" I nodded and went outside to get the rag hanging on the wire. I was about to enter the kitchen when I heard them talking about me.

"You should not worry about Nicholas, Aunty. He knows what he needs to do, plus he's already used to it since he was in the camp for almost two years." Thria said her voice full of conviction.

"It's very different in the Capital, all of us know it."

"Nicholas knows it too, Aunty. He will not let you worry that's for sure." Thria said again. I can feel my heart swelling with joy, hearing those things coming from Thrias's mouth sounds comforting and assuring for the reason I know not. I can't help but smile. I entered the kitchen and then we started eating our dinner.

"Nicholas, why are you smiling like an idiot?" Tania said which made me look around. Thria glances at me and continues eating while Mom squints her eye on me. "Sorry, I just remembered a joke that Reiss told me," I said and continued eating.

Mostly Tania's the one who's keeping the lively ambience. She asks random questions and she's asking about the capital too. When we finished eating, Thria and I volunteered to wash the dishes in unison. I look at her, she looks at me. Her amber eyes look at me as if it's judging me again.

"Come on, Aunty let them clean up," Tania said before we could protest.

"I'll wash, just wipe it dry." She instructs me. I started putting the dishes beside her. I picked up the clean rag and waited for her. 

An awkward silence fills the whole kitchen. I stand back a little, giving me a good view of her every move. The way her slender arms move as she washes the plates, her ash blonde hair, and her fair skin. It all looks so perfect. She fits to be a noble in all honesty. In fact, she's way more beautiful than those Noble ladies that I met. 

"Nicholas, are you just going to stare at these plates? You can start wiping it now." She sassed.

"Sorry, I was spacing out," I said and another awkward silence again. "Ah, I guess see you again the next time. I know we weren't that close but, this might be the longest time that I will not be able to come back here. Thank you for taking care of my mother, and if it isn't too much, please continue to look after her while I'm away." I said, my heart pounding like crazy.

"You don't have to tell me those things. I am always looking after her even before you're away." She said nonchalantly. 

"Thank you, Thria," I said, and after that, until we were done doing the dishes, we were both silent.

"We'll go home now Aunty. Thank you for inviting us for dinner," Tria said as they stood outside.

"Anytime, Thria and Tania. I think you'll often join me for dinner from now on since Nicholas will travel to the Capital tomorrow."

"No problem, aunty Rachel! We can sleep here too if you want." Tania said grinning from ear to ear. My mother chuckled, "That would be nice Tania."

"Just tell us if you need our help, Aunty," Thria said. "We'll go ahead now. Good night." She added.

I waved my hand at them. "Take care in the Capital, Nicholas." I was taken aback by the sudden eye-to-eye contact with her. 

"T-thank you, you too," I said avoiding her gaze. They started walking to their home then I closed the door. I rested my head on the door and sighed a couple of times while thinking about what happened.

"I see, my son is capable of blushing." I abruptly turned to my mother.

"What, Mom?" I asked brows furrowed.

"Nothing, my dear. You should rest now because you need to travel by dawn. Good night!" She said obviously teasing me because of my reaction and then she entered her own room. I leaned against the wall as I massaged the bridge of my nose because of embarrassment.

"Is this all the things that you'll bring?" The coachman asks and I nod in response. He loaded my things on the back of the carriage. 

"We'll get going now, Mom. Again, do not worry about me." I gave her a quick hug and immediately boarded the carriage.

The travel to the capital is a lot more tiring than I thought. It's already half past noon and we still need to board the ship to finally reach our destination. 

The sky is as clear as my mind. I've never seen a ship this huge before, never boarded it either. The carriage entered the ship and the other passengers with horses followed as well. I saw most of them start to climb upstairs. 

"It will take half an hour before we reach the other side of the sea, Mr. Avenier. You can enjoy the view of the sea or rest here in the carriage." The coachman explained. Because I'm curious I step out of the carriage.

"I will be back before we reach the capital," I said to him and started to walk up the stairs.

When I reached the top deck of the ship, the view of the capital met my eye. I saw the huge castle in the middle of it. The golden castle glitters under the sun which makes it stand out. Amazingly, I can't really feel the heat of the afternoon sun because of the cold breeze coming from the sea. 

The upper deck is very lively. A lot of nobles are here and seem to be enjoying the view. I caught some ladies staring at me. I became conscious so I secretly checked myself. I was wearing simple white button-down long-sleeves that were folded on the elbow, dark brown trousers that I usually wear during important events, and boots perfect for training. I don't see anything wrong with my appearance as well so why are they giving me those curious glances?

I diverted my attention to the mesmerizing view rather than thinking of the reason why they gave me much attention.

I inhaled deeply and felt the cold breeze on my face. I am this close to my goal, so I must not forget about it. Alexander Lidime II is the name of my first target. I will do everything in my power to put you in the deepest part of hell.