The aroma of crushed medicinal plants and boiling broth filled the small kitchen as Grandfather prepared the morning meal. He didn't look up when the floorboards creaked under Zen's boots. "You slept outside again, didn't you?" he muttered, his voice thick with disapproval. "Despite my warnings, you chose the cold grass over a warm bed."
As he turned to face her, the wooden spoon fell from his hand, clattering against the stone floor. His eyes widened, scanning the purple bruises and jagged cuts on Zen's skin. "What in the heavens happened to you? Are you coming back from a war, Zen? Where did these wounds come from?"
Zen brushed it off with a weary wave, though her muscles ached with every movement. "It's nothing but a few scratches, Grandfather. Some ointment and sleep will fix it. Don't worry. I didn't come here for a lecture; I came to tell you that I'm leaving."
"Leaving? So soon?" Grandfather stepped closer, his voice pleading. "Stay a few more days. I wanted to teach you about some new herbs and medicines I've discovered. You could learn so much more."
Zen felt a shudder at the thought. That is exactly why I need to leave so quickly, she thought. Aloud, she said, "No, Grandfather. I have to nio. If I don't start now, the sun will set and the forest will be too dark to travel."
"Fine," Grandfather sighed, his stubbornness matching hers. "But you won't leave on an empty stomach. Sit. It will be ready in minutes."
"Alright. I'll go call Kaien," Zen replied.
Grandfather's face instantly darkened. "Kaien is here? So that is who did this to you. I knew it! I have never trusted that boy. The son of a traitor will always carry the blood of treason in his veins."
"His father was executed long ago," Zen snapped, her voice rising in defense. "Stop spitting poison about him. Let him live his life in peace."
"One day, Zen, you will realize he is exactly like his father," Grandfather hissed. "Do you truly think he loves Royal Ford? After watching his own father die at the hands of its King? My experience tells me he is a vessel filled with nothing but hidden hatred. He is waiting for the right moment. When that day comes, will you still speak of trust?"
Outside, leaning against the wooden wall, Kaien stood in the shadows. He heard every word, his expression unreadable.
"If he ever chooses to strike back," Zen's voice rang out through the door, sharp and unwavering, "I would be happy for him. The people of Royal Ford—and you, Grandfather—deserve his hatred. He has never once talked back to your insults, and he never even swore an oath to protect that kingdom. He owes them no loyalty."
"I can never make you understand," Grandfather groaned. "Believe in whoever you want."
"I'm leaving," Zen declared. "Go ahead and eat your meal alone. I won't stay with people who harbor such disgusting hatred for him."
Zen threw the door open and stopped dead. Kaien was standing right there. Their eyes met for a fleeting second—Kaien's gaze was calm, Grandfather's was filled with disdain. Without a word, Zen grabbed Kaien's hand, her grip tight and protective, and pulled him toward the horses.
Once they were a safe distance away, Kaien began to laugh. Zen turned on him, flushed with anger. "There is nothing funny about this!"
"I don't care when people call me a traitor's son anymore," Kaien said, smiling. "So stop feeling bad for me. You've been getting offended for me since we were children."
"I'm defending you because you never defend yourself!" Zen fumed. "You just stand there and take their insults like you have no self-respect!"
Kaien's smile softened. "Maybe I don't need it. I don't care what they say... because I have you to defend me. Always."
Zen huffed, her heart softening. "Yes, I am always with you. Just as you protect me from the world, I will protect you from our own people."
In the heart of the palace, King Arthur stood in the royal gardens, clutching the crumpled letter Zen had left in her cell. Queen Elizabeth approached him and took the paper. "Was this Zen?"
"Yes," Arthur whispered. "She left it behind when she broke out."
"Don't dwell on it," Elizabeth said. "She's just a naive girl acting out in anger."
"I don't think we should have listened to you, Elizabeth," Arthur said heavily. "Locking her in that cell and using Kaien to trick her... it was wrong."
"And do you think things would have gone so smoothly with the negotiation if she had been there?" Elizabeth countered. "She would have ruined everything."
As the sun began to climb higher, Zen and Kaien reached the midpoint of the Great Forest.
"Zen," Kaien called out. "What you told your Grandfather... was it true? That you'd be happy if I stood against Royal Ford?"
"Every word," Zen replied without hesitation. "I trust you more than I trust myself. Whatever path you take, I will be standing right next to you. Even if it means turning my blade against my own blood."
Kaien looked at her, his eyes searching hers. "And if I decided to kill you right here?"
Zen laughed. "I'm afraid of dying... but if it's you holding the blade, then I suppose I could fulfill that last wish for you, my friend."
Kaien burst into laughter. "So the fearless Zen is actually afraid of death? I finally learned your secret."
"Why? Do you not fear it?" Zen asked, looking at him intently.
"No," Kaien replied firmly, his voice devoid of any hesitation. "I don't fear it at all. Because I am a warrior."
"Maybe you don't fear dying," Zen said seriously, "but still, never give your life away for some meaningless war. And especially... never sacrifice yourself for me."
Kaien smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "Enough of this talk. Do you want to practice?"
"Yes," Zen said, her stomach suddenly growling loudly. "But can we eat first? I'm starving."
Kaien looked at the endless trees. "And what exactly do you plan to eat? We are in the middle of a wilderness."
Zen turned to him with a slow, creepy smile.
"No," Kaien said immediately. "Whatever you're thinking, the answer is no. I am not eating those strange weeds and grass you always try to feed me. Stop looking at me like that!"
"Get off your horse, Kaien," Zen commanded. "You don't have a choice. You need energy to survive. I know which herbs in this forest are edible. I promise there are no side effects."
"Is this all the Queen taught you?" Kaien grumbled, reluctantly getting down. "How to graze like a goat?"
"She taught me which herbs heal and which ones kill," Zen said, her eyes glinting. "I just never had the chance to use them... until now."