Page 35 of A Kingdom so Crimson

Edmon gave him a knowing look. "We both know how that would turn out. Perhaps after the preparations are done."

Levon nodded, patting him on the back. "Good to see you again, Ed."

"Keep out of trouble with this one, my lady," Edmon teased as he walked away with his long list in hand.

Levon shook his head, chuckling, and pulled me closer as the crowd grew busier.

The way Levon carried himself around Jesri's estate seemed a world apart from the Levon who greeted Edmon, and I couldn't help but view Levon in a new light. My mind traced back to when he claimed to have been aguiding lightto men he had worked with.

How had he gone from that position to the one he was in now, and with an estate like that? I had underestimated him, assuming he was similar to Jesri and Calum, knowing Jesri wouldn't associate with someone as low class as Edmon, and the thought unsettled me. Levon defied my expectations of men, and I couldn't help but chuckle at my flawed perceptions.

He continued guiding me toward another line of carts and more people waving handkerchiefs, hats, spoons, and a dozen other things to buy.

As we ventured further, the crowd gradually thinned, and we found ourselves navigating stoned walkways, powdered with dirt and dust that caught in our throats.

A large fountain lay at the open center yet ran dry with decaying coins turning to rust. Doors could be heard opening and shutting, while carriages and horses could be heard off in the distance trotting along. We walked past a large windowwith a gorgeous emerald gown stuffed for presentation. My eyes expanded at the silkiness of such a dress, reminding me of the gown I now wore.

"Thank you for the dress," I expressed, tucking back strands of hair that danced in the sudden breeze. "I don't remember when someone got me a gown other than to be a showcase item."

Levon's smile faded, turning somber. "I plan to buy you many more, even if your eyes are the only ones that see them."

"No. That's not what—"

"It is already in the works," he said, cutting me off.

I smiled, unsure how to thank him for such kindness and not wanting to continue the conversation.

He cleared his throat. "Shall we?" He extended his arm.

We proceeded until we arrived at a small café with two weathered tables basking in the sun. Levon opened the door, and a bell chimed softly. Aromas and warmth enveloped us, stirring my appetite.

"I hope you're hungry because Mrs. Bleel's cuisine is exceptional."

I nodded, excited to eat somewhere other than within the confines of Jesri's glamorous dining room.

He brought me to an open window with food on display, where a few lingering people were sitting lazily at the few open tables behind us. Levon quickly ordered food before we sat at a table closest to the door.

Levon glanced out the open windows, seeming off from his previous joyful presence.

"I have to meet with someone to take care of something," he said, rising from his seat. "The food will be out soon. Please don't wait for me to eat. I'll be back shortly."

With that, he left the room, leaving me alone to contemplate his sudden departure. It dawned on me that this entire outing might have been arranged so hecouldmeet with someone. Icouldn't help but notice the shift in his demeanor after the healer's visit, and I prayed it wasn't concerning me.

The room fell into a hushed silence, broken only by the soft clinking of the cutlery as a generous plate of boiled potatoes, roasted dove, and creamy vegetables was placed before me. The rich aroma filled the air, but my mind was too preoccupied to appreciate it fully, noting that only a plate for me was served.

14

The past two weeks passed in a haze of relentless training. Each morning, well before sunrise, we set off on grueling runs, pushing ourselves harder every day to beat our previous times. Levon had drilled into me the importance of mastering the breathing techniques, insisting they were even more crucial than combat skills. At first, I didn't see the point, especially in terms of my emotions, but in the thinner air of the higher altitude, I felt the difference—they steadied my movements and kept me sharp during weapon training. Each exhale fueled my strikes, making them stronger and more precise as I tapped into my sharpened senses, doing my best to remain in control.

When I had free time from the usual grind, I turned to archery practice. It felt like a breath of fresh air—a chance to focus purely on refining my aim and form without the pressure of competition or expectations of Jesri weighing me down.

Since Levon preferred to handle tasks more independently, he requested that I help with food preparation and cleaning, which was surprisingly enjoyable. He also rolled up his sleeves to pitchin alongside his staff and help prep the food or clean up after supper.

It was strange but heartwarming to see how closely he worked with his staff, unlike Jesri's, who were always afraid of making a mistake.

It felt almost surreal like any day I might wake up back at Jesri's estate, stuck in forced conversations with people who resented and admired me because of Jesri and Calum's status. I could almost feel the exhaustion creeping back, the same kind that had once driven me to burn out. It was hard to believe that Levon's behavior was normal for these people, and it made me realize just how much I had been robbed—robbed of any sense of goodness.

As we washed and dried the dishes after another delicious meal, Levon observed my slumped shoulders. He had a knack for noticing things, particularly regarding me.

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