"Your Majesty, why did you agree so easily to go to her home? Even the commander didn't look willing," Xena asked, while inside the carriage.
Just like Slayer, Xena was worried about Seren's safety, not to forget the recent incidences happened with them.
"I felt like she was no threat and, not sure why, my heart was telling me to go with her, as if she was no stranger," Seren answered. "If there is any threat, the commander is there to deal with it. Do not worry."
Away from the bustling market, a cozy-looking manor was situated in a quiet area of the capital city on the other side of the river. They reached the manor gates. Looking around, they realized this lady was truly from a noble family. Though the manor was not grand, one could surely call it a beautiful, comfortable, and cozy place for a family.
"Please come inside, Lady Seren, Lady Xena," Cara said politely.
They walked together with Edith and entered the drawing room. The moment Seren entered, she felt a warmth of family and wondered what kind of family lived here. Not too exuberant, but a homely feeling was there.
"Please have a seat," Edith said while slowly sitting in a chair, her hands supporting her belly.
Seren and Xena sat on the sofa while Slayer and another knight stood a few steps away, taking their roles as guardians.
While entering the manor, Slayer observed a few guards and felt something different about them, which he could not put a finger on. He was sure they were not just ordinary guards. Now he was curious to know who the owner of this place was.
A servant brought tea and snacks for them.
"If my husband were here, he would have thanked you as well," Edith said.
"My lady, if master were here, he would have scolded you for being careless in such a situation," Cara said.
Edith chuckled softly. "That's true as well. Let's not tell him then." She then looked at Seren. "My husband worries too much, and since I am with child, he is a little strict. He thinks I am the most delicate thing in the world and that anything can hurt me. Husbands can sometimes be overbearing."
Seren chuckled as she found her words relatable. "True. My husband is the same. That's why I came out shopping without him."
Edith agreed. "Once I deliver the baby and am in good health, before I return home, I hope we can meet again and go out to the market. I am sure I would enjoy your company."
"Of course," Seren said. "Are you not from the capital?"
"From the way my accent is a little different from yours, you can tell," Edith answered. "I live in the northern part, but at this moment it's way too cold there. Due to my weak health, a physician suggested my husband take me to the southern side where I wouldn't freeze with the baby. My husband was taking me to another city, but I insisted on coming to the capital.
I had never been to the capital city, so I wanted to see it."
"You did well," Seren replied, suddenly finding herself chatty. "If I may ask, what does your husband do?"
"Ren? He is a merchant. He often travels here and there, so he is familiar with places and could buy us a nice home here," Edith replied.
Just then, another servant entered the drawing room. "Lady Edith, the Lord is here."
Feeling a little heavy in her heart, Seren tried not to lie to her. "My husband is just like yours."
"Oh, a merchant as well? What's his name?" Edith asked.
"Dray," Seren answered.
Edith turned to her husband, "Do you know him?"
Keiren's gaze softened, "You are so talkative today. Weren't you tired and almost fainted in the market? You should rest more."
Seren could see how well Keiren treated his wife. She never expected this man to be so gentle and polite to his wife. Was her previous assumption of him being scary a mere illusion put on by him? Which one was real, the one she saw before or the one in front of her now? And why was he lying to his wife about his identity?
"I am alright," Edith replied. "Finally, I have found friends in the capital, so I am happy," she looked at Seren, "I can consider you my friend, right?"
"Of course," Seren smiled at her.
"Then will you come visit me often? I have no friends here."
"I will."
"Thank you so much."
"We shall leave now," Seren spoke. "We are already late returning home."
"Yes, I won't hold you back now."
They stood up, and Keiren told Edith, "I will see them off. It's cold outside. You stay inside."
"Alright." Edith turned to Seren, "I will wait for you to come again."
"I will."
With that, they stepped out of the drawing room. Keiren walked with them to the carriage. He turned to Slayer, "I would prefer it the things stayed inside these walls only."
"That I cannot assure," Slayer replied.
Keiren understood Slayer's loyalty towards Drayce and said nothing. He looked at Seren and offered her a respectful bow. "Your Majesty, do not take my wife's words seriously."
Seren could grasp Keiren meant that there was no need for her to meet Edith again. But Seren had other plans in mind.
"Edith considers me her friend, and I will keep the promise I made to her," Seren replied. "I will visit her again. But rest assured, I won't say anything that Prince Keiren does not wish me to say."
Keiren could only stay quiet and watch them leave.