The two pairs split, each to their own carriage as they returned to the inn with Sera and Tanith going drinking. Kaira was ready to call it a night, and it seemed, so was Iris. Still, Iris was likely to talk to Sera a bit before the woman went to bed, after all, they shared a room.

As the carriage made its way through the busy streets of Lehelia, Kaira was lost in thought. She couldn’t help but consider the gravity of the quest they’d been given. It was a dangerous thing to ask for such a small group where the Royal Army had failed. There was so much to do, and she had a feeling that Iris would not know where to start when preparing a group.

She didn’t doubt the woman could handle herself. Relena knows she was probably more personally prepared than Kaira, but that didn’t always translate to ensuring everything with your team meshed well. The most important part was, Kaira needed to find members for their team. People that she could trust, and people that would synergize well with Iris. After all, she was going to be the centerpiece of any group with her magic. Everyone else was there to support her.

The group would need to train, they would need equipment.

Iris needed new armor.

There was so much to do with very little time to do it. Kaira wasn’t sure what the rush was, but Iris did not seem to want to slow down for literally anything.

And that was another thing. Kaira couldn’t understand her feelings about the woman. She’d come into her life like a fierce redheaded whirlwind, and Kaira had to admit she’d been completely swept up and away.

She wasn’t sure what it was, but the woman’s carefree attitude, her confidence, resilience, her strength…

Oh gods her strength…

The terran was everything and more in one gorgeous package.

So it was no wonder Kaira had gotten smitten the moment she saw her storm into her office. She’d taken a chance at the dance, she’d kissed the woman, and oh what a kiss. It was shocking how amazing it was.

Damn it, Kaira.

But that was just it. It was so much, like the rapids of a roaring river, and like an idiot she’d thought she could ride the waves.

It had only been a few days, and if Kaira was feeling this way…

“Penny for your thoughts?” Iris asked.

Kaira blinked, startled out of her reverie. She turned to Iris, forcing a small smile on her face. “What does that mean?”

Iris tilted her head. “What are you thinking?”

“Oh. Umm, just reflecting on everything,” Kaira said quietly.

You’d do it, wouldn’t you? You’d not even hesitate, just dive right into this relationship without looking back.

“Are you alright?” Iris prodded.

Kaira took a deep breath, trying to calm the racing of her heart. She looked at Iris and realized how much she cared for her. It was scary to feel this way, to want someone so fiercely, but it was also exhilarating. Kaira's mind was spinning with thoughts of Iris, and she wondered if the woman felt the same way.

“I’m fine,” Kaira said, forcing a smile on her face. “Just tired, I think.”

Iris studied her for a moment before nodding, but Kaira could see the concern in her eyes. She felt guilty for keeping her feelings hidden, but it was too soon, too dangerous. They were on a quest to find the Marauder Prince, and if they weren't careful, someone would end up dead.

She thought Iris would turn away and let her go back to her spiraling thoughts, but, instead, she reached out and gently squeezed Kaira's hand, offering a wordless gesture of support. Kaira looked down at their intertwined fingers, then back up at Iris, a small but genuine smile on her lips as a tingle spread throughout her body.

The two sat in silence for the remainder of the ride, but inside, Kaira was in turmoil. She didn’t want to slow down, but she knew that if she didn’t, she’d ruin the relationship. Kaira didn’t want to lose whatever budding thing she had with the beautiful woman. She wanted more, but she had to make sure it was built on a solid foundation. If Iris was also serious, she’d understand.

Please understand.

When they slowed to a stop outside the inn, Kaira finally spoke. “We have a lot of work to do,” she said, looking at Iris. “I need to find the right people to join us on this quest, people we can trust, people who are skilled and experienced. And we need to prepare ourselves, physically and mentally. This won't be an easy task.”

There, I told her.

Iris nodded slowly, as if agreeing, and they both exited the carriage, she looked at the woman with a look of determination etched on her face.

This quest will test us in more ways than one.

✦ ✦ ✦

As they walked up the stairs to her room, Iris noticed Kaira fall silent again as her face was scrunched up in thought. Once they arrived at the door, Iris turned to Kaira, trying to keep her voice soft. “Thank you for tonight,” she said, smiling at the captain. “I don't know if I could have made it through the whole thing without you there by my side.”

Kaira's expression softened as well. “You don't have to thank me,” she said. “I enjoyed myself immensely. Thank you for inviting me.”

Iris's heart swelled at Kaira's words, and she felt a rush of warmth spread through her. She unlocked the door and led Kaira inside. Once the door was closed, Iris turned to Kaira, a hint of hesitance in her expression. “Kaira, can I ask you for a favor?” she said.

Kaira raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Of course,” she replied. “What is it?”

Iris took a deep breath, then gestured to the back of her dress. “Can you help me out of this?” she said, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. “I'm afraid I won't be able to manage on my own.”

The woman hesitated, but then gave a curt nod and stepped closer to Iris. “Of course,” she said, her voice strained but gentle. “Let me help you.”

Iris turned her back to Kaira and held her long hair out of the way as Kaira began to unfasten the delicate buttons and untie the lacing that ran down the back of her dress. Iris closed her eyes and let out a small sigh of relief as she felt the fabric loosen around her. She couldn’t help but feel a flutter of nerves as Kaira’s hands grazed her skin.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Kaira carefully slid the dress off of Iris’s shoulders, revealing the simple slip underneath. She hung the dress up in the wardrobe.

Iris watched as something changed and her heart skipped a beat. Kaira hesitated before going any further, she stood there and stared at Iris with a complicated expression. Iris could sense that something was on her mind, something important.

“Kaira? Is everything okay?” she asked.

Kaira's expression remained contemplative as she considered her words carefully. She seemed lost in thought, and Iris didn't want to push her to speak if she wasn't ready. She gave Kaira a small smile and moved closer, gently placing a hand on her arm. It was a gesture of reassurance, a way of letting Kaira know that she was there for her, no matter what. Kaira's gaze flickered to Iris's hand, then back up to her face.

Iris watched Kaira for a moment, sensing that there was more to the woman’s thoughts than just preparations. “Is it the quest?” she asked softly.

Kaira sighed. “It’s everything,” she said. “The mission, the Guild, my future...”

Iris nodded in understanding. “It can be overwhelming,” she agreed. “But we’ll figure it out. Together.”

The woman shook her head. “It’s not… It’s us as well.”

Iris's heart skipped a beat at Kaira's words. “Us?” she repeated softly.

Kaira’s eyes met hers, and Iris saw fear there, she knew then that it was the same fear she had. Were they moving too fast?

“I… I don’t want to rush things, Iris,” Kaira said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I find myself caring about you, more than I ever thought possible. Tonight proved it. But… it feels like everything is moving so quickly, and I don’t want to lose what we have just started by rushing into anything.”

Iris’s hand tightened on Kaira’s arm, but she didn’t let go. “Kaira, I understand,” she said, her voice just as quiet. “I don’t want to rush anything either. But please know that whatever happens, I’m here for you. We can take things at whatever pace you’re comfortable with.”

Kaira nodded, but Iris could see the fear still lingering in her eyes. “I know,” Kaira said. “And I appreciate that. It’s just… this is all so new to me, Iris. I don’t know if it’s fate, or the gods… but I’ve never felt this way before, and it scares me.”

Iris moved closer, wrapping her arms around the woman in a tight embrace. “I understand,” she said again, her voice soft and comforting. “But please don’t be afraid. We’ll figure it out, together.”

Kaira's voice caught in her throat, and Iris could see tears forming in her eyes. Suddenly, Kaira's resolve crumbled, and she began to cry, her shoulders shaking with the force of her emotions.

Iris felt herself nearing a breaking point, but she held strong as Kaira cried, offering her comfort and support. She could feel the weight of Kaira’s emotion in their embrace, and she knew that she needed to be patient, to give Kaira the time and space she needed to sort through their feelings.

It has been so fast… why? I’ve never felt this way before either…

She felt herself choking up, as Kaira’s sobs subsided, and the woman pulled away from Iris, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.

“I need to go, for tonight. There is so much to do,” Kaira spoke softly, a hint of hesitation in her voice. “I… I will work on finding people for the quest. I need to go to work and prepare the garrison for my departure. I will be back in two days. We’ll… we’ll talk then, yes?”

Iris took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. She nodded, still holding onto Kaira.

“Yes, we’ll talk then,” she said, her voice a little hoarse.

Kaira squeezed Iris’s hand before letting go, her expression pensive as she made her way to the door. Iris watched her go, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She was scared, but also hopeful. The important thing was to be patient and give Kaira the time to sort herself out.

And maybe figure my own shit out…

As the door closed behind Kaira, Iris felt her heart shatter into a million pieces. The weight of her emotions threatened to suffocate her, and she could feel her tears welling up. She struggled to compose herself, her hands shaking as she hastily dressed in something she could go outside with.

Her throat felt tight, and she could barely breathe as she stumbled towards the door. The room felt like it was closing in on her, and she knew she needed to escape. She needed air. She needed space to process the flood of emotions that threatened to drown her.

It was going so well. The one time this world wasn’t trying to fuck me over.

Iris stumbled out of the inn, tears streaming down her face, her chest heaving with each ragged breath. She walked blindly toward the stables, her mind a jumbled mess of thoughts and feelings. It was only when she reached the door that she realized where she was going. She pushed open the door, grateful for the cool, fresh air that greeted her.

Mocha’s stall was at the end of the row, and Iris walked slowly toward it, her steps unsteady, her vision blurred by tears. She made her way to Mocha's stall, and the gentle mare lifted her head, sensing her distress.

“Iris? What happened” her horse whinnied.

Iris buried her face in Mocha's neck, letting out a gut-wrenching sob. She clung to the horse, seeking comfort in the warmth of her body, as she tried to make sense of the maelstrom of emotions raging inside her. She’d tried to be strong for so long. Tried to compartmentalize all the bad.

One simple, understandable, completely reasonable request made her break like a dam.

Mocha started fidgeting as she became more and more distressed. “Iris, talk to me. What’s wrong?” she whinnied, her ears flicking.

“I don't know what to do, Mocha,” Iris whispered between sobs. “I thought… I thought everything was going to be okay, but now I don't know. I don't know if I can handle this. I’ve tried for so long to be strong.”

Mocha nuzzled her face, trying to comfort her. “Iris, please.”

“It’s Kaira…” Iris said. “She…”

Her horse’s head jerked up, her brown eyes staring at Iris. “Did she get hurt?”

Iris shook her head.

Mocha huffed. “Is she the reason for how you’re feeling?”

Iris nodded slowly.

Her horse shifted her weight as if she was trying to get up without hurting Iris. “I’ll fucking kill her. Where is she?” she whinnied angrily.

Iris pulled back from the embrace, looking at her horse in surprise. Mocha had always been protective of her, but she had never seen her so angry before. She shook her head, placing a hand on the mare's neck to soothe her.

“No, Mocha,” Iris said, her voice barely above a whisper. “It's not like that. We just… we’re moving too fast and Kaira wants to step back, slow down. I'm still hopeful, it's just–I don’t know. It felt right. What’s wrong with me? We barely know each other and I’m already a mess.”

Mocha snorted, her eyes softening. “I’m sorry, Iris,” she nickered. “I didn’t mean to make it worse.”

Iris leaned her forehead against the horse’s neck, taking comfort in her best friend’s touch. “It’s okay, girl,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m just… I’m so confused. I don’t know what to do.”

“It’s not just you. People confuse me, too. Especially you,” Mocha nickered, making the adventurer huff out a laugh.

Iris took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. For a long while, they lay there in silence, the only sound the soft rustling of hay as Mocha shifted her weight. Finally, Iris pulled back, looking into the mare’s eyes.

“Thank you for being here, Mocha,” she said. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Come here, stay here for a while. Tell me about the ball,” Mocha nickered.

Iris smiled, wiping away her tears. “Well… It started with me basically challenging a noblewoman to a duel…”

Mocha huffed. “Oh shit. Here we go… Let’s hear it. What army am I going to have to face down…”

Iris laughed, wiping at her face and laughing again as she realized how much of a disaster her makeup was. “Funny that you mention that…”

Her horse froze, before whinnying, “Don’t joke.”

“Okay, so here’s what happened…”

As Iris recounted the events of the ball, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. Sharing the absurdity of her night with Mocha somehow made everything feel less overwhelming. For the first time since Kaira had left, Iris felt a glimmer of hope that things might be okay. Plus, the next day, she had to start preparing for her big quest.

I’m just being silly. Got to stay focused.