Am I Stink?

Inside the tent, it was clear that Campy had set it up for two people. Emergency beds made from lined-up crates were wide enough for two people, with thicker and more comfortable covers.

However, Bree wasn't even focused on that. She was just grateful to see that the inside of the tent was reasonably spacious. The extra space was what she needed, so she wouldn't have to constantly be near Rad.

Bree now sat silently on the empty crates that had been repurposed into makeshift seats. Bree stared into space, pondering whether her rivalry with Amber was indeed real. As time passed, Bree became increasingly uncertain about her ability to compete.

Bree contemplated giving up, thinking that maybe Amber and Rad were meant to be together.

"Duchess, I will soak your feet."

Bree didn't even know when Aima left, and now she returned with a wooden bucket filled with warm water for Bree's feet.

"Sorry, you can't soak your whole body in warm water because there's no container large enough to hold your body." Aima bowed.

"That's okay. This is enough." Bree soaked her feet in the water, and as usual, Aima sprinkled salt into it.

"Aima, be honest. Does my body smell?"

Aima looked up at Bree, making sure she wasn't joking, then furrowed her brow.

"Of course not. You don't smell. You always bathe with the finest olive oil soap. Of course, you don't smell." Aima shook her head reassuringly.

"But I rarely wear perfume. Does my body not smell because of that?"

Bree wasn't against perfume; she had worn it a few times. However, she didn't particularly like it. Bree always thought perfumes were overpowering. She liked the scent of flowers, but most perfumes out there were too strong, making Bree nauseous if she caught a whiff.

Aima leaned toward Bree and sniffed. "No, it is not. You don't smell. You always use soap with some fragrance, though not as much as regular perfume."

Aima was honest, and indeed, Bree didn't smell. There was a faint scent of soap mixed with sweat, but it was a standard scent, not unpleasant.

"Then why does he refuse to breathe near me?"

"Who do you mean?" Aima asked, confused, but Bree just shook her head and returned to her thoughts.

Bree was referring to Rad, of course. Bree finally realized how Rad always held his breath when he was near her. Bree hadn't noticed it much before, but now she could clearly feel it, especially earlier.

She saw how Rad held his breath every time they were close. Rad always seemed to scrunch his nose, and earlier, Bree heard the sound of a deep inhale before Rad tightly sealed his mouth. Bree was puzzled, but then remembered how Rad had once said that her body smelled when he lifted her for the warm water soak.

Bree didn't find it odd at that time, thinking Rad was just teasing, but now it was clear Rad wasn't joking. Rad didn't comment further on Bree's scent, but he refused to sniff her body's aroma. This was worse than teasing, and it certainly made Bree feel like she smelled bad.

"Why am I even thinking about this?" Bree cursed while stomping into the bucket, splashing water in all directions, even wetting Aima's face, who was still kneeling near her feet.

"Oh, sorry. Forgive me."

Bree forgot she was supposed to be stern with Aima and automatically reverted to her usual self. She took the cloth to wipe her feet, trying to dry the water on Aima's face.

Aima, initially surprised by Bree's apology, shook her head and took the cloth from Bree's hand.

"It's okay, Duchess. I should—" Aima said, smiling a bit relieved. She was quite happy to see Bree's friendly attitude.

Bree nodded, exhaling and leaning against the pole behind her. She once again pondered the man, whose behavior was becoming increasingly strange.

Many things hadn't changed about Radford, but Bree admitted that some aspects of the man had indeed changed.

***

"No. I can't. Should I ask someone else to escort you?" Rad offered, looking at Amber standing in front of him.

He had just declined Amber's request to go for a walk near the river. Rad didn't feel like strolling, especially when he was irritated because he had been outside the tent since earlier.

"You don't look busy. Come on, just accompany me for a while." Amber begged, reaching out to touch Rad's shoulder, but Rad backed away because he didn't want anyone to touch him.

Amber tightened her jaw, frustrated with that reaction.

"You can..." Amber paused as Rad suddenly turned to look at her.

"Not looking busy doesn't mean I don't have work. I may not look physically busy, but my mind is working. So, I want to sit and think. If you want, I can ask someone else to escort you."

Rad repeated the suggestion to neutralize the harsh words at the beginning. He did want to sit calmly and think while staring at the bonfire in front of him.

There were three bonfires burning in the camp. Two were being used for cooking dinner, while the one where Rad was situated was quieter, as it was located in the main tent area used by nobles.

Amber bit her lip, once again swallowing disappointment and frustration, as Rad didn't fall for her inviting tone. Typically, men would willingly accompany her anywhere when she asked like that.

"Then I'll just sit here with you."

Amber quickly thought of another reason to be near Rad. Without permission, she sat next to Rad on the long log placed for seating.

"Feel free," Rad said with a nod.

Amber's face lit up. She was pleased that her suggestion worked, thinking that there might be hope. Feeling that Rad wasn't rejecting her, just not in the mood for a walk.

However, within two seconds of Amber sitting down, it was Rad who stood up.

"Where are you going?" Amber exclaimed in surprise.

"I was busy thinking earlier, and now I'm done. So, I'm going to work. Enjoy the fire."

Rad bid farewell and turned away, while Amber stood up in irritation.

Rad heard Amber's annoyed muttering, but he didn't care. His mind was full, thinking about a place to sleep. Yet, this behavior was strange for Rad. He was puzzled as to why Amber suddenly seemed to force herself to be close earlier.

"They're serious; it's ridiculous, but fun."

Rad's steps halted upon hearing a quietly amused whisper. The commentator was Edmond.

He was arranging swords and armor in front of the knight's tent, but his eyes glanced toward Amber. It was clear that Edmond's comment was directed at her.

Rad redirected his steps, approaching Edmond.

"What did you mean by that comment?" Rad was clearly suspicious. Edmond's comment implied he knew more.

"Eh?" Edmond bowed, surprised by Rad's sudden appearance at his side.

"What did you mean by that comment?" Rad pressed.

"Oh, yes. You heard that. You have quite the ears." Edmond scratched his head, startled by Rad's sudden appearance, but then remembered who Rad was. He was no longer surprised by Rad's exceptional hearing abilities.

"Tell me quickly!" Rad was impatient.

"This is just an assumption, Your Grace. I only heard it from a distance." Edmond seemed a bit nervous, not knowing how Rad would react to the revelation, especially since it involved Bree.

"I don't care if it's an assumption or not. Just tell me!"

Edmond scratched his non-itchy head. He was hesitant, but he couldn't go against Rad's command.

"When the Duchess was practicing swordsmanship yesterday, Lady Amber came, and they argued." Edmond began the explanation.

"Argued about what?"

Rad didn't know the extent of Bree's relationship with her sister, but it seemed strained, especially since Rad had seen Bree being sarcastic to her during yesterday's guest reception.

"They argued about you."

"About me? Why? Tell me everything!" Rad folded his hand in front of his chest, listening to the details of Edmond's story.