14 A Friend 

Tarah let out a relieved sigh as she quietly watched the wizard, Lurio, cast a strong spell around Prince Ezekiel's tent. She could only hope and pray that this move of hers would divert the event her vision showed her from ever happening.

"The Demon King is someone who must not be taken lightly," Cora grunted. "Who would have thought about the possibility of him sexually assaulting you just so you can lose your ability as a Seer for Ebodia?!" 

Tarah remained quiet despite the words of reassurance. What Cora said was probably what Prince Ezekiel also thought when he heard the vision she told him. 

However, there was more to what she just told the Prince. She wanted to be honest with him, but her current situation and circumstances were preventing her from doing so. There were a lot of things she needed to do, and the first one on her list was to gain Ezekiel's absolute trust. It wouldn't be easy, but she had to do it.

"Cora, no one should get the wrong idea. What the prince is doing and will do moving forward related to me is only for the sake of his Seer's protection," Tarah muttered. 

Cora nodded. "Don't worry about it, Milady. I'll handle everything so that no one would misunderstand your current setup with the Prince," she reassured her. "Also, the king instructed me to always stay by your side whenever he won't be around."

Again, Tarah simply nodded. She truly appreciated the gesture, and the last thing she wanted was to face Devon while she was alone. Just the thought of it made her face pale, and she was trying hard to not recall what she had to endure during those three years.

It was then that Ezekiel approached them and said, "Lurio is done. Go inside with Cora and take a rest. I will need to talk to my men first."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Tarah said with a curt bow before she and Cora walked inside the Prince's tent. She was glad that, in the end, the other party agreed to let her stay in his tent. 

Once they were settled, she then had dinner with Cora, after which the latter assisted her in getting ready for bed.

"Do you want to know anything about Ebodia, Milady?" Cora asked her. "I can tell you about some things you'd like to know while we're idle like this. Have you been to our kingdom while you wandered around the world?" 

"I've never been to Ebodia. You know how strict your kingdom is," Tarah answered. "It might not be easy to enter the kingdom, but I believe I know enough details about Ebodia. I've learned a lot from books and some Masters, as well as from acquaintances who had gone there in the past."

Tarah had already delved into the study of the kingdom and its key figures. Through her intuitive abilities, she had glimpsed the faces and names of significant individuals who played pivotal roles in the unfolding events of Ebodia. 

While she had yet to meet them in person, her visions had granted her a unique familiarity with the important people she needed to know. Whether it was the faces of council members, military leaders, or influential figures within the kingdom, she could recognize them by name and visage thanks to the insights granted to her by her extraordinary gift.

"If you have questions or need any information at all, please don't hesitate to ask me," Cora offered with a smile.

Tarah chuckled, and she couldn't wait for her friendship with Cora to blossom. Gently touching Cora's hand, she whispered, "Thank you." 

From there, Cora's past flashed before her eyes. The other party came from a humble household, nothing grand enough to mention. She loved her kingdom very much and was a quite patriotic person. She entered the military under Prince Ezekiel and trained hard so that she could qualify and pass as a part of the Prince's special unit.

Tarah's smile widened as she observed the woman, the lone female member of the Dragon Royal Knights, demonstrating unwavering determination to prove herself in a role traditionally held by men in Ebodia. The contrast of Cora's fierce and flexible demeanor against her petite, beautiful appearance struck Tarah as a testament to her resilience and strength.

Despite the femininity reflected in her small and delicate features, Cora exuded a tenacity that defied stereotypes. The rich, brown hue of her skin and her long curly hair matched the chestnut color of her eyes, framing a face that belied the inner strength she possessed. It was a reminder that true strength wasn't confined to appearances, and Cora's presence challenged preconceived notions within the Dragon Royal Knights.

Tarah admired Cora's ability to break through gender norms and excel in her role. The camaraderie and mutual respect among the Dragon Royal Knights were also worth mentioning, with each member recognizing Cora's capabilities beyond gender distinctions.

"You're smiling," Cora pouted at her. "A penny for your thoughts, Milady?"

Tarah let go of Cora's hand with a question in her mind. "Why do I have a feeling that your loyalty lies more in me instead of Prince Ezekiel?" she remarked. "Yesterday, you even told me that His Highness is suspicious of me."

"Ah, I told you that it's because His Highness himself instructed it. I'm very loyal to His Highness, but that doesn't mean I can't be good and real friends with you, Milady," Cora admitted. "You honestly remind me of the younger sister I lost before… How old are you now, Milady?" 

"I'm twenty-one now, Cora," she replied. "How about you?"

"I'm twenty-five. My sister was the same age as you, Milady," Cora admitted. "She died of sickness three years ago."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Tarah said her condolences. 

"It's been three years, Milady," Cora reassured her. "She had a weak heart since birth, and we're already glad that the Almighty gave us those twenty years to spend with her before he allowed her to rest."

Tarah turned to face Cora with a smile. "Then, please, let's become sisters from now on, Cora," she offered. "I never had one, so it would be my honor to have you."

"That sounds great," Cora's eyes sparkled as she nodded in excitement. "Still, you should sleep, Milady. Be at ease, for I will stay by your side until His Highness's return."

Tarah smiled as she laid herself to rest. She never thought that she would be able to experience something like this… Gaining a friend, a sister, a family.

"Have a good night's sleep, Milady." 

As Tarah fell into a deep slumber, she had thought that she would have a good night's sleep this time around… However, she was wrong.