37 Swim

[3-5 bonus chapters]

[Trinity's POV]

After the hefty meal, I waited for the others to fall asleep. Dorothy slept like a rock. If only she would stop snoring so loud.

I gathered some change of clothes and ointments and proceeded towards the river. I passed by Ric, who was taking a nap with one eye open under a large tree near Michael's tent. I assumed he was guarding his master. He was a man of few words, and I like him already.

I wasn't worried about him peeking at me if I took a bath because I knew it wasn't in his character. He was an old guy with a gentleman attitude and peeking a woman in the river in the middle of the night was . . . wasn't in his character, I guess.

But if he ever he did. I would know right away, and I had my own way of dealing with perverts.

Spy on a noble lady, but don't spy on a witch, as they say.

Walking for ten minutes in the long expanse of the river with only a lamp and the bright moon as my light, I think it was a safe distance to start my needed bath. Under the blazing heat, the long afternoon ride was tiresome than Dorothy's constant wining and flirting with Michael.

I removed my clothes and dove into the cold water. It was exactly what I needed. The feel of something refreshing gliding against my tired muscles, taking away my exhaustion and the afternoon sweat off from my body.

It was the only time that I felt relaxed. My mind was at peace. No longer thinking, just feeling. It was a temporary respite amidst all that happened and would happen in the future.

. . .

. . .

If only I were given my alone time without disturbance, but I could no longer ignore that presence lurking in the shadows.

"What do you want?" I asked, unbothered to cover myself, and continued to wash my skin with mint and Verbana. The river was deep, hiding my body until my neck. I was confident that the darkness would cover everything there was to cover.

Michael chuckled, and from the shadows, he emerged on the edge of the river. The moonlight cast a glim that made his countenance even more handsome.

"You know I'm starting to think that you have a secret famillar following you around."

Not familiar. The sprites had warned me of his arrival. I knew Michael was well trained. It was evident from how he moved and how he walked with silent steps. Ric must have trained him since young.

Unfortunately for him, no matter how trained he was in combat, the sprites knew all.

"Sorry. I don't want to peek, but I'm curious at your real appearance," said Michael at my silence.

I took a deep breath. He was not going to let this topic go. I thought and closed my eyes and washed my face before facing him. "Is that all?"

(Pic)

". . ."

I expected him to be shocked at my real appearance, but the way he caught his tongue staring at me with wide eyes was too much.

"What?" I asked after a minute that he just stared at me.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured.

". . ." I expected the answer, but I was still speechless, especially from the sincerity of his voice coupled with the seriousness of his face.

I smirked and lightened the mood." More beautiful than Emerald?" I had to remind him that he was in love with another woman because I didn't like the desire that passed in his eyes for a fraction of a second.

Michael blinked and caught between his fists. "Of course, Emerald is hundred times beautiful."

I would believe him if only his voice didn't shake like he wasn't sure.

I turned and resumed washing myself. "Now that you've seen my real appearance. Can you leave me? I'd rather like taking my bath alone."

". . . It seemed to me that you're trying hard to raise your guard against me. Why? Are you afraid that you would fall in love with me?" he asked. There was no malice in his tone nor any form of boosting. He was just simply asking.

. . . The confidence of this man.

I couldn't blame him, though. All women love him, and I bet he could swoon the hardest of hearts with just a wink.

Fortunately, my heart was dead, and no amount of good looks could bring it back to life after Rhazien. Besides, romance was out of the question with my mission. It was just a hindrance.

"Rest assured," I said, "We will never cross that line."

". . . I see. Good to know then."

I didn't get to see his face when he left, but the heaviness of his footsteps got me curious. But when I turned to look, he was already gone.

I let out a heavy sigh and dove into the river.

That was right. Feelings would just complicate things. It was an unwelcome hindrance, and it was better to end the first sign of it as soon as possible.