Kitanna
Chapter 198: CHANGED WEATHER

Chapter 198: CHANGED WEATHER

[MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: MY SWEET BABY ~ PALOMA FAITH]

Axilla opened the letter that had the royal seal on it. For some reason, her heart was beating very fast, and she didn’t know why. She finally read through the letter,

’From, Queen Kitanna. Hope this letter finds you in good health, bright flower. How are you doing at your new workplace? It was Lady Larel who wrote to me, telling me you decided to work. I have been expecting a letter from you. We all miss your sunshine back here in the palace. Take care of yourself, and let me know if there’s any difficulty.

Remember, the palace is your home, and you’re welcome at any time.

PS: When you find ’the one,’ don’t hesitate to bring him to me for assessment.

Love, Queen Kitanna.’

Axilla read the letter over and over again, tears welled in her eyes. She had been so busy trying to adjust to life amidst the toils and dramatic turns since she arrived at the merchant inn. And she didn’t remember to send a letter to Lady Larel or Queen Kitanna.

Axilla scolded herself, "I’m sorry, Queen Kitanna, Lady Larel. I miss you all, and I can’t wait to return and tell you about my adventures." She murmured to herself, holding the letter close to her chest. The door to Axilla’s room opened, she sat up immediately and dried her tears, folding her letter into a square shape.

Kayla noticed all this, and she continued to hold the door. Not stepping inside or walking out. "Did the royal family ask you to return?" The girl asked worriedly, deep down she knew Axilla didn’t belong on the road and would one day return to the palace.

Axilla smiled, "Are you missing me already? Well, I have been summoned," Axilla teased, watching the emotions that passed Kayla’s face.

"Is there space to be your servant?" Kayla asked almost immediately, eliciting a laugh from Axilla, which she joined too in laughing.

Axilla held her stomach, trying to hold down her laughter. "Kayla, please, you’re so funny. I’m very sure if I should ever return to the palace, everyone would love you so much." She chimed, remembering the joyful moments they all shared in the palace as one family.

"They would? I should really go with you then." Kayla said in a suggestive tone. "Oh, Lady Hash is here, she’s at the dining with Chief Cortez." Kayla winked before closing the door.

Axilla blushed when she heard Cortez’s name, "I should go greet Lady Hash." She whispered. "I’m not going there to see Cortez!" She argued with herself, trying to compose her expression.

Standing in front of the vanity mirror, Axilla looked at her gown which had a rainbow color at the upper side, then thin band at her waistline while flowing down with different shades of purple. The dress was quite beautiful. Brushing her hair down, Axilla reached out for two butterfly pins which she used to adorn her hair. The reflection in the mirror was more of a princess; she turned round to check herself out.

"I’m not dressed for him; I want to look presentable for Lady Hash..." Axilla’s voice trailed when she remembered the woman couldn’t see... "And myself." Axilla nodded to herself before stepping out of the room.

Inside the dining room, Cortez was heard talking to Lady Hash inaudibly. Axilla pushed the door open and joined them in the dining.

"Is that Axilla dear?" Lady Hash called out, stretching her hand for Axilla to hold.

"More life to you, Lady Hash; you look great." Axilla bowed, going to hold the woman’s hand. If one looked at Lady Hash, they would write her off as old, but the woman was nothing close to that. She still had this youthful exuberance, her hands firm and steady.

Lady Hash smiled at the words of greetings, "Thank you, child; you are not doing bad yourself." She acknowledged, with a mischievous smile on her lips.

Cortez used his fork to grab a beef, his eyes locked on Axilla. The girl looked very beautiful with the arrays of colors on her dress, which highlighted her innocence like the warm rays of morning sunshine.

"She looks beautiful." Cortez hummed munching the meat slowly, while twirling the fork on his plate.

Axilla was stunned by the direct words of praise by Cortez in front of Lady Hash. She tried to keep her blush at bay; it was too early for such. "Chief Cortez..." Axilla whispered, her hazel eyes begging Cortez to stop talking, but he continued to stare at her with mirth dancing in his eyes.

"What happened to Cortez?" Cortez chimed, sucking his teeth, displeased by the way Axilla called him.

"Ehem.." Lady Hash cleared her throat, "Seems like the weather has changed around here. Hm?" She smiled, noticing the change of feelings between the young lads. The girl had finally accepted her feelings for Cortez.

Axilla finally settled in to join them for breakfast; as the eating progressed, she remembered something. And she leaned forward to ask, "Chief...uhm Cortez" Axilla corrected herself when she noticed Cortez’s narrowed eyes.

"Better, what is it, my dear bright flower." Cortez smiled, drinking water as he was done eating.

"I wish to send a letter back to Morado and to your sister. How can I do that?" Axilla asked, dropping her spoon while placing her hands on her lap.

Cortez nodded his head, "Oh that, Lady Hash would be passing Morado after now. She can help you with that. Yes?"

"Sure, anything for our bright flower. I’ll be leaving by noon." Lady Hash remarked.

Axilla stood up immediately, "Then I should go write the letter quickly. Excuse me." She bowed politely, exiting the dining room.

"You made the right choice; make sure you cherish her." Lady Hash hummed as soon as Axilla stepped out of the room.

Cortez smiled looking at the door Axilla stepped out of from, "I know..."

Back at Morado, Larel’s carriage finally arrived at the palace entrance; it was a smooth journey. Stepping down from the carriage, Larel helped Labre to get down on his feet, as the servants helped them with the belongings.

Larel breathed fresh air, it felt so good to come back to the palace. She turned to look at Labre, who held her pinky finger tightly.

"Be of good behavior, Labre. We are going to meet the King and Queen." Larel advised, sitting on her heels to fix Labre’s collar.

"Queeeen!" Labre shouted gleefully, excited about the travel.

Stepping inside the palace, Larel noticed how calm the palace looked; she made her way inside, following the maid who was assigned to show her the room she would be staying.

Larel entered the already decorated room, which was spacious enough for more than three people. It was a very beautiful room; when she turned, Larel was surprised to see Labre standing at the door, scared of entering inside as he was used to their small shabby room.

"Labre, come in. It’s safe, don’t worry" Larel went to hold Labre’s hands guiding him inside the room. The room floor was covered with a fluffy rug making it cozy and warm; it was a good feeling.

"Larel!!!!" Kitanna rushed to hug Larel tightly.

"Your Majesty." Larel smiled, holding the queen closely.

Kitanna released herself from the hug, looking at Labre, "Look at Labre all grown." She smiled, reaching for his hand.

"Say Hi to your aunty." Larel said to Labre who allowed himself to be hugged by Kitanna.

Larel smiled; it was better than when she arrived at her own home. She felt more welcomed. "What about the king, your husband."

Kitanna stood properly, straightening her crumpled gown. "We should allow you to settle in from your journey. There’s a lot you need to know...." Kitanna’s voice trailed.