Chapter 52 - Conflict Arises! (1/2)

The girl drew everyone's attention.

”Ara ara. It's not clean to kneel on such a dirty floor. Stand” She made her way swiftly towards Bennox and Owen. Showing both grace and speed with her long strides. Her skirt fluttered a little as she passed the other children in the room. Almost like she was floating. As she neared Bennox and Owen she offered them her hand, she looked like an angel looming over them.

”T-thanks…” Owen took her hand and let himself be pulled up. Bennox got up by himself but still nodded in thanks towards the girl. She smiled and brushed Owen's hair out of his face.

”!!!” He flinched and darted behind Bennox. ”What a-are you doing?!” The girl looked a bit surprised but chuckled as well.

”Oh, my apologies. It was a habit of mine with my younger brother.” Owen eyed her warily. Javier took this time to clear his throat.

*ahem* ”State your name girl.” The girl's eyes shifted over to Javier for a second before re-focusing to Owen.

”What a rude little boy.” The girl turned away from Javier and scoffed at him. Her angelic look becoming daunting. Javier's forehead twitched but his face remained unchanged.

”I am merely asking your name.”

”Is it not rude to not introduce yourself to someone first before asking them for their name?” Bennox's eyes widened. The girl in front of him had so much guts to talk back when he had lowered his head. As a man, no, as a future soldier, he couldn't help but feel like he had somehow lost to her. The short purple haired girl standing by Javier lifted her head. Hey eyes cold as they stared at the new girl.

”Rat, I don't know who you think you are but you'd better think before you speak next time.” The short haired girl practically hissed at the new girl.

Unfazed, the girl sighed loudly.

”What an unsightly thing…” Covering her mouth with one hand she made a disgusted face. ”…no manners, no grace and not even a shred of pride…” The short haired girl looked like she was about to burst with anger. Ignoring the purple haired girl, the new girl lifted the sides of her skirt slightly and did a small curtsey. She extended her hand and held it out for Bennox. Her eyes softened a little.

”I am called Fior Flur Bianca Breavux, from the baron's house of Breavux. You may address me as Bianca if you so wish.” Bennox was dazed for a second. What was she holding her hand out for? A handshake? Some new nobility schtick? Owen nudged Bennox from behind.

”She's waiting for you to take her hand and kiss it. I saw an old noble lady making the dressmaker do it once when we went into town…” Owen's whispering trailed off as both of them realized that there was an awkward silence in the room for some reason. Bianca stood there smiling gently, her hand still outstretched.

Bennox quickly took action and delicately took her hand in his and lightly kissed the top if it.

”I'm known as Bennox. It is a pleasure to meet a member of the Breavux household and Miss Bianca herself.” Bennox released her hand and nudged for Owen to go and do it as well. Softly grumbling and uneasy, Owen reluctantly gave in when Bennox shot him a menacing stare.

He took two steps forward and, as he bowed with one hand over his heart, Owen used his other to take Bianca's hand in his. Rising up from his bow Owen kissed the top of her hand briskly.

”My name is Owen. It's an honor to meet Miss Bianca.” After his bow Owen quickly turned away and hid behind Bennox, face flushed. He hadn't meant to bow like that. It just felt so natural that he didn't realize it until he kissed her hand.

Bennox stared at his blushing friend. Owen, who he had never seen take an interest in any girl, was now blushing like crazy. Even Bennox could see the way Owen's eyes shifted in panic. Bennox glanced back over at Bianca. Sure, she was pretty but she didn't make his heart beat faster. He only saw her as another passing person in his life.

”Owen, you okay?” Bennox was whispering but Bianca looked up, as if she had heard him.

”Oh my. What's the matter Bennox? Is Owen feeling unwell?” Bianca moved closer but Bennox held out his arm to stop her.

”I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to stop there Miss Bianca. Owen, he's not really comfortable around girls. Especially nobles. I hope you can understand why I'm asking you to keep your distance.” Bianca looked at Owen hiding behind Bennox. Although Owen was taller than Bennox, his shoulders were slouched so that his hair barely showed above Bennox's. Bianca couldn't bring herself to move any closer. Seeing Bennox shield Owen and how Owen could rely on him wholeheartedly was something she had rarely seen.

Friendship. A magical word for Bianca. All her life all she wanted was a true friend whom she could put her faith and trust in. Protecting and consoling each other without restraint, a friendship so pure it made the clouds look black. Trusting the other with her darkest secrets and weaknesses and they in turn would share theirs.

Bianca's face scrunch slightly in pain. Her gentle smile looked a bit forced as she looked at Bennox and Owen. The pain of never being able to have the one thing you had truly wanted. So simple yet out of reach for her. Sighing, Bianca's face softened and her slightly furrowed brows went back to normal.

”I understand Bennox. I will not overstep my boundaries. I hope that he gets well with me gone. Please take this and wipe the blood from your face.” Bianca handed Owen her light green shawl and watched as he stared at it cautiously before taking it graciously. Bianca did a little curtsey and watched as Bennox and Owen shuffled away. Bennox's face covered in dried blood, Owen's body stiff and awkward.