Chapter 103: Look At Me, Leah (1) (1/2)

Chapter 103. Look At Me, Leah (1)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

Blain was pleased by her submission, though not by her attitude.

“As you like, sister.” He smiled. “You wait here. I’ll get you the biggest one.”

He left, leading the attendants and horses into the woods. As soon as she was sure he was gone, Leah looked around. The Kurkans were also on horseback, ready to leave. She noticed they carried no riding crops; they knew how to handle horses without such tools. The most unruly hunting dogs had intentionally been given to the Kurkans, but they did not need to persuade them with food or yell at them to make them obey. As the hunters watched with amazement, the unruly dogs obeyed the slightest whistle and pat, as if they had been perfectly trained from the beginning.

The attendants watching were astonished and frightened by the sight. But they knew that the Kurkans’ control was based on their kinship with beasts. Their outward appearance was human, but the Kurkans were a completely different people.

Leah had been watching with everyone else, and when she turned, her eyes met those of Ishakan. She quickly averted them, returning to the barracks assigned to her rather than watching him leave.

She told the other ladies to relax in another tent opposite, while she rested alone. She had wanted a break before she went hunting with the falcons, but Cerdina had called for her. It had been a long time since they had been alone together. The mere thought of having to endure that woman once again instantly drained Leah’s energy.

Alone in her tent, she pulled a handkerchief from her breast. It was a different handkerchief than the one she had given Blain. This one was made in Estia, pure white and embroidered with gold thread in each corner. She cherished it and often carried it with her, but today she brought it to give to Ishakan.

But in spite of her intentions, she had missed her opportunity. She had been put off by the stares following her, watching her every action. Leah gripped the handkerchief in her hands, filled with regret.

I’ll give it to him, no matter who sees us, she thought. For the first time she wanted to act without having to worry about what others would say, though she knew better than anyone else why she couldn’t.

Leah stopped. Looking at the handkerchief, the frustration and unhappiness welled up in her and she wanted to throw it away, tear it to pieces. But no matter how upset she was, she was the princess. She put the handkerchief away.