Page 95 of Mermaid on Heels
Was he coming back again?
She fastened her pace and yanked the door open, only to reveal Princess Aeira in her nightgown with a shiny red robe around her and her dark hair braided over one shoulder.
Liriya blinked. What wasshedoinghere?
“Oh goodness, are you all right Liriya?” Aeira’s eyes rounded as she took in Liriya’s disheveled appearance and tear-stained cheeks. “I heard you crying and… thought I should check on you.”
Liriya wiped away her tears hastily. “Youheardme?” That was not possible.
“Yes. Can I come in?”
Liriya blinked again but moved aside to let the Garbian princess in. Perhaps this was an opportunity to ask Aeira about the distance and travel time from Lectoria to Garbia. However, she must do so without raising any sort of suspicion.
Aeira stepped inside and spun around to face her once Liriya closed the door behind them. “What happened?” She sounded concerned.
Liriya’s eyebrows rose in surprise but she composed herself. Of course, the girl would be concerned; just because they were competitors didn’t mean she didn’t have feelings.
Liriya forced a nervous smile and shook her head. “It is nothing, really, never mind.” She changed the subject. “So what brings you here at this hour?”
“I was merely checking on you, Liriya. Like I said, Iheardyou,” Aeira replied, emphasizing the word.
Nice pick for a subject change.Liriya thought to herself sarcastically. “I am good, thank you.” Her tone signaling,you may leave now.
However, Aeira didn’t get the cue. She tilted her head instead, with a more pitiful look in her eyes and a frown on her lips. “Aw, you must be missing your home, right?”
“What—no, I—yes, but not really.” Liriya stumbled on her words, confused. “I kind of prefer it here.”
Aeira offered her a sweet smile. “Hmm, that’s sweet.” She moved further into the room past Liriya, as though she had the freedom to roam about. “But, I do not think your big sister would be so pleased to hear that—Faelina, right?” She spun to face her again.
Liriya held back her irritation both at the mention of that name and for Aeira not taking the cue to leave. “I do not live to please my sister, actually. Like I have said before, she holds no power over my choices.”
“But do you not miss her?”
“Why are we talking about my sister?” Liriya snapped as she lost her composure due to her frustration.
Aeira recoiled with a taken aback expression crossing her face.
Liriya sighed and rubbed her forehead tiredly. “Look, Aeira, I am sorry. I am not really in the mood tonight, especially to talk about my sister.”So, would you please take the cue and leave me alone?
Aeira, dodging the cueagain, peered at Liriya, slightly astonished. “Wow… Did-did she hurt you?”
Liriya snorted a laugh at that. Faelina had not only hurt her but was thereasonshe was here. The Creator knew how much shehatedthat irony.
“What?” Aeira inquired, blinking in bafflement.
“Nothing.” Liriya shook her head. “I just wish to be alone.”
Aeira frowned and fiddled with the strap of her robe. “I am sorry. I just wanted to be of some help.”
Liriya offered her a smile, a tired one due to her mental exhaustion. “And I appreciate that, Aeira. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Aeira smiled back tightly, nearly making Liriya feel guilty for dismissing her. Though she beat down the guilt and watched with relief as the other girl moved towards the door. Liriya was about to follow when Princess Aeira paused.
Liriya stifled a groan and waited patiently.
“I’ve always wanted sisters.” Aeira spoke without turning to look at Liriya. “Every time I saw you with your sisters, I envied you for it. I apologize if I upset you by bringing up your older sister. I was merely curious about your sisterhood.”
Liriya exhaled, feeling terribly bad now. “Aeira… I am sorry, I did not—”