Chapter 322: Alone in the Crowd
The following day, I was awakened by a sharp knock on the tentpole. I startled awake, yawning wide, and rubbed my eyes bleary for a moment. Finally, after another rap, I mustered the motivation to leave the warm comfort of Fable’s side, slipping on a dress.
"Lady Xiviyah!" Orion’s voice filtered through the canvas, accompanied by a third sharp knock.
"I’m awake, " I muttered pulling the tent flap aside. "What is it?"
I blinked several times, adjusting to the bright light without the tent. Was it morning already? Just how long had I been asleep?
What was more surprising was that it wasn’t only Orion waiting for me, but Lieutenant Joel as well. The two soldiers stepped back as I slipped outside, eyes running lingering for a moment on my body before they rapidly looked away. It was the first time I’d ever seen the stern lieutenant show anything resembling an emotion, sending an uncertain thrill through my lethargic mind. Still half asleep, I glanced down and found that in my haste, one of my sleeves had slipped down, exposing a fair bit more of my modest chest than intended.
"S-sorry!" I squeaked. Blushing faintly, I quickly adjusted the garment and stared at my feet, my tail swishing audibly through the still, early morning air.
Joel coughed and turned back, folding his hands stiffly behind his back. "I apologize for intruding at this early hour, but there is something important we must see to in the city. I expect you ready to go in ten minutes."
My eyes widened. Ten minutes? It took me at least twice that long to even begin to brush my hair! Perhaps now that I had some practice it could be faster, but only ten?
Orion frowned, taking in my response, and nudged the Lieutenant’s shoulder. "Perhaps we should allow her a bit more time."