How To Rewrite History

Because it was a good time and an excellent place to take a break, Ledford decided to stop our caravan at a nearby small lake. This small lake only forms during the rainy season and is home to many. Our group had found shelter in the shadow of a big tree while I went on a little stroll to loosen up my tired legs.

On the other side of the river bank was a flock of migrating birds. The breeze here was especially refreshing since it was cooled down by the water. The hot desert winds have withdrawn from this place, allowing people to breathe in deeply.

A group of girls also came to where I was. They were the ones who had gathered flowers and herbs nearby. Now they went to the lake to wash their hands and take a break. Some of them had a basket full of flowers which they began to weave into beautiful wreaths. In my previous life, I also found those things fascinating but never had the time to engage in such activities. But now that I was Dahlia, I took up my courage and came closer to watch them together with a few of my maids.

They soon took notice of us, and we started to exchange greetings. When they found out that we came from Florencia, their interest towards us was a strong as ours regarding them. When all restraints were gone, we exchanged sweets and small accessories. This village's craftmanship wasn't as luxurious as the things that I had with me, but unlike mine, they were beautifully exotic, rather colourful and spirited. In exchange for my laced pelerine, I got a shoulder-length hemp cape with native embroidery and a big flower wreath made by those girls. I put them on happily.

The birds' loud outcry suddenly drowned our chat and laughter as they flew up in disarray. Something has startled them.

Through feathers and wings, I saw a group of mounted hors.e.m.e.n — about a dozen, dressed in white linen robes. The birds fled because the group was heading their direction at a fast pace, obviously to fed their horses water.

"They come from the desert..."

"The desert tribe?"

"Those rebels."

"What are they coming here for? Are they going to Coral?"

The girls whispered between themselves, trying to be as quiet as possible, but I doubted that those riders could hear them amidst the galloping of their horses and the cries of the birds. At least they didn't mind us and dismounted without even batting an eye at us. The group brought their horses towards the water and let them drink while they began to fill their water bags as well.

Unlike those girls who went quiet and tried hard to blend in with the landscape, I couldn't resist my curiosity and started to watch that new group without hesitation. I wasn't afraid much. They were far away from us, and I doubted that those men could walk on water. Also, they were just a handful while I had 30 well-trained soldiers at my back and call. I felt like a mighty mob boss; my confidence rose to the uncountable.

Those people were all clad in white, wrapped and hooded so I couldn't even tell if they were men or women, old or young. But I could tell that they were sturdy and probably not that old since their movements were swift and accurate.

While I was watching them, I met a dark pair of eyes. This person must have sharp senses for noticing me this fast. Even though we were far apart from each other, I could tell that this man knew I was watching them and was now eyeing me instead. Being stared at by him felt like an eagle eyeing me. His gaze bore into mine, and I faltered for a second. I suddenly knew why they say one shouldn't stare at others. Getting caught felt so humiliating. The other person stood still next to his black horse, and when he saw that I was fl.u.s.tered, I swear to god, his eyes contained a sneer. Was he laughing at me for being curious? I couldn't tell for sure since his face was covered, only showing his glinting eyes.

At least he didn't tell the others that he caught me staring at them, because none of his comrades seemed to take interest in us. He was the only one staring at our direction as if he had found something interesting.

I lowered my gaze, trying to fiddle with the flowers resting in my l.a.p. I intended to weave a wreath myself. It was a present to mother. She would look lovely with those wildflowers adorning her platinum blond hair.

Time to time, I snuck a glimpse at the group on the other side, but I couldn't find that man amidst the white silhouettes again. I breathed a sigh of relief.

After a quarter of an hour, those people mounted their horses and left. The birds were also back to their leisure self, floating and sitting by the water as if nothing had happened.

I eyed the wreath in my hands. Since I got caught staring, I had concentrated on the work at hand, and so an overloaded crown of flowers was now in my hands. Happily, we gathered our things and bid goodbye to the girls.

-

"Mother, see!"

Back at our carriage, I showed Mother my self-made crown while wearing the one that I had exchanged.

"Beautiful!" Mother exclaimed and put it on without a second thought. As I imagined, she looked like an elegant flower goddess.

"I should make one for your father as well when we get back!" She suddenly exclaimed, smiling from ear to ear.

"Eh?"

Not only me but everyone else who could hear us froze at once. For Father? I looked at mother who now looked like a naughty fairy who played tricks when people weren't watching.

"I can't imagine..." I murmured while the soldiers around us tried to go on as nothing had happened but I could tell that their imagination was running wild. Well, we all could imagine, but... but... wasn't this ruining Father's reputation? Mother, are you trying to ruin Father's reputation?

"Flowers suit your father very well, don't you know?" Mother said, making Ledford almost stumble over his own feet while some others tried to get away as far as possible before they heard something that would shatter all their hopes and dreams.

In my mind, a picture of Henry emerged, wearing a crown of flowers on his head. Strangely it didn't look out of place. His icy face and the fowers made a beautiful contrast, giving him an ethereal beauty, leaving me astounded at my thoughts. Mother, you're so dangerous. The Northern Empire couldn't bring him down, but a word of your's and the Duke's reputation went up and down like the stock market exchange. Mom, will you take responsibility if he becomes a flower boy in the eyes of his men?

I wondered if she was angry at Father for not accompanying us on this trip. As a duchess, Mother never complained but maybe, deeply buried within, she was minding him putting duty before family. But Mother, Father actually loves his family very much, you know? He was willing to sacrifice everything for his stupid daughter. But I can't tell you, of course.

I have decided to put in a encouraging word for Father in front of Mother once in a while.

-

-

-

Not far away, a mounted group was heading towards the capital, followed by the rhythmic sound of hooves hitting the ground. They had a fast but steady pace, leaving behind a row of whirled-up dust.

"Ah, I can't wait to take a good soak in a tub." A plaintive voice sounded, and others soon followed.

"The desert is so unruly. How can people even think about living in such a dead place."

"It's just too hot here! I will never complain about how cold it is at home again!"

"And what's with those clothes? Do all men here wear dresses like these?"

Complaints and laughter rang simultaneously.

One of the riders at the front said with a hint of taunt: "You're all such big men, but you complain like little kids! Aren't you ashamed to be like this in front of our Lord?" He cast a swift glance to the man riding next to him.

"Darlton," That man, who was the so-called Lord, laughed and said mockingly "you have to excuse them, but those guys are already getting old."

"Hey, we are only two years older than you!" someone in the back yelled, and everyone started to laugh. Apart from the man called Darlton, everyone's voice sounded quite young, and although they were complaining about their hardsh.i.p.s, they were still full of vitality, bickering and talking all the way.

The Lord seemed to be in a good mood despite the hardsh.i.p.s of the journey. He couldn't hold it against his comrades. The desert was indeed an unruly place to be, and for people like them, it was a real challenge to journey through.

"I hope this place is worth all our efforts." Darlton snarled. He doesn't hold Coronia in high regards.

The Lord next to him smiled, but it was hidden behind the cover he was wearing. He thought about that curious girl back at the lake, the only one that dared to look up and observe them. She wore a crown of wildflowers on her head. Her hair that was glittering under the sun even more than the water in the lake had a beautiful colour. It was the colour of a sharpened sword. With the vibrant colours surrounding her, she looked like a bashful flower fairy. She must have been much more beautiful close-up.

"It was already worth it." He murmured, but it went unnoticed by his comrades.