Elizabeth’s POV:

I woke up sweating and all the covers on my bed were thrown off. A maid crouched in one corner of my room, lighting the fireplace. I yawned as I wearily sat up.

“‘Morning.” The maid said cheerfully, turning to smile at me, then heading to the door. I nodded a greeting and returned her smile as she went out. I looked around the room, Serah was asleep at my desk. After last night’s ruckus with the royals, she had come into my room to read a bit, and had fallen asleep at my desk, her head leaning against the desk itself. I quickly pulled on some clothes as I moved towards her. A peaceful smile rested on her face and I grinned. I hadn’t seen Serah smile in a long time, even if it was in her sleep. I knew she didn’t like to sleep, and whenever she did, she had nightmares, so her smile was a pleasant surprise. A moment later, I felt her sense my presence and her eyes fluttered open, her smile vanishing in an instant and a blank expression replacing it. I almost sighed out loud. I missed the old Serah.

She yawned, “Hey Liz.”

I quickly brightened up, plastering a smile to my face, “Hey Cap. Just wondering, but where are we heading out to today?”

“Well, I wanted to sleep in, but I guess that plan’s ruined. Maybe we should go to the market. They’re having a sale today.”

“Do you have any interests in slaves?” I asked instantly.

“No,” She grinned wickedly, “But I do have an interest in a certain captain of the royal guard who will be sold today. Just to see how much he might come for.”

I sighed. Often I forgot about the cold side of Serah. She was quiet, and many took her silence for kindness. After all, if not for her icy glare, she would be mistaken for a kind young woman. But I knew her better than anyone else. Deep down, her heart was as cold as her eyes. It took a lot to melt her heart, and none had even thawed it yet. She did care about us, however. Her crew was her family and I knew she would do everything in her power to protect us. This was a comforting thought to me.

However, something uncomfortable nagged in the back of my mind. Somewhere, I knew Serah was faulting. Her dark walls that she had built were crumbling and I couldn’t figure out why. She was more tense all the time, she was quieter, more solitary and independent. It almost felt like she was a domestic dog. Quiet, comforting and protective but she longed for the wild. She wanted to run around and go crazy, but she couldn’t because we were holding her back. I felt as if she was straining at the end of a leash. Her loyalty was to us but her heart was to the world and all of its freedom.

Serah stood up from the desk, grabbed her jacket off the bed and made her way towards the door, “I’m going into town before the sales, you guys can meet me there.”

“What will you be doing?” I asked as I followed her out into the hallway and down the stairs to the kitchen.

“Just taking care of some private matters.” She replied coldly as we stepped into the quiet kitchen.

“Don’t get into any fights.” I said.

“Who’s getting into a fight?” Tanner asked as we rounded the corner of the fireplace and entered into the living room where everyone sat.

“No one.” I quickly replied.

“Yet.” Serah said smoothly.

I sent her a quick glare, hiding my face from the royals.

I hummed as I made my way towards everyone. They sat in a circle on the floor, all the furniture pushed away. In the middle of their circle, were a few trays full of cookies, rolls and other pastry treats. I immediately snatched up a sweet roll and plopped down beside Tanner and Lydia.

“We’re going to the sale today.” I announced as I bit into my roll.