CHAPTER 236: FAILED BRIBERY

Meredith.

The morning sun hadn’t risen too high when I found myself in the middle of the training ground again, fists up and eyes focused on Dennis.

This time, my muscles didn’t feel as foreign as they had days ago. The soreness was no longer there after the intense massage session yesterday.

Dennis struck quickly and deliberately, aiming just slightly off-centre to test me. I shifted, blocked, stepped back, my forearm catching his intended hit just in time.

He let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. "You’re catching on fast," he said, circling me. "That’s twice now. You protected your liver and your side. Not bad."

I exhaled slowly, letting the tension ease from my shoulders. There was no Valmora today. No mysterious stirring in the back of my mind, no guiding voice. Just me. And I was managing really well.

Dennis pointed at me with a playful smirk. "Evening session—you land one hit on me, just one, and I will get you anything you want."

I arched a brow. "Anything?"

"Anything ice-cream related," he amended quickly. "I know your type. Sweet tooth and pride to match."

I laughed. "I’m not that cheap."

He grinned. "But you will take it."

I gave him a mock shrug and smirk. "Absolutely."

By the time I returned to my room, sweat clung to my back and strands of hair stuck to my neck. Azul, Cora, Arya—were already waiting. They didn’t ask questions.

Kira and Deidra helped me out of my training clothes while Azul filled the tub. I soaked for a while, letting the warmth ease the strain in my muscles before they dried and dressed me.

The soft lavender scent from the oils they used lingered on my skin, calming and subtle.

Once freshened up, I padded quietly down the hallway toward Xamira’s room. The little girl opened the door before I even knocked. Her smile lit up the hall.

"Ready for breakfast?" I asked, holding out my hand.

She took it immediately, fingers small and warm. "Yes, My Lady!"

We walked together to the dining hall, the soft clack of her shoes in rhythm with my steps.

Dennis and Wanda were already seated at the long table. Wanda didn’t even bother looking up from her plate. Good. I didn’t feel like parrying words this early in the day.

"Morning," Dennis greeted with a nod.

"Morning," I returned with a soft smile.

Xamira slid into her usual chair beside me, and breakfast passed with a surprising amount of peace.

Wanda even refrained from commenting on me using bare fingers to tear a roasted chicken thigh apart or on Xamira’s messy braid.

After breakfast, Xamira reached for my hand again. "Let’s go to the garden," she said brightly.

I didn’t hesitate. "Let’s go."

Kira and Deidra trailed behind us like silent shadows, but Xamira and I kept a light pace as we strolled the gravel path.

The flowers seemed fresher today—golden tulips, purple peonies, small wild daisies peeking from the edges of the stone borders.

Then Xamira stopped and turned to me, her eyes glinting with mischief. "I want to race you."

I blinked. "What?"

"To the end of the path," she pointed ahead, where the hedges formed a natural arch. "Come on, my lady!"

"Are you sure?" I teased. "I’ve got long legs and a head start."

She rolled her eyes in the most exaggerated way a child could manage. "Don’t pity me and cheat. Just run even if I fall way behind."

"Alright," I laughed, and without warning, we both took off.

I kept my pace quick but manageable, glancing back to check on her. She was surprisingly fast, her little feet pounding the path as she kept up—not beside me, but not too far behind either.

I thought about slowing down. Just a little. Let her win, give her the joy of victory. But just as the idea came to me, I heard her breathless voice shout, "Don’t cheat!"

I couldn’t help it—I laughed, for real this time, and picked up the pace.

I reached the end first, stopping with my hands on my hips, chest rising and falling as I caught my breath. She barreled into me moments later, arms outstretched and smile wide.

"You are fast," she huffed.

"You too," I said, high-fiving her. "Seriously, where did you learn to run like that?"

"From Uncle Dennis," she said proudly, then threw her arms around me.

I knelt and hugged her back. "Well, I’m lucky I’ve got you on my team."

Xamira and I stumbled into the house, breathless and laughing, and she was gripping my hand with her smaller one, practically radiating joy.

I grinned down at her. "You were close to beating me. Next time, I will have to run with my eyes closed to give you a chance."

She giggled and nudged me playfully with her elbow. "No cheating next time either."

We were still chuckling as we entered the hallway, my free hand lifting to wipe the sheen of sweat from my brow. And that was when I saw Wanda.

She emerged from the side corridor like she’d been waiting for a cue—graceful and smiling like a cat that had found cream.

She was now dressed in something too formal for walking the hallways, a sleek lavender blouse tucked into a fitted skirt. Her hair was swept into a perfect knot.

"Oh, there you are, little lamb," she cooed sweetly, her eyes fixed entirely on Xamira.

Immediately, I felt the tension in Xamira’s grip tighten. Her small hand squeezed mine.

Wanda stepped forward, holding out a small drawstring pouch in one hand. "Look what I brought for you," she said, voice syrupy sweet. "Candies. Your favourites. Chocolate, too."

Xamira stared at her. Then, in the calmest voice I had ever heard from a child, Xamira replied, "I don’t want them."

Wanda blinked, her smile faltering.

"What do you mean, sweetheart? You used to love these."

"I said no, thank you," Xamira replied firmly. "I don’t want anything from you."

I nearly choked on my own breath.

Wanda’s expression cracked just slightly, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face, as though she couldn’t quite understand how her bribe had failed.

Her pride had cracked. Then she looked at me, eyes flashing with displeasure and hatred.

But I only gave her a smile. One of those small, knowing, terribly polite smiles that said, shameless.

Xamira tugged my hand again, already turning away.

"Come on, my lady," she said innocently. "I want to show you the picture I drew yesterday evening."

"Of course, lead the way," I said, letting her pull me down the hall without glancing back.