The carriage moved through the forest, repaired as if it had never been destroyed. The steward sat up front, holding the reins firmly, guiding the horses that snorted with renewed vigor. Inside, Jax and the young maiden traveled in silence for a moment until he broke the quiet with a question.
"Tell me about your life," Jax said calmly, watching the way she traced the edge of her cloak with delicate fingers.
The young girl turned her face slightly toward him, though her white eyes remained fixed on nothing.
"There's not much to tell," she said softly. "I was always my father's only child, raised with care in the mansion. I had servants, tutors, even learned music and singing… though I never could fight like other nobles. My life was peaceful."
Jax narrowed his eyes, studying every word.
"Were you happy?" he pressed, as if he wanted to see beyond her surface answers.
The young girl smiled gently, her lips trembling as she remembered.
