Always at fault
Before Lia could speak, Charlotte had dragged her out into a secluded corner away from the library. Charlotte scanned the area, making sure there was no one around.

Lia yanked her arm and subconsciously lowered her voice, “What is wrong with you?”

Charlotte turned to face Lia, her eyes ablaze, “Stop poking around,” she hissed.

In their short time together, this was the first time Lia had seen Charlotte pissed off. And she had no idea what pissed her off. Really, this reaction was uncalled for.

“What’s wrong with reading books?!”

“What was wrong was reading about things you shouldn’t know. You could have been handed over to the queen if I hadn’t come! That librarian,” she pointed at the direction they came from, “had been observing you.”

“Why would he watch my moves? I’m. Just. Reading!”

“Exactly! You’ve been reading books you shouldn’t read!” Charlotte was angry now.

“It’s a freaking library! You should read the books there! I don’t understand what’s wrong with that or what’s wrong with you people!” Lia was losing her temper too. But it would not do good to let her emotions rule so she calmed herself. She raised a hand, palms out. “Alright. I get it. I can’t read more about the history of the north. Fine. But at least tell me why before you scream at me!”

Charlotte closed her eyes, obviously controlling her breathing. She may be calming her nerves, but to Lia, this action caused ‘her’ nerves to flare instead. Everyone seemed to know everything. Except her. As usual.

“Are you watching my moves too?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

The other girl opened her eyes and looked calm now. With an expression similar to someone who was explaining to a child, she said, “I don’t even need to watch you. Everyone could see that you’ve been reading about the old kingdom. Reading one book about Sallan is a coincidence, but reading every book that mentions it?” She let the question hanging in the air.

Lia could not say that she was from another world so she was researching. She kept quiet and continued to stare.

“For all we know, the queen might be ordering to burn every piece of the book that contains our history.” She paused, and Lia taught that she might cry, but Charlotte only shook her head, then returned her attention to Lia. If you’re curious, place that curiosity on other things. Don’t put us in jeopardy.”

Then Charlotte left without even explaining anything. Lia wanted to throw something or punch someone just to ease the frustration she was feeling. The universe connived, leaving her in the dark. Then they would berate her for being ignorant. She tried learning but still got scolded for trying to understand.

‘Just what the fuck is wrong with everyone.’ She clicked her tongue irritably.

On the brighter side, Charlotte knew something about Sallan. “Don’t put us in jeopardy,” she had said.

Lia walked back to her quarters, not knowing where to go next. She suddenly had no place to go and had a lot of extra time. As she reached her room, she saw a soldier coming from the other direction. She was to let him pass, but then, he stopped in front of her. She looked up, surprised.

“Are you Miss Lia?” he asked.

Lia nodded dumbly, still not understanding why he was here. An alarm went off in her head. Did the librarian call on a soldier already?