The next day, the group began their journey, hoping to catch up with the rest of their companions. Zhanna also started tending to the injured Shura, helping him apply ointment to his back and assisting with tasks that required him to stretch.
On the way to the neighboring village, Zhanna massaged Shura's back while they chatted.
"Where's Kazmir? I haven't seen him since yesterday," Shura asked.
"He said he had something urgent to take care of back in Volkorod," Zhanna replied.
Shura frowned, wondering what could be so urgent that Kazmir had to leave without telling him.
Zhanna glanced at him. "He did mention something about meeting with his father. He seemed genuinely worried, though," she added. "Honestly, I think it's nice. His father must be proud of him. Not every father has a son he can count on. Some sons do nothing but criticize their fathers and act like having a simple conversation with them is a punishment. And the worst part? Their fathers actually care and want to be involved. Mine barely even knows I exist. But those sons? They have the nerve to be rude or ignore everything their father says."
She kept talking, unaware of the effect her words were having. Shura's expression darkened. Though Zhanna hadn't meant anything by it, her words struck a nerve. It felt too personal.
Without warning, he stood up, causing Zhanna to lose her balance and fall to the ground.
"What was that for?" she asked, startled.
"There are some fathers who are truly at fault and deserve to be treated rudely by their sons," Shura said angrily.
"I was casually stating a fact, not prying into your personal life. Still, that wasn't enough reason for you to push me to the ground like that," Zhanna replied, beginning to get angry.
"I didn't push you," Shura said nonchalantly.
"It's still your fault I've got this bruise!" Zhanna snapped, expecting an apology from him but none came.
"Can you help me and..." Shura started to say.
"Do it yourself!" Zhanna cut in and marched off.
They soon reached the nearby village and reunited with the rest of their group. Zhanna immediately rushed to hug Vika.
"I heard they've found out our secret," Vika whispered to Zhanna.
"Well, yes, but it's alright. I'm working on a strategy to get us to Volkorod. Shura got injured during the battle, and I'm taking care of him in exchange for helping us get there," Zhanna said.
Vika smiled. She didn't know for sure what Zhanna was planning to do once they reached Volkorod because what she (Vika) wanted was simply to live a peaceful life with the villagers and avoid being caught by the queen but she was certain Zhanna's plan would be a good one.
Before midday, the group resumed their journey. The trip to Volkorod would take approximately five days or less, depending on their speed. It was day two of their journey, which meant they would reach Volkorod in three days' time.
Zhanna and Shura truly bonded during the trip. They went shopping together at market stalls in the villages they passed, and they participated in the cultural celebrations and festivals of the kingdoms along the way. It wasn't only the two of them, the whole group grew closer as they shared in these activities.
Later that night...
"What are you doing?" Shura asked Zhanna. It was late, and he had come out for some air after struggling to sleep only to find Zhanna outside too. She was writing something, but quickly hid it when she saw him. Curiosity got the best of Shura, and he wanted to know what she was writing.
"Nothing," Zhanna replied.
Of course she'd say that, Shura thought, and lunged at her, trying to grab the book. Their struggle looked more like childish play, and somehow, they ended up entangled, with Shura pressing down on her.
"Oh my goodness! I am truly sorry," Shura said, immediately getting off her.
"No worries," Zhanna replied as she brushed the dirt off her dress.
Shura now held the book in his hand and read it silently. He frowned as he went on. Zhanna looked tense, she had written down her plan to destroy Boris's life in that book. She didn't want Shura to see her as an enemy- someone plotting the ruin of their beloved prince.
He looked up at her, frowning."I-I can explain," Zhanna said."Go ahead. Explain! Why are you planning to disgrace my stepbrother?" Shura demanded.
"Boris has a brother?" Zhanna asked, clearly shocked. She had been married to Boris for over a year and had never heard him or anyone in the castle mention the king having another son.
"Indeed! I've never heard the king announce having another son," she added.
Shura explained that he wasn't a prince- just a son of the king, rejected by all. Zhanna sympathized with him, silently relieved that he seemed to have forgotten all about the book detailing her plot against Boris.
"Just so you know, you still owe me an explanation," Shura said suddenly.
**************
Shura's group was prepared for anything and as their leader, Shura himself was always ready: for surprise attacks, sudden betrayal, and more. But this surprise caught even a calm and composed man like him off guard.
They had finally reached Volkorod. Kazmir was there, waiting to welcome them. As the others dispersed to reunite with their families, Zhanna realized she and Vika had nowhere to stay.
She watched as Shura walked off with Kazmir. Then, getting an idea, she grabbed Vika and rushed to catch up to them.
"Shura, wait...please, I beg you!" Zhanna called out, out of breath.
Both Shura and Kazmir turned to look at her. Zhanna walked up beside Shura and whispered in his ear, "I want to ask for a favor." Seeing that Vika and Kazmir were watching them closely, Zhanna did the unthinkable.
She couldn't just ask them to give her a moment it would sound suspicious. So instead... she kissed Shura.
The villagers nearby gasped and began murmuring among themselves. They watched the scene unfold, certain that she would receive a harsh punishment for what she had just done.