I'm Here // One-On-One // CLOSED

Fay smiled back. I don't tell Liam everything, so don't worry. I can keep a secret.

I can keep a pretty good secret myself, Anah assured her. Anything you want to get off your chest?

Not right now. I often write down things I want to get off my chest and put them in a box. In a locked drawer of course.

Smart. I might have to steal that idea.

It might be harder for you, being a princess. But I would suggest it.

I'll see what I can do. You'd be surprised.

And you'd be surprised at what I can do too, Fay signed with a wink.

Oh? Anah arched an eyebrow.

Don't think that means I have to tell you though, She signed, a sly grin playing her lips.

So you won't? Anah arched an eyebrow.

No. This is one of the secrets no one should know. Not yet, anyway.

OK. Just know you can tell me anything.

Likewise. Fay smiled, a strand of her chestnut hair fell in front of her face.

I love the colour of your hair, Anah remarked.

Thank you. It's very unusual for someone in the kingdom to have my colour hair.

Are you saying you're not from this kingdom? Anah arched an eyebrow teasingly.

Fay looked down. She'd never shared her past with anyone but her family.

"I was only kidding," Anah whispered. She hadn't wanted to make the girl feel bad.

I'm not from here. I'm adopted. There's a reason I can't talk, I wasn't born mute.

Oh. You don't have to tell me, but you can if you want.

My kingdom was attacked while I was quite young. I barely remember my family.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I always have my hair over my left eye because… Well… She lifted her hair.

Anah didn't respond in sign.

Fay's left eye was grey, and it was clear that it was blind. She had a long scar going through it, and the scar looked like a lightning strike.

After a moment, Anah's fingers shakily moved. What happened?

Fay dropped her hair back. People attacked my village. I barely escaped. I was lucky.

I am so sorry. Did Liam escape as well then?

Liam's… Not really my brother. I ran until I found their house. He was still a baby.

Oh. Anah glanced absently out at Elina and Liam, still dancing. Does Elina know?