Seal decided to got up and went out of her room. Queen Jia's orders are being implemented even if they are in Paladin Kingdom. Ocean and her, can't be together in a room, which made the prince sighed in defeat.
She went to the assigned room to Ocean (still two doors away from her) and knocked but no one answered. Seal tried opening it but for some reasons, it is locked.
'Where's the prince of temptation?'
"They're in the private library of Arts," someone said which made Seal startled. Seal looked at the vampire who just speak.
Behind here, she saw Hannah, the highest ranking guardia el femalé, still on her combat suit. She looks like she's still in her duty even at night.
"Hannah," Seal called her. "Where is he?" She asked the guard.
"His majesty called the Song princes for a meeting with regards to private matter. So Ocean asked me to guard your room but eventually found you here," Hannah formally said.
Seal diverted her gaze from Hannah. She's not scared of her but her presence is kind of intimidating her. She felt like Hannah is assessing her. She haven't had a chance to talk to her except when she introduced herself.
"I guess you can't sleep. I can accompany you for a while."
Seal didn't expect Hannah to invite her. She smiled at the guard and nodded slightly. Hannah walked first while Seal followed her. The two remained silent until they reached the balcony on the floor where the front of the castle can be seen. Seal watched the routine of the guards in Paladin Castle. Some are marching and having a night training. Only torches lit up the place making the place more intimidating.
"Our Kingdom is known for our different style in arts," Hannah introduced and Seal listened at her. "While Osiris Kingdom is know for it's beauty and harmony, ours is famous for our artistic and colorful designs as well as peculiar combative techniques."
"Only Paladin Kingdom in this world have guardia el femalé. This is the only kingdom that recognizes women im higher rank than men," Hannah said. And Seal continued watching the guards on training. She wanted to agree with Hannah that their guards are good in combat.
"What made you decide to be a guardia el femalé?" Seal asked her. Hannah looked at Seal. She may look like tough and expressionless but her eyes can't deny that she is not that happy.
"I am the first female born in the Melodeon Clan. Our ancestors were warriors, knights or guards. All men born in the family is obligated to go under training and be a guard and bring an honor to the family," Hannah said.
"But my father chose a different path. He didn't went to the training, instead, he decided to build a store and sell foods. It was coward thing for our clan so they wanted to kick us out of the family. We live outside the castle and had a simple life without holding dangerous sword," she continued.
Seal can't help but to feel sympathy for Hannah. In some ways, she can feel what Hannah is having in her chest. She knew the feeling of being an outcast.
"I don't really like violence back then. I used to just sing and dance around. Read books and even paint to spend my time. But all of it went gone when the war happened. I was only twelve when the late King Arts, Brie and Frost's grandfather, obligated each men in this kingdom to train for a war against the Magna. My father was forced to go under training and fight for our safety. They got defeated. Though some managed to remain alive, my father is one of those who died."
"And that's when I decided to went under training for guardia el femalé. I am mad. I don't want to blame the royal family because even the late king died on the battle. But I want to have revenge. I want to give justice for my father. My innocent father who sacrificed himself and get killed for a reason that Magna disapprove the relationship between other worlds," Hannah said and looked at Seal. She felt like the next words she is saying was meant for her.
"I want to fight with you. I want to fight Magna even if it can kill me. I will fight for what my father had been fighting before. He believed that Prince Ymir and Callida's relationship isn't a curse. Those kind of relationship should be valued for it is a way between different creatures," Hannah said.
Seal can't speak. She felt like she's crying because of what Hannah said. When she's thinking that the world is going against them, there are people who believes that there is a way when it comes to love. Seal wanted to cry and hug Hannah.
"And I also wanted to do this for Landon."
"Landon? Our brother Landon?" Seal asked. Hannah's mind came back on her old memories. She wanted to smile at her memories but ended up being sad while thinking of it.
"We we're friends before. He used to came here with Prince Ocean to play with Prince Brie and Prince Drone of Vishnu. But Landon ended up being annoyed by Prince Drone so left them and came in our store to eat. That's when I met him. He loves my father's cooking. We used to play and have fun," Hannah said which made Seal think.
She can't believe that the cold and silent Landon, the sixth prince who is as stoic as his ice sculpture, was a child who used to have fun with Hannah.
"We stopped being friends after the war. I went under training and don't have time to be with him. He didn't came here that often since Prince Ocean, rarely meets Prince Brie. And that continued until now," Hannah said.
Sealina felt like Hannah is feeling something for Landon. It's like she's regretting that she let go of her friendship with Landon. In some part, Hannah wanted to go back at the times when everything is okay.
"I know that Landon really wanted to make his brother happy. He's helping him to fight for you. And I think that the thing that I can do for him is to also fight with you. I may not be the same Hannah he met when we were young, at least I can be the Hannah who can protect those people my friend loves," she said.
Sealina looked at Hannah. She really likes Her despite her cold expression and attitude. She just wishes that there will come a time where their friendship will be restored. It's not that too late for them. Maybe in different circumstances, if the war didn't happen, maybe Landon and Hannah are still friends. Maybe they are more than friends. She also noticed how the sixth prince looked at Hannah. There's still hope for them.
"Anyway, when I was walking by, I sensed your fear. You're doubting about something. I thought that something happened to you," Hannah said.
She remembered the reason why she got out of the room to see Ocean. She still afraid of Magna. She knew that Ocean is doing everything that he can to protect her.
She looked at Hannah who is looking at her. Maybe she can share something with her since she shared her past doubtlessly. Seal just wanted to let the burden out of her chest. And maybe talking to Hannah was a better way than talking to Ocean.
"I'm just thinking about the Magna. I got scared when I heard about the war. I just don't want to risk lives because of the simple relationship. I didn't wish for anyone to die for us. But I couldn't just leave Ocean. Maybe it's still a short time but, I felt something for him," Seal said.
"Hmm, the bond I guess?" Seal nodded. "It is normal to have problems when we're talking about love. That's the part where you will test your trust for each other. How much longer can you hold for each other even if the world is going against you. The bond will never be strong if there were no challenges. Because challenges will make you strong and realize that you have to fight in order to be with him. It's not easy but endure it. Think of him. He can't live without you. Think of other people who are willing to sacrifice for you. Think of yourself," Hannah said.
Sealina felt amazed just by hearing Hannah's words. She felt motivated to fight for Ocean. Hannah spoke like she experienced being in love. She must have experienced enough for her to say those words.
Hannah is right. Seal must not be afraid but be brave to face the world. She doesn't have to see but she knew that people out there is willing to fight and die for them. Sealina must not be a slacker and just helped Ocean instead. Ocean will keep her alive and she must help her. That's when she thought of something.
"How can I block Ocean fron reading my mind?"