Samuel's house:
He cried and cried. The tears won't stop falling hearing and seeing his daughter in that state. 'This is all a dream' He kept on chanting to himself. He closed his eyes and kept on chanting this one and only sentence in his head. Suddenly, he felt a brightness hit his eyes. He shifted slightly and snapped his eyes open. Sun was raising from the horizon.He frantically looked around and leaped out of his bed near the window. His eyes ran towards the backyard only to find it empty. He looked towards the forest and saw the green trees swaying with the wind.
He collapsed to the ground , closed his eyes. He wished it was truly a dream. When he opened his eyes, the tears freely escaped his eyes. He couldn't stop them just, how he couldn't stop them from taking his family. It was all his fault. He knew this would end bad, but still decided to take it. His sobs suddenly stopped when the gears turn in his head.
He quickly scrambled up to his feet and raced towards his study. He opened a secret drawer which was safely hid in the underground door just below his table. He took out several letters from it. He scanned them all and made sure the unique seal was present on it. Yes, he was going to confess to the Emperor and save his family. He declared to himself as he grabbed a bag and kept the letters safely in along with some materials he needed for work. He had to be careful because he was always watched and any suspicion would cause major damages. After he was satisfied with the packing, he quickly changed into fresh clothes. He grabbed his bag from the study and was about to leave when one of the maids was setting the table with morning food.
He wanted to leave as soon as possible but the smell of the food lured him in. He decided to eat lightly and rush out before anyone suspected anything. He started eating and after some seconds he felt something drip on his plate. His eyes widened and face twisted in horror. His heart nearly stopped when he heard the voice.
"Betrayer".
.....
Same day:
Aeinshia got up early and decide to take a stroll in the palace. She couldn't sleep for some reason. She felt so restless and her chest tightened so much, it was suffocating. She tried closing her tightly and ignore all these and sleep. But, sleep won't let her in that day. No matter how much she tossed and turned, her beloved sleep won't come to her. Finally, after many hours of trying she decided it would be better to get up now.
She completed her routine and changed into casual clothes. She slipped out of her room quietly. The palace was silent seeing it was still early. The sky was still dark and nobody except some servants would be up this time. She walked throughout the palace, admiring its grand interior. Her interest was piqued when she heard clanging of metal from the grounds outside. She made her way towards the sound to find the training soldiers practicing sword fighting. She stood there in awe. It was so cool.
The young soldiers were trained by their trainers. She was absorbed in the scene. She carefully saw the way the swords moved and the soldiers steps for defense and attack. She stood still observing every move and seeing every correct in the trainers were telling the rookies. Soon, the soldiers were dispersing for their morning run. She was bit disappointed as it seemed to end early. She wanted to see more. Her eyes suddenly lit up she she realized something.
She slowly made her way to the room where all the weapons wete kept for the training soldiers. The weapons were sharp and glistening in the dimly lit room. She hesitantly made her way to one of the swords batch that seemed to attract her. She carefully held the handle of a sword and smiled slightly. She picked the sword only to immediately rest it down with a grunt. This thing was hella heavy! Anyways, she picked it carefully and with more strength this time and made her way out.
She reached to the middle of the training ground. She closed her eyes and remembered what she saw and heard during the training. She calmed her breathing and tried to turn the sword. As soon as she turned, her wrist twisted from weight and her fingers gave up on the grip and the sword fell with a clang to the ground. She hissed from the pain in her wrist. But, she was determined. She wanted to do it. Again picking up the sword, she tried once again. This time the sword handle was more inclined to her lower arm so that it won't weigh fully on her wrist. The sword turned successfully. Sure, it was still rough but, she made it. Thats all matters. Effort. The results would come good.
She faced trouble with turning the sword for some time. But, she finally got it. It was now smooth and fierce. Then, focused on the moves. She remembered the positions and the body angles told and positioned herself. She was going to learn. Sh continued to practice unaware of the pair of eyes watching her.
Prince Evan was coming to the grounds for a practice to keep him in shape. But, he surprised by the unexpected scene there. Princess Aeinshia practicing sword fighting. It was a sight to see. There in the middle of the grounds, she was in her full glory. Her eyes deternined and focused. Sweat dripping down from her forehead. Her raven locks swaying with every move she made. The slow wind that was hitting made her look breathtaking.
He was intently observing every move she made. Being the non existent teacher he was, he started to focus on her moves. Anyone could tell that she was an amateur. Her moves were rough and steps wrong. Her body angles were little off. One thing to appreciate was the smoothness in the sword turning. Although, it was not perfect it was good seeing she was new. Just a little adjustment amd lot of practice she would be a pro in this. He watched her hawk eyes taking in every detail. Judging and admiring her moves at the same. He was pulled out of his reverie when Aeinshia shouted while piercing the sword through the sir in front her in full force.
"I recommend to practice with a partner rather alone, princess Aeinshia" he finally decide to let her know of his presence. Aeinshia jumped up in surprise as the sword dropped from her hand with a loud sound. He took in her appearance. She was literally glowing from all the sweat. Her cheeks showed a pink hue probably from the embarrassment. Her eyes still showing her fear and bewilderment. He laughed out loud and her face fixed on a frown and irritation.
"You seem surprised" he gestured towards the fallen sword. Aeinshia rolled her eyes "Of course! I didnt notice you" she hissed. "I was right there the whole time. Stay alert. Keep your eyes open." he widened his eyes and looked around frantically to emphasize his point. Her frown deepened with clear discontent from the interference. "I was immersed to notice." she said while crossing her arms over her chest. Evan felt his inner teacher resurfacing "First lesson. A warrior should be alert of the surroundings. The enemies would be considerate of your focus." he said while locked his hands behind his back with a calm expression on his face. She listened to him intently. The air around became serious all of a sudden.
"So, shall we test your moves?" he asked still maintaining his position amd raising his eyebrows in questioning manner. Aeinshia was caught off guard on quickly spoke up "I just started. You are more skilled. Trained one." she wailed out while waving her hands wildly in front of her. He just clicked his tongue "Second lesson. Opponent boosts your energy and mind." he said with a stern voice. She scoffed at this "You are not my teacher" she spoke and tirned her face to side.
Evan slowly approached her with small steps. He stopped when he was close even to feel her scent hit his nostrils. Aeinshia, observing this turned her head to face him only to freeze in her spot. The prince was leaning down up to her height, dead on looking in to her eyes. Aeinshia was now red at cheeks from the close proximity of their bodies.He let a small smirk appear on his face "I can be good teacher" he whispered so that his breath slowly fanned over her face. He smiled a little and backed away but, not moving away from her. "Only if you want." he completed.
Aeinshia was clearly flustered by all of this. Her heart was racing and she felt giddy. Her stomach was like itching. But, she wouldn't let the prince show her flustered expression. She quickly masked it with a blank face. "Well, I won't let an opportunity slip that comes my way" she said while picking up her fallen sword with a small determined frown over her flushed face.
Evan smiled at her. He didnt see this side of her. It was first time. And he surely loved it. He fell for her even more, if that was possible. He wondered what else he had in store to discover about his soon to be Empress. He unsheathed his own sword, the smile never faltering from his face. This is getting interesting.
"Very well."