When Rara entered the dining hall for breakfast, she was momentarily stunned by the scene before her. The hall, elegantly decorated with tapestries and grand chandeliers, was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee. At the center of this regal setting stood a tall, striking male figure beside the queen. The queen's warm, affectionate smile contrasted sharply with the king's cool, detached demeanor.
The figure beside the queen was dressed in a finely tailored outfit, a rich navy blue that complemented his stature. His hair, dark and meticulously styled, fell just so, accentuating his chiseled features. As the queen spoke, he responded with brief nods and succinct answers, his posture upright and formal.
Rara, lost in her observations, barely noticed Prince Ariel approaching until he spoke. "What are you standing there for?"
Startled from her daze, Rara turned to find Prince Ariel standing just behind her. His expression was one of mild impatience mixed with curiosity. Awkwardly, Rara stepped aside, allowing him to pass. She followed him into the hall, her mind racing with a flicker of anxiety. Over the past few days, she had grown accustomed to sitting beside the queen, almost forgetting her rightful place beside Prince Ariel.
The king's eyes flickered with interest when he saw Rara enter. For a brief moment, it seemed he wanted to engage her in conversation, his gaze warm and inviting. However, with the eldest prince now present, Rara would have to return to her place beside Prince Ariel, a position far removed from the king's side. The king's expression darkened slightly, a subtle sign of his displeasure.
The queen turned her attention to her son. "How did your hunting go?" she asked, her concern evident in her gentle tone.
"Not bad," Prince Xavier replied, his voice calm and measured.
The queen's eyes softened with worry as she took in his appearance. "I see you've lost some weight since your last visit. Did you eat properly? Are the servants treating you well?" Her gaze roamed over him with maternal concern.
Prince Xavier gave a reassuring smile. "Mom, I'm fine. Really." His tone was patient, but his eyes held a hint of exasperation.
Rara stifled a chuckle. To her, Prince Xavier looked remarkably healthy. His physique was robust and commanding, radiating strength and vitality. The idea of him being underfed seemed absurd. His well-defined muscles and confident posture spoke volumes about his rigorous training and discipline.
As Rara's gaze lingered on Prince Xavier, she was abruptly pulled back to reality. "...Hara...Hara!"
She turned to see Prince Ariel looking at her with a mixture of amusement and annoyance.
"Hm...?" she replied, her voice distracted.
"You're drooling," Prince Ariel whispered, his voice low and teasing as he leaned in, the corners of his lips curling with playful disdain.
Rara's hand shot up to her mouth in embarrassment. She quickly wiped away the drool, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. Her eyes met Prince Ariel's, filled with mortification.
Turning back to face Prince Xavier, her embarrassment intensified as she noticed that everyone in the room was watching her. The realization that her staring had been noticed by everyone made her want to disappear. Prince Xavier's playful smirk only made her feel worse.
Feeling as though she might crumble under the weight of her embarrassment, Rara's face turned beet red, the flush extending down her neck and into her ears. She felt like she might faint from sheer mortification.
Prince Ariel, sensing her discomfort, handed her a glass of water with a sympathetic look. "Drink this to cool down..." he said gently, though he grimaced slightly as he felt a sharp pinch on his waist.
Rara shot him a look of frustration mixed with gratitude. 'Why didn't you warn me sooner?' she thought. 'What do you mean, drink the water to cool down? Damn you! You're the one who needs to cool down!'
On the other side of the room, Prince Xavier's expression was one of barely concealed amusement. He was used to receiving attention and admiration, but seeing Rara's reaction gave him a sense of satisfaction. His striking appearance and commanding aura were often the center of attention, and he knew it.
"Serve the food!" the king commanded, and the breakfast proceeded smoothly.
After the meal, Rara retreated to her room, where she spent the morning engrossed in her books. The sun climbed higher in the sky as she lost herself in her studies. At noon, she took a break to enjoy a modest lunch.
In the afternoon, around four o'clock, the king summoned her to the training grounds. The area was lush and expansive, dotted with targets and training equipment.
"Your Majesty," Rara greeted him respectfully as she arrived at the field, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
"You're here," the king acknowledged with a nod. He glanced briefly at her before picking up a bow and nocking an arrow with practiced ease. His movements were smooth and deliberate, each action demonstrating years of experience.
He drew the bowstring back, his focus unwavering as he aimed at a target set up in the distance. With a swift release, the arrow flew through the air, striking the bull's-eye with a gratifying thud.
Rara watched in awe, impressed by the king's skill. Even in his later years, he displayed remarkable precision and strength. His proficiency with the bow was a testament to his enduring prowess and discipline.
"Do you know how to use a bow?" the king asked, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and curiosity.
Rara shook her head, her eyes wide with excitement. "No, but I've always wanted to learn." Her voice was eager, her hands fidgeting with anticipation.
The king began to explain the basics of archery, demonstrating with his own bow. He showed Rara how to nock an arrow, draw the string, and aim accurately. His instructions were clear and precise, each movement illustrating his mastery of the craft.
The butler and guards, standing nearby, watched in astonishment. None of the king's sons had been given the opportunity to handle his personal bow, and here was Rara, an unfamiliar girl, entrusted with it.
Rara's initial attempts were met with mixed results. Her arrows veered off course, missing the target several times. Her frustration grew, and her inner dialogue became a blend of determination and self-reproach:
'Hara, if I can't hit the target this time, I'm going to cripple your hands!'
'You old man, shut up!'
With renewed focus, Rara took a deep breath, steadied herself, and raised the bow. She aimed carefully, exhaled slowly, and released the arrow.
The arrow struck the target with a satisfying thud. Rara's eyes widened with delight. "Hahaha! I did it! Dad, I did it!" she exclaimed, her joy palpable.
At that moment, the queen, accompanied by the two princes and the consort, entered the field. The princes, upon seeing Rara with the bow, exchanged solemn glances. Their expressions hardened as they observed the king's approving smile directed at Rara.
Prince Ariel, feeling a twinge of jealousy, approached with a challenge. "What's so impressive about hitting the target once? Watch this!"
Prince Xavier, not wanting to be left out, joined him. Both princes took their turns with the bow, demonstrating their exceptional skill. They released arrows with flawless precision, each arrow finding its mark.
As they finished, they turned to Rara with an air of challenge. Rara's face fell. She had only practiced briefly, while they had years of experience. It felt like they were ganging up on her.
"Dad..." she looked at the king with a plea in her eyes.
The princes' hearts sank as they realized her plea. 'Little girl, what do you mean, dad?' they thought in unison, feeling a mix of annoyance and sympathy.
The king, showing his softer side, patted Rara's head affectionately. "If you don't want to, there's no need to force it."
Rara's face brightened with renewed hope. Encouraged, she took another arrow, drew it back, and aimed with determination. Her shot hit the target perfectly.
Not stopping there, she drew two arrows and shot them simultaneously. Both arrows struck the target with precision.
Her eyes sparkled with renewed confidence. She drew three arrows, took a deep breath, and released them in rapid succession. All three arrows hit their marks.
The king's eyes widened in surprise and pride. His face broke into a wide, contented smile as he laughed with genuine pleasure, clearly delighted by her progress.