"What do you want to know about me ?" , Daniel asked as Violet continued to walk forward.
" Anything. Anything that you're comfortable sharing with me."
Violet did not want to push someone to share something about themselves.
She knew how uncomfortable it was when people tried to know more about you in the pretext of 'getting to know each other better ' even when you're unwilling to share.
" I love swordsmanship.
I practice every morning as long as I can remember. My mom said that I picked up a wooden sword since I was one whenever they displayed a variety of toys in front of me.
I've always been fascinated with swords since I was a child. "
Violet looked at Daniel who was smiling at her.
" No wonder you're known as the best swordsman in the Empire of Asterin."
Violet complimented Daniel as she looked at him with admiration.
" But I believe it's not just talent. It must have been a lot of hard work and practice. To be able to reach your level."
" You're right.
It was years of practice that honed my skills in swordsmanship.
But people sometimes forget how much hard work goes in and focus only on the fact that you've succeeded."
Violet nodded her head as she agreed with Daniel.
" People say that the women of Iretonia are extremely skilled in embroidery, painting , calligraphy and music.
Does Violet excel in these areas too?"
Violet made a funny face as she heard Daniel's question.
" If I have to grade my embroidery and painting skills , I would give myself negative points. I don't really play any musical instruments either. But I think my singing and calligraphy skills are acceptable."
Violet explained with a hint of embarrassment.
" I don't think your skills will be that bad?" , Daniel questioned.
" They're not bad. They are terrible.
Awful beyond words." Violet laughed.
She really did not have a talent in embroidery and painting.
' A 10 year old would paint and embroider better me.'
" But you cook extremely well." , Daniel said as if trying to make her feel better.
"And I heard that your archery skills are the best among the best."
" And who told you that?" , Violet arched her eyebrows questioningly.
" I might have heard from your brothers?"
Violet was amused by Daniel's answer that sounded like a question.
' Of course, if it's my brothers, it's possible. They take every opportunity to praise me.'
" According to my brothers, I am the best at everything.
Literally the best at every single thing.
If you ask them to praise my embroidery skill , they could write a ten page essay to describe and justify how great I am at it when in truth, I can't do it at all. "
"Your brothers truly adore you."
" They do. And about my skills in archery,
I would say that I'm pretty decent at it. Do you work well with bows and arrows too , Daniel?"
" Pretty well. I do practice archery once in awhile."
Violet suddenly held Daniel's hands as she said excitedly ,
" Can we practice together? I don't really have anyone to practice archery with here in the Palace. Xander is able to teach me but his expertise lies with the sword."
" Yes, sure. "
" Thank you so much." Violet grinned merrily.
She looked down to see that she was till holding onto Daniel's hands and detached her hands from his swiftly.
" Oh. I'm sorry. I was just too excited.
I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable." Violet apologised with a slight blush.
" It's alright , Violet. I liked it. The warmth of your hands."
" Eh? " Violet was startled by Daniel's reply.
Those words sounded so pleasant to Violet's ears.
'Was he flirting with me?
No. No. No.
He was just being friendly.
Just being friendly.'
"Shall we go back now? It's getting late."
" Yeah , we should."
Violet and Daniel walked back silently until the reached the door of Violet's living quarters.
" Can we meet tomorrow again?
At the same time? " , Violet thought she was mistaken as she felt she heard anticipation in Daniel's voice.
" I would love to."
Violet was thrilled to be able to spend more time with Daniel .
She truly had a good time with him.
"Goodnight, Violet."
" Goodnight, Daniel."
Violet and Daniel met in the garden for the next two nights .
They would simply walk and talk about various topics.
Violet could not deny the attraction she felt towards Daniel.
It scared her.
Yet, she couldn't help but fall for this man.
And as promised, Violet met with Daniel in the mornings to practice archery together.
" I'm impressed. ", Daniel said as Violet finished shooting five arrows.
All hit the bull's-eye or close to it.
" Your swordsmanship is much more impressive. You look the coolest and most serene when you're wielding the sword."
Violet was truly amazed as she watched Daniel practice with his sword.
Violet felt herself mesmerised in the way his beads of sweat drop from his temple , to his checks down his neck and his collarbone.
' What was I thinking about?' , Violet internally berated herself.
" Tired?" , Violet handed Daniel a glass of iced coconut water to rehydrate himself.
" Drink it. I asked the maids to prepare something for you to drink."
" Thank you." Daniel smiled as he drank the coconut water Violet had prepared for him.
" I'll be leaving now. I enjoyed our time together today. "
Violet was about to leave when Daniel held her hand.
"Yes?"
" I will drop you back."
" It's alright. I have Xander with me."
" I insist. Please."
Violet was about to agree when she heard Ethan calling out to Daniel from a distance.
Violet felt Daniel loosen his hold on her.
She couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed as she lost the touch of his hands.
Violet turned to Daniel because she heard his muttering something.
But she couldn't discern what he had just said.
" Good morning , Violet."
" Good morning to you too , Ethan.
It seems like you need Daniel's assistance.
I shall take my leave then."
" I'm sorry , Violet . I'll make it up to you." Daniel replied.
" There is nothing to make up to me , Daniel. I'll see you later."
Violet left with Xander who suddenly spoke as they were walking.
" Your Majesty?"
"Yes?"
" I'm happy for you."
" What do you mean , Xander?"
" General Castillo. You smile a lot when you're with him. You seem to be truly at ease."
" Is that right?". Violet did not realise that others could see how relaxed she felt around Daniel.
" Yes , Your Majesty. I hope you'll be happy with him"
" He's just a friend , Xander."
" If you say so, Your Majesty."
Violet saw Xander making a face as if he heard the most ridiculous thing in the entire universe.
" You don't seem to believe me."
" I do. I always believe you, Your Majesty."