My father was sitting on the edge of the fountain in the garden. His fingers were smoothing some rosebuds that were hanging in bunches over the water of the fountain. Of all the places in the castle, this is definitely my favorite. When we were kids, Oliver and I used to play in the fountain, and it would bring my mother to the point of tearing her scalp because the water would get all dirty with leaves, flowers, and dirt from all the climbing in it. My father stood up when he saw me coming and walked towards me with a peaceful smile on his face.
- You took your time. - he commented.
- I apologize, Dad. I got stuck in the training center with Liana. - Here I was, lying again to hide my romance with Hero.
- The important thing is that you are here now. Shall we begin? - she says, holding out her hand to me. I take it and we go to a clearing in the center of our garden surrounded by purple roses.
- I'll stay here in the center, you already know what to do.
My father stands motionless in the middle of the clearing, all I have to do is move around him so fast that he can barely notice.
- Boo! - I say behind his back. My father turned around, but I had already disappeared, suddenly appearing in front of him.
- You don't even need me to train you anymore, Olivia. - he compliments.
- Thanks, Dad, but I like training with you.
In the distance, I see Liana approaching.
- You can go now, go talk to your friend, that's fine for today, we'll train some more tomorrow. - my father says, before I have a chance to say anything.
- Thank you so much, Dad. - I hug him tight, he places a kiss on my forehead and walks away.
- Liana! How nice to see you, my friend.
We hug, Liana looks at me with a worried expression on her face.
- I was worried about you, I looked for you, but I couldn't find you at the center after you had a fight with Mariah. - Liana sat down on the edge of the fountain, and I sat down beside her. Splashes of water dribbled down the back of my neck, refreshing her.
- That abusive little instructor? - I say angrily.
- Girlfriend, we owe her respect...
- I don't owe her anything, Liana, she is the one who owes me respect, after all I am the daughter of the rulers. - I say proudly.
Liana analyzes my face.
- You were really out of your mind in class. What happened? - she asks.
- Nothing much, my friend. I'm just a little stressed about some things. - I deny it. I don't want to tell you about my romance with Hero, not yet.
- Don't you want to share with me whatever is stressing you out?
- It's okay, don't worry about me. Let's talk about you, what brings you here? - I take your hands in mine.
- I just came to see how you were doing, Livi. - she says, looking down at her feet. - Oliver is meeting you? - he asks shyly.
I smile at his question.
- Yes, he's probably in his room writing as usual in his diary. Do you want to go there? - she widens her eyes at my proposal.
- No! Imagine, I don't want to disturb you. - she says quickly.
- Come on, Oliver will be happy to see you. - I try to drag her by the arm, but she doesn't move.
- No, Olivia, I don't want to. - she says, looking suddenly upset.
I sit down next to her again.
- You like him, don't you? - she looks at me as if she doesn't understand what I just said. - My brother, Oliver. - I explain.
- I ... no ... I ... yes, yes, I like him, I'm crazy about him. - he confesses. - But he doesn't notice me, doesn't see me. - is saddened.
- If I were you I wouldn't be sad like that, Oliver is very good at hiding his feelings, sometimes I envy him. I think he likes you too, Liana.
Her eyes light up at my words.
- Do you think so? Do you really think so? - she says, with hope in her voice.
- I don't think so, I'm sure. - I assure her.
Liana smiles from ear to ear.
- You don't know how happy your words make me, my friend. But... if neither of us ever propose, how will we ever be together?
I let out a laugh.
- Someone will have to give in, my friend. That's all I know. - I shrug.
Liana sighs thoughtfully.