Damion's POV
We have been riding for a few weeks already. We need to reach the Cremento village on the south, and end the raising conflicts, with the rebels sooner as possible.
Despite the challenges of our mission, the weather has been favorable.
The sun shines brightly during the day, and the nights are cool but not uncomfortably cold. It's a relief that we can rest peacefully in our tents, recharging our energy for the next day's journey.
Ceaser says we still have a lot to ride before we reach there, I really want to get things over with and go back home. Is not because I miss home, is just that I really want to see her.
She was angry, because I left, I will show her that I became stronger. I promised her that I would return, no matter what.
A smile appears on my lips without even noticing.
"If you smiling while we are practicing, I must be going too easy." Said Ceaser, in a very cold demeanor. He didn't normally wear flashy clothes even for a Marquess he wore very discreet clothes. His clothes were pure black, and he was training as any soldier, would.
In his trainings he was special hard on me, since he wanted me to be able to defend myself when the situation asked for it.
I quickly wipe the smile off my face and adopt a serious expression. "Sorry, Sir. I was just lost in thought for a moment," I reply, trying to hide my embarrassment, and avoid more harsh trainings, he didn't seem to have limits.
Ceaser raises an eyebrow at me, clearly not convinced by my excuse. "You better not let your guard down during a real confrontation. You can't afford to daydream," he warns, unsatisfied with my response.
While the other knights didn't like training with me they still maintained a certain Niveau of respect. Ceaser on the other hand, was on a serious new level. He didn't care about my status as his prince, he just didn't want me to die, easily, I guess.
I straighten my posture and focus my attention back on the training. Ceaser has been pushing me harder than ever before since we embarked on this journey.
He wants to make sure that I am prepared for any possible dangers we may encounter along the way. And he's right, I need to be vigilant.
As we continue our practice, I can't help but think about the village we are heading towards. The rebels have been causing a lot of chaos and unrest, and it's up to us to put an end to it. Lives are at stake, and I can't afford to fail.
But in the back of my mind, my thoughts keep drifting back to her. I wonder if she's okay. I wonder if she still thinks about me. I wonder if she'll be proud of the person I've become when I return.
Suddenly, Ceaser's voice breaks through my thoughts. "Focus, Damion. Your mind needs to be in the present," he says sternly.
*
I thought Ceaser was going to kill me during the training session.
I wash my face with the cold water from the river.
"I won't forgive you if you die on me, because you are day dreaming about your comfy bed." Said Ceaser throwing me a towel for me to clean up.
"I wasn't thinking about my bed, I have other worries you know." He didn't say much, but I was sure he was going to mock me, he saw me grow up, so I knew he didn't take me serious.
That's one of the reasons I need to become stronger. If remain weaker no one will respect me, ever.
Ceaser eyes me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Worries, huh?" he finally says, his voice lacking its usual coldness. "We all have our own burdens to bear, Damion. But do not let them consume you. Use them as fuel to become stronger."
He walks over to me and places a hand on my shoulder, a rare gesture from his side. "I know I may not always show it, but I have always rooted for you. That's why I'm pushing you so hard. I want you to realize your full potential, not just for yourself, but for the sake of this mission."
I look up at him, grateful for his words. It's the first time he's shown me this side of him, a side that genuinely cares. "Thank you, Ceaser I won't let you down, and some day I will actually be stronger than you."
He raises his brows before turning away, with a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Dream on kid. Now let's get moving. We still have a long way to go."
"I'm not a kid." I say in a low voice. He treats me just like her, is like they make a good match.
I decide to go my tent to rest, all the tents look alike I didn't receive a special treatment, if we are attacked at night we all must be able to defend ourselves.
I walk in my tent and I found someone already inside my instict was to draw my sword to fight, as the figure turns.
"You Highness?? There's no need for such warming welcome. " Said Cirius sarcastically with his hands up in the air.
"What are you doing here, I thought you were back at Arrentela. " I said putting my sword back.
"I was, I definitely was but there is an annoying little lady who keeps pestering me about your safety." I could feel I was blushing.
I feel a mixture of surprise and annoyance as Cirius mentions the "annoying little lady" who's been concerned about my safety. I know exactly who he's referring to.
"I told her not to worry about me," I mutter, trying to regain my composure. "She should focus on her own responsibilities."
Cirius chuckles, clearly enjoying the situation. "Well, easier said than done, Your Highness.
In any case, I have a special delivery, she has sent some .... Letters."
My heart skips a beat at the mention of the letters. I quickly reach out and take them from Cirius, my hands slightly trembling.
"Thank you for bringing them, Cirius," I say, my voice not hiding my excitement.
He smirks and winks at me. "Ah, young love. It's quite a powerful force, isn't it?"
I roll my eyes at his teasing, but deep down, I can't help but feel a sense of warmth and longing. I take a seat in my tent and eagerly open the letters, my heart racing with anticipation.
I was left baffled,as soon as I opened the letter, I really can't understand this girl. A chuckle escape my lips, this girl keeps on surprising me every time.
The image that I saw when opening the paper
was a representation of what I think is the golden bridge or vague notion of it.
She had drawn something alusive to battle plans, but somehow she put us between the bad guys trapped on the bridge.
She also wrote a simple note alongside the drawing: Dear Damion, We believe in you. Stay strong, for us and for yourself. With love, your friend Rahua.
Ps: Please don't die!
As I read the note, a mixture of confusion and amusement washed over me. Rahua always had a unique way of expressing herself.
I look up to Cirius, who has been watching me with a knowing expression. "Tell her... tell her that I'm okay," I say, my voice filled with emotion.
He nods, understanding the weight of my request. "I'll make sure she knows. One more thing ,Your Highness, remember what I said before, that she might change the course of the this world." He made a gesture with his head to the letter. "It may start with that."
"Before I forget." He said turning back. " I left a little present for you on your bed, so you can fill your heart." He winked at me, as if I understood what he meant.
With that , he leaves my tent disappearing, and I'm left alone with my thoughts and the precious letters from her.
They serve as a reminder of why I must become stronger, why I must overcome any obstacles in our path.
I lay down in bed with her letter in my hand.