Damion's POV
Such stressful day, I need to relax, I want to see her. I make my way back to my chambers, and I quickly close the doors behind me. Finally alone.
*Knock knock*
I just wanted to be alone for a just a moment. I reluctantly answer."Yes?"
"You Highness, may we come in? We have the water to prepare for your bath." I had forgotten that I asked Loyd today to prepare me a bath as soon I arrived. "Your Highness?" He asks again.
I step out of the way and I open the door to let them in. Loyd and the maid's, came in and work very fast and efficiently.
In question of minutes they have my bath prepared, my clean clothes sorted and leave the room, leaving me finally alone.
I start to undress, and slip into the warm bath water. I let out a sigh of relief as the warm water envelops my tired body. The stress of the day slowly melts away with each moment I spend in the soothing embrace of the bath. Closing my eyes, I lean back against the edge of the tub and let my thoughts wander.
My mind drifts to her, the one person who has the power to ease my worries and bring me solace. She has been on my mind constantly lately, her smile, brings me joy. Being with her feels like a breath of fresh air in this suffocating world of palace politics and royal duties.
I imagine her here with me, her gentle touch replacing the water caressing my skin. Her laughter echoes in my ears as I recall the moments we've shared, but reality soon pulls me back, as my body temperature begins to raise.
I emerge from the bath, refreshed but at same time a little guilty for having such thoughts about her. I reach to the mirror, still feeling guilty, but I want to see her, my hair is still dripping, making the reflection of her a little blurred.
As I try to clean it the sound of shattering glass fills the air as the mirror breaks under the force of my hand. Shock washes over me, and the guilt I felt moments ago is suddenly replaced with frustration.
What have I done? I think to myself, staring at the broken shards of glass on my hand. My anger, my longing, my confusion - it all manifested in that impulsive act. The mirror, shattered into four big pieces, I hastily try to put all back together, but the mirror no longer works. I feel so frustrated at moment a curse between my teeth slips out.
My mind is in complete turmoil, I need to focus, then I remember Cirius should be able to fix this. "Cirius, I need you." I whisper.
Instead of him appearing before me I am transported somewhere outside my chambers.
"Your Highness? What are you doing ... In such unsightly manner." He points at me, I notice that I was still half dressed.
"Where am I? " I ask confuse and little embarrass, out of nowhere a young lady appears displaying magic energy from her hands.
"Master Cirius, I have accomplished my tasks for to... Ahhhhhh" she screams at sight of me.
"I am sorry, I heard you talking, I thought you were talking to yourself." she averts her eyes, blushing."
"Ohh that's just Damion." Cirius says pointing at me. She looks at me surprised, her face that until now was blushing, begin to look at my features in a mix of disbelief and happiness.
Tears started to form in her eyes. "Big sister, has been so worried about you." She says. I smile at the thought that Rahua has been thinking about me.
"How have you been Saya?" I ask, her voice cracking as she says she is okay. "You have awakened?" I add, her face turned into surprise.
"Ohh I.. you see." Suddenly her eyes move again into my undressed self, she looks confused for a moment and then, says, " earlier master Cirius, called your Highness... " Her face turned pale at realisation. "Please forgive me your Highness for my rudeness, I didn't realise." She bows her head down, apologising.
I didn't want this. I don't want her to change her attitude towards me, I couldn't stop thinking if I tell Rahua would she be acting the same way?
I take a moment to collect myself, aware of the delicate situation at hand. Saya's reaction reminds me no matter what my status will be always weighting on me. As much as I desire honest and genuine connections, I also understand the need for discretion and boundaries in certain situations.
"Saya, there is no need to apologize. You didn't do anything wrong," I say gently, offering her a reassuring smile. "As for what you heard, it was a private conversation. Please keep it between us."
She nods, her expression still a mix of embarrassment and concern. "Of course, Your Highness. I understand." Her voice trembles slightly, a sign of her unease.
I pause for a moment, contemplating whether to confide in Saya about my feelings for Rahua. However, it's not my place to burden her with such information, especially when she is simply fulfilling her duties as Cirius's apprentice. It is best to keep my emotions to myself for now.
"Please, Saya, let's keep this as our little secret, for now," I say softly, hoping to put her at ease. "And thank you for looking out for me. It means a lot."
Saya's eyes widen in surprise, as if she hadn't expected my gratitude. "I... It was my duty, Your Highness," she stammers, her voice filled with humility.
I reach out and gently squeeze her hand, offering her a kind smile. "Your dedication does not go unnoticed. Rahua is lucky to have you as her sister."
Saya turns her face away, this time a sad look appeared in her temple. "Thank you, Your Highness. But I haven't been a very good sister, I would like to ask your Highness some discretion as well, since I haven't told my sister that my powers have awakened."
"Oh". The expression escaped my lips. Her troubled face made me feel uncomfortable, I didn't know what to say. " Your secret safe with me."
"I brought tea." Cirius came in bringing tea. As we sit , I cover my torso that until now was exposed, with clothes that Cirius handed me.
As we sit, the room fills with a comfortable silence, allowing each of us to gather our thoughts. The aroma of the tea wafts through the air, bringing a sense of calmness to the room.
Cirius observes the situation and offers a thoughtful smile. "Your Highness, Saya has been quite dedicated to her studies and training. She has shown immense progress in harnessing her powers, and I believe it won't be long before she becomes a formidable sorceress."
I turn my gaze towards Saya, who lowers her head in modesty. "You should be proud, Saya. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed," I say, sincerely meaning every word.
Saya looks up, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Your Highness. Your kind words mean a great deal to me."
I nod, acknowledging her dedication. "Saya, I trust that you will exercise caution and discretion when it comes to your powers. Once you are ready, I would love for you to join me, so we can protect the kingdom."
She smiles brightly to be acknowledged, she nods in understanding, a seriousness settling in her expression. "I promise, Your Highness. Once I am ready I will serve the kingdom. "
With that assurance, a sense of relief washes over me. Cirius told me how strong she would become, and how important it would be to have her on our side. I am glad she also wants to serve the kingdom. After that little exchange we fell again in silence.
Cirius interrupts the silence, redirecting the conversation to more practical matters. "Your Highness, if I may, what is it that you require my assistance with?"
I take a moment to collect my thoughts, I was in need of your help, you see" I pause not sure if I should bring the subject of the mirror in front of Saya. "Why didn't you came for me, why did you bring me here?" I ask.
"Oh, I couldn't bare to leave my apprentice alone, and I didn't know how long it would take meeting with your Highness." He says in a nonchalant manner. I am glad I didn't call for him while was still in the bath.
"Cirius, I am faced with a problem, the..," I say almost in a whisper , "mirror that you gave me just broke."
Cirius takes a sip of his tea, contemplating his response. "You can't, it can't just break , your Highness, that mirror is an enchanted item, it doesn't just break." He sounded too calm, as if I would lie about that.
I show him the item, specially noting the shattered shards I had brought with me. Cirius's calm demeanor fades, and his eyes widen in surprise as he examines the broken mirror.
"What happened, Your Highness," Cirius says, his voice filled with concern. "This is indeed highly unusual. Enchanted items are created to be durable and resistant to damage. It seems someone or something extremely powerful must have caused this break."
I furrow my brow, puzzled by his response. "But it broke while I was cleaning it, Perhaps, a little to forceful, but nothing out of ordinary. Do you think someone did something on it, on purpose?" I ask, my voice with a tip of anger.
Cirius takes a moment to think, his brow furrowing in deep concentration. "I don't know. There are only a few beings in this realm that possess enough power to shatter an enchanted mirror," he explains. "It could be an extremely skilled sorcerer or even a powerful creature from another realm."
I take a deep breath, trying to process the information. "Can you fix it?" I inquire, my voice laced with a sense of urgency.
Cirius places his tea cup down, his expression serious. " No,no, no, Your Highness, only a enchantress can enchant items, I am shifter" he says. "Unfortunately there's isn't much I can do."
"I could try. " Said a sweet low voice from Saya, that almost for a split second I forgot she was there. "If I am told what should I do."
Cirius and I exchanged glances, she had just awakened her powers and it was supposed to become very powerful, but to be able to fix or to enchant an item it was no an easy deed.
"I don't think there's any harm in trying." Cirius says looking at me to hand the mirror to Saya.
Saya nods eagerly, a determined to try. "I'll do my best, Your Highness. Just tell me what needs to be done."
Cirius walks over to Saya and begins explaining the process step by step, instructing her on the intricate details of enchanting and repairing an item. Saya listens attentively, absorbing every word, her determination shining through.
As Cirius finishes his explanation, "Well that's theoretically speaking all you have to do." Saya takes a deep breath and approaches the broken mirror, that was over a small tea table. She gently picks up the shattered shards, her hands glowing with magic as she begins to manipulate the energy around her. The room seems to hum with power as she focuses her concentration on the item.
Time seems to stand still as I watch Saya work, her hands gracefully moving through the air, her face filled with concentration. The broken shards hover in the air, surrounded by a soft glow, as she slowly begins to piece them back together.
Minutes pass, and Saya's brow furrows with effort, the concentration etched on her face. But she does not waver, her determination unwavering as she continues her task. It is a sight to behold, the young sorceress harnessing her powers and working to fix the broken mirror.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Saya places the last shard in its rightful place. The broken mirror is once again whole, its surface shimmering with a newfound magic. Saya steps back, exhaustion evident on her face, but also a sense of accomplishment.
Cirius and I approach the mirror, our eyes filled with awe and gratitude. "You did it, Saya," I say softly, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "You have truly shown your potential as a sorceress."
Saya's tired expression turns into a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Thank you, Your Highness. I'm glad I could be of assistance."
Cirius places a hand on Saya's shoulder, a proud look in his eyes. "You have done well, my apprentice. I am honored to have you under my tutelage."
Saya blushes, gratitude evident on her face. "Thank you, Master Cirius. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."
I can't help but feel a sense of relief. As they still exchange words I want to confirm myself that the mirror works again, I do like I normally do I hold it while thinking about her.
An expectation feeling came over me, i didn't want to feel disappointed in case it didn't work, but I couldn't help it.
As though of her the mirror started to change from my reflection to Rahua's, I was so happy I could jump, however I held in and just smile.
"Like what you see your Highness?" Cirius asked teasingly, before I could answer, I could hear a loud and evilish laugh coming out of the mirror.
Startled, I quickly pull my hand back, a feeling of shock coursing through me. The laughter echoes in the room, filling the air with an eerie presence.
"What was that?" Saya asks, her voice filled with concern as she approaches the mirror. "It sounds like my sister."
Cirius frowns, his expression serious."was the mirror always with sound?"
My heart races, a sense of unease settling in my chest. "No, it was always silent."
Cirius exchanges a worried glance with me. "Your Highness, why is my sister on your mirror?" Before I could answer, Rahua's voice could be heard again.
"Tomorrow will be the big day, the biggest event so far, I have been waiting for it, and I'm going to be all over it. " She laughs again, she is still the same strange person as I remembered. I couldn't help but to smile.
Saya takes a step back, blushing. "She is usually more discreet." She says in a low voice with her head down.
Cirius takes a deep breath, his face looks like his holding back his laughter. Rahua's laughter can be heard again.
"Rahua have you finished washing the dishes?" A woman's voice could be heard, it sounded that she was more distant. "I am coming mother."
I couldn't see in Cirius face that he was enjoying every bit of it.
After I everythig had passed, I awkwardly explain to Saya that I wasn't using the mirror for anything inappropriate, I explained to her, it was a way to keep myself focus during the campaign. She understood and didn't say anything else.
Cirius smiles, a satisfied look on his face. "Now that the mirror is restored, I suggest we return to your chambers, Your Highness. It is best not to keep anyone waiting."
I nod in agreement, appreciating Cirius's practicality. With a glance at the repaired mirror, I say my goodbyes to Saya Nmand Cirius, before he opens a portal for me to pass through.
As I lay down back in my bed, I am grateful for the unexpected turn of events. I go to hear her voice after such a long time, I got to know she is worried about me, maybe she care for me as well. I was feeling my eyes getting heavier, as I relaxed into darkness.