In his quaint kitchen bathed in the soft glow of morning light, I stood on a sturdy stool, my tiny hands covered in flour as I eagerly tackled the task of baking muffins. Beside me, Edward, who is only eleven years my senior yet possessing a maturity beyond his years, watched with fond amusement.
"Careful there, little one," Edward chimed in, his voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of amusement. "You're doing splendidly, but let me help you with that."
I flashed him a mischievous grin. "I can do it, Edward!" I protested, though my eyes sparkled with playful defiance.
Edward chuckled softly, his face swelling with affection. At moments like these despite his controlling nature, he made me feel so... I actually don't know how to express that feeling.
"Of course, you can, muffin," he conceded, making me frown at the nickname Which he of course ignored. He always refused to engage in my meaningless and trivial arguments. At first, I found it frustrating. Why couldn't he just validate my feelings and join me in my anger or frustration? But as time went on, I began to see the wisdom in his approach. Edward had a maturity that belied his years, and I think he understood that getting caught up in petty squabbles would only serve to distract us from what truly mattered. Which I still don't understand. Small victories always brought me joy, perhaps because things always went his way.
"But even the best bakers need a helping hand now and then.
I was pulled out of my thoughts by the sound of a horse.
***
[3rd person P.O.V]
Since they took Anipe he was so baffled. What was she trying to tell him? he was left bewildered and grappling for answers. Could it be that he misheard her last words? "Princesse"? The mere thought sent a shiver down his spine. But if that were true, it could explain the strange visions Seutsui had described and the peculiar accident with the flute, which she claimed happened a year ago.
Arriving at Gemhill wasn't just a chance encounter; it was a calculated move in his quest to recruit allies for their cause against the tyrant king, Adileio. Together with Edward, they sought to build a force capable of challenging the oppressive regime that had plagued their land.
In order to find the truth about Anipe and the little girl, after he arrived at Gemhill he did everything in his power to find any human being who survived Adileio, from the castle who knew about a maid named Anipe and what exactly happened to the little princess at that time. All this time he thought she had died. But his search for survivors yielded nothing but frustration. There were no clues, no whispers from those who had endured the horrors of Adileio's reign. Each dead end fueled his rage, driving him to uncover the truth at any cost.
The possibility that the Princess might still be alive fueled his determination. He would not rest until he found her and unraveled the mysteries surrounding her disappearance.
...
"Sir, when do we make for your village?" asked a voice, tinged with eagerness. It has been months since Anipe was taken and even though he found over three hundred new volunteers for Edward's force who had been battered by Adelio all he could find about Anipe was... Nothing. Nothing at all. Whoever this Anipe was she had been really careful to cove her treils.
Saitous considered the question, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "Tomorrow," he replied, a hint of urgency in his tone.
"I was planning to tell you that it was dangerous and all the king's people around the city could start to be suspicious of us" he turned to leave but before the questioner could retreat, Saitous halted him with a raised hand. "Bram, what news of the shipments?" Saitous said lowering his voice. Bram stepped forward, his demeanor serious. "They've arrived, but not without incident. Half are lost. It should arrive tonight"
"Okay, but make sure no one sees weapons" Saitous nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Exercise caution," he cautioned. "We must not arouse suspicion. Dismissed." Bram faded into the shadows
***
Seutsui's eyes widened in wonder as Edward led forth a magnificent steed, its sleek coat gleaming in the golden rays. The horse tossed its mane proudly, stamping its hooves against the soft earth with an air of regal confidence.
"Look, Muffin," Edward declared, his voice tinged with excitement as he guided the horse closer to her. "I've brought you a new friend."
Seutsui's young heart fluttered with delight at the sight of the majestic creature before her. She reached out a tentative hand, fingers trembling with anticipation, and gently stroked the horse's velvety muzzle. The warmth of its breath against her skin sent a thrill of exhilaration coursing through her veins.
"Be careful, Seutsui," he cautioned, his voice gentle yet authoritative. "This horse may seem gentle, but it's important to be cautious around animals."
Seutsui tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes as she met his gaze. "I'll be fine, Edward," she replied."I'm not afraid." Edward's brow furrowing with concern "Seutsui," he began "you must promise me you'll stay close. I don't want you getting hurt."
Seutsui bristled "I can take care of myself, Edward," she retorted, her voice firm. "I don't need you to tell me what to do."
Seutsui tilted her head as she met his gaze "And I want to ride it alone."
"Seutsui, it's not safe for you to ride alone," he protested, his voice firm. But Seutsui was not to be deterred. "I can handle it, Edward," she insisted, her voice rising with determination. "I want to prove that I'm not just a child anymore."
Edward's jaw tightened at her defiance, his gaze darkening with intensity. "Seutsui," he said, his tone low and commanding, "you will listen to me. I am responsible for your safety, and I will not allow you to put yourself in danger." All the playfully glint on her face had dropped her mouth turned into a frown and her eyes listed at his tone. Edward hesitated a bit at her sudden change of mood. Maybe feeling a bit guilty. Sad that she is sad? "Muffin," he began, his tone softer now, "I understand that you want to prove yourself. But riding alone is too dangerous. I can't let you do it."
Her cheeks flushed. "You're always trying to control me, Edward," she accused, her voice trembling with emotion. Edward's gaze softened "I'm not trying to control you, Muffin," he replied, his voice gentle yet earnest. "I just want to keep you safe. Trust me on this."
Seutsui met his gaze, her expression wavering. He's not gonna let her ride even if she threatens to kill him. What's the point? She really wanted to grow up. Finally, with a reluctant nod, "Fine, Edward," she muttered.
"But don't think this is over. I'll prove to you that I can handle myself, with or without your permission. "Edward chuckled.
"Sure Mufin. Sure you will" Seutsui turned to go inside the house, her footsteps heavy with disappointment but Edward felt a certain way. He wasn't pleased at all. "You wanna ride with me?" Seutsui turned hopeful glint in her eyes "Can I!?" She dashed towards Edward with excitement. "Sure you can if you want," Edward replied, his own heart lifting at the sight of her joyful expression, looking at her running.
Seutsui's foot caught on an unseen... nothing? and she stumbled forward, nearly falling flat on her face. But before she could hit the ground, Edward was there, his reflexes lightning quick as he caught her in his arms.
Seutsui let out a startled laugh as Edward lifted her effortlessly, swinging her around in a playful twirl before setting her down gently on the horse. Edward followed her lead, mounting the horse with practiced ease before offering Seutsui a hand to clutch onto. As he got comfortable behind Seuitsui he wrapped the hand he offered her to hold onto around her waist, the warmth of her touch sending a shiver of anticipation down his spine.
Together, they rode off into the forest, the wind in their hair and the sun on their faces, her laughter echoing through the trees. As Edward wrapped his arms securely around Seutsui's waist, a wave of emotions surged through him, cascading like a waterfall in his heart. The innocence of her laughter, the sparkle in her eyes—it stirred something deep within him, something he couldn't quite put into words.
"Edward, it's almost evening. Why haven't they come?" Seutsui's voice broke through Edward's deep thoughts.
"Right, maybe they'll arrive by the time we get back home," Edward replied, his mind still preoccupied.
With each moment they spent together, Edward felt himself drawn further into Seutsui's enchanting world. Her laughter danced like fairy lights in the darkness, illuminating corners of his heart he hadn't known existed. But amidst the wonder and magic, a shadow loomed—a nagging sense of guilt that tugged at the edges of his consciousness.
"But What if they haven't?"
Seutsui was just a child, barely six years old, while Edward himself was on the cusp of adolescence. The realization filled him with a sense of unease, a discomfort he couldn't shake. How could he harbor romantic and possessive feelings for someone so young, so innocent?
"Edward!" Seutsui said. frustrated.
Baffled in his thoughts he muttered "What?"
"What if they haven't?" Seutsui persisted, her voice tinged with concern.
"If he couldn't arrive today, I promise you he will be here before tomorrow noon," Edward reassured her, his tone firm. But he also knew that the person she was waiting for may not be there a pang of sadness tugging at his heart for her.
Edward found himself unable to resist the pull of Seutsui's presence. And as they rode together through the enchanted forest, Edward couldn't help but yearn for a love that felt both innocent and profound. His heart weighed heavy with guilt. He knew he shouldn't be feeling this way, shouldn't be entertaining thoughts of romance with someone so young. And yet, try as he might to push them aside, the feelings persisted, with a bittersweet melody.