After breakfast, the teasing from Aeliana's family still lingered in the air like a warm echo. I could feel Aeliana's hand brush against mine as we stepped outside, ready to head back to Leora's castle.
The morning sun was soft, not too harsh, casting a golden hue over everything. Aeliana stretched, looking relaxed, though there was a hint of rush in her movements. We were late well, she was late.
"Let's go before I'm even more behind," Aeliana said with a playful grin, nudging me.
I nodded and, without much thought, teleported us. The swirling energy buzzed between us, and in a flash, we were stepping into the familiar stone courtyard of Leora's castle. The moment we landed, the realization hit me: I hadn't held her hand during the teleport.
Wait, should I have held her hand? The thought bloomed unexpectedly, and suddenly, my entire focus shifted.
As we walked, side by side, my mind spiraled into overthinking. Aeliana's hand was just there, swinging slightly at her side. So close.
It wouldn't take much just a slight shift of my arm, a nudge of my fingers, and I'd be holding her hand. It'd be casual, right? Natural, even. Is that what people do when they're dating?
I mean, I've seen plenty of couples hold hands. But that's not really us, is it? We've only just started dating. Is it too soon? No, holding hands isn't that big of a deal, is it? Everyone holds hands, for crying out loud. It's practically a law of dating.
But what if she thinks I'm being too clingy? Or worse, what if she feels like I'm forcing the romance? I mean, things are going well, really well... but do we need to jump to hand-holding already?
I glanced at Aeliana out of the corner of my eye. She seemed calm, her expression focused as if she were mentally preparing for work. She looked so... perfect. I felt my heart beat faster, and suddenly, my palms felt sweaty.
What if my hands are too sweaty? I shouldn't be overthinking this. Just hold her hand, Ciara!
It's literally the easiest thing in the world. You've fought off moster, cast spells that could level entire forests, and you can't hold your girlfriend's hand?
But what if she's not into public displays of affection? She doesn't seem like the type to care about what people think, but we haven't talked about this. Should I just... ask her? Or would that be even weirder?
"Hey, Aeliana, do you mind if I hold your hand while we're walking?" Ugh, that sounds awkward.
I clenched and unclenched my fists, trying to psych myself up. My heart was thudding embarrassingly loud. I couldn't focus on anything except the way her hand hovered just within reach, like a dare I was too chicken to take.
Then, just as I was working up the courage to actually do it, I heard a voice from behind us.
"Well, well, well... look who's late for work and who can't hold her girlfriend's hand."
Leora's voice dripped with amusement. I spun around, and there she was, leaning against a stone pillar with the most obnoxious smirk plastered on her face.
"Leora," I muttered under my breath. Of course, she'd show up now.
Aeliana laughed. "Not late by much," she said, though the slight rush in her steps betrayed her casual tone.
Leora's eyes danced between the two of us, her smirk growing wider. "It's adorable, really. Ciara, one of our stongest elment, can't seem to figure out how to do something as simple as... what's the word? Ah, yes, holding hands with her girlfriend."
"I wasn't—"
"Save it," Leora interrupted with a chuckle. "Your overthinking is written all over your face. You might want to work on that if you plan on wooing her properly."
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but feel a rush of heat climb up my neck. Leave it to Leora to make this moment even more awkward.
"Now, if you're done fumbling about," Leora continued, waving a hand lazily in our direction, "Aeliana, you're expected in the office. Ciara... you don't technically work here, but feel free to stay and... I don't know, watch your girlfriend. Maybe take notes on how to be less awkward?"
I shot her a glare. "I'm not awkward."
Leora raised an eyebrow. "Mhm. Sure you're not."
Aeliana, ever the voice of reason, stepped forward and placed a hand on my arm, her touch grounding me immediately. "It's okay, Ciara. Leora's just messing with you." She turned to Leora. "I'll head to the office, but only if you promise to stop teasing her for a bit."
Leora held up her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll give her a break. For now."
With that, Leora spun around dramatically, beckoning us to follow her inside. "Come on, lovebirds. Let's get this chaotic day started. Oh, and Ciara, do stay. I'm sure we could use your... moral support."
I groaned inwardly. Spending the day in Leora's castle wasn't the worst thing in the world, but dealing with her teasing? That was a whole other level of torture.
As we followed Leora down the stone hallways, I couldn't help but glance over at Aeliana. Her calm, collected demeanor had a way of keeping me grounded, even in moments like these. But my mind was still stuck on the hand-holding.
I stuffed my hands in my pockets, deciding it was best to leave it for now. I'll figure it out later. Maybe I'll just ask her... or wait until it feels more natural. Either way, Leora's teasing wasn't helping.
As we entered the office, the usual hustle and bustle of the castle kicked into high gear. Soldiers and messengers bustled about, papers flying, the occasional magical artifact zipping through the air. It was as chaotic as ever.
Leora's office was no different. Piles of documents were scattered across her massive desk, glowing seals, and enchanted objects were littered everywhere. She sauntered over to her desk, not seeming to care about the mess, and dropped into her chair.
"So, Aeliana," Leora began, her tone far too amused for my liking. "What's on the agenda today? Besides making sure your girlfriend doesn't spontaneously combust from nerves, of course."
Aeliana chuckled, shooting me a playful look. "Well, I was planning to go over some logistics for the demon border patrols and the latest magical inventory, but it looks like I'll also be handling relationship counseling for Ciara."
I groaned. "You're never letting me live this down, are you?"
"Not a chance," Aeliana replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Leora clapped her hands together. "I love it! This is going to be an entertaining day."
A messenger burst into the room, nearly tripping over himself as he stumbled toward Leora with a stack of papers. "My lady! Urgent report from the eastern patrol!"
Leora waved him off with a bored look. "Just put it on the pile. I'll get to it eventually."
The poor guy looked frazzled but did as he was told, disappearing as quickly as he came.
I stood awkwardly by the door, unsure of where to position myself in all this chaos. Aeliana, ever graceful, slid into her usual spot at the large table, grabbing a quill and ink as if this was just another day at the office. Meanwhile, I was left feeling like an outsider in the whirlwind of activity.
Leora eyed me from her desk, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Ciara, why don't you take a seat? Watch your girlfriend in action. It's quite the show, I assure you."
I sighed, finding a chair near Aeliana. I leaned back, crossing my arms as I tried to make myself comfortable. Maybe this won't be so bad... if I can survive Leora's teasing for the rest of the day.
And yet, as I watched Aeliana effortlessly dive into her work, handling logistics and reports with such ease, I couldn't help but feel a little awe-struck. Her intelligence, her composure... it was hard not to admire her.
Leora was right about one thing. Watching Aeliana in action was quite the show one that I was more than happy to witness. Even if it meant enduring a little more teasing from Leora.
As I sat there, watching Aeliana focus on her work, I felt this weird mix of pride and... well, something softer. She had this way of commanding a room without even trying, and it was mesmerizing.
My heart was still racing from earlier, but now it was less from nerves and more from just... being near her.
Leora kept glancing at me with a knowing smirk, like she could read my every thought. It made me squirm in my seat.
Aeliana caught my eye once, offering me a quick smile before diving back into the reports. That smile alone was enough to make my chest feel lighter.
I wanted to reach out, touch her hand, but with Leora's teasing and the chaotic energy in the room, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Not yet.
"So," Leora's voice broke through my thoughts, "any plans for the rest of the day after this thrilling session of paperwork?"
I blinked, realizing she was addressing both of us. Aeliana, still focused, responded without missing a beat. "Actually, we were thinking of a date later. A proper one."
I raised an eyebrow at her boldness, and Leora chuckled. "About time."
I smirked, my heart fluttering again. Yeah, about time.