"I need to improve with every practice," Adaleiah thought. She stood before a large window, gazing out at the kingdom while honing her powers within her room. The chamber was surrounded by ancient books and mystical crystals, casting a unique light into every corner. Slowly, she released a blue ball of energy from her right hand. It sparkled and grew, illuminating the entire room like a brilliant star in the sky.
Focused on her task, her pointed ears twitched at the sound of approaching armored footsteps from outside her room. The clash of shields and swords with each step sounded like crashing waves. The echo grew louder as it came, accompanied by the heavy tread of a warrior. Despite the noise, she remained undisturbed, enhancing her energy, which emitted an even brighter light. She knew the warrior was right outside her door when the echoes stopped. The door creaked open behind her.
"It seems your power is truly unstoppable," said a man with a captivating voice. "Your strength matches your beauty," he added, with a hint of admiration.
Adaleiah slowly turned to face the young man, and as she clenched her right hand, the blue light vanished instantly with every movement, the wind danced around her, gently swaying her white dress and long brown hair. "Good morning, Altus Aurik Dreyford," Adaleiah greeted the prince with a smile. Her voice was cold but respectful and had a captivating allure—a melodious tone that resonated with an enchanting warmth. It was the kind of voice that lingered in the air, drawing you in with its rich, velvety quality. Her sky-blue eyes glowed with intelligence. "How may I serve the future noble prince?" she asked, stepping closer with almost magical grace.
The room echoed again as Prince Aurik laid his large, heavy sword on the table, the sound like a deep bellow from a giant piece of iron. Aurik pulled a chair beside the table and sat down, his eyes full of admiration and curiosity. "Did I interrupt your meditation?" he asked.
Adaleiah sat on the opposite side of the table, her movements full of grace. "Not at all," she said, a smile forming on her lips.
With a flick of her fingers, a jug of grape wine floated in the air. As she glanced at the two golden goblets, they moved on their own on the table, settling in front of them as if they had a life of their own. Another wave of her hand, and the wine poured from the jug into the goblets, as if carried by the wind. "Would you care for a drink as we deliberate on your purpose, Altus?" Adaleiah asked, her voice naturally charming without any pretense.
Aurik smiled at her and drank from the golden goblet, the taste of the wine warming his chest. "I can't help but be amazed at your tricks, Adaleiah," he teased, hiding the thrill in his heart as he admired her graceful movements and beauty.
Adaleiah smiled back, though her face showed a hint of irritation at Aurik's words. "Oh, Aurik, your flowery compliments and playful jests remain ever vibrant. How many times must I remind you that it is called power, not mere tricks like those one might find at a fair?" She twirled her finger, and the jug floated again to pour more wine into Aurik's goblet, her eyes glowing with confidence and courage.
Every movement and word of Adaleiah was like art, full of elegance and strength, while Aurik continued to gaze at her, full of admiration.
Adaleiah had trained for a long time to master her ability to move objects with her mind. Intelligent and diligent, she worked hard to become an expert, eventually moving objects without weakening or using much energy.
"Now I understand why you're Sathra Griades' favorite student," Aurik said.
Adaleiah took a sip from her goblet. "Sathra Griades is akin to a father to me, as he and your father, the king, have both served as paternal figures throughout my childhood." Her voice was filled with respect and gratitude for these two important figures in her life.
Aurik felt a pang of anxiety at her statement. "Does that mean you see me as a brother too?" he asked, his tone a mix of jest and worry over his hidden feelings.
Adaleiah didn't expect Aurik's question. "No! Uhmm... I mean ye-yes?" she stammered, thinking of the right words to say, feeling as if she had been doused with cold water.
"Why the blush and hesitation? Is my question truly so difficult? We've shared nearly fifteen years, growing up side by side, and I just wondered how you see me," Aurik added, his voice full of innocent curiosity.
Adaleiah still couldn't answer. Her heart was confused, wanting to conceal the truth. With her intelligent and careful thinking, she knew it wasn't easy to answer the young man's question but with her courage and determination, she tried to remain calm, but her eyes revealed the depth of her feelings.
As Aurik stared at her, waiting for her answer, Adaleiah suddenly remembered their childhood. Aurik, is always cheerful and carefree, constantly making her laugh and caring for her. Despite his immaturity and simplicity, Adaleiah knew that Aurik had a pure and kind heart.
Gently, Aurik tapped Adaleiah on the shoulder, his concern evident in his voice. "Hey, are you feeling alright? You seemed to suddenly lose your composure and look a bit anxious. Did I say something wrong?"
Adaleiah shook her head, seeming to recover from her moment of distress. "I'm sorry. I was suddenly overcome with a feeling of unwellness, likely due to the fatigue from my rigorous training. What was your question again?"
"What did I ask? Do you see me as a sibling?" Aurik inquired.
Adaleiah hesitated, her eyes meeting Aurik's verdant gaze with a hint of unease. "Oh, yes, of course... a sibling. Why do you ask? Is there something else you wish to know? How do you feel about it? Do you not sense that I regard you as a sibling? Does it seem insufficient or excessive? Or something else?"
"Hold on," Aurik interjected playfully. "Why are you asking so much? Hmmm..." He raised an eyebrow and smiled as if a peculiar thought had crossed his mind.
Adaleiah flushed again, feeling the warmth spread across her cheeks. "Aurik, stop it! I recognize that look, and I know you're up to something."
"You can read minds now?" Aurik teased, his tone lighthearted.
"No!" Adaleiah replied, her voice a mix of embarrassment and irritation. "But I can tell what that look means. Every move and step you take... I know because—"
"You love me?" Aurik asked with a teasing grin.
Adaleiah's face turned beet red. "NO, I DON'T!" she insisted. "I'm not into your type!"
"Are you sure?" Aurik asked with a smile so wide that it almost made his eyes disappear. "It seems like there's a different meaning behind your eyes."
Adaleiah silently prayed, "Lord, please save me from this situation. I can't endure Aurik's smiles and glances any longer. I know we should be like family, as the King has cared for me since childhood, but from the first moment I saw him, I felt a different kind of admiration." She then shut her eyes, trying to hold back her feelings.
Soon, Aurik noticed her silence and decided to back off. "I know, even if you don't say it," he joked. "By the way, Erez just left."
"Where did he go?" Adaleiah asked, observing Aurik's movements.
Aurik stood up, grabbed a fruit from the table, and peeled it carefully. "He went to Sarrophia. I just heard it from the soldiers' chatter."
"So, does that mean Queen Rowanda agreed to his wishes?" Adaleiah asked, surprised.
"Probably... Most likely," Aurik said, taking a bite of the fruit. "I didn't see anyone stop him when he left. Why are you so surprised if she agrees? He's been insisting on it for a long time, so maybe she's finally given in."
Adaleiah stood up too, walked to the window, and gazed out at the surroundings. "Yes, you're right... Erez has long wanted to travel to Sarrophia and become one of the world's top guardians in Mysquetonia, but the Queen has been resisting because she wants Erez to succeed your father on the throne. Even though it's against the rule that the eldest son should be the one to inherit the throne... and that's you, Aurik."
"Father is still strong, so we don't need to worry about that yet," Aurik replied, trying to avoid the topic.
"Is it due to the King's robust health, or do you simply wish to avoid contemplating the responsibilities that come with the kingdom?" Adaleiah asked concern etched on her face.
"I don't want to discuss it right now," Aurik answered in a subdued tone, clearly reluctant to delve into the matter.
"Aurik, we're not children anymore. You need to start prioritizing things and grasp the responsibilities that are destined for you. You are an Altus, and there's a reason for that." Adaleiah explained and encouraged the eldest prince, her voice filled with earnestness.
"Jedrek and Erez are also Altuses, why not them?" Aurik questioned, pondering his own decisions. "I'm not dazzled by the throne or the power of a king. Sitting on the throne and bearing the weight of a kingdom is a huge responsibility. I'm fine with the rights and benefits of being an Altus."
Adaleiah tucked her hair behind her ears, letting the wind play with her face, and sighed deeply. "Perhaps the Queen is right—Erez should sit on the throne instead of you or Jedrek. Both of you are seen as cowardly and irresponsible. Jedrek is a drunkard and a womanizer, while you focus on leisure, hunting, and reveling with friends. Am I correct?"
"Let's just assume that's true since I don't care about that. That's your opinion. What's important to me are the things I want. Like you... I want you!" Aurik joked, trying to lighten the mood of their increasingly serious conversation.
Adaleiah turned to face Aurik, "Oh, is that so?"
"Facing me, huh? Oh, you like it too, don't you?" Aurik teased further, his smile returning as he playfully nudged her.