Special thanks to Gemini_2 for gifting us an Inspiration Capsule :)
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Lyra cast a protective spell over Rohan and Sevastian as they passed through the Vylint, heading back to the palace. Rohan carried one unconscious man on his horse while Sevastian managed the other. Their journey was thankfully uneventful, free from any surprise attacks, and both captives remained unconscious throughout the ride. By the time they reached the palace, the sky had turned shades of deep orange and purple, a sign that is was already dusk.
The men were taken to the dungeon, its walls were fortified to suppress magic and prevent the captives from escaping.
"We will return in the morning to question them further," Rohan informed the guards before he and Sevastian exited the dimly lit dungeon.
"I need to clean up and change. This day has been far too long," Sevastian muttered, releasing a tired sigh.
"Agreed, but I also need food. I am absolutely famished," Rohan replied, rubbing his stomach.
"Famished? But you nearly finished all the food you packed," Sevastian remarked, raising an eyebrow at Rohan.
Rohan responded with a knowing smirk. "What can I say? It takes a lot to satisfy a big man like me," he said with a casual shrug.
Sevastian sighed and started walking toward his chambers. "I am going now."
Before he could gain much distance, Rohan jogged up and slung an arm around his shoulders, completely ignoring the sharp glare Sevastian sent his way. "Oh, come on! Do not be so grumpy!"
Lyra had already retreated to her chambers as soon as they rode into the palace grounds, leaving Rohan and Sevastian to handle the task of taking the captives to the dungeon.
Rohan finally made his way to his room, allowing Sevastian to do the same. When Sevastian entered his room, he found a hot bath already prepared for him. He soaked in the tub, scrubbing away the dirt from their journey. Afterward, he stepped out, dried off, and dressed in his usual trousers and a loose shirt.
Eunice, the palace servant, soon arrived with a tray of hot dinner. As she began draining the bathwater, she said casually, "I heard you were out with the prince and his sister. I trust the visit went well, my lord?" Her tone was polite, though she avoided making eye contact with him.
Sevastian glanced at the woman as she moved around, her hands steady while she placed the tray on a table. "It went well. How was your day?" His tone calm.
Eunice blinked in surprise, she halted for a split second. Sevastian had never asked her that before, "Oh… it was good, my Lord. Thank you for asking," she replied quickly, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink.
Sevastian gave a small nod, "I am glad." He wasn't sure what else to ask without overstepping boundaries.
Eunice cleared her throat, her voice hesitant. "I… If you wish to sleep soon, I can come back for the tray in the morning."
"That won't be necessary. I plan to take a walk after eating." He moved toward the table where the tray was set. "You can sit and wait if you prefer, or leave and return later. It is up to you."
Eunice swallowed the lump in her throat, her hands clamped together in front of her as she took her seat a chair. "I will wait."
Sevastian began to eat, he didn't pay any attention to woman burning gaze, her eyes followed his every move as he ate.
Eunice shamelessly watched Sevastian as he ate, her gaze lingering on him until she realized he had caught her staring. Her face reddened in embarrassment, and she quickly shifted her eyes away from him.
"Thank you," Sevastian said, His lips tipped up into what could be called a smile. He stood up as Eunice began collecting the tray. As he walked her to the door, he added, "Have a good night." She murmured a reply, which he acknowledged with a nod before closing the door.
With a tired sigh, he set his glasses on the table. Deciding to go for a walk without them, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and left his room, heading down the stairs.
The cool night breeze felt refreshing as he passed through the garden. Not far from his path, he noticed a lake and decided to sit by it. Large rocks were scattered along the shore, perfect for sitting and relaxing.
Sevastian eventually made his way to the lake, the path to it was somewhat hidden. His gaze drifted across the dark water, reflecting the stars above. He crouched down, throwing a stone into the lake, hearing a soft splash. He threw in a second stone which caused a louder splash, making him frown. But his expression shifted to surprise when a figure emerged from the water. He squinted, catching a glimpse of silver hair, and his voice barely above a whisper, "Princess?"
Lyra turned toward him, her lips curling into a thin line. "Oh, Sevastian." She lifted herself up to her shoulders' level in the water.
Sevastian frowned, unsure whether she was clothed or not. "What are you doing in the water?"
Lyra's voice held a hint of tease to it. "I think it is pretty obvious, Sevastian. Were you here to watch me swim?"
He shook his head, a slight tension in his voice. "I came here to think. I didn't know you were here. Otherwise, I would not have come."
"I know that, I was just joking about you watching me, Sevastian." Lyra chuckled softly, wiping water from her face.
Sevastian glanced away, not wanting to look too closely at her in the water. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I will leave now—"
"No, you can stay." Lyra interrupted quickly, her voice more sincere now. "I don't mind."
Sevastian hesitated, then frowned. "Well, I do mind. I came here to think, and I cannot do that with you splashing around." His gaze lingered on her glowing silver hair in the dark, a soft contrast to the night.
"I have been here long enough, I will just step out so you can have the quiet to think," Lyra said, moving toward the shore.
Sevastian's eyes widened when he realized how little she seemed to be wearing, "Wait!" He said, panic in his voice. He immediately averted his gaze and stammered, "Surely, you do not plan on stepping out of the water naked, Princess?"