Sol was finally released from the Healer's Center and she can do some improvised training methods. She was so excited to see the Captain that early formation but she was disappointed as he still had not arrived from the Capital. She decided to go and ask the Camp Head. However the Camp Head refused to divulge the whereabouts of the Captain.
Just as she was about to leave the administration building, she decided to approach one of the staff.
"Good morning, Miss," Sol called to the female administrative staff.
"Good morning, Aspirant," she greeted back.
"I heard that the Captain is not yet back. Do you know where he went?"
"Oh.I heard that he was summoned to the Capital. Four Golden Shielders came to take him. He must have been brought to the Manse."
"I wonder why he was summoned by the Supremo."
The female staff cautiously looked around and urged Sol to come closer to her. She then leaned closer.
"I just happened to hear some words "brawl", "expulsion", and ''high court" when they went to pay courtesy to the camp head," she whispered.
"HIGH COURT?!" she exclaimed.
"Shhh," she exclaimed as she pressed her forefinger against her lips to quiet her down.
Sol silently nodded.
"It must be because of the brawl but don't worry. He's an infamous defender, I know that he won't easily be bullied if ever he was taken to the high court," she assured her.
"Right. Then, I must leave you then. You must be busy."
"Okay."
Sol then started walking away from the female staff. She forgot that there are two reasons why an individual is summoned to the Manse- One, would be because he/she is invited by the Supremo as a guest for celebration or any matters; and second, he is summoned because he must answer to the High Court. Even though the staff assured her, she's still worried. That's the high court that they are talking about. It wouldn't be easy to win and the punishments are quite violent.
What if he lost the case?
She suddenly gasped in horror as she imagined the possible punishment that the Captain would receive if he ever lost the case.
She then hurriedly went to the nearby market and rented a steed.
The aspirants, who just finished their breakfast and were walking around, stared in confusion as Sol ran at lightning speed. She didn't even hear the shouts of Serga and Reicha calling her attention.
"Hey, where is she going? She hasn't fully healed yet. How can she run so fast like that when her other arm is in a cast?" Reicha asked as she scratched her head in confusion, "Should I follow her?"
"I'm worried but I don't think we should. Wherever she is going, the determination in her eyes wouldn't let anyone stop her," Serga said.
Reicha glanced at the gate of the camp where Sol passed through earlier.
XXX
As soon as Sol galloped away from the camp, she met the Golden Shields Commander who came to an immediate stop after he caught a visual of her.
"Commander Remus? What brought you here?" she asked, stopping her steed.
"Young Miss?! Where are you going?" he asked as he walked his steed towards Sol's side and gently checked on the wooden cast on her arm.
"I am feeling well Commander. How about Captain Karsh? I heard he was summoned to the Manse yesterday and he hasn't come back to the camp yet," she spoke in a rushed manner as she couldn't contain her worry.
"Ca-Captain Karsh? Um. He is um w-well..um d-doing fine," the commander answered.
It is rare for Sol to see the commander stammering. She knew that he was not telling the truth.
Sol didn't waste any time and hurried her steed towards the Manse.
"YOUNG MISS!!" The commander shouted. "PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!"
However, the Young Miss doesn't seem to heed his reminder as she galloped faster. The commander doesn't have any choice but to follow her.
After they arrived at the Manse, Sol immediately went to find her father who was currently reading some concerns at his study.
"FATHER?!" she called out to him as soon as she saw him.
The Supremo was shocked to see his daughter so soon. He immediately stood up and went to check on her bruises and on her wooden cast.
"My dear, LET'S GO TO THE HEALER'S CENTER!" he said.
"I'm alright, Father. I heard that Captain Karsh is summoned here. For what Father?"
"He was summoned to the High Court because of the brawl that happened in your camp. I didn't expect that you are the one they have beaten up. How dare they touch you?!"
The Supremo's voice went a little higher as his eyes were filled once again with fury.
"It's okay now, Father. So, what happened to his case? Did he win Father?"
"I let him win because he defended you."
Sol let out a smile after what he heard.
"So, where is the Captain now Father?"
The Supremo cleared his throat.
"At the Healer's Center."
"Healer's Center, Father? W-why?" her voice became heavy again with worry.
"He still needs to get punished for giving punishments which are not prescribed by the Book of Rules-"
The Supremo hasn't finished what he is saying but Sol immediately apologized and hurriedly went to the Healer's Center.
There she saw Tobias lying unconsciously on the patient's bed. He was in a light robe and you can see the bandages wrapped around his body. There are also a few cuts on his face.
"W-what h-happened h-here, Healer?" she asked the healer-in-charge. Her body started to tremble because of the mixed worry and anger.
"The Captain was whipped 200 times. If it was a Pure-Blood, he could have died with 100 whips."
Sol fell on her knees.
"Y-YOUNG M-MISS!?" the healer called out to her.
Sol managed to stand up as she sat beside the Captain.
"S-so w-why is h-he unconscious?"
"He is still sleeping, Young Miss. The pain killer medicine that I have given him may have extended his rest."
"T-then. H-how are his w-wounds?"
"There's quite a lot of lacerations and bruises. But, don't worry, even if he's Mixed, he's still a Wishbone. He will recover in no time."
After some time, the Supremo arrived after contemplating whether he would follow his daughter or not.
"Healer, kindly leave us for a moment," Sol asked the Healer who obediently followed and he then closed the door of the clinic.
"Father, the Captain was punished not because he went over the rules right? Is it because you wanted to appease the high society?"
"We do not want to anger the high society, my dear."
"Then Father, you could have just said that I am your daughter, the one they have beaten up, so that the Captain wouldn't be punished."
"But-"
"Ah. Is it because you don't really like him because he is a traitor's relative? Father, he is a person of great importance to me. I know you're embarrassed because of me because I'm not ahead of my fellow Wishbones. I have seen the looks of embarrassment in your eyes every time people ask about my level of skill. But this man right here, instead of taunting me or removing me from the camp, he created ways for me to cope up."
"Even so, that is his responsibility as a training officer. One shouldn't leave an aspirant behind because he or she is weak. He might have done that because he knew that you were the Young Miss."
"He gave special training to me even before he found out that I'm the Young Miss. Well, he didn't give up on me when I showed little improvement. As I've said Father, he is an important figure to me so I will use my power to prevent him from getting hurt... and I swear that I will grow strong so that I can be there when he needs me the most."
"So, what are you trying to say? That I made the wrong decision?"
"Then, Father, let me ask this. If he is Pure-Blooded, will you still have him whipped 200 times?"
"If he is Pure-Blooded, then no."
Sol let out a little smile.
"Okay, Father."
At least I know that you are not trying to kill him.
"Then, Father, I will rest here."
"What? You are the Young Miss, how can you rest here?"
"Then Father, I would like the Captain to be transferred to my room."
"W-What?"
The Supremo looked at his daughter. She seemed determined.
"Okay," he said and stomped away.
His daughter- Young Miss-. It is the first time that she has questioned him. It is also the second time that she argued with him. The first time would be when she decided to be an aspirant. Now, she thinks that he is embarrassed with her.
Daughter, how can you think like that? I just didn't want you to get hurt, that's why I didn't reveal who you are. People will not regard you nor respect you. Just thinking of it, it pains me. How can I let you face such psychological execution? More so, you went against me just to enter the force. How can I reveal it so carelessly?
XXX
Sol just finished taking her bath when she decided to check on the Captain who's currently resting on a bed a few feet next to hers. As soon as she sat next to him, the Captain slowly opened his eyes.
"Caia…is it you?" the Captain asked in a rather soft and gentle voice.
Sol was quite taken aback when she heard the Captain saying her real name and more so, not her title. However, she was quite pleased to hear him say her name. It sounds sweet like a love song played by the flute and the harp.
"Um..y-yes Captain. It's me."
"I'm sorry that I left you alone. If I hadn't left, you wouldn't have been beaten up."
"Captain, it's not your fault…it...it's because I am weak."
"Mm."
The Captain's eyes started to slowly close as if he's being pulled to sleep.
"Captain, I know that I said that I will respect your decision. But… let me ask for once…Captain, did you not like me at all?"
"Mm. I like you but I…I might hurt you in the days to come-"
And his eyes finally closed.
"Captain?...Captain?" Sol asked as she gently tapped his shoulders but the Captain did not respond. He fell asleep again.
XXX
The hours went by and Sol fell asleep on her own bed while watching the Captain who was resting on a separate bed next to her.
As the darkness set in for the night, the Captain slowly opened his eyes again. He moved his eyes around and studied each corner of the room. The room was dressed luxuriously and he noticed that the drapes that were used were of purple and gold.
A familiar room from years ago.
He gasped and tried to move but his body felt stiff and he could feel a bit of pain. And when he turned his head sideways, he caught a glimpse of the young miss sleeping soundly.
"S-Sol!? A..Y-Young Miss?!" he exclaimed.
Why am I in her room? How did he get here?
He tried to move again gently and lifted his limbs. He was able to sit down but it took a lot of effort.
As he tried to get down from the bed, he was stopped by a concerned familiar voice.
"Ca-Captain?! DON'T MOVE!" Sol shouted as soon as she saw the Captain trying to get down when she just opened her eyes. Sol immediately went towards the Captain.
Tobias was frozen in his place.
"GET BACK YOUR FEET IN! That is an order," she said as she helped tuck the Captain's lower limbs back to his bed. She then covered it with his blanket.
"H-How did you get here?" the Captain asked in his soft voice as he stared at the Young Miss.
The Young Miss looks different from her usual appearance at the camp – body covered with dirt and sweat and coarse tresses pulled in a ponytail. Now, her silver tresses flowed smoothly down to her lower back and her head and ears were adorned with different luxurious accessories. Also, she is draped in flowy purple and golden robes.
She is so ethereally beautiful.
"How are your bruises and wounds?" Tobias continued to ask.
"That's what I should be asking you, Captain? How are you feeling Sir?" she asked as she gently touched his arms that were also covered in bandages.
"I am feeling fine. This is nothing."
"HOW CAN YOU SAY IT'S NOTHING, CAPTAIN?!" Sol exclaimed with her voice louder as if she's shouting.
"Wha-"
"I ALMOST LOST YOU, CAPTAIN!"
"I won't die from just that. Look, I am still here…alive and breathing."
"You don't understand how I am feeling, Captain. I am so worried."
"Mm. Then that's fair. That's exactly how I felt when you were beaten up."
"This is different, Captain! I didn't expect this to happen. So, from now on, while I have the chance…I will tell you all my thoughts even if you will get sick of me, Captain."
"I-"
"Captain, I said that I will respect whatever your decision is but I will still say that my feelings didn't change. You are still the owner of my heart, Captain."
"But-"
"Also, I've been avoiding you because I am jealous of you and Dana. I am jealous of how beautiful you sparred with her. I am so jealous that I might act irrational and will hurt you. That's why I tried to avoid you."
The Captain slowly smiled.
"I thought you got tired of me."
"I won't, Captain. Also, please let the future worry about itself. What is important is now. Nobody knows what the future holds, you don't know if the thing you are worrying about will happen in the future or not Captain. It's better to be honest than to have regrets in the future, don't you think so Captain?"
"Mm. But by the way, why are you telling me this?"
"Just. Just a thought Captain," Sol said and stood up, as she suddenly felt embarrassed by baring her heart.
She then went out of her room to tell her helpers to prepare a meal for her and the Captain.
"I know you are hungry Captain but let's wait a little bit. I already asked them to prepare us dinner. By the way, I've already asked them to bring your belongings here. They are safely stored so don't worry about them," Sol said after she came back.
"Oh. Then, can you please bring me the purple wooden box from my belongings?"
"Okay, Captain," she said and hurriedly went to her dressing room.
She brought the purple box in no time.
"Here it is Captain."
"Mm. That's yours."
"Huh? It's mine? Is this a gift?"
"I don't know."
Sol smiled teasingly and opened the box. She saw a hair accessory engraved with emeralds.
Sol removed all her hair accessories.
"Put it on me Captain," she said and gave the accessory to the Captain.
She leaned closer and closer to the Captain that they could already feel each other's breath. She wanted to close the one inch distance between them but she hesitated and just stared at the Captain while he attached the accessory on her tresses- right into her purple strands.
"It's done," the Captain said as he avoided Sol's gaze.
"Mmm," Sol said and beamed with a smile.
XXX
In a while, the food has arrived. Sol then helped Tobias to sit down as soon as her helpers left. Shen then brought the wooden portable table where the food was set in. She then grabbed the spoon and tried to feed Tobias.
"I'm alright, Young Miss. I can feed myself."
"That's a no, Captain. If you refuse, we can extend our stay here."
"I can't believe you are getting clever with me," Tobias said as he shook his head.
Sol grinned and started feeding Tobias who had no choice but to let her be.
He stared at the gorgeous face before him. Her gray eyes with specks of purple were so warm and he felt the gentleness as she fed him.
Dug! Dug! Dug!
His heart is beating hard again.
XXX
As her body clock kicked in, Sol woke up early like she used to when she is at the camp. She glanced at the Captain who's sleeping on a separate bed next to her. She then slowly got up and walked towards him. She gently ruffled the Captain's tresses before she put on her outer robes. She then went out.
As she walked around, she could smell the food being prepared and she felt a gentle morning breeze greeting her. Suddenly, she remembered her friend Haelas. Karisha has told her that he is in the Manse. She then went to her father's chambers.
As soon as she entered, her father had just woken up.
"Good morning, Father," she greeted him as she went to sit beside him on his bed.
"Good morning. What are you doing here? It's still early. You should be resting. Your bruises are still not fully healed and what if you will get a cold?" he asked as he grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around his daughter.
"I am doing fine, Father. By the way, I heard that my friend Haelas is here, where is he?"
The Supremo was quite stunned when Sol asked about Haelas.
"H-healer Aris?"
"D-Don't tell me… that he is hurt? Father, you promised me that you wouldn't hurt him," Sol exclaimed as her tone went a little higher.
"No! No! No! It's not like that, my dear. Yes, he was here but I sent him to the South. He can improve his healing skills there as he is closer to the medicinal plants that grow there."
"Is he working on that secret medicine that you mentioned, father?"
"My dear, I would appreciate it if you wouldn't mention this to anyone as this is top secret."
"Why?"
"My dear, I can't tell you the details yet."
"Mm."
"Then, now that you are here, would you like to join me for breakfast?"
"Okay, Father."
As soon as they finished their breakfast together, Sol went back to her chambers. She is sure that Tobias would be awake as well. Truly, Tobias is getting off from his bed.
"Captain!" Sol exclaimed and rushed towards Tobias' side as she helped him gain his balance.
"I am alright. I am just stretching."
"Are you sure?"
"Mm."
"Okay then, um by the way I already asked them to prepare your breakfast. It will arrive soon, Captain."
As usual, Tobias had no choice when Sol insisted on feeding him.
"I already had breakfast with my father-" Sol stated when Tobias asked why she did not have her bowl. Sol saw a faint of disappointment from the Captain's eyes.
"I had breakfast with him so that I can join you for lunch and dinner. Also, it's been a long time since I had a meal with him," Sol exclaimed.
"So you say."
Sol stared at Tobias. Is he pouting?
Sol couldn't help but grin as Tobias stared at her in confusion.
XXX
"That's absolutely a No," Tobias exclaimed as Sol helped him to get to the bathroom. The Young Miss has insisted on helping him take a bath.
"Why, Captain? Are you shy?"
"It's not that. Why would I be shy? It's because I haven't been bathed by anyone except my mother. Plus, you are the Young Miss."
"So what if I am the Young Miss when you are my Captain? Don't worry, Captain. I wouldn't cross the line."
"Why you-Just you wait, I can't let you win when we go back to the camp," Tobias warned her.
Sol just grinned.
As they arrived at the bathroom, Sol tested first the water in the bathtub. After making sure that the water is warm, Sol then helped Tobias towards the bathtub.
Tobias, then started to remove his robes. Sol immediately turned her back on him.
"Captain, you should tell me in advance when you are going to remove your robes!" Sol exclaimed as sweat formed around her forehead.
"Why?"
"Well…if you don't, I might see it all!"
"So, who's being shy now?" Tobias taunted her as he entered the bath tub.
Hearing the gentle splash of the water, Sol turned towards Tobias.
"Captain, I asked them to put some medicinal herbs there in order to hasten your healing. You can enjoy that for half an hour," she said and went towards a wooden lounging chair.
"Wait, are you not going to leave?" Tobias asked as he saw Sol lie down on that lounging chair.
"No, Captain. I'll stay here, just in case. Don't worry, I'll close my eyes so that you can continue your bath comfortably. You can just shout at me if you need something, Captain."
"Unbelievable," Tobias can only utter.
More than half an hour has passed and Tobias has already rinsed himself and put in the peach-colored robes that Sol prepared for him and yet the Young Miss hasn't opened her eyes yet.
Tobias grinned as he sat beside her, watching her as she soundly slept.
He then reached out his hand and caressed the Young Miss' cheek.
This menacing nonchalant face, it has not changed but how can I fail to recognize it at first?
With the caress, Sol woke up.
"Uh, Captain? You are already finished?" Sol exclaimed as she tried to sit when she saw the Captain dressed in peach-colored robes, "You should have shouted at me, Captain, so that I could have helped you with your robes."
"Don't worry. I can do it. By the way, are you not going to take a bath?"
"I am, Captain. But, first let's get you back to our chamber," she said and helped the Captain walk towards their chamber.
XXX
More than an hour has passed and Sol has finished her bath and is already dressed in her purple colored robes.
"Captain, are you sure you can keep your balance?" Sol kept asking Tobias as they started walking towards the lake behind the Manse.
"Yes, Young Miss. I can walk just fine. But, let's go slowly."
"Okay, Captain."
Several minutes later, they arrived at the gazebo. Sol then placed a wooden container, that she had been holding, on the table. It is a board game called "War of Supremos".
It is a board game that needs skill in strategies, tactics and patience. This is needed when you attack your opponent.
As Tobias doesn't know the game, Sol taught him first.
"Are you sure it's your first time, Captain? How can you be good at this?" Sol complained as Tobias' winnings were ahead of her.
"It's really my first time. I must be lucky today," Tobias said grinning.
As usual, Sol didn't mention every time she saw the Captain smiling or grinning as he might get conscious about it. Thus, she just hid her joy every time she saw it. She just wants him to continue smiling even if he is doing it unconsciously.
"Let's go for one more round," Tobias said.
"I don't like it anymore. Oh, is it noon already?" Sol commented when she saw the helpers walking towards them. In their hands were plates and plates of food. Following them are musicians who play the harp and the flute.
It brings back the memory when they first went on a date.
Tobias just stared at the food being laid on their table as the musicians prepped up their instruments.
"Go on, Captain. Have your fill."
"Thank you for your graciousness, Young Miss," Tobias politely said as they had companions.
"Mm."
Sol tried to feed him again, when Tobias avoided it. He then signaled with his eyes that they have companions. Sol just grinned and started to have her fill.
The musicians then started to play the notes in a fun and light mode.
XXX
They had great food and great music. They then got down from the gazebo and went behind it. They then leaned on it as they watched the beauty of the lake as various bird species hover above it.
As the magic of the afternoon fell on them, they fell asleep on each other's shoulders, leaning towards each other.
XXX