"How was life in the outer city?" I asked as she sat down beside me on the couch, her delicate form sinking cautiously into the plush cushions.
"It was good. Peaceful," she replied, her voice calm on the surface, though a faint tremor betrayed the unease she tried to suppress.
"Really? I heard there were constant attacks on the outer boundary," I said, leaning back, my silver glinting eyes unwavering as they fixed on her deep, dark-chocolate ones.
"But that's resolved by the knights. People in the city are hardly ever affected by that," she answered truthfully, though her body remained alert, as if she was ready to flee at the slightest provocation.
"How did you meet Lucian?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.
"Well, he came to the outer city for some work and lived next to me. So, we just became close," she said, her cheeks darkening with a soft blush that contrasted beautifully against her warm complexion.
"Cute story. Simple and sweet," I commented with a small smile.
"How is it going in the castle?" I asked as her gaze briefly darted to mine before lowering again.
"Everything is good," she replied, though her tone carried a restraint that didn't go unnoticed.
"You can tell me if there's anything you need, okay?" I said in a reassuring voice, leaning forward slightly.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Highness. We are honored," she replied, lowering her gaze as she spoke.
"I've told you before—consider me a friend. There's no need to stand on ceremony. Lucian is my friend, so it's my duty to take care of you," I said gently. Then, with a subtle smile, I leaned in closer. "For him." My words lingered in the air as I locked eyes with hers, the intensity broken only by the soft creak of the washroom door opening.
"Sorry for the delay," Lucian said, stepping out in a simple white robe that hung loosely on his frame.
"No worries. I had delightful company here," I said, leaning back into the sofa, my gaze shifting lazily from Elina to Lucian.
"Well, I'm thankful you weren't bored, Your Highness," Lucian said, walking toward the dressing room.
"How could I be bored?" I replied as he disappeared into the adjacent room.
"May I know what brought you here, my prince?" he called from inside.
"Can't I simply come for company?" I asked with a faint smile. "I don't have many people I can call friends in this towering castle." My eyes drifted back to Elina, catching her watching me before she quickly looked away.
"You're welcome anytime, Your Highness. I didn't mean it like that," Lucian said.
"Good. Then I won't stand on ceremony next time," I said, my voice light but firm. "I'll come here whenever I need company."
"I hope you don't mind, Elina," I said, my voice directed at her, making her snap her gaze back to me.
"No, not at all. Why would I, my prince?" she replied, her voice flustered, likely from being addressed so suddenly.
"Well, I definitely enjoy your company," I said, letting my words hang in the air for a moment. "Both of you," I added, and her cheeks darkened ever so slightly.
"But I had some other work I came for today," I said, redirecting the conversation. "I think we should train a bit, Lucian. There's something I need to discuss too."
"Sure, my prince. Just let me get dressed, and we'll be on our way," Lucian said from the dressing room.
"It's fine. Take your time. It's not like I mind," I said with an easy tone, my silver eyes once again finding Elina, whose tense posture had softened noticeably since Lucian's return.
"Then, Elina, what did you do for a living in the outer city?" I asked, bringing the conversation back to her.
"I used to sew clothes," she answered readily, her voice steady this time.
"Oh? Did you do it for love or necessity?" I asked, a curious tilt to my head.
"I enjoy sewing," she said, her dark eyes lighting up with a spark of passion.
"Well, don't you think you'll get bored here quickly?" I teased lightly. "How about I get a sewing machine for your room?"
Her eyes widened slightly, excitement shining within them, though a hesitant look lingered.
"It wouldn't be free, though—you'll become my personal seamstress," I added with a teasing smile.
"I don't think I'm good enough to sew for you, Your Highness," she replied, her voice modest.
"Don't worry about that. I will decide if you are good enough for me or not, Answer what I asked first," I said, my tone soft but commanding.
"She'd love nothing more," Lucian interjected as he stepped out of the dressing room, now dressed in a simple shirt and trousers, his hair combed neatly. He walked toward us, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It's one of the reasons we met."
"Then I'll have it arranged," I said, watching happiness brighten her features.
"Well now, let's be on our way, Lucian. As much as I'm enjoying myself, we have things to do," I said, standing up.
"As you say, my prince," Lucian said as Elina also rose to her feet.
"See you again then," I told her, and she nodded, her gaze meeting mine with less fear than before.
Lucian and I walked down the hallway until we stood before the grand doors of the training room—a space I had ordered Eldon to prepare for my needs.
Inside, the room came alive with the clash of white and silver. Ice and essence collided, swords met with resounding force, and arrows splintered against shields. The floor bore streaks of silver blood as the intensity of the match grew.
"You've improved since returning from the academy," Lucian remarked as I collapsed onto the cool tiles, catching my breath.
"I've had some fruitful encounters," I replied, a grin playing on my lips as I looked up at him.
"Good match. Looks like I'll have to put in more effort next time if I don't want to lose," Lucian said, sitting beside me.
"There's no need to be modest. I'm still far from good enough," I admitted, shaking my head.
"What did you want to talk about?" he asked, his tone shifting as he leaned forward.
"Something happened today," I began, sitting up as his focus sharpened. I narrated the events, and his expression grew serious.
"New bullets. Injured nocturnals. It feels like something big is coming," he said after a moment of thought.
"I feel the same," I replied. "That's why I wanted to talk to you."
"What is it, my prince?" he asked.
"It's time to decide if you'll help me against Gunnar," I said, my tone deliberate. "I need unanimous support in the council. Gunnar is the only obstacle."
Lucian frowned, his brow furrowing as he thought deeply. "Gunnar is arrogant. Very arrogant," he said at last. "And greedy."
"A deadly combination," I noted grimly.
"Very. He's handling the funds for the reformed armors," Lucian said.
"If he slips up..." I began.
"You'll make an example of him," Lucian finished, nodding slowly.
"A ruler must be civil, as I've shown with Finnian and Kai. But they must also be decisive," I said, my tone firm. "Gunnar will be the proof of my decisiveness."
Lucian met my gaze, nodding in silent agreement.