Meredia's POV
I did it!
I screamed internally, barely containing the urge to fist pump the air. I talked to him with courage! I wasn't scared of Him! Take that, Kairan! I showed him that I won't be oppressed just because he's a prince! hahaha! Very, Well, SIA!
I could almost see an imaginary crowd cheering me on as I mentally did a victory lap. He had no idea what hit him! Oh, the look on his face! Like, who's the prince now, Huh?
Whew, good hob, Sia! But, Let's not get too carried away. Maybe don't try that twice in a row. Baby steps.
Standing in the middle of the training field, I was struggling to wield a sword that felt more like a cumbersome log. Kairan loomed across from me, exuding an intimidating charm with his sculpted muscles and that intense gaze of his. I couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and.. well, undeniable attraction, even though I wasn't about to admit that. I mean, really, who needs abs that perfect?
"Alright, Meredia," he said, his voice smooth as silk, "let's start with the basics."
I tried to focus on the sword, but every time I glanced up at him, his perfect abs and that chiseled jawline made me want to throw the sword down and yell. Why did he have to look so annoyingly perfect? It was like trying to concentrate with a fireworks display going off in the background, except this one was made of rippling muscles and frustratingly good looks.
"First, hold the sword correctly," he instructed, guiding my hands on the hilt. His proximity was uncomfortably close, and the scent of his cologne- something fresh and citrusy-was messing with my ability to stay mad. My thoughts were a chaotic mess, bouncing between, He's so annoying, and why does he smell so good?
"Yeah, yeah," I said, trying to sound like I knew what I was doing while my knees felt like jelly. I hated how his hands brushing mine made me feel all flustered. Pull it together, Sia!
"Let's see your stance," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And remember, your swings needs to be deliberate."
Deliberate? Sure. I tried to mimic his stance, but the sword seemed determined to misbehave, flailing around like a windmill caught in a hurricane. "Deliberate, right. I'm definitely being deliberate," I said, though my movements looked more like I was trying to swat a particularly annoying fly than handle a sword.
Kairan sighed and stepped closer to correct my form. His proximity was driving me insane. I could see very detail of his muscular arms through his shirts, and it was infuriating how his touch, however brief, made me feel all warm and fluttery. Why does the universe hate me?
"Relax," he said, brushing his hand over mine as he adjusted my grip. "You're too stiff. Move with me sword, not against it."
"Relax?" I muttered under my breath. "It's hard to relax when you're practically radiating 'perfect' and I'm trying not to turn every swing into a disaster." Seriously, couldn't he just be a little less... him?
Kairan's eyes softened just a bit, and he gave me a faint smile. "You're doing better than I expected."
I blinked at him, feeling a mix of surprise and irritation. "Really? Well, that's nice to hear, but don't get used to it. I still think you're insufferable." And entirely too goof-looking for your own good, I mentally added.
We kept practicing, and while I got a little better, I couldn't shake the annoyance bubbling inside me. Every time I looked at Kairan, it was a reminder of how much I disliked him, even if my body seemed to have other ideas. Stupid body.
"Remember, it's all about fluidity," he said, demonstrating another move with effortless grace.
I tried to copy him, but my movements were still a mess. "Fluidity, right. I'II master it as soon as I stop wanting to strangle you with this sword." Why are you so calm?
Kairan chuckled, which just made me more annoyed. "You're doing fine. Just keep practicing."
As we finished up, I couldn't deny that part of me was drawn to his skill and presence, but that didn't mean I had to like him. If enduring this training meant being close to him, then so be it. I'd rather work on my swordplay while silently plotting how to make him a little less perfect in my mind. Maybe I could convince him to take up a less attractive hobby? Like, I don't know, wearing a bag over his head?
After our grueling training session, I flopped down beneath a free, feeling like I'd been hit by a freight train. Meanwhile, Kairan casually perched himself on a nearby rock, looking as composed as ever. Of course, he's not even sweating. How irritatingly perfect.
Just as I was considering throwing a rock at him, Kirill strolled over, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "Oh my! So tired, huh?"
I glared at him. "I'm not tired, I'm just... strategically resting."
Kirill raised an eyebrow, then turned to Kairan. "How did my sister do on her first day, Your Royal Highness?"
Kairan, still looking annoyingly unbothered, glanced at me with a smirk. "She did well... for someone who's spent the eighteen years of her existence admiring herself in mirrors."
I huffed, trying not to let his words get under my skin. Kirill chuckled, "Wanna duel with me, sister?"
Oh, great. Here we go. I placed a dramatic hand on my forehead, glancing up at the sky. "I feel so sick. I need rest," I said, closing my eyes for extra effect.
With my eyes closed, I could practically hear Kirill rolling his eyes and Kairan scoffing at my act. Maybe they thought they were funny, but I was serious. Rest was crucial, especially after enduring a day of Kairan and his impossible-to-ignore muscles. Why did I agree to this again?
"Not quite the response I was expecting," Kirill said, clearly trying to stifle his laughter.
"Well, it's the only response you're getting today," I mumbled, still keeping my eyes closed. "I'm completely, utterly, and totally incapacitated."
Kairan shook his head, the corner of his mouth twitching with barely concealed amusement. "Rent up, then. We wouldn't want you passing out on us after all this hard work."
"Thank you, Your Highness," I replied with exaggerated gratitude, still not moving an inch. "I'm sure the kingdom will be eternally grateful for your consideration."
As Kirill and Kairan walked away, probably planning their next great adventure, I opened one eye to check if they were really gone. They were, and I let out a sigh of relief, grateful that my act of theatrical exhaustion had saved me from more dueling.
...
Ancillin walked quietly down a long, dim hallway, The walls were made of grey bricks, and torches flickered on the walls, casting a warm light. His outfit was striking- a flowing white robe with gold and blue details that made him look both powerful and elegant.
The robe was decorated with large circular medallions and tassels that added to its grand appearance. A deep blue lining showed through the folds of the robe, contrasting nicely with the white fabric. The sleeves were wide and draped gracefully, and the high collar had detailed embroidery. Gold and blue accessories, including small ornaments that dangled as he moved, gave the outfit a rich and royal feel, making him stand out as he walked through the hallway.
He was greeted by a few people dressed in formal white clerical robes.
"Greetings to the honorable High Luanrch Ancillin."
He nodded in acknowledgment to everyone and continued on his way towards his sleeping chamber.
As Ancillin approached his chamber, the long hallway seemed to stretch endlessly before him. The torches on the walls flickered, casting dancing shadows that swayed, casting dancing shadows that swayed with each step. Velvet curtains lined the corridor, adding to the room's regal ambiance. When he finally reached his chamber, her pushed open the heavy wooden door, adorned with intricate gold designs. Inside, he found his older brother lying on the bed, both hands resting on his forehead, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Ancillin smirked and said, "So, having a girl in your life makes even a crown prince do sneaky things, like popping up in his brother's room out of nowhere?"
Kairan side-eyed Ancillin, his expression a mix of irritation and exhaustion. Ancillin couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the chamber. The tension in the room broke, but Kairan remained stoic, only rolling his eyes as his brother's laughter filled the space.
Kairan slowed sat up, his fixed on Ancillin, who was still chuckling and wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. "What's so funny?" Kairan asked flatly.
Ancillin, trying to stifle his laughter, shook his head. "You, brother. You look like a man who's just come back from a battlefield- except the fight was with a girl half your size."
Kairan's jaw tightened. "I didn't come here to be ridiculed, Ancillin."
"Ridiculed?" Ancillin leaned casually against the doorframe, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm not ridiculing you, Kairan. I'm genuinely entertained. The great and terrifying Kairan Van Ashbourne, undone by a girl's tears and a bit of rebellious spirit. Who would've imagined?"
Kairan stared at Ancillin for a moment, then a cold smirk slowly spread across his face Ancillin's smile faltered, suspicion creeping in.
"What?" Ancillin asked, his brow furrowing.
Kiarn waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, nothing. Just that I happened to see your little lady with Meredia today."
And just like that, the older brother hit the nerve of the younger one. Ancillin muttered something under his breath, then lunged at Kairan. But before he could reach him, he slammed into an invisible barrier that Kairan had effortlessly conjured, causing Ancillin to stumble back and fall to the floor.
Kairan remained seated calmly on the bed, watching as Ancillin scrambled to his feet, glaring. "Twenty assassination attempts over the last three months, and you're still not satisfied? How you're going after the one person I care about?"
Without missing a beat, Kairan responded, completely unfazed, "Can you stop whining like a two-year-old?"
Ancillin, still sprawled on the floor after his failed attempt to attack Kairan, looked up at his brother with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. "Can you stop targeting your own brother?" he asked, incredulous.
Kairan, unfazed, glanced down at him with a cool expression. "Targeting? I'm not even targeting you. Those assassination attempts just happened to reach the wrong person."
Ancillin's eyes widened even more, his disbelief apparent. "Really? Twenty assassination attempts? All were mistakes?"
Kairan pressed his lips together, giving a slight nod. "Yes. Almost. Two were for your right hand who turned out to be your enemy. Four were for Father's spy. And the remaining..."
Ancillin cut him off, his voice rising. "The remaining were for me! I'm telling Mother about this!"
Kairan finally let out a low, almost amused sigh, though his face remained as cold as ever." Go ahead. Tell her. But do you really want to explain why your 'one and only love' was chosen by Meredia?"
Ancillin froze, his mouth hanging open. For a moment, he was silent, and then he shook his head furiously, standing up with exaggerated indignation. "You're unbelievable! You're-"
Kairan calmly cut him off. "Whining like a two-year-old doesn't suit you, Ancillin. Grow up."
Ancillin puffed up his chest, trying to muster a comeback, but nothing came out. Instead, he pointed a dramatic finger at Kairan. This isn't over!"
Kairan gave a small, dismissive wave of his hand, "It never is."