YEAR 15
INIZIO'S POV:
It was yet another night of mother and father yelling at each other. Couldn't they please give it up for one day? Sometimes, I'd try to intervene, but more often than not, they'd ignore my attempts. After a while, I just gave up on trying; it clearly wasn't doing anything. Some nights, I'd sit in my room wishing that we could be a normal family, but that wasn't going to happen.
Tonight, the screaming was especially bad. I had opted to get some fresh air; it always seemed to help when I was stressed. I walked over to the door, getting ready to leave, but my body wouldn't permit me to open it, my heart feeling heavy. I took a deep breath, trying to control my breathing but I couldn't prevent the way my heartbeat was picking up. I placed my hand over my chest, my attempts to calm myself inefficient.
Why couldn't we be happy for one night?
YEAR 25
MAE'S POV:
The ball had been progressing adequately, but I noticed I hadn't seen Inizio for quite a bit. At first, I brushed it off, but after a few minutes, I began to worry.
I began searching around to no avail. I walked around the court before finally spotting him out on the balcony. I walked over to the entrance and stood there for a moment. He was leaning against the railing, his back facing the door.
"There you are. What are you doing out here?"
I questioned as I walked over to the railing. He turned his gaze from the snow-covered trees, over to me.
"I was just getting myself some fresh air, princess."
He paused for a moment, tilting his head before speaking again.
"Sorry for not alerting you beforehand that I was going to step out. Were you searching for me?"
I stared over at him for a moment. Was he feeling alright? And what was with the sudden name?
"Princess, huh? Yes, I was searching for you. I didn't see you, so I was curious where you wandered off... Are you feeling ok?"
My question seemed to catch him off guard. He raised an eyebrow as he stared down at me, letting out a small chuckle.
"Hm? Am I ok? Yeah, I needed some air. Though I think I'm feeling better now."
My heart skipped a beat as I felt him tilt my chin up, leaning in towards me.
"Let's go back inside; you look cold."
I wasn't feeling cold, but I decided to comply anyway.
"Hm? Yeah, ok."
I turned around to walk away, but my steps were hindered by an arm wrapping around my waist.
"And thanks."
His breath against my ear sent a tingly sensation down my spine... Wait, what was this? Was he trying to butter me up or something?
"Hm? What for?"
"For checking up on me. Now, come on, let's get you back inside."
He released his small embrace before taking my hand and stepping through the door...
***
He had invited me to dance, which I accepted. My mind kept drifting to that little scene on the balcony. I tried to focus on the dance, but I couldn't help but wonder, what was that about?
"Are you sure you're feeling fine? If you're unwell, then we could head back."
I questioned as he gave me a twirl... He seemed off, but I wasn't sure of the cause, and he wouldn't acknowledge that something was bothering him.
"Yes, I'm sure... Would you like it if I smiled more? Is that the problem?"
Should he smile more... What? Perhaps a different approach would be better.
"No, I don't think smiling is the problem, but your smile is quite nice."
I paused for a moment, trying to come up with an excuse.
"Is it just me, or do you suddenly feel faint? Because I'm feeling a bit light-headed."
His movements came to an abrupt stop. His face was now laced with concern.
"Ah, sorry. Are the twirls bothering you?"
He questioned as he gazed down at me.
I couldn't lie and say that I wasn't slightly amused by how concerned he got from thinking I wasn't feeling well.
It was endearing, in a way. How easy he was...
INIZIO'S POV:
We had finally made it back to the palace. I helped her out of the carriage and led her into the estate. I quickly guided her to the fireplace, making sure she stayed warm.
"Sit here for a moment, I'll go get you some water."
I went to the kitchen and retrieved a glass of water. Once I was done, I seized a spare blanket from the closet before returning to the living room.
"Here you go."
I handed her the glass before kneeling and draping the blanket over her shoulder.
"I got the blanket just in case you needed extra heat."
"Feeling any better? Would you like some tea or anything?"
I questioned as I felt her forehead. She wasn't feeling feverish, that was a good sign.
"No, I'll pass. I don't need anything, thank you though. Yes, I'm feeling better."
I nodded. Maybe standing was what had bothered her earlier.
I took a seat next to her before speaking up again.
"Are you sure you don't require anything else?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
She replied before leaning her head on my shoulder. She must've been sleepy.
"Are you tired? Want me to walk you to your room so you can rest?"
I asked, to which she shook her head.
"No, I'm not tired yet. Just wanted to lay here for a moment."
I let out a small chuckle at her response. Her just wanting to lean on me was cute in a sense.
MAE'S POV:
We sat there and chatted for a while. Eventually, the fire had gone out, leaving the window as our only light source.
He had seemed to be feeling better than he was earlier, perhaps he was just anxious or something. Whatever it was I was glad that he was feeling better.
"Come on, let's go to our rooms. It's getting late, and I'm sure you're exhausted by now."
His comment snapped me out of my thoughts. He was correct, I was feeling tired and the calm atmosphere wasn't helping.
"Yeah, I am a bit tired."
I stood up, wrapping the blanket he had given me around myself.
He grabbed my hand and walked me over to my room before bidding me goodnight.
I entered the room, shutting the door behind me, unable to contain my satisfaction at the fact that I got him to cheer up.
I changed out of my gown and into my nightwear.
Once I was finished getting ready for bed, I went and laid down. I gazed out of the window, observing as the snow descended from the sky.
As I lay there, I couldn't help but smile to myself; at the fact that Inizio was concerned over me earlier...
It was nice knowing you have somebody that worries over you.