The palace, once a somber fortress filled with shadows and uncertainty, now thrummed with life. The princess's return had breathed vitality back into its hollow halls, pulling it from the clutches of desolation. Servants rushed about, arranging last-minute details for the banquet while dignitaries and soldiers shared stories of the day's triumph. The people, too, had gathered in the palace courtyard in significant numbers, their voices rising in a symphony of speculation.
What had the princess endured during her captivity? How had Commander Boyka managed such an impossible rescue? Whispers abounded, and among the most discussed topics was Boyka's unwavering devotion to Princess Asake. The loyalty he had shown was undeniable, but to the keen observers, it seemed to transcend duty.
Rahel watched from the shadows of the courtyard, her dark eyes trailing Boyka as he moved through the crowd, exchanging brief words with soldiers and officials. Jealousy brewed within her like a slow-burning fire, the sight of his occasional glances toward the princess only stoking the flames.
"It's always her," Rahel muttered to herself, gripping the edge of her cloak. Her mind churned with bitterness. She, too, had stood by Boyka's side through countless battles, earning his trust and admiration—or so she thought. But with Asake's return, her efforts seemed overshadowed by the commander's apparent affection for the princess.
"Such selfish demeanor," Rahel hissed under her breath. "Why should I care about morality or propriety? The gods have never forbidden the desires of the heart, and nowhere is it written that I cannot claim what I want." She clenched her fists, her determination solidifying. "I will find my way into his heart. No matter what it takes."
Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice calling her name.
"Rahel!" Azazel's voice rang out, sharp and urgent.
Startled, she turned to face him, her face flushed with embarrassment. "What?" she snapped.
"I've been calling you," Azazel said, his tone laced with exasperation. "You seemed lost in thought." He studied her for a moment, then shrugged. "Well, it's none of my concern. The commander is asking for you."
Rahel's heart skipped a beat. "Boyka sent for me?"
Azazel nodded. "Yes. He said he wanted to speak with you privately. You'd best not keep him waiting."
Rahel composed herself quickly, straightening her posture. "Very well. I'll go at once."
Azazel gave her a nod and strode off, his mind already preoccupied with the other tasks Boyka had assigned him.
---
Rahel approached Boyka's chamber, her heart pounding with anticipation. She knocked twice, the sound reverberating through the heavy door.
"Is that you, Rahel?" Boyka's deep voice called from within.
"Yes, Commander. It's me," she replied, steadying her breath.
"Come in. I have a few things I want to discuss with you."
Rahel pushed the door open, stepping into the room. Boyka sat at a sturdy oak table, a bottle of wine and two goblets before him. His armor, removed for the evening, rested on a stand in the corner, leaving him dressed in a simple tunic. The sight of him like this, unguarded and relaxed, made her heart flutter.
"You wanted to see me, Commander?" she asked, her voice softer than she intended.
Boyka gestured for her to sit. "Yes. Please, take a seat. I want to thank you."
Rahel blinked in surprise. "Thank me?"
Boyka nodded, pouring wine into the goblets. "I've realized I haven't shown you enough appreciation for your efforts. The princess spoke highly of you. She told me how fiercely you protected her while I was out dealing with the rebels. She credits you with ensuring her safety in my absence."
Rahel's cheeks flushed at the praise. "I was only doing my duty, Commander."
Boyka raised a hand, silencing her modesty. "Duty or not, you showed exceptional skill and courage. For that, I am grateful." He pushed one of the goblets toward her. "Let's drink to that."
Rahel hesitated, her mind racing. This moment—this rare, intimate moment—felt like the opportunity she had been waiting for. She took the goblet, her fingers brushing his briefly, and felt her heart skip again.
"Thank you, Commander," she said, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her.
Boyka raised his goblet. "To loyalty and bravery," he said.
"To loyalty and bravery," Rahel echoed, clinking her goblet against his.
As the wine flowed, their conversation grew more relaxed. Boyka spoke of the challenges he faced during the rescue mission, sharing stories of close calls and tactical decisions. Rahel listened intently, savoring every word, though her mind lingered on his earlier praise.
"Commander," she said after a while, her tone hesitant, "may I ask you something personal?"
Boyka arched an eyebrow. "Of course."
"Why do you carry so much on your shoulders?" she asked. "You bear the weight of the kingdom, the lives of your men, and now the princess's safety. Do you ever allow yourself a moment to—just—breathe?"
Boyka leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. "A soldier's life leaves little room for such luxuries," he said. "Every moment of rest is a moment we could be preparing for the next battle. It's simply the way things are."
"But you're more than just a soldier," Rahel said, her voice earnest. "You're a man. You have your own dreams, your own desires. Don't you ever think about what you want for yourself?"
Boyka's expression grew distant. "What I want doesn't matter," he said quietly. "My duty to the emperor, to this kingdom, comes first. Always."
Rahel opened her mouth to respond but stopped herself. She could see the steel in his resolve, the unyielding loyalty that defined him. Yet, beneath it, she thought she glimpsed a flicker of something else—something vulnerable, something human.
"Perhaps one day," she said softly, "you'll allow yourself to think differently."
Boyka's eyes met hers, and for a moment, the air between them felt charged with unspoken words. Then he cleared his throat and stood. "We should head to the banquet," he said, his tone brisk once more.
"Of course, Commander," Rahel replied, masking her disappointment.
As they left the room, Rahel's mind churned with possibilities. The evening's events had only strengthened her resolve. She would find a way into his heart.
---
The banquet hall was a masterpiece of opulence. Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over the crowd, their light reflecting off the polished marble floors. Tables laden with the finest food and drink stretched across the room, and the air buzzed with the chatter of nobles and soldiers alike.
Rahel walked beside Boyka, her eyes scanning the crowd for the princess. When she spotted Asake seated beside the emperor, her heart sank. The princess looked radiant, her smile lighting up the room as she spoke with those around her. Rahel couldn't help but feel overshadowed, her own presence insignificant in comparison.
But she pushed the thought aside. She had shared a moment with Boyka, a moment that no one else could claim. And she intended to build upon it, no matter the obstacles.
As the night wore on, Rahel watched Boyka from a distance, her resolve hardening with every passing minute. I will find a way, she thought. No matter what it takes, I will make him see me.
Lights out.