Risa was speechless at first. Not because she did not expect for it to turn out to be him, but because her mind was racing a million miles per hour to process everything that she had just been told.
"What is the meaning of this? Why... didn't you tell me your real name before?" she couldn't help asking as she kept fumbling her hands. This was the first time she felt this nervous in front of a man.
And to think this person in front of her who was her savior before turned out to be someone important in the kingdom.
"I hope you do forgive my master for his actions before, Lady Risa," Shuren said, disrupting the silence between her and Prince Alathil. "But I don't think you'd even believe him even if he told you about his true identity."
Well, Shuren does have a point there. Even so, she still couldn't believe this was happening. To think Prince Alathil agreed to train her in swordsmanship. A woman. She wasn't stupid; she knew what a sword was. She could pick up anything in a matter of seconds and knew how to use it effectively, especially against those with magic. But this... this was something different from what she ever thought possible. It made no sense whatsoever.
"Could it be that... you're thinking why I agreed to Lady Enlari's request to train you?" the Second Prince suddenly asked, snapping her out of her reverie.
As much as it surprised her, she still managed to laugh. It wasn't like she could actually lie to him when he was able to point out what she was thinking at the moment. That would only make things more awkward. She was already having trouble keeping her gaze steady on his as it was.
"It seems that I can't hide things from you if you're able to figure that one out," she answered instead when she finally found the courage to look at Prince Alathil.
"I can see it in your face right now. Just as how I found you fascinating the first time I met you."
Oh, does this man have to make her blush like that? It was already hard for her to face the Second Prince in his eyes and now he would say things like this. Just what in the world was happening? It was all very weird, really. And that was putting it lightly.
She took a deep breath and forced herself to stay calm. If she wanted to make an impression on the Second Prince then she needed to remain composed. As long as she stayed calm, then maybe he wouldn't suspect anything and would let her train under him.
"Then... I am under your care, Your Highness," Risa said.
Prince Alathil's expression, however, turned somber that made her frown. Did she say something bad?
"Risa..." he started and sighed afterwards. "I'd like it best if... you wouldn't be so formal in addressing me when I start training you. Please... remain calling me as Azi."
That last word... was it supposed to make her heart beat faster or slower? Her mouth went dry at that moment. He said her name again, and now it felt like she couldn't get enough of it. She never dreamed that such a nice sounding name could come from such a charming, charming person.
She took a deep breath and faced the Second Prince. This time, with a smile on her face. "Then Azi it is. I think it would be beneficial for me to have someone I know teach me something I needed to learn while... I'm here in this place."
He smiled back. "You are certainly correct. Forgive me for taking advantage of your kindness, Risa."
She shook her head and smiled. "I don't think there is anything for you to apologize for." After a few moments she decided to ask the question she wanted to ask earlier on. "May I ask you something personal, Azi?"
"As long as I can answer them, of course."
"Why did you accept the mages' request to train me? I'm pretty sure that you don't really know about me prior to our meeting in the forest that day."
Now that question was a good one; since she had asked it earlier, it was only fair that she got an answer. At least from Alathil. He looked pensive for a short period of time before answering. "To be honest, I wasn't sure myself."
Okay, now she was confused. Wasn't sure about...? "What do you mean?"
Alathil sighed before facing Risa properly and smiled wryly. "I... uh... made that decision almost abruptly, to be honest. And perhaps... out of curiosity, as well."
"Curiosity? What would you be curious about?" She started to notice that her tone became less formal and that she could talk to the prince in an almost casual manner that she did when they first met.
But Alathil remained smiling, this time amusingly and shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't give you a proper answer at the moment." She saw a mischievous glint in his eyes, making him look almost boyish. "For now, let us wait until we're finished training, alright? Perhaps I'd be able to tell you by then."
Before she could stop herself, she pouted. If she had been expecting some other explanation from him, then he certainly disappointed her. Still, she couldn't deny that she liked being around him. No matter how much her heart would beat fast because of his presence, she knew she could trust him. He seemed trustworthy, to be honest.
"Alright... I guess I won't insist." She nodded slightly and returned his smile. "Thank you, Azi."
"You're welcome, Risa. Let's go over to the weapons room and start practicing. We'll finish one of the lessons I prepared for you later today."
"Sounds great. But... you just arrived from the capital. Shouldn't you be resting first?"
He chuckled softly. "Not anymore, it seems."
She nodded her head and followed behind him as they headed towards where the weapons were kept. She didn't know exactly where the Master Mage's weapon collection came from, but seeing Alathil holding one of the swords was a sight to behold.
Just like the first time she saw him holding one when he saved her from those knights that day.
His hair hung loosely over his shoulders as he inspected the blades one by one, as if personally choosing a sword just for her to use while they were training. The way his fingers ran across a blade gave the feeling that they were caressing something delicate. Something warm and soft.
She couldn't help smiling fondly at him.
"This one looks good to me. How about you try it?" he asked, holding out his hand towards her.
Without thinking, she took it, allowing him to guide her arm up towards the blade that was pointed towards her. However, she didn't anticipate the almost electrifying sensation she felt the moment their skin touched. She did her best not to let it show, though she was unsure if she was successful. Instead she focused on the sword itself which was indeed beautiful.
"It's perfect." Her voice sounded small and breathy, almost breathless. She knew that she must be blushing and she couldn't help but feel embarrassed at the idea of someone noticing her reaction. Especially Alathil, who seemed like a kind person despite his strong presence both as a royal and as a swordsman.
"Careful, Risa. You don't want to cut yourself accidentally."
When Risa realized what he meant, she immediately stepped away from him and quickly removed her hand from his grip. He did nothing but watch her with amusement as she began to fumble for something that would distract her from her current situation.
"Y-you know that's to be expected considering..." she trailed off and looked away.
"Considering what? Hmm?"
That was when Risa raised her head and saw that Alathil was standing right in front of her and staring at her in point blank range. Though she knew that this wasn't the first time they were in such close proximity like this, having to stare at the prince's bluish-gray eyes once again after all this time made her heart pound loudly in her chest once again.
"Your Highness, please do not tease Lady Risa when you've just formally met each other and you're only about to start training her."
Risa looked towards the door of the weapons room where she saw Jehan with a displeased look on his face. But it wasn't the kind that wanted to strike at someone in full force. It was more of a friendly warning. He seemed to be giving the second prince an order to keep his distance in the meantime.
"Ah yes, Jehan. I suppose that might be too much of an exaggeration to call that teasing," Alathil said with a light chuckle. Then he looked at her and flashed her another gentle smile. "Come now, Risa. Let's start our lesson before the Master Mage arrives from the capital."
She nodded, still unable to shake the strange feelings she got whenever she was around him. In fact, she still felt like a complete idiot every time his gaze fell on her for a brief moment. She tried her very best to ignore her own foolishness and concentrated on the task at hand.
After all, this was the only reason why Alathil agreed to train her in swordsmanship.
Or was it? Was it really just her wishful thinking or was there something else behind his interest towards her?
No comments:
Post a Comment