Miraric

03| Waltzing in the Meadow.

When Edric noticed Miranda wasn't smacking his head every time he said something cheesy or corny, didn't tease him for blushing for the tiniest compliments she gave him and didn't call him stupid after every five minutes, he knew something was up and he couldn't help but ask her directly.

"Mira."

"Hmm?" she hummed as she absentmindedly ran hands through her face, her father's words ringing in her ears like a noise. You'll assassinate the third prince. You'll assassinate the third prince, you'll assassinate the third prince, you'll--

"Can you look at me?" if it wasn't for Edric's gentle voice bringing her back from her own scary thoughts, her father's words would've resonated in her head until she could no longer feel sane.

So, she did as he told- looked at him as their eyes met. Usually, it was him who'd break the eye contact because of his shyness and lack of confidence but this time it was her who broke it and her reason was different.

"Mira," he said as he sighed. Using his ring finger, he tucked the strands of hair that was covering her face behind her ear, sending shivers down her spine. When she still didn't look at him, he raised her chin using his fingers, now making her directly look into his concerned eyes.

"If there's anything bothering you, you can talk to me," he said softly, his fingers trailing from her chin to cheek, cupping it gently.

Miranda was almost about to scoff. The person who she was assigned to kill was comforting her instead of making her hate him, making it more hard for her. She wondered why her father decided to use him in the first place. Why couldn't it be the first Prince or the second Prince? It'd have been more easier that way.

She smiled at him, holding the hand that he was cupping her cheek with him. She wanted to yell at him, tell him everything, tell him there was going to be a massacre, tell him everything was about to change between them- but when her mother's wrenched face came to her view, she couldn't help but stay quiet and let the regret engulf her.

"I'm just tired, that's all," she said, pressing her lips tightly, making sure no tears formed in her eyes and she succeeded.

He may not have noticed her struggles to not burst into tears, but he did notice how she lied to him but still, he didn't push her and gave her a soft smile, his dimples appearing.

"Let's go somewhere else." he suggested as he held her wrist and tugged her along with him.

She didn't object and followed him through the commoners who were enjoying the festival. They crossed the crowd of people, and Edric would always look back to check Miranda wasn't squished by people and she'd surreptitiously set fire to the hem of people's clothes whenever they pushed Edric and cursed at him. The horrified looks on their face while they tried to put down the fire was enough to make her smile slyly.

"Ric, where are we going?" she asked, looking around, realizing how the crowds were ceasing slowly.

Edric didn't stop and continued walking, his grip against her wrist gentle and warm, which worked like a comfortable blanket for her and she wanted more of it.

"You'll see," said Edric as he turned around and passed her a soft smile before focusing on the front.

She tried her best, to find at least anything about him that will drive her to take his life but found none. How was she suppose to take a life of a boy who wanted nothing but to be a good son and brother?

Every time she imagined putting a sword beneath his chin, she couldn't help but just see Edric smiling and telling her to slit his throat if that's what makes her happy. She shook her head, not understanding why she was in such a dilemma. She'd assassinated thousands of lives before, what was making her so hesitant this time?