Today was different. There was an undercurrent of something I couldn't quite put my finger on—a shift in the dynamic between Princess Irmina and me. As much as I try to deny it, I can't ignore the strange feelings that stirred within me.
Her usual mischievous pranks and impulsive nature were ever-present, but today they held a different weight. There was an unfamiliar spark, an unspoken tension that lingered in the air between us. Each accidental touch, each fleeting moment of connection, seemed to carry a heightened significance.
When she stumbled and I caught her, our bodies pressed together for a brief moment, I felt something I hadn't anticipated. Time stood still as our eyes locked, and it was as if the world around us faded away, leaving only the intensity of that moment. It sent a jolt through me.
Gods, no.
But just as quickly as the moment came, we hastily released each other, stepping back as if we had been burned.
It would've been better if it was a burn.
Throughout the day, accidental touches continued to occur between us, each one stirring something within me. Her arm brushing against mine, our hands briefly meeting—it all felt strangely electric, leaving me unsettled.
It started with me staring at her last night and now it's gotten 10 times worse.
I have to end her. I have to. This isn't a situation where I should be...
What am I doing?
As we walked side by side, her arm grazing against mine, I couldn't help but question why today felt different. Was it merely my imagination, playing tricks on me?
I can't escape the nagging question in my mind: Why did today feel different? Why did those accidental touches and fleeting glances affect me in a way they never had before?
Is it because she was taken yesterday? Did that worry me so much?
I take a deep breath.
No, it didn't. I don't care about her.
Tomorrow is a new day, and I must approach it with renewed focus and resolve. I will maintain a professional distance. Both emotionally and physically.
There's no other option.
A sudden caw from a crow at the window disrupts my thoughts.
A message.
I get up, looking down at the princess in her sleep. My chest lowers as I sigh.
Why is that the moon light blesses her so? Even though she is as frustrating as she is.
Shaking my head, I open the window. Attached to the crow's feet is a small bundle of paper.
This is why I am here.
I take the note and open it.
Use this crow as a messenger. You have until the Blue moon's festival to complete your task.
Blue moon's festival. That's in nearly 8 months. I have time.
I clench the note in my fist and take another deep breath.
I've done this before. I can do this again. She isn't a person, simply a target.
I turn away from the princess.
No one, not even myself, will stop me from doing this.
Irmina
"We have to what?" Sofie asks the king's messenger.
"You, princess, will go into the kingdom and help the displaced citizens." He repeats. My mouth hangs a bit ajar as Sofie, Ezio and I, look towards the open door.
Wow... I never thought father would let me leave the castle willingly, especially not to do something as out in the open as this.
A smile sneaks onto my face, as I am unable to hold back.
Helping my people, finally learning more about the kingdom outside these dull walls, and all with the permission of my father.
This must be a dream.
"Ezio must accompany you at all times. You must go as soon as you are ready." With that, he leaves the entrance of my bedroom.
I knew there was a catch.
Looking back at Ezio, his face remains unchanged as he nods. Somehow, he's back to acting the way he did the first day.
Great. I'm glad he realized yesterday was a bit strange too. Maybe this normal, is the better normal.
The door shuts and Sofie turns towards us.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go."
~~~
The sun hangs high in the sky as we step out of the castle gates, greeted by the bustling streets of the town. The air is filled with a mix of scents—fragrant flowers, freshly baked bread, and the earthy aroma of the market stalls. The sounds of chatter and laughter surround us, creating a vibrant symphony that resonates with life.
I laugh running a bit forward and spinning on my heel. The wind goes through my thick hair and the sun soaks in my skin.
This is... outside. Freely and truly outside.
"C'mon princess, we're here on business. You must get to know your kingdom." Sofie says, a smile beaming on her face as I avoid glancing in Ezio's stoic direction.
Looking at him will make this place lose it's warmth. I'd rather not.
Despite my thoughts, my eyes move to him. Our eyes meet and I quickly turn away, walking with Sofie. My face warms as I recall his arms around me.
Ugh, this is why I need to get out more. So that one hug doesn't send me spiraling.
As we make our way through the crowded streets, I can't help but feel a surge of energy and anticipation. This is the first time in a long while that I've been able to experience the sights and sounds of the kingdom up close, to interact with the people who call it home.
Ezio walks a few steps behind me, his presence a constant reminder of the responsibility I carry as a princess. He maintains a vigilant gaze, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of potential danger. Though his protective instincts are appreciated, I can't help but feel a tinge of frustration at his watchful presence.
We pass by merchants selling their wares, street performers entertaining the crowd, and children playing games in the square. The vibrant energy of the town is infectious, and I find myself drawn to the sense of community and resilience that radiates from its people.
As we navigate the bustling streets, we come across the group of displaced citizens huddled together near a makeshift shelter. Their weary faces and tattered clothing tug at my heartstrings, a stark reminder of the hardships they've endured. Without a second thought, I approach them.
Sofie holds the basket of bread, blankets, and fruit we were told to give to them. She walks beside me as I give out the bread. An old man sitting on the ground looks up at me as I pass him a loaf. His eyes are sunken and his face is nearly skeletal.
Why do we allow those who have lost everything from war, disease or hardships, live without a place to sleep? This is my kingdom. This is my kingdom.
I won't allow it. Not any longer. Not when those in the castle eat lavishly and sleep cozily.
Together with Sofie, I lend a hand, distributing food, blankets, and offering words of comfort. The expressions of gratitude and hope on their faces make it all worthwhile. Each smile and heartfelt "thank you" fuels my determination to make a difference, to alleviate their suffering even in the smallest of ways.
In the midst of it all, I steal glances at Ezio, noticing how he keeps his distance, his eyes focused on the ground. I can't help but wonder what's going through his mind. Why is he so... sad?
As the day wears on, our interactions remain polite yet distant. The spark of connection we had felt during our accidental embrace seems to have faded, replaced by an unspoken tension. It's as if we've retreated to our respective roles, which is exactly perfect.
I can't be distracted with so many things happening in this kingd-
Suddenly, I'm ripped off my feet. The bread files out of my hands as something whisks by me and lodges itself into the tree besides me. Ezio holds me to his chest as a man dressed in all black emerges.
Huh?
"Ezio, be-" He covers my mouth with his hand and looks around. He stops when his eyes land on Sofie, who hides behind the side of a building.
"Go hide with her. I'll take care of this." With that, he lets me go, stalking towards the attacker.
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