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The journey back home was a long and arduous one.
It was to be expected however, after all, it had been a good several weeks of campaigning for the troops and as such the growing fatigue was slowly taking its toll. Thankfully, the weather has so far been kind to them. Still was in fact. With clear blue skies, warm sunlight and pleasant winds, conditions could have been much, much worse all things considered.
“Looking forward to returning home, General?”
That didn’t mean some individuals weren’t exhausted.
Tired blue eyes glance to the side, their gaze slightly hazy and their movements sluggish. Still, the General musters the energy to answer the question with at least a few short words;
“Shut up Bae.”
“Woah,” Bae chuckles, completely unperturbed, “I was just tryna be a good Lieutenant, no need to be so moody.” The General grunts as she grips the reins of her horse tightly. “Yes. I am looking forward to returning home. I think anyone living with our conditions out here would be. Happy?”
Her Lieutenant hums in response. “I just wanted to know. I’m looking forward to seeing friends and family after so long to be honest. Might head to the tavern early as soon as I get the chance after the ceremony to see Irys.” Kronii raises a brow, the name familiar. “The songstress?” she asks to which Bae nods.
“Kept in touch with her through letters and all that. Really can’t wait to see her, don’t tell her I said that though.”
Kronii snorts, “Sure. Your secret’s safe with me.” The conversation abruptly ends there and Bae exhales slowly, staring at Kronii curiously as if trying to pick the General apart piece by piece. “What about you? Any other plans besides daydreaming of better comfort?”
“Might go visit my parents too, not after the ceremony or for a couple days after that. Have some things I need to attend to first.”
“Huh. I see.”
The atmosphere falls quiet again between them. The sound of their horses’ hooves against the beaten dirt path the only thing they hear for several minutes. All the while Bae stares at the back of Kronii’s head with her brow furrowed, the latter seemingly adamant not to meet her gaze no matter how much the tension builds between the both of them.
Straight as an arrow kind of approach it is then.
“Hey Kronii, you going to be okay? I heard–”
“It isn’t my place to pry about that,” Kronii is quick to intervene, “You shouldn’t either.” Bae presses her lips into a thin line, a retort at the tip of her tongue but when she notices just how tightly the General grips her fists and just how tense her shoulders were, she hesitates.
“I’m sorry,” Bae apologizes sincerely, her tone soft. “I just wanted to check on you,” she adds but Kronii still doesn’t turn her back nor give her an answer.
“You should try talk to her at least, or something. I’m sure you guys can work things out.”
Still the General gives no response and instead focuses on finishing the rest of the journey home.
The troops' long days of campaigning had just ended, but for the General, she was about to enter a whole new kind of battlefield.
__________________________________________________
It takes another day for the troops to arrive in the kingdom and they do so just a little after the sun rises. As they walk through the main gates, they are welcomed with open arms and deafening cheers from the citizens all the way to the castle gates.
Kronii stands before the large imposing doors, Bae by her side alongside a handful of other soldiers waiting for them to open. Her eyes trace the familiar patterns intricately carved on the door, memorized from the time she used to stand guard here herself.
Every line, every detail until she hears a loud thud followed by muffled shouting on the other side. The ceremony was about to begin.
The doors swing open and Kronii leads the march through the throne room, past all the nobility until she finds herself before the steps leading up to the throne. She bows deeply before the royal family, the soldiers behind her following suit.
“Welcome home, honorable warriors!” the King announces loudly. A lively man despite his age with hints of white amidst his black hair.
His voice echoes off the walls of the throne hall as he continues. “The Inkwell Kingdom rejoices in the wake of your victory and it shows its relief to see you here today! Safe from ensuring the safety of our great kingdom!”
The guests erupt into a loud cheer before going silent as the King raises his hand. “In the same breath, we honor and remember the fallen for their sacrifice and service,” he adds with a noticeably softer tone.
A moment of silence passes.
“For now, we shall take this time to award these brave warriors for their heroic deeds on the battlefield in the name of the Inkwell Kingdom!” The crowd cheers again as the King begins making his way down the steps from where his throne sat atop until he stands in front of Kronii.
She bows once more before standing up straight to meet the King’s stare.
“Starting of course with our General, Ouro Kronii! For her bravery in battle!”
A servant walks up to them with a tray of star-shaped medals. The King takes one and promptly affixes it alongside the rest on Kronii’s vest, making it three in total. “Congratulations,” he says with a laugh, his voice lowered so only the two of them could hear. “You've outdone yourself again it seems.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Just in time for my daughter’s arrangement too.”
He looks over his shoulder briefly and Kronii resists the urge to follow his gaze. “I wouldn't have missed it for anything,” is all she mutters instead.
“I thank you for it,” he pats her on the shoulder before moving on to Bae followed by the rest of the soldiers. All the while, Kronii remains stiff and frozen in place with her eyes fixed forwards so much so one could mistake her as a wax statue.
“Once more! Another cheer for the soldiers!” the King shouts and the throne hall bursts into another fit of cheers which would definitely not be the last. After a brief final speech, the guests disperse as they are invited to the great hall for the ensuing feast.
A majority start heading towards said great hall while some stand around to meet up with friends or family while others merely just stay in place to presumably soak in the moment. Kronii stays in place because she was still in a daze but it doesn’t take long until a certain someone approaches.
“Gone for a couple of weeks and suddenly can’t look me in the eye anymore?”
Kronii laughs awkwardly, a rare sight to see for others but not to Inkwell Kingdom’s beloved Princess, Shiori Novella. “I was just trying to be professional,” Kronii attempts to defend herself but such tactics were pitiful in the face of an adversary such as the Princess.
“Were you really?” Shiori bats her eyelashes dramatically which causes Kronii to bite down on the inside of her cheek. “It wouldn’t exactly be appropriate for the General to be staring at the Princess throughout the award ceremony.”
“Oh come on, no one would question the great esteemed General of anything. Besides, you’re my personal guard, who cares?”
“I’m sorry…” Kronii mumbles, “It’s good to see you again.”
Shiori laughs, bereft of malice or any hint of teasing. “I’m happy to see you again too. Safe .” Her laughter tapers off and the next words she says, she says it barely above a whisper, “I was worried about you.” The corner of Kronii’s lips curl up into a smile but before she can say any words of reassurance or even process anything further, she grunts as she feels a fist firmly hit her in the abdomen.
“What were you thinking ? Rushing into the heat of battle like that? When I heard the rumors–” Shiori huffs as she tugs at the hem of her dress harshly. “Good god I could’ve choked you out myself…”
Kronii laughs softly whilst scratching the back of her neck, “Didn’t want to prolong the campaign any longer.” Shiori narrows her eyes and jabs her finger right into Kronii’s chest. “Need I remind you you’re actually back early? You were supposed to return in another week or two.”
“I just wanted to be back.” I needed to.
Shiori sighs exasperatedly, “Wasn’t it you who said to take your time with things and not rush in stupidly and all that?”
“Hey, at least I’m back right? It wouldn’t be very ‘personal guard of the Princess’ for me to not be there when you meet your suitors in a few days, will it?” Kronii had meant it as a harmless jab. So why then does it hurt her in return to say it out loud?
Shiori scoffs as she crosses her arms over her chest, “They’re just men Kronii.”
“They’re men who are competing for your hand for the chance at the throne. That makes them a threat enough, “ Kronii states firmly and she doesn’t try hard to hide the hostility in her voice. Shiori’s gaze softens and her posture relaxes ever so slightly.
“Yeah… yeah okay fine that’s valid.”
She clears her throat and brushes a few strands of hair away from her face. A nervous habit of hers. One that Kronii recognizes among many.
“Whatever, we can deal with it when we have to deal with it. How about we do like my papa says and celebrate your return?” Kronii nods in agreement.
“You wanna head to the great hall then?”
“Good god no, did you bump your head and forget your memories out there while fighting or something? We’ll eat at the usual place in the garden,” Shiori says before gesturing for Kronii to follow along. “I told the servants to bring the food there in advance anyways so there’s nothing to be worried about.”
“In advance? You planned this?”
“I plan for everything, now come on.”
Shiori leads the way and Kronii follows obediently from behind.
“Welcome back Kronii.” The General raises a brow, the Princess having not opted to turn around as she said it. Nonetheless, Kronii allows herself to smile. “It’s good to be back.”
__________________________________________________
The day had finally arrived.
The day suitors, Princes from neighboring and far off kingdoms came to vie for the Princess of Inkwell Kingdom’s attention.
Speaking of the Princess, she was standing at the ready right in front of the King’s throne, dressed in a more formal version of her usual attire at the insistence of her ladies in waiting. At her side stood Kronii, full-clad in her General attire with all three medals clearly visible on her chest, her arms behind her back, her shoulders squared and her chin held high.
Kronii glances down at the pocket watch held in her hand and lets out a huff. “He should’ve been here ten minutes ago,” she grumbles. In the corner of her eye, she sees Shiori hold back a scoff. Almost as if summoned, it was right then and there the servant announces the arrival of the first suitor.
“Your Highness! Announcing the arrival of Prince Henry from the Land of Freedom!”
The doors open and in walks a man with messy brown hair, a small crown on his head wearing nothing more than a simple three piece suit. Charming perhaps but without the crown and the introduction, he could’ve easily been mistaken as someone else.
Kronii’s brows furrow ever so slightly, her blue eyes watching the man’s every movement until he stands before Shiori at the foot of the steps. He gives a pitiful excuse of a bow and Kronii resists the urge to reprimand him like she would her own troops.
“Your Highness,” he drawls, “A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Kronii wasn’t the most zealous when it came to respecting the royal family. The royal family themselves were above the need to constantly have the ground they walked on worshipped. But this man, this Prince , he didn’t even seem to respect Shiori as a person and that pissed Kronii off. Immensely.
He straightens himself back up and locks eyes with Kronii briefly, not bothering to hide the look of displeasure on his face right after. Kronii can only imagine she had a similar look on her face now too.
“Pardon Princess, but does she have to be here?”
Kronii grits her teeth and her eyes narrow, courtesy firmly thrown out the window. The only thing stopping her from thrashing this Prince was Shiori’s presence.
“Kronii is my personal guard. She watches over me, of course she has to be here.”
“Huh…” Henry clicks his tongue and shrugs, “Well, whatever I guess. So long as she doesn’t bother, you’ll hear no complaints from me.” He clasps his hands together then looks towards Shiori expectantly. “Let’s get this started then shall we? Where is the way to your great hall?”
“The great hall?”
“Why yes, how else would we best get to know each other without the company of wine and a feast?”
“Sorry Prince Henry, but I’m not the type to drink nor is it time for us to dine. It’s not even midday yet,” Shiori declines. “You’re not ?”
The Princess shakes her head, “No.”
“Wha– then what are we supposed to do then? Come on Princess, surely an exception can be made just this once. It’s a special occasion, isn’t it?” the Prince tries to persuade but Shiori stands her ground and instead offers an alternative. “Dining would be fine, but it’s simply too early for wine.”
“What?! The wine is the best part! Isn't the Inkwell Kingdom known for its wine or something?!”
“No… even if it was, doesn’t mean I drink.”
“Seriously?!”
Kroni hands twitch behind her back. The absolute audacity and gall of this man…
Despite her rage, the General knows better than to intervene. Especially when spots Shiori start to stand a little taller, her overall demeanor less laid back than how it was just moments before.
“Prince Henry, I’m going to make myself very clear and I’m only going to say this once. Either you can try to salvage this and work things out, or you can leave now and save everyone the time,” Shiori states firmly to the point that even Kronii was impressed. Prince Henry on the other hand grumbles like some sort of young child and unlike the Prince he was presented as.
“Fine…”
“Good, now I’ll be nice and allow you the choice of picking where to go. Would you rather the garden outside? Or the library?”
“It’s hot as hell outside, the library I guess.”
Shiori hums in acknowledgement and after sharing a look with Kronii, the latter quickly bows before leading the two towards the library.
The library in the castle was a grand place. An understatement truthfully.
The Inkwell Kingdom library was extravagant beyond imagination, featuring several levels, grand decor with cozy corners to hide in alongside a variety of books of different genres. Kronii herself wasn’t large on reading, much preferring a more hands on approach to things but that didn’t mean she didn’t appreciate the library.
It was one of Shiori’s favorite places after all.
The Princess had spent an insurmountable amount of time there. If she couldn’t be found anywhere else in the castle, one of the places she could be found would be in the library.
Upon arriving, Kronii holds the door open for the royals, letting them in before leaving to inform the staff to prepare food and drink. As for the General, she stands guard just outside the door. If it were up to her, she would’ve chosen to be inside but protocol demanded her to be outside so all she can do is strain her ears to listen in as best she can.
The doors were thick however and Kronii could barely make out a single word they were saying. That is whenever they did decide to say anything at all. Most of the time it was dead silent. Eventually, the doors open again, the servants taking their leave and Kronii gives them a nod as they pass by.
More time passes. Kronii glances at her pocket watch, noting down the time when she hears a loud voice from the inside, followed by a loud crash. Glass shattering.
Kronii is immediately on high alert.
Just as she’s about to barge in, she barely manages to dodge the door swinging open and hitting her instead. Out comes the Prince, red in the face and an unmistakable look of anger on his face. He doesn’t even acknowledge Kronii as he stomps past, mumbling incoherently to himself all the while. Not like the General was expecting it anyway.
With more important matters in mind, Kronii hastily enters the library to check on Shiori. If he so much as touched a hair on her–
“Shiori, I heard the glass. Are you okay–?”
Blue eyes scan around the room frantically to search for the Princess only to find her still sitting calmly at the main table set in the very center of the library. On the ground opposite of where Shiori sat, there were shards of the shattered teacup scattered and tea spilt all over. No doubt the Prince’s doing.
Servants quickly enter to start cleaning the mess. Kronii slowly approaches Shiori.
“Shiori?”
The Princess doesn’t answer.
“Did he–”
“I'm fine,” Shiori’s voice is quiet. “He just yelled, had a little fit and dropped the cup on accident then left.”
“That damn…” Kronii huffs as she takes a look over at the mess to see it already cleaned. She thanks the servants for their quick service and they give a bow before leaving once more.
“Sit down Kronii, I don't wanna let these snacks go to waste,” Shiori invites. Kronii doesn’t have the heart to turn her down. She takes a seat across from Shiori, where the Prince previously sat before pouring herself a cup of tea.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“Tried to get to know him. Ended up on the topic of my hair,” Shiori trails off for a moment, mindlessly tracing the rim of her cup as her gaze becomes unfocused. “So I told him about that… he freaked out and the rest you already know.”
Kronii’s grip around the handle of her teacup tightens but she wills herself to remain calm. Now was not the time .
“Shiori…”
The incident of how the Princess of Inkwell Kingdom came across forbidden knowledge and survived was well-known across the lands. Kronii definitely knew it. Every single minute detail was still fresh in her mind despite the time that had passed. It was hard not to, especially when she had been there herself.
Regardless of what happened, all that mattered was that Shiori came out of it alive but of course, there were side effects. Some obvious like her hair split into two contrasting colors right down the middle while others were a tad less so.
Though it had its benefits and boons, it didn’t mean everyone was completely fine with it. To put it simply, there were those who were scared. Some of those who dealt with that fear by showing disdain. Humans were innately afraid of the unknown after all.
“It’s understandable,” Shiori mutters, “It’s dangerous.”
“Still Shiori, that’s no way to react especially after his god awful attitude,” Kronii points out harshly. The General couldn’t help herself.
Though Shiori never showed it much, not anymore, Kronii knew it was still a sensitive topic. Obvious in the subtle ways she would hesitate around people. In the ways she would speak in a more guarded manner in the company of strangers.
It’s what compels Kronii to lean forward against the table, her hand twitching to reach out for Shiori’s hand but she backs out at the last second. Shiori watches closely while Kronii tries to think about the right words to say.
“Shiori you… you know you’re…”
A pause.
“You were too kind to him. He sucked and didn’t deserve anything.”
Shiori raises a curious brow before breaking out into a fit of giggles. “That he did,” she agrees, still laughing. “I don’t even know why I gave him the time of day.”
“As much as I’m glad he’s gone, I would’ve loved to be the one to throw him out.”
“And I would’ve loved to see it.” The two share a laugh and for the rest of the day, Kronii makes it her personal mission to lift the Princess’s spirit as much as she possibly could.
__________________________________________________
The second day comes as quickly as the first.
Kronii and Shiori were already at their designated places about fifteen minutes before the next suitor was slated to arrive. It doesn’t take long before it becomes evident to Kronii why they were prepared so early. Shiori seemed a little agitated.
“You ready for today?” she asks, intending to start off simple and Shiori shrugs in response. “I am for the most part, don’t know if it’s enough to deal with whoever is on the other side of that door though.”
“I’m sure you can,” Kronii assures her. “If you get a bad impression from the get-go just tell me, I’ll kick ‘em out in no time.” Shiori gives Kronii a look but the grin on her face says she doesn’t truly mind the idea.
“That’s not very good ‘General’ attitude from you Kronii.”
“ But it is good ‘personal guard’ attit–”
“Your Highness!” the loud voice of one of the servant’s cuts in, startling them both, “Announcing the early arrival of Prince Emyr of the Romance Empire!”
The doors start to open and Kronii stands at her full height after clearing her throat, observing as the second Prince enters the throne hall. The Prince wore a decorative toga, complete with several pieces made of gold, the shade similar to the color of his long blonde hair, neatly tied around the back. On top of his head, in place of the usual crown was a silver laurel leaves crown that nicely contrasted with his hair.
Kronii had to give credit where credit was due, he was dressed well.
Then again after the last one, the bar isn’t exactly that high.
The Prince makes his way before the throne and unlike the Prince before him, he gives a proper deep bow before Shiori. “Your Highness, Princess Shiori Novella, I am Prince Emyr of the Romance Empire. It truly is an honor to be in your presence.”
Kronii holds back a snort. ‘ Romance’ Empire alright.
“Prince Emyr, it’s an honor to have you here as well. Thank you for accepting the invitation,” Shiori greets in return.
“The pleasure is all mine,” he chuckles, “Now, what does the lady wish to do today?”
He was doing well. Very well so far.
Kronii hoped he would continue to do so. For Shiori’s sake.
For her own, that was a little harder to answer.
__________________________________________________
The day goes on much smoother compared to the last time.
The Prince and the Princess get the time to know each other, take a quick stroll in the garden and all the while, Kronii watches from afar.
It was nice to see Shiori enjoy herself but at the same time, Kronii would be lying if she said it was easy to keep her composure together. Currently, she was standing by the doors leading to the great hall. Shiori and Prince Emyr were having lunch with the King himself who apparently was there because he too was hungry.
It gives Kornii some solace to know that Shiori’s father was there just in case Prince Emyr tried anything. But he’s been good so far Kronii sighs, tempted to lean back against the wall behind her.
The scent of food wafts past her nose and Kronii feels her stomach twist. The cooks were some of the best in the kingdom, befitting to serve the royal family and one of the benefits of being the personal guard of the Princess was that Kronii sometimes had the opportunity to taste their food.
Damn, what I’d do for even a–
“Hey there you, working hard or hardly working?”
Kronii turns, her brows furrowed and blue eyes locked with gold. “Shiori?”
“That’s me~ Brought you something,” she chirps whilst offering a piece of bread and Kronii reaches out to take it only to pull her hand back. “...I can’t my diet–”
“Oh please, one day won’t kill you from getting your abs. Come on, the chef made ‘em fresh from the oven too,” Shiori insists. Kronii, hungry and seldom able to turn Shiori down for anything, grabs the offering before taking a bite. She tries to hide her reaction but it fails miserably if Shiori’s giggling was anything to go by.
Kronii swallows the food in her mouth before speaking her mind. “So, what are you doing here? Is Prince Emyr still inside?”
Shiori nods. She didn’t seem bothered or anything like yesterday. More like she was bored instead. “Is everything okay?”
“Oh everything’s fine is just,” Shiori rolls her eyes lightheartedly, “Seems the Prince and my papa get along way better.”
“What?”
“Yeah, been talking about the economic state of their kingdoms for hours ,” Shiori says which causes Kronii to chuckle awkwardly. “Isn’t that a good thing? Beneficial for the kingdom and the King likes him.”
“Well yeah but,” the Princess shrugs as she steps out to stand in front of Kronii, “But that would be if he marries my papa which he’s way too late for. Not exactly suitor material, you know what I mean? Plus, I’m bored, how about we go do something? Like old times?”
Shiori looks expectantly and Kronii feels her hands twitch. It takes her a moment and a deep breath before she reaches a decision.
“Lead the way.”
“I knew the offering would work!”
She gestures for Kronii to follow, the latter falling into step behind the former as she always does. Kronii has several questions but again, like always, she just can’t seem to say it out loud. In lieu of it, she wolfs down the rest of the bread.
In front of her, she hears Shiori’s familiar laughter. “Told you it was good,” she says over her shoulder.
“Thank you…” Kronii trails off and her voice lowers, “Hey Shiori, about–”
“Is it about the Prince?” Shiori asks. “Yeah.”
“He’s a good guy. Polite, very knowledgeable,” she says it without looking at Kronii no matter how hard she stares. “Is he a good fit then?” Kronii finds the courage to ask to which Shiori hums, her expression a mystery.
“He wouldn’t be a bad choice but at the same time, to be King? I feel like he isn’t… it.”
They walk the rest of the way in silence after that until eventually arriving at the garden, the sun still in the sky but not directly overhead. Shiori’s hands hover over some of the flowers as they continue to walk down the gravel path before reaching a familiar place.
A tree swing, in a quiet corner of the garden. The Princess sits down and Kronii already knows what comes next; “Push me?”
“Of course,” Kronii mutters without a second thought. She walks behind the swing and places her hands gently on Shiori’s back, pushing her as she requested. The ropes squeak loudly and Kronii winces at the sound.
“Maybe it’s high time I change it with chains.”
“Don’t you dare, I like it with the rope,” Shiori protests, “It’s what makes it special.”
Kronii feels her cheeks grow warm, at a loss of what to say in response.
The reason being she had been the one to tie the swing on the tree branch. Way back when they were both little and younger. She had been the one to climb this very tree with the rope, almost falling several times over in the process but she had firmly convinced herself it would be worth it.
It was meant to be a gift to Shiori from Kronii. All she could offer at the time and the Princess loved it regardless.
Ever since then, Kronii would be the only one allowed to replace the rope of the swing.
“Shiori?”
“Hm?”
“...”
“Kronii?”
“...I hope tomorrow goes well,” Kronii whispers. Shiori hums, her lips quivering. “I hope so too.”
They stay for a while longer, Kronii waiting on Shiori but when the sun starts to set, Kronii starts to get a little antsy. “Shiori, shouldn’t we be heading back inside soon?”
“I guess so yeah,” the Princess shrugs, standing without waiting for any help and wordlessly walks past Kronii towards the direction leading back inside. The walk back is quiet and Kronii can’t help the sinking feeling that she’s done something wrong. She doesn’t think she did. She knows she did.
Upon arriving back at the great hall, they run into the King just as he walks out.
“Hey papa.”
Kronii on the other hand stands at full attention. “Your Highness! I apologize for distracting the Princess I–”
The King laughs, patting Kronii on the shoulder lightheartedly. “At ease General, I know how my daughter is,” he says, sharing a glance with Shiori who cheekily sticks her tongue out at him.
“If you’re worried about the Prince from the Romance Empire, he left a couple hours after lunch. Young man had a lot of bright ideas,” he laughs softly, “He’ll be a good ally but not a suitor hm?”
Shiori doesn’t say anything but the answer is clear nonetheless. The King chuckles again. “I’ll make sure to inform them. Make sure to have some dinner, the cooks made something special. You too Kronii, make sure you help yourself. I have some duties to attend to.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
The King nods with a smile, a certain look in his eye as he stares at Kronii that causes a shiver to go down her spine. With one final bid farewell, he walks past, leaving the two of them alone.
“Well, how about we get some of that dinner?”
“I…” Kronii pauses, her initial idea to decline stopped by the feeling of her stomach grumbling which isn’t helped by the smell of food in the air so close to the great hall. So tantalizing.
“On second thought, I guess I should listen to the King’s orders…”
Shiori stifles her laughter, “Glad you were able to come to your senses.”
It definitely helps that the company was so inviting.
__________________________________________________
It was at long last the final day.
Kronii groans as she stretches her neck and massages her shoulder. Shiori looks at the General from the corner of her eye, giving her a once over. “You okay?” she inquires.
“Yeah,” Kronii grunts, “Just slept weird yesterday.” A half truth and half lie.
She couldn’t sleep last night and had instead spent it tossing and turning constantly in bed. “Why don’t you take it easy this time? I’m sure I can handle myself,” Shiori offers to which Kronii chuckles, waving off the concern.
“I’ve been through worse, I’ll be fine,” she says but Shiori doesn’t look convinced whatsoever. The Princess doesn’t try to protest any further however, perhaps knowing such an endeavor would be fruitless. Kronii looks down at her handy pocket watch and waits for the time.
…3 …2 …1
“Your Highness! Here in place for the Queen, Lord Elliot hailing from Great Exardia!”
The doors swing open as they usually have and in walks the third and final suitor. Kronii gets a good look at him as he makes his way over. Short red hair, donning a very extravagant garb that was a mix of more red and blues as well as a long white cape cascading down his back.
When he arrives and bows before Shiori like all the others, Kronii notices another detail. He had no crown.
“My apologies for the suddenness, Your Highness, General.” Kronii raises a brow, stunned she was acknowledged at all. Lord Elliot continues.
“The Queen expressed excitement in receiving your invitation and the prospect of attending. Alas, an unavoidable situation came up and so she has sent me in her stead,” he bows again. “I hope you don’t mind for I am but a humble lord.”
Kronii and Shiori share a look.
“Well you’ve come all this way, I don’t see why I should turn you down just because you’re a lord,” Shiori says. “You’re too kind, Your Highness. I shall do my best to be of service to you.”
The Princess laughs softly and Kronii feels her throat tighten.
“So, shall we?”
In complete contrast to both of the previous suitors, Lord Elliot and Shiori seemed to get along very well. Despite not being of the royal bloodline, he certainly acted like it. He was kind, considerate, showed a genuine interest in learning more about Shiori, in learning about the wellbeing of the kingdom.
Forget about being on the same level as royalty, he’d be much better compared to a fairytale prince.
They spent time together, they dined together, they wandered the halls all the while laughing with one another. Though this was the norm for this sort of arrangement, Kronii felt an ache in her chest at the realization that it was working.
She didn’t need to be there for Shiori. Shiori wasn’t slipping away to look for her, wasn’t in need of her and that leaves Kronii more than a little winded. More than any blow to the head or chest she’s taken in her life.
Yet she deals with the stabbing in her heart all the same. She says nothing. She huffs and clenches her fist, feels her shoulders tense then moves on.
Currently the two royals were in the garden, underneath the gazebo engaged in conversation. Kronii of course was standing guard.
“How fascinating, and these flowers you speak of, you grew them yourself?”
“Well… you could say that.”
“You must have quite the green thumb Princess, very impressive,” Lord Elliot chuckles and as Kronii steals a glance at Shiori from where she stood, she spots a half smile on the Princess’s face. “They are very special plants.”
“I’m sure they are,” Lord Elliot says sincerely, “Pardon me Princess, I must leave for just a moment. I will return in no time.”
“Of course.”
Kronii watches as he makes his way out of the gazebo and back inside, scoffing to herself softly. Royals and their strange wording. She looks over her shoulder to see Shiori staring at the flowers with a faraway look in her eyes.
“Why didn’t you tell him about your project on the plants?” Kronii blurts out unintentionally but there was no retreating now. Not when Shiori turns to face her. “So you are still here with us.”
“Of course I am,” Kronii says to which Shiori giggles. “I just didn’t think it was necessary.”
“But he asked and you love–”
“Maybe I just didn’t feel like sharing,” the Princess says curtly. Kronii moves to reach out for her but her ears make out the sound of someone approaching. She clears her throat and returns back to her station as if nothing had transpired.
Whether the Prince noticed or not, he made no such mention of it as he arrived.
“Apologies Princess, did I take long?”
Shiori shakes her head, taking a second longer to respond. “No. You were saying earlier?”
Kronii bites the inside of her cheek, hard enough she’s sure it breaks skin. But the pain does little to dull the sinking feeling in her chest. Damn it.
It was dinner time. The young Lord of Great Exardia and the Princess of Inkwell Kingdom were in the great hall dining. This was the final step.
After, be it in the next coming days or immediately after, Shiori would have to make the decision of who she will marry. Who to choose to be her betrothed and by proxy, the next King.
Marry. Kronii’s heart aches at even the thought of it.
She glances inside the great hall, something she wouldn’t risk doing regularly but as of late she’s found herself leaning into her impulses. Unfortunately, all she sees is Lord Elliot’s face while Shiori has her back turned to her. Kronii sighs, but before she has the chance to look away, Shiori meets her stare. Blue eyes staring wide eyed at cool golden.
Shiori stands in one swift motion and starts making her way over causing Kronii to panic internally. She hides herself at the side of the door, leaning against it as she waits for the inevitable but when she reopens her eyes, instead she sees the Princess walking right past her.
“Shiori?” she calls out, formalities forgotten entirely but even still, Shiori doesn’t stop.
Strangely enough, Lord Elliot wasn’t chasing after her. When she looked inside the great hall again, Lord Elliot was simply sitting in place. Not moving and in no rush whatsoever. Completely calm which served to confuse the General even more.
The two of them lock eyes and Kronii raises a brow as if to ask; are you going to do anything?
Lord Elliot only gives a knowing look in return. Not an outright refusal but more of; Why don’t you do something?
Suffice to say, Kronii was flabbergasted and before she could get angry, worry washes over her at the realization he could’ve done something to Shiori. Without a moment’s hesitation Kronii leaves to go find her. Unfortunately, Shiori was nowhere to be found.
Not in the throne hall. Not in her room. Not even in the library.
Kronii feels several droplets of sweat go down her neck as she runs a hand through her hair, panting. Where in the world is she?
She racked her brain for ideas for where the Princess could’ve gone and one coincidentally comes to mind. One more place she had failed to check. The old gazebo.
Kronii hadn’t been there for years. Neither of them have.
Even so, that doesn't mean she’s forgotten the way. Going back to the garden, Kronii navigates her way around towards the edge, closest to the castle wall until she finds an old rickety wooden door that was hidden away. She places her hand on the handle and slowly pushes it open to reveal a familiar sight.
The place had remained unchanged over the years despite the neglect.
The trees scattered around were still alive and well with overgrowth, the flowers were still thriving and in the middle, there was the old gazebo. Not as grand as the new one but the vines that covered it gave it a sort of endearing charm.
In the middle, illuminated by the beautiful moonlight shining in through the hole in the roof was Shiori, cast in an almost heavenly glow. Kronii calls her name out of relief as she stumbles over but the Princess keeps her back turned.
“Shiori what’s going on?”
“Are you here looking for me cause duty asked you too?”
“What?” Kronii furrows her brows, “You walked out so–”
“Was it cause you were worried for me or was it duty?”
The General feels a lump form in her throat and it strains her throat as she speaks. “Of course I was worried for you.”
It falls quiet for a moment.
“Shiori… did he–”
“He didn’t do anything,” Shiori cuts in, her voice firm. The tone she uses during official royal business. The tone she never uses with Kronii.
“He’s nice. Caring but also decisive. Has great ideas for the kingdom and knows how to use his position well so a marriage would be beneficial. It’s just…” Shiori’s shoulders sag as she sighs, “It’s just I don’t think I could marry him.”
“If he or any of the suitors isn’t to your liking, you can always reject them. The King– your father–”
“I know. Papa even gave me the option to reject the whole idea completely.”
“Then why ?”
Shiori laughs half-heartedly, “Maybe I’m just selfish and greedy, thinking this would work.”
“I don’t understand,” Kronii says exasperatedly. The desperation thinly veiled in her voice.
“I don’t want suitors, Kronii. I don’t care if they’re nice, I don’t care if they’re wealthy, I don’t care if they’re Princes from a fairytale, I don’t want them. You want me to say it directly?”
Shiori finally turns around and faces Kronii.
“I want you,”
Kronii’s heart leaps into her throat, not believing her ears but those words couldn’t possibly be meant for anyone else but her.
“I always have, ever since we were kids,” Shiori pours her heart out for the General whilst taking slow reluctant steps to the latter. “I picked you to be by my side. From the very beginning.”
“Shiori…”
Kronii feels her throat run dry, rendering her unable to speak. This is what she had been waiting for, hasn’t she? A chance to speak what was on her mind? Was in her heart?
In the midst of her mental turmoil, back in reality, Shiori falters slightly. “I’m sorry, you don’t have too–”
She’s cut off as Kronii takes her by the hand, lips pressed into a thin line as she searches for the right words to say. Shiori, of course, waits for her.
“I do too,” is all Kronii manages to say in the end but Shiori finally, finally feels like she understands her.
Understands from the way she holds her hand, firm yet gentle. Understands from the way her eyes stare into hers. Understands from the way she leans in close, yearning yet mindful of the space.
The Princess breathes a sigh of relief before breaking into a small fit of laughter. “See? Was that so hard?”
“I’m sorry Shiori–”
“Enough of that,” Shiori giggles, leaning up on her toes to place a tender kiss on Kronii’s cheek. Just an innocent peck with the wordless promise of more. “What’s important is that we got the message across and…” she interlocks their hands together with a fond smile on her face.
It’s a rare look on the Princess’s features from her usual teasing smile or scheming grin. Kronii likes seeing it. Especially as Shiori looks up at her with it.
But in the blink of an eye, it’s replaced with a devious grin and Kronii finds she still doesn’t mind.
“Look at us, stoic and clingy, what would the ladies in waiting say?”
“Uh…”
“You’re too easy General,” Shiori snickers before pulling Kronii along. “Now let’s head back inside. I’m sure Papa will be thrilled to hear the news and we can finally send the Princes back. They must be tried from all the acting.”
“Of course Shiori…”
A beat.
“Wait– acting ?!”
Shiori laughs, loud and unabashed, and Kronii can’t help but feel just a little amused too. A smile flickers across her face.
Good thing I’m on her side.
__________________________________________________
Fin.