Chapter Text
Elizabeth lets out a steady breath, gripping the hilt of the greatsword firmly in her hands as she stares down her opponent, waiting for any opportunity to attack. When he steps forward to perform an overhead strike – she parries it with ease, using the opening to lunge forward and do a rising cut that hits him right in the side of his torso.
The blade of his weapon grazes her shoulder but she pays it no mind, watching as he grunts and staggers back onto his knees. He takes several deep labored breaths, head hung low and his long chestnut hair streaked with white falling over his eyes. As he gathers his bearings, he breaks out into a fit of laughter.
“The last time I’ve had the wind knocked out of me like that was the last time I sparred with my own mentor. Well fought Elizabeth, a truly devastating strike.”
The corner of Elizabeth’s lips curl into a pleased smile, her posture relaxing before promptly offering a hand. Though she thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of a spar, she was grateful that it finally ended. Her limbs were starting to ache.
“Thank you Sir William, I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It was,” he assures as he’s pulled up to his feet. “But I must advise you, forcing an attack like that is risky. It oft leaves you vulnerable to a counter attack. A split second more and a real blade would’ve left you missing an arm.”
Elizabeth’s brows furrow, falling into step behind Sir William as he makes his way towards the weapon racks. When their training weapons are properly secured and their training armor put away, the knight regards her with an easygoing smile. If he noticed the change in her expression, he makes no comment about it.
“Next lesson we can focus on that. Your mastery of parrying has improved sufficiently for now,” he says. Elizabeth agrees without any protest, deciding to keep the words lodged in her throat stuck there. Instead, she diverts the conversation elsewhere.
“What time is patrol today?”
Sir William hesitates, the gesture almost imperceptible. For a moment, his dark gray eyes drift away from hers, seemingly looking nowhere in particular but Elizabeth knows he’s staring at the dark corners of the training grounds where a pair of eyes watch them. Eyes that have been watching them for a while now.
Elizabeth resists the urge to audibly sigh.
After a prolonged pause, he finally answers, stating he and his company would be leaving in about an hour or so. “However, it won’t be a standard patrol. The King ordered we map out a new route to include more areas in the Outer District so our main objective is to survey.”
“Great, I’ll be there in forty then.” Before Sir William has the chance to even utter another word, Elizabeth turns on her heels and leaves, effectively cutting him off from whatever else he wanted to say. She already had an inkling of what it would be and frankly she’d rather deal with it later.
Upon entering the main keep, Elizabeth lets out a sigh, running a hand through her hair to push some stray strands of red away from her eyes. Sweat was still trickling down her back, her clothes sticking uncomfortably to her skin and making her cringe but alas there was no time to freshen up.
She had forty minutes to prepare. If possible, she’d like to be ready in twenty.
Walking through the hallways with brisk steps, Elizabeth reaches her first stop — the kitchen. The servants greet her respectfully when she enters and Elizabeth returns the gesture in kind, grabbing a bread roll from the many nestled in a straw basket atop the main table alongside an apple nearby.
For a time, she’s allowed to enjoy her spoils in peace, indulging in a cup of hot chocolate a servant had given her when that peace is interrupted by a certain someone walking through the doors. Everyone in the room takes the time to give a proper greeting, those who were able to bowing or curtsying.
As for Elizabeth, her forehead creases, her red eyes locking with a pair that looks exactly like her own.
“Taking a quick break before you head out?” The woman’s voice was mellow, honeyed. Each word enunciated with practised care and precision. Practice Elizabeth knew from experience didn’t come easy.
“Only enough time to have something to eat and rest my legs so they won’t be sore later.”
“Only cause you give yourself so little time,” the woman chuckles. She shakes her head, crossing her arms in front of her chest with a knowing look on her face. “Honestly Elizabeth, you run around everyday like you’re about to push fifty. You’re only turning twenty-one in a couple of months.”
“Time flies by quickly, Mother,” Elizabeth mutters, hiding her frown behind her cup as she takes another sip, letting the sweet taste of chocolate and its smooth texture calm her.
“Indeed it does. I hope that means you’re aware that you can’t avoid your father forever.” Elizabeth scowls and a look of sympathy crosses her mother’s weathered features. “I know you dislike the tradition, but there's a reason behind it. Just like how there’s reasons your father is pushing for it. He simply worries for his eldest daughter.”
“It doesn’t seem like it,” Elizabeth grits out to which her mother sighs exasperatedly. She recovers not a second later, a fond smile gracing her lips as she reaches out to cup Elizabeth’s cheek. Her fingers were callous, each line telling a different tale.
“Talk to him then. You two are always butting heads but you and your father are more similar than you know.”
Elizabeth’s frown deepens, but it’s quickly wiped from her face when her mother lightly pinches her cheeks. She whines as she tries to pull away, more so to save herself from the embarrassment than the pain. Her mother however doesn’t bat an eye, laughing to her heart’s content.
“I’ll let you go this time. Watch yourself out there, alright?” She pulls her hand away and Elizabeth huffs, brushing herself off with a visible tint of red on her cheeks. “I’ll be fine, Mother.”
“Of course you will be. I was more referring to the people, Elizabeth. Think about poor Sir William,” her mother teases. “Gave him quite the attitude too.”
“I wouldn’t have done it if you didn’t stalk us and pressure him!” Elizabeth exclaims loudly. “Tone young lady,” her mother scolds gently. “Don’t forget what I taught you.” In the blink of an eye, her demeanor becomes cheerful, giving a little wave before she turns to leave.
“I’ll see you at dinner.”
The doors shut with an audible click and Elizabeth grumbles under her breath once she’s sure her mother was out of earshot. Elizabeth had no doubt she’d have something to say otherwise. After finishing the rest of her food as well as sneaking in a few extra bites, Elizabeth exits the kitchen with still plenty of time to spare.
Originally she intended to immediately make her way to the castle courtyard to wait for Sir William and the rest but for whatever reason, her legs decided to take a detour. One that has her passing by the throne room of all places.
As Elizabeth walks by, her eyes instantly flit to the other end of the hall, landing on the familiar symbol intricately carved into the wall behind the throne. It took up almost the entirety of the wall. Each edge and pattern masterfully cut to perfection. A perfect replica of the symbol etched into her mind from memory and countless upon countless lessons.
A rose bloomed in the shape of a heart in front of a blazing fire, all framed within a heater shield. House Bloodflame’s family crest. Her family crest.
* * *
As soon as they were out of the castle walls, Elizabeth could physically feel the tension leave her shoulders. Feel the weight of responsibility roll off her back to instead don the mantle of a simple knight. At least for a little while.
A part of her wishes things stayed that way. After all, she’d always been better in resolving physical bouts than verbal disputes. Where sharp blades and sturdy shields served as weapons instead of words underbellied by layers of motives.
You and your father are more similar than you know.
Elizabeth shakes her head, lifting her chin up high as she picks up the pace to reach the Outer District. The sun had already passed its zenith and she didn’t want to waste anymore time. The patrol had split up a while ago, all of them heading their respective ways to cover more ground and map out the new route. She would hate to be the cause of any delays.
The kingdom consisted of a total of three layers. In the first layer, right in the middle of the kingdom was where the castle and its associated grounds were located. Situated on a hill for a better vantage point and protected on all sides by tall, sturdy, stone walls, it served as the residence of the ruling family – House Bloodflame.
The second layer, or more commonly known as the Inner District, was the areas closest to the castle where a majority of the people lived and where a lot of the hustle and bustle of trade took place. Aside from the castle grounds, Elizabeth had spent a lot of her youth there, mostly to accompany her father as he dealt with disputes between traders. He said it would be useful. Elizabeth would argue the opposite.
Lastly, there was the final layer, the outskirts of the kingdom aptly called the Outer District. Admittedly, Elizabeth knew little about the Outer District. All she knew was that they were closest to the kingdom walls where, beyond it, were a number of settlements spread across the vast open land governed by lords selected by her father to manage.
These settlements were responsible for a large chunk of the kingdom’s agriculture. Both domestic and commercial use. All of which wasn’t even related to the Outer District in the first place.
Growing up, Elizabeth never thought there was even much difference between the Inner District and the Outer District. That they were differentiated merely by the canal that separated them, the width of which couldn’t have been bigger than three merchant boats placed side by side with a little leeway.
But as she crosses one of the many stone bridges connecting the two areas together – it was like entering a whole other world.
On the other side of the bridge, gone were the signature stone pathways from the Inner District. The beaten path the only semblance of a way for her to follow. The buildings were dilapidated, neglected. One bad storm away from collapsing entirely.
Most apparent of all were the amount of people scattered on the side of the streets, many of them women and children. Those that were moving around moved sluggishly, their clothes tattered and torn, revealing underfed bellies underneath.
The pity hits Elizabeth in waves, her eyes never settling, taking everything in all at once. Her hands twitched at her side, wanting to reach out and do something, anything, but Sir William’s orders rang persistently in her head. Stay focused and don’t stray.
“Stay focused and don’t stray. Stay focused and don’t–”
“Hand it over before we cave your skull in with it brat!”
Elizabeth perks up in an instant, her eyes narrowed as she starts scanning her surroundings before eventually landing on an alleyway nearby where a group of five young men, no older than her, were cornering a girl. She was backed up against the wall, clutching a package close to her chest and despite her easygoing facial expression, her overall posture suggested otherwise.
Fury floods Elizabeth’s veins, the mantra she was just chanting all but forgotten where in a split second, she makes a decision.
“Halt!” she barks harshly and the commotion in the alleyway comes to a screeching stop. As she marches her way over, all the men turn to face her. If the words earlier hadn’t been evidence enough, one brief assessment was all it took for Elizabeth to get confirmation of what she suspected. Bandits.
“Walk away from the situation and all of you won’t have to know what the inside of a cell looks like,” Elizabeth hisses through gritted teeth. The bandits all exchange glances with each other before proceeding to cackle loudly.
“The inside of a cell? Bwahahah!”
“You’ve got to be a special kind of stupid, lady!”
Perhaps seeing an opportunity in their larger numbers, they start to inch closer with crooked smirks on their faces. But as Elizabeth prepares herself for a fight, a chance to teach these criminals a lesson, they abruptly pause – all their attention focused on the same thing. One glaring detail they had failed to take note of earlier.
The blue flame atop her chest, flickering with barely contained righteous rage. The defining feature for members of House Bloodflame.
Ironically, the fire behind their eyes dimmed. Some of the bandits instinctively took a step back. Some looked at each other for what to do while others looked back at the girl, still backed up against the wall, as if to weigh their options.
Another long look at Elizabeth and they ultimately decide to back off without a word, scuttling back further into the alleyway and its shadow before turning a corner and disappearing out of sight. Elizabeth scoffs, the flame on her chest gradually returning to a calmer state as she takes several long and deep breaths.
At least that didn’t escalate.
“That's a cool looking flame you got there ma’am.”
Elizabeth flinches, taken off guard by the offhand comment. “Wha–?”
When she turns around, she’s met with striking pink eyes. She had to look down a little because the girl was shorter, barely passing her shoulders.
“A blue flame too, they burn hotter than red right?”
“Yes…? Blue flames generally do burn hotter than red flames but this doesn’t actually burn–”
“Cool! Oh yeah, speaking of, I made a bet with a friend – is it true House Bloodflame are descendants of dragons?”
“What the fri– dragons?! ” The eldest daughter of House Bloodflame stumbles over her words. Her cheeks heating up the more she fails to string even a vaguely coherent sentence together.
The girl on the other hand didn’t seem one bit bothered by this display. In fact, she remained patiently waiting for an answer which Elizabeth did manage to give after several more failed attempts. “We… we are not descendants of dragons. It’s just a biological feature.”
“Really? There goes my money then,” the girl mutters under her breath, a twinge of disappointment in her voice but it isn’t long until she’s chipper again. “So it’s just like my tail?”
Elizabeth raises a brow, a question at the tip of her tongue when she catches sight of something moving animatedly behind the girl. A black ‘tail’ that looked more akin to a giant paw, the sheer size giving the impression it was strong enough to knock someone out if they were hit hard enough with it.
“I… suppose it is.” Honestly with a tail like that, she could’ve easily defended herself given the correct–
“Hold on a minute–!” Elizabeth exclaims, trying to take hold of the situation and allowing herself a moment to organize her thoughts. “We’re going way off track here. First and foremost, what can I call you miss…?”
“Gigi.”
“Miss Gigi?”
“Just Gigi,” she corrects and Elizabeth nods. “Right, are you alright Gigi? Did the bandits do any harm at all? Take anything?”
“Oh yeah that,” Gigi says casually, as if recalling a small scuffle that happened months ago. “Nope. No harm at all and I still have all my things! Thanks a lot for that by the way, it would really suck if I couldn’t get Boss her things.”
Elizabeth eyes the package in Gigi’s hands curiously. It was wrapped in kraft paper and it wasn’t very large nor did it seem heavy at all. “What is that anyway? Why did the bandits want it so badly?”
“It’s just some expensive art supplies I was sent to pick up. I guess they saw me talking to the fancy looking merchant and thought it was something more valuable,” Gigi answers. Elizabeth hums, pressing her lips into a thin line as a concern comes to mind.
“How about I escort you back? Those bandits might come back when they realize you’re on your own.”
Gigi, genuinely surprised by the offer, turns it down and assures she’ll be fine on her own. She goes on to explain that the only reason she had gotten cornered was because she had taken a shortcut through the alleyways which usually invited trouble.
“I’ll stick to the main path this time!”
Still Elizabeth felt a sense of unease. Perhaps it was the countless eyes she felt staring into her the moment she intervened the group of bandits. Perhaps she simply wanted an excuse to walk with someone. “Please, I insist. It is a knight’s duty to always help a person in need.”
Gigi’s eyes narrow as she stares at Elizabeth and it causes the latter to feel strangely intimidated. Then in a blink, it disappears, quickly replaced by a carefree expression. “If you say so. Come on then, this way.” Walking on ahead with a skip in her step, Elizabeth obediently follows behind her.
What an interesting girl.
Thankfully, despite heavily deviating from her original objective, a quick glance around showed Elizabeth that she was coincidentally still on course. And so she took the time to map out her surroundings as best as she could all the while entertaining Gigi’s seemingly endless ramblings. They were amusing, if not downright baffling at times, but Elizabeth welcomed the constant attempt at conversation nonetheless.
As they approach a fork in the path, Gigi comes to a stop in front of an unassuming store with a sign hanging out front. The symbol on said sign was an outline of a cat with a paintbrush going through it. Compared to some of the other buildings Elizabeth had passed, this one wasn’t nearly as run-down but it had definitely been weathered by time.
“Here we are!”
Swinging the door wide open, Gigi waltzes right in followed by a reluctant Elizabeth. When she takes a look around, she sees several art pieces on display. Stunning paintings of scenery and people, every single one of them masterfully made. Elizabeth would even consider them to be on par with the ones made by the famed painters her family often invited from foreign kingdoms.
“Incredible…”
Behind her, Gigi continues to shout. “Boss! I got your stuff! And I even brought a strapping knight who saved me!”
Elizabeth opens her mouth to protest, feeling a little embarrassed, but the words die in her throat the moment she hears the voice that answers.
“Hold on Gigi! I can hear you from back here… don’t need to yell…”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened and for a moment, she thought she was hearing things.
It can’t be–
A woman emerges from the doorway behind the counter and Elizabeth's eyes meet bright yellow.
“...Rara…?” The nickname spills out of her lips and the woman in question beams.
“Liz! It’s been so long!” She bounds her way over to envelop Elizabeth in a hug, one that the latter easily reciprocates.
“It has,” Elizabeth breathes out, still in a state of utter disbelief but the pink locks beneath her fingertips and the warmth under her hands tell her that it’s all real. That Raora was here. “It really has been a long time.”
The last time the two had seen each other was when they were children.
Back then, Elizabeth was unburdened by duties and the royal gardens was where she would usually be found. Whether it be to play, study or relax, the garden was her place of choice. It was also there where she met Raora, or to put it more accurately, where she found Raora.
While the castle was protected by looming stone walls, the royal gardens were located outside near the foot of the hill, defended by guards and surrounded by a significantly smaller wall. Raora had apparently climbed up a tree to get a good view of the castle and draw it but ended up falling from the branch she was perched on, landing right in the royal gardens where a young Elizabeth happened to be nearby.
After an awkward first introduction, they spent the entire rest of the day trying to get Raora back over the wall without being noticed by the guards. They did eventually succeed but by the end, Elizabeth felt a tad dejected by the other’s departure – only for Raora to show up again the very next day.
From there, the rest was history. Their meetings a little secret kept between the two of them.
Elizabeth would soon learn that all the guards and royal staff, including her family, were aware of Raora’s presence in the gardens. Even from the very beginning. They simply chose to not intervene, seeing no harm in a friendship between the two.
But then, Raora never came back – no matter how long Elizabeth waited.
“Where have you been? I looked for you at your home and you weren’t there. Not even any of your neighbours knew where you went.” The hurt was blatant in Elizabeth’s voice and as Raora pulled away, she let out a half-hearted laugh, suddenly unable to look the taller woman in the eye.
“My dad… lost his job during the recession. When we couldn’t make the payments anymore, we had to move out here to the Outer District,” Raora explains with her ears flat against her head and her tail tucked between her legs. “Then things got so hectic and I got so busy trying to help out my parents – I ended up forgetting.”
Elizabeth winces. She was young when the recession happened and thus couldn’t fully fathom how serious it was at the time. She does however remember the many nights her father stayed up working round the clock in his study. The meals he skipped. The bags under his eyes. Whenever she wandered in and innocently asked what he was doing, the answer always remained the same;
Trying to help our people, Elizabeth.
“I’m sorry Liz, I really did want to tell you but when I realized, I thought it was too late and I was scared you would be angry at me…”
Elizabeth feels her heart ache, the fire on her chest flickering as if blown by a harsh wind. She places her hands on either side of Raora’s arms in an attempt to console her. “Raora, I could never be angry at you,” she says softly. “I just… I just wish I could’ve been there to help you.”
A hint of a smile tugs at the corners of Raora’s lips. She wipes her eyes with the back of her hand, her voice is a little raspy as she speaks. “Thank you, but you did help, didn't you? You saved Gigi and brought her here.”
“Oh,” Elizabeth laughs, suddenly feeling bashful. “It was nothing. I was just doing a knight’s duty.” Raora lets a giggle slip past her lips.
One day Rara, I’m going to help as many people as Father!
“I should’ve gone with Gigi honestly. There have been more henchmen on the paths recently and people keep saying to not walk alone,” Raora sighs. Elizabeth raises a brow, the words momentarily giving her pause.
Henchmen?
Before she gets the chance to ask Raora what she means, she flinches at the sound of loud banging on the door, followed by an equally loud voice.
“Panthera! Open up!”
Gigi, having left the two alone at some point, peeks in from the backroom with worry written all over her face. She hadn’t looked that frightened when she was cornered earlier which causes Elizabeth to become even more tense.
“Raora?”
“It’s okay Gigi,” Raora assures. She wipes her hands on her apron and takes a deep breath to compose herself but her tail remains stiff behind her. “Just get the canvas and new art supplies ready, I’ll be there in a minute.”
As she makes her way to the door, Elizabeth steps forward too, intending to go as well but a firm hand on her chest stops her. Raora shakes her head, the message she was trying to convey clear – Let me handle this.
Elizabeth wanted to object but the look in Raora's eyes was pleading. So, in spite of her reluctance, Elizabeth clenched her jaw and nodded, keeping her feet glued to the floor while Raora languidly opened the door to greet the guests outside.
There were a total of three men, all of which seemed a couple of years older than Elizabeth. They were dressed nicely, their hair combed and groomed. Nothing on them indicating they were people with bad intentions.
But those countless meetings with merchants at the behest of her father were proving to be useful, for it taught Elizabeth how to read between the lines. She saw the predatory look in their eyes. The subtle sinister curl in their lips. The way they towered over Raora. This was a different, certain kind of battlefield – one that Elizabeth loathed.
“Evening Panthera, we’re here to collect the payment for your loan.”
Loan…?
The man in the front had a slim figure and spoke with an even tone, wholly unlike the voice they heard earlier. If Elizabeth had to guess who that voice belonged to, she would assume it was the much more muscular man behind him, standing at least a head taller than the other two.
Seems like the muscle of the trio.
The third man’s defining feature was his angular face. The sort young maidens tended to fawn over. Though Elizabeth had nothing against them, she was well aware some particularly wicked men with faces like that tended to be sweet talkers. So far, this one was not making a strong case to defend himself, if the way he openly eyed Raora was any indication.
It only made Elizabeth want to put a dent in his face.
“I'm sorry, I just got the art supplies today so it’ll take some time for me to get the money to pay you back,” Raora says.
“I'm here for payment, not excuses Panthera.”
“I know, but I cannot pay you now. Not unless you give me some time,” Raora repeats. There’s a slight waver in her voice and Elizabeth’s hands ball into fists at her sides. “My record is clean, I promise I’ll pay on time.”
“Fortunately for us, we decide the time and right now I am asking for payment or else we–” The man makes a move to get in Raora’s face and as Elizabeth is about to intervene like a raging inferno, he locks eyes with her. He abruptly stops mid step, perhaps not expecting to see another person and when it clicks just who she is, he glowers at the sight of her.
“...fine,” he concedes, still staring at Elizabeth. “You have a week. If you don’t pay the next time we come back, we’ll shave your tail.”
Then, as quickly as they arrived, the three men were gone, leaving nothing but the echoes of obnoxious laughter in their wake.
“I’m sorry you had to see that,” Raora says after a long pause. She keeps her back turned to Elizabeth, clenching her hand tighter around the door handle. “I must look pathetic, being unable to pay off my own loan.”
Elizabeth is quick to protest, the anger simmering beneath her skin quickly forgotten in lieu of not allowing that sentiment to sit for a second longer. “It isn’t pathetic to need financial support, Raora – besides loan or not, they shouldn’t be allowed to threaten you like that.”
She frowns, dreading to even think about what would’ve happened if she hadn’t been there. “Has anyone reported that behavior yet?”
Raora shakes her head. “People here need money, and when working isn’t enough, those henchmen are the only ones who offer money.”
“But these kinds of business deals usually come with...” Elizabeth feels her stomach sink. “...Raora… how much do you have to pay back?”
She waits for an answer, a number, a denial, any kind of reply at all, but the room stays eerily silent.
“Raora please–”
“One hundred fifty total. I loaned one hundred.”
“A fifty percent interest rate? Raora, that’s ridiculous, there has to be a way we can–”
“I can make the money.” Raora turns around to finally face Elizabeth and there’s a look of grim acceptance on her face, resignation that fills the latter with frustration. Whether it was directed at those henchmen or even herself, she doesn’t really know.
“They already gave me the time I needed, it’s okay.”
Elizabeth presses her lips into a thin line, fighting the urge to argue any further. Raora had always been quite the stubborn panther ever since they were children and it seemed age hadn’t done much to change that at all.
“Well I better get started on that art piece, I’ve kept Gigi waiting for too long.” A spark of excitement glimmers behind Raora’s eyes. “Do you want to stay Liz? I’d love to catch up with you, show you my new art process and how much it’s changed. I think Gigi would also like to get to know you too.”
Elizabeth sucks a breath between clenched teeth, the pang of guilt that hits her feeling like a punch straight to the gut. “Sorry Raora, I’d love to but I’ve neglected my duty long enough. I’m supposed to be on patrol and if I don’t go now I’ll never reach home to report before sunset.”
Deep in her heart she feels it, the temptation to forsake her duty just this once if it meant spending at least five more minutes with her precious childhood friend who she sorely missed but alas, her sense of duty overpowers her – as it often does with every member of House Bloodflame.
“Oh really? That’s okay then–” Tell me to stay. “It was nice to see you again Liz.”
“It was nice to see you again too, Rara.” Elizabeth forces a smile, the simple gesture hurting more than she ever knew possible. “I promise to come visit again soon.”
“You better. I’ll be waiting for you,” Raora giggles and with one final bid farewell, Elizabeth leaves the art gallery.
She takes a long deep breath and as the lingering feeling of regret is pushed to the back of her mind, she allows one singular objective to drown out all her other thoughts. She would return to her duty in a moment, there was something that needed to be taken care of now and she was certain it wouldn’t take too much of her time at all.
Stalking the main paths, it doesn’t take long for Elizabeth to find them again, walking right in the middle as if they owned every inch of the place. Their backs were turned to her, completely unaware of anything or anyone behind them, a perfect opportunity for a well thought out ambush but Elizabeth didn’t care to carefully plan out her approach nor did she honestly really want to.
Instead she chose to march her way over, forcefully grabbing the man with the angular face by the shoulder, turning him around – then punching him right across the jaw.
He falls to the dirt with a thud, a litany of curses spilling from his lips. Before the other two can react, the man with the slim figure meets a similar fate, receiving a swift punch square to the face that knocks him back. The muscular man just barely manages to catch his companion even though for a second, he looked like he was about to run away and abandon them.
Elizabeth scoffs. Reaching into one of her pockets, she pulls out a handful of money before throwing it to the ground.
“Raora’s payment,” she seethed. “Don’t you dare bother her again. Or anyone else for that matter if you know what’s good for you.”
The slim man, blood dripping down his nose and past his chin, cackles as if this was all amusing. As if the pain Elizabeth had dealt him meant nothing. As if her words meant nothing.
“Sure we won’t,” he says with a mocking grin. “But if we do that… who’s going to help the poor people out here in the Outer District? You?” He gets back on his own two feet and it takes all of Elizabeth’s restraint not to punch him again.
“If they’re going to suffer here, at least let them have the means to keep themselves alive. You’re not going to take that away as well, are you Your Highness ?”
Elizabeth tries to not let it get to her. Even as all three men walked away, the money she gave in their possession, talking amongst themselves like they had the last laugh – she tried to deny it.
It is a knight’s duty to always help a person in need.
Not only was it a knight’s duty, it was the code House Bloodflame was built upon. A fulfilling purpose that Elizabeth, eldest daughter of House Bloodflame, had been proud to serve.
Yet as Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame returned home, her heart still felt half empty.
* * *
“You’re not going to leave all this out for me to clean up, right?”
“I’m just looking back at old memories Cecilia,” Elizabeth chuckles. “I wouldn’t do that to you.”
“Good...”
Cecilia Immergreen was House Bloodflame’s long-time retainer. An automaton that has served the family ever since they first ascended the throne centuries ago. Loyal, talented in several areas of expertise and possessing an eye for detail – she was also Elizabeth’s oldest and longest friend, having known the latter since she was born.
They shared many a secret, and of the many things Elizabeth knew about Cecilia was that, despite her title, she comically hated chores.
Elizabeth couldn’t really blame her though because currently the room was quite the mess.
Scattered on her bedroom floor were countless sheets of paper, their corners yellowed with age. Most of them were drawings of views like the castle and the gardens. Some of them were finished, others were sketches. A handful of them were sketches of Elizabeth when she was younger.
“Oh, aren’t these the drawings Raora made?” Cecilia asks and Elizabeth responds with a hum.
Raora had done many, many drawings, even as a child. The ones Elizabeth had most likely didn’t even account for half since they were the ones Raora considered ‘failures’ – a statement she of course heavily disagreed with, which was why she kept them albeit in a box tucked away underneath her bed.
A smile flickers across her face. I’ll put these up later.
“I met her a few days ago actually. She owns an art gallery in the Outer District but I didn’t get the chance to catch up with her as much as I wanted to.”
“I’m assuming that’s where you’re planning to go.” Elizabeth nods, gathering the sheets of paper closest to her and arranging them into a neat stack before placing it back in the box. “If anyone needs me, the art gallery is along the new route the knights made. The sign outside it has a cute little kitty with a paintbrush, you can’t miss it.”
While members of the royal family would usually be required to leave the castle grounds in company of an escort, for protection above all else, Elizabeth had always preferred to go on her own. At first her solo excursions were only possible if she snuck out but overtime, as she grew more capable of defending herself, it simply became the norm for the royal staff to see Elizabeth leave the castle alone.
This time however, she wished she at least brought Cecilia with her.
No matter how friendly and approachable Elizabeth tried to make herself be, all she was met with as she walked the streets of the Outer District were looks of skepticism and disdain, scowls and glares. She tries to pay it no mind and continues trudging along to Raora’s art gallery.
The door creaks loudly as Elizabeth pushes it open. “Hello…?”
There’s the sound of faint shuffling, followed by footsteps on hardwood floors and not long after, Raora comes out of the backroom. Elizabeth beams at the sight of her and the latter mirrors the expression, laughing brightly.
“Liz you’re here!”
“I told you I’d come visit soon.”
“You should’ve told me,” Raora says amidst her laughter. “I would’ve tried to prepare something, like some food or…”
“It’s okay Rara.” Elizabeth gives her a once over and notes the apron she was wearing was covered in paint. “Sorry, did I come at a bad time?”
Raora shakes her head and explains that she was just about to take a break after painting for most of the day. When she offers to show the art piece, Elizabeth is more than happy to agree.
The backroom was about half the size of the shop floor with a desk in one corner covered with art supplies and another corner filled with even more. There were several canvases of other uncompleted pieces on the floor placed against the wall as well as a modest couch where Gigi appeared to be also taking a break.
In the middle of the room there was an easel supporting a canvas that Elizabeth presumed was the piece Raora was working on. It was unfinished, a large portion still needing to be painted but even so, saying it was impressive felt like a massive understatement.
The point of view was from on top of a hill overlooking Great Exardia. The fields of crops, the pastures and the settlements perfectly captured with precise strokes. Even the tree atop the hill to the left of the canvas was accurate, down to the single broken branch it had.
Elizabeth knew because she’s been to the location herself. Has seen this very view with her own two eyes. She remembers telling Raora about it, remembers describing the place in great detail and promising to take her one day. Something that unfortunately never happened but that evidently didn’t stop Raora from making an incredible replica.
“This is gorgeous, Raora. It looks just like the actual place. Did you find the time to go and visit the hill yourself?”
“I wish I did. I just made this based on the way you told me about it. When the commissioner explained to me the prompt, all I could think of was you and this place – so I made it my inspiration,” There’s a fleeting look of wistfulness in Raora’s gaze before she hides it with a pleased smile.
“I’m happy you like it,”
“I promise to take you there someday,” Elizabeth says with the conviction of swearing an oath and the resolution in her eyes suggests that she may as well be. She knows she’ll never come to regret the decision but the joy on Raora’s face that she sees makes it all the more worth it.
“Who’s the commissioner by the way? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“The person is a… what do you call it…? The people who own the lands, like the farm and the animals–”
“A lord?” Elizabeth guesses to which Raora nods. “He came in one day and said he liked my work, so he’s been commissioning me often.”
There’s a scoff from the couch. “Wait ‘till you hear how much that ‘lord’ pays her,” Gigi grumbles. Elizabeth raises a brow, looking over at Raora for answers but she's already turned away and busied herself with cleaning up her workstation.
“Wait, so how much are you being paid for this piece…?” Raora’s shoulders sag a little as she takes off her apron. When she eventually answers, her voice is barely above a whisper and Elizabeth has to strain her ears to catch what Raora says.
“One hundred fifty.”
“ One hundred – what the frig–?!”
“See! I told you it’s a scam!” Gigi exclaims. “I knew I should’ve slammed the door on that old man’s face,” she adds, not at all bothered by the glare Raora shoots from over her shoulder.
“She’s right Raora. At least about the scam part.”
While Elizabeth appeared calm and composed on the outside, on the inside, just like Gigi, she was livid. There were very few things she hated in the world and greed was firmly on that list. If it wasn’t for Raora, Elizabeth would’ve stormed out of the art gallery to look for the lord responsible and bring him to justice immediately.
“I can’t ask them for higher Liz. If I do, he simply won’t commission me so I have no choice but to settle,” Raora mumbles, not a hint of irritation in her voice despite the consistent terrible set of cards life keeps dealing her.
As much as Elizabeth wanted to refute Raora’s outlook on the matter, she couldn’t deny the possibility of complications, even in her position. Bandits were one thing, but confronting a lord as a member of the royal family could easily be purposefully perceived as a threat, leading to the lords becoming distrustful of the family thus stirring more conflict.
But she still wanted to do something.
“Let’s just forget about that Liz, I wanna spend time with you and catch up.”
Elizabeth winces as she’s broken from her train of thought, hit over the back of the head with a wake-up call reminding her why she was there in the first place. Her remorse only doubles as she comes to realize that out of the few conversations she’s had with Raora, most of them have eventually turned somber.
“I’m sorry Raora, you’re right. I came here to spend time with you.” Filing her concerns away for another time, Elizabeth flashes her most charming smile. “So what does my lady wish to do? I wouldn’t mind just spending time around here honestly.”
“That is very tempting…” Raora giggles and she does briefly consider it before another idea comes to mind. “Actually, why don’t we catch up while I show you around the Outer District? That will give Gigi some time and space to clean up?”
“Instead of the third wheel you make me the cleaner?!”
Elizabeth doesn’t catch the rest of the conversation between Gigi and Raora, too busy mulling over whether or not to agree to the idea of going out. It was clear the people of the Outer District weren’t exactly fond of her and the last thing she wanted to do was agitate them more with her presence.
“Liz, you ready to go?” The woman in question doesn’t answer right away but Raora waits all the same. After all, she’s used to Elizabeth being a worrywart.
“...yeah…Yeah, let’s go.”
After bidding farewell to Gigi and making sure she’ll be okay on her own – as well as Elizabeth promising compensation for her troubles – the two exit the art gallery to begin their outing with Raora naturally leading the way. As they walked, she showed Elizabeth some of the stores she frequented, like the clothing store run by a pair of siblings with stark fashion styles, the furniture shop where she bought her easel that was made by a worker who never seemed to rest and the humble tavern owned by a friendly woman that could hold an unbelievable amount liquor.
While Raora went on and on, Elizabeth listened to every word intently, captivated by the fondness in the other’s voice as she spoke. With every new story, Elizabeth’s desire to meet the people Raora talked so highly of increased. Perhaps to thank them, perhaps just for the simple pleasure of meeting them.
“Oh! Liz! Here here–! There’s a street market here we can go to,” Raora gushes as she tugs Elizabeth along by the hand. “It’s also next to a really pretty garden I have to show you.”
Turning round a corner, they arrive at the start of said street market and Elizabeth takes a second to soak in the atmosphere. She wasn’t a stranger to street markets by any means, she’s been to plenty in the Inner District but compared to the hubbub there, it was much calmer here. Granted there were much less people overall however that didn’t make the experience any less novel.
In fact Elizabeth preferred it even more.
Instead of vendors and buyers shouting over each other to be heard, drowning out the sound of anything else, the sounds of birds could still be noticed in the distance. Instead of being rushed to make a purchase, people had pleasant conversations with one another, whether it be to ask about merchandise or to simply exchange how their respective days have been.
“Hey Raora, long time no see!”
The vendor was a young man in his mid twenties with long, light brown hair and tanned skin. He was tall as he was muscular and he seemed particularly proud to show off his variety of bread along with pastries. Elizabeth didn’t blame him, they did look good.
“Want to try some of our new bread? I finally managed to convince Dad to try a different recipe for once and it's fresh straight from the oven too,” he says. Raora eyes the loaf eagerly but ends up declining, an embarrassed look on her face.
“Ah, sorry Gibby I can’t. I’m supposed to be saving money so–”
“Let me,” Elizabeth cuts in whilst stepping forward. “What do you want Rara?”
The poor panther remained hesitant. “...are you sure?”
“Of course sweetheart, pick anything you want,” Elizabeth assures with a warm smile. “I promised Gigi some noms too.”
With an excited squeal, Raora happily begins to browse for what to pick, all the while the expression on Gibby’s face is nothing short of flabbergasted. He stares at Elizabeth with wide eyes and even rubs them with his hands as if he were seeing things. Elizabeth paid the reaction no mind, if anything, she was thankful he was surprised and not bothered.
“You…. you’re–”
“The Harbinger of Order! Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame!” Raora exclaims with her best imitation of Elizabeth’s voice, earning an amused snort from the original. “She’s an old friend of mine and came to visit today.”
“I… I see…” Clearing his throat, Gibby does his best to go back to being professional, gathering Raora’s choices of baked goods then placing them in a basket. Once in a while though, he couldn’t help but glance at the royal from the corner of his eyes.
When it came time for payment, Elizabeth handed her money over to Gibby and thanked him kindly for his service but before the women could leave, he called out in a panic.
“Your highness, wait! This is too much–!”
Elizabeth laughs softly and waves her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it, I insist.” It’s the least I can do. Giving a slight nod, she wishes him goodbye. “Take care Gibby. It was nice meeting you.”
Gibby, still reeling from disbelief, stutters out his farewell and the two continue on their way.
“Bye bye Gibby!” Raora giggles. Right as they were out of earshot, she turns over to Elizabeth whilst grinning from ear to ear. “That was nice of you.”
“It was nothing. I honestly felt bad, he looked minutes away from fainting every time he looked at me.”
“It was surprise, I get it. You’re royalty, you know? People get surprised when they see you,” Raora shrugs and a rare mischievous smirk graces Elizabeth’s lips.
“Really? That didn’t stop you from entering the castle gardens and walking around like you owned the place, did it?”
“ Basta Liz,” Raora grumbles, her tail swishing violently behind her. “Are you ever going to let me forget that?”
Elizabeth laughs heartily and shakes her head. “Nope, because I definitely won’t.”
For the time they had left, the both of them spent a good chunk of it strolling around the street market a little more with Elizabeth finding and taking any chance to buy Raora something. She was well aware she was spending more pocket money than she usually would, a detail her mother would definitely question her for as soon as she gets back later, but Elizabeth considered it a small price to pay if it meant getting to see the smile on Raora’s face again and again.
Raora however eventually caught on and had to actively stop Elizabeth from purchasing anything she so much as glances at. A feat she managed by dragging the taller woman to the gardens she wanted to show earlier.
One of the first things that stuck out to Elizabeth was how lively and serene the place felt. The plants were a beautiful shade of green with a variety of flowers of all kinds of colors methodically arranged in each section. The trees were lush, offering plenty of shade along the stone path and the cool breeze was pleasant on Elizabeth’s skin.
It had the potential to rival even the royal gardens but Elizabeth would never admit it out loud lest Cecilia get upset with her. The wonder on her face must’ve been obvious though because Raora kept staring at her with a knowing look on her face.
“It’s pretty right?”
“It is…” It wasn’t like she ever doubted Raora in the first place but seeing the actual garden with her own eyes still felt unreal.
“I come here to paint sometimes when I feel nostalgic,” Raora admits and before Elizabeth can add on, an elderly voice suddenly chimes in.
“Raora? Is that you, amore?”
“Nonna !”
Elizabeth's eyes follow Raora as she runs towards an elderly woman and engulfs her in a hug. The two were undoubtedly familiar, speaking to each other animatedly about things Elizabeth couldn’t quite make out from where she was. Feeling a little awkward just standing there in the middle of the path, she decided to make her way over and when she was within earshot, they turned to her.
“Liz, this is Nonna. She’s the one who takes care of the garden,” Raora introduces.
The woman had fully gray hair and hazel eyes that looked up at Elizabeth from behind a pair of glasses. She also had very visible wrinkles, yet in spite of her apparent age, she looked full of vitality.
Clearly enough for her to maintain a garden as gorgeous as this Elizabeth mused.
“Ah, this must be the esteemed Lady Bloodflame.”
“Yes ma’am,” she nods her head with a smile. “But Elizabeth is also fine.”
“Alright, Elizabeth,” Nonna chuckles. She nudges Raora gently in the side. “You’re right amore, she is very charming.” The panther rolls her eyes, a tint of red dusting her cheeks as she mutters unintelligibly under her breath.
Elizabeth, a little confused, raises her brow in hope of some answers but alas she’s kept in the dark and gets none.
“Anyways, don’t mind this old woman. Go on you two, have fun with your date. I still have plenty of flowers to tend to.”
“Date–?”
Raora huffs and grabs Elizabeth by the arm before forcefully dragging her away. “Bye Nonna !”
Together they make their way to a secluded section of the garden. It was a small open area with nothing more than a swing located in the corner coincidentally underneath the shade. While Raora gets on it with a sigh, Elizabeth goes around to push her.
“Nonna seems nice.”
“She is when she's not trying to embarrass me.” Elizabeth laughs softly. Though she couldn’t see Raora’s face, she could definitely hear the pout in her voice.
“If it helps, I’m flattered you think I’m charming.”
“...you are charming…” Raora mumbles quietly, insisting, and Elizabeth feels warmth bloom in her chest. “Thank you. I think you’re charming too. Charmingly cute.”
As the minutes tick by, a comfortable silence falls between them, nothing but the occasional creak of the swing as it swayed back and forth breaking the quiet. The sun would be setting soon, which meant they too would have to return but Elizabeth pushed that thought aside – at least for a little bit.
At least for ten more minutes.
“Thank you for today Liz. I had a lot of fun.”
“Of course, I’m glad to hear you did.” Elizabeth responds. Despite the smile on her face, there’s no denying the weight that tugs at her heart from the reminder they would have to part ways again. Then an idea crosses her mind.
“Hey Rara, how would you feel about visiting the castle?”
Elizabeth figured it was a reasonable suggestion. She remembered Raora saying how she wished to see the interior of the castle back when they were children and it was a wish that she also shared. Even now.
She’d love the chance to bring her dear friend around the castle, show the rooms and halls she was born and raised in, perhaps even introduce her parents – so when Raora declines, Elizabeth tries not to let the disappointment get to her nor show on her face.
She did, however, ask why.
“I accepted a lot of commissions recently to earn more money, so I have to focus on finishing them.”
“That’s great!” Elizabeth exclaims with genuine excitement, recalling the several canvases she saw in the backroom earlier. She hoped these commissioners were paying better. “Are you planning on buying some new art supplies with that money?”
The question came from nothing more than pure curiosity, so when Raora didn’t immediately reply, Elizabeth thought nothing of it. That is until she noticed the panther’s ears were flat against her head and her tail was rigid. A tell-tale sign which gave Elizabeth a sinking feeling.
“...Raora…what do you need the money for…?”
“Liz, it's fine. It isn’t–”
“Was it those henchmen again?”
Her silence was enough of an answer and the flame on Elizabeth’s chest flares. “How much more did they ask from you?”
“...two hundred...”
“This has to be a crime, Raora,” she stresses, trying to convey just how serious this matter was but truthfully, she doubted Raora wasn’t aware. The notion that she didn’t care was simply scarier.
“What they’re doing is unfair and it is a knight’s duty to–”
“I appreciate you trying to help Liz,” Raora interjects. She brings the swing to an abrupt stop by placing her feet firmly on the ground and Elizabeth feels a lump form in her throat, her arms suddenly feeling heavy as they held on to the rope.
“But it’s… what do you call it–?...complicated… It’s complicated. Those henchmen might treat people badly but some people prefer that than to continue to suffer.”
Who’s going to help the poor people out here in the Outer District? You?
If they’re going to suffer here, at least let them have the means to keep themselves alive.
The blue flame reduces to barely a cinder as Elizabeth pales. “I’m sorry Raora… this is…”
“It’s okay Liz. I know you were trying to help.”
Elizabeth appreciated Raora’s attempt at assuring her though she felt anything but. Not when she could only now see the fatigue wearing down the other’s shoulders. See the reason now why money has been tight.
She hates that she doesn’t know what to do.
With nothing else to say and the sun close to setting, the two decide to head back to the art gallery. After bidding farewell to Nonna, they walked back the way they came through the street market which was more quiet with many of the vendors now closed. Upon arriving, Elizabeth sees a face she wasn’t expecting to see at all.
“Cecilia?”
“Hello Liz.”
The retainer was there alongside two knights Elizabeth recognized from the patrol days ago. They looked like they had just arrived and for a moment, she wonders why Cecilia was there when she remembers what she said before she left.
“The King is asking for you,” Cecilia says in a rare serious tone and Elizabeth feels her jaw tighten, her shoulders going tense as she nods stiffly. Before anything else, she hands all the goods from the market to Raora and makes sure the latter can carry them all inside without a hitch.
“I’ll try to visit again when I can,” Elizabeth says and Raora chuckles, eyeing the various foods in her arms. “Tell me this time so I can prepare something for you.”
“I will.”
“It was nice meeting you Raora,” Cecilia says, startling the woman in question who just barely manages to utter a ‘nice to meet you too’ back. Elizabeth rolls her eyes lightheartedly, knowing full well Cecilia decided to cut in on purpose for nothing more than the fun of it.
With everything done and settled, Elizabeth casts one more lingering glance to Raora.
“Bye Rara. See you next time.”
“Bye bye Liz.”
* * *
“Paused from knight duties?!”
“It’s a slap on the wrist all things considered,” Elizabeth’s father tries to reason but it didn’t make accepting it any easier.
They were currently in the King’s study, her father sitting behind an ornate and spacious desk covered from corner to corner with papers as well as keepsakes while Elizabeth stood before him in the middle of the room. On either side of her there were massive bookshelves housing books older than her and above there was a chandelier hanging from the ceiling for lighting. Whatever space on the wall that remained was used to showcase artifacts from their family history and the many years they’ve spent ruling over Great Exardia.
It was almost like a mini museum and Elizabeth had always felt a sense of pride whenever her eyes swept over the room – now she was just frustrated.
“Those men were robbing our people, Father. I couldn’t just let them go unpunished.”
“They may not have been civil but they were members of House Graysmith, Elizabeth. You cannot punish them without trial, let alone beat them the way you did.”
“Still…” Elizabeth presses her lips into a thin line, no excuse coming to mind to defend herself with.
Her father sighs as he leans back into his chair, the evening light streaming in from the window behind him making his red hair glow more than the blue flame on his chest.
You and your father are more similar than you know.
“I know you’ve always had a tendency to lean towards righteousness Elizabeth, but like how a gardener has to be careful and precise when plucking out weeds in a garden so too do we – lest we cause more harm than we intended.”
The sentiment hits Elizabeth particularly hard as images of Raora flit into her mind.
“What’s more, we must always be prepared for any drastic changes in Great Exardia. In a couple months, it’s entirely possible House Graysmith will rise to the throne.” Elizabeth’s eyes widened, the news completely new to her.
“ What ? How–?”
House Bloodflame had firmly sat on the throne uncontested for years, to lose it to House Graysmith with the recent knowledge of what they were doing was absolutely absurd to Elizabeth.
“Their eldest married last year, making him eligible to succeed to the throne. With enough public support, we won’t be able to turn a blind eye forever. Unless.” There’s a long pause and as the pieces fall into place, Elizabeth feels her throat tighten.
“You understand, don’t you?”
She does.
Her father says the words so softly but it does little to lessen the blow.
“I swear I only want what’s best for you.”
Cause I know you care for the people and the family.
* * *
There weren’t many scenarios where Elizabeth could see herself getting nervous.
A certain someone would definitely challenge her on that opinion but nevertheless, she still believed a major part of it holds some truth.
She was Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame after all, eldest daughter to House Bloodflame and a skilled knight, controlling her nerves was something she should be more than able to do.
This time though, she would admit it with her whole heart – she was nervous.
She was dressed in her best suit, standing in front of the door to the art gallery with her hand raised weakly in front of her, hesitating. She doesn’t know how long has passed, only that she’s been there long enough for sweat to start forming on the back of her neck. It may have already been that way before she even left the castle, she doesn’t know.
Come on Elizabeth, pull yourself together.
With a deep breath, she knocks the door twice and goes to open the door when she hears a muffled ‘come in’ from the other side. Raora and Gigi were at the counter, the former sitting on the seller’s side while the latter was on the buyer’s side, enjoying homemade food that made Elizabeth’s stomach growl just by the scent.
Raora was in the middle of pouring herself a cup of water so Gigi was the first to see the royal at the door. Her reaction was, frankly, to be expected. “Woah! Looking fancy Lady Bloodflame! What’s the occasion?” she exclaims with a whistle which prompts Raora to look curiously in Elizabeth’s direction too.
“Wow! You’re so dressed up Liz!” Raora gives a once-over and Elizabeth feels heat rise to her cheeks. “Come come! Join us.”
“Actually,” Elizabeth clears her throat and sends Gigi an apologetic look. “Would it be okay if I talked to Raora for a bit? Alone?”
There’s a prolonged moment where the two stare at each other without saying a word, Gigi taking in Elizabeth’s whole appearance and glancing at Raora once in a while as if trying to see something. Then she laughs, grinning from ear to ear as she hops off the stool she was sitting on and heads to the backroom, shouting over her shoulder something about ‘not letting her get in the way’.
“Sometimes I don’t know whether to be impressed or scared of her,” Elizabeth says as she takes a seat and Raora giggles.
“I’ve learned that both is the answer.”
She pours another cup of water and passes it over to Elizabeth who thanks her quietly before taking a long sip. “You know, when I said to tell me first before you came to visit again, I didn’t expect you to do it so soon.”
“I missed our times together,” Elizabeth answers without missing a beat which has Raora’s heart skipping several.
“But you’re still taking time to rest, right? Your responsibilities…”
“Father still takes care of a majority of it. I’ll have a lot more on my plate when it’s my turn, so don’t worry Rara, for now, I’m getting as much rest as I can,” Elizabeth jokes. Then her tone dips into more serious territory, but only for a moment.
“Don’t go thinking I won’t come to spend time with you anymore when that happens though. I still will.”
Raora laughs, the assurance equal part comforting and amusing. “Your birthday is in a few months right? Which means you’ll be Queen soon?”
Elizabeth leans forward against the counter and her voice drops to a whisper. “That’s… actually what I wanted to talk to you about.” Raora raises a brow but allows her to continue.
“Aside from turning twenty-one, there’s one other criteria I have to fill to ascend the throne and inherit my family’s legacy.” She pauses for a second out of sheer embarrassment and it unintentionally leaves Raora in a state of suspense. Then, Elizabeth finally says it.
“I also have to be… married…”
“Married–?”
Elizabeth quickly goes to explain that, according to her ancestors, it was to ensure there would always be a potential heir to the throne. It was why they held the position of Great Exardia’s ruling family for so long among other reasons.
“So what does that have to do with me?”
Raora looked disoriented from the sudden influx of information and all Elizabeth could do to help was try to make the process at least a little more easier. Carefully, she takes both of Raora’s hands with hers and asks the question she’s been meaning to ask – her heart beating in her ears;
“Raora, how would you feel about marrying me?”
* * *