Chapter Text
The sound of a child's giggles and the pitter-pattering of running echoed through the halls of the Emperor's palace. Those who were nearby attempted to identify the source of the sound, but before they could even acknowledge who or what it was, a flash of golden curls ran by, soon followed by a man with red hair calling out to her.
“P-Princess! Please don’t run in the palace! Their majesties will scold me for allowing you to get hurt if you trip again!” Felix wheezed as he slowed down to catch his breath. His hand steadied him against a pillar as he leaned against it, huffing as if he had been running a marathon (he basically did, he had been following the princess around the palace for ten minutes). Even as the knight who had slain multiple traitors in numerous wars, who had grown up sparing with his majesty, and who had excelled in all his fitness tests in the top squadron, his stamina was no match for the young princess.
“Silly Felix, if you had kept up with me, there wouldn’t be any chance of Athy tripping because Felix would’ve been there to catch me!” the young girl beamed as she skipped towards him, seemingly unaffected by the fact that they had both been consistently running for ten minutes.
The knight, after seemingly recovering from his exertion, warmly smiled at the young girl before kneeling before her.
“My apologies, your highness,” he sighed as she ruffled his hair. “I fear that I’m no match for your highnesses’ capabilities of exercise. Please, have mercy on this poor knight and allow me to carry you to their majesties. That way, I can make sure that you’re safe, and,” Felix let out one final hefty sigh, “you can give me a break.”
The princess put her finger to her chin as if she were pondering his suggestion. After a moment, she shrugged her shoulders and gave Felix a smug grin as she reached her arms out for him to carry her.
“I guess it can’t be helped. I’ll have mercy on you this time, Felix,” Athanasia giggled as the knight carried her on his chest while letting out a small giggle at the girl’s comment. “However, after tea time with Mama and Papa, I’m gonna give you a makeover to make up for your inadequacy for failing to keep up with me.”
Felix let out a sigh of defeat as the young girl played with his hair. Really, even at seven years old, the young princess was already so smart and energetic. She reminded Felix a lot of his majesty when he was younger, except she had the brazenness of her majesty. However, he was surprised that she wasn’t more arrogant, considering how much his and her majesties doted on and spoiled their lovely daughter. She probably had more assets than most of the empire’s nobles combined; numerous gardens, dresses, buildings, toys, and libraries were gifted in her name. His majesty summoned the best educators from across the world to instruct his precious daughter, giving her an opportunity and access to knowledge that many her age wouldn’t even think of. And despite all that, the princess remained humble and fair to all her subjects.
Well, she was fair in her own unique way.
“Last time,” the princess sighed as she rested her chin on the knight’s shoulder. “Athy couldn’t finish your makeover because Felix had to attend to Papa with his meeting,” she pouted as she leisurely dangled her legs.
“That’s correct, your highness. My apologies for having to cut our time together. You know how his majesty is.”
“You don’t have to be sorry, Felix! Athy can play by herself, too! Athy knows that Felix, Mama, and Papa work hard to make the empire a peaceful place, so Athy knows that you guys can’t always play with Athy,” the princess said quietly.
A small pang of guilt lodged itself in Felix’s heart. He had seen her slowly grow up over the years, and he always regarded her as somewhat like a niece. It saddened him to see the princess so lonely, knowing that she was loved throughout the empire. She was, without a doubt, the star of Obelia; like a shining source of light that constantly brightened everything around her with immeasurable amounts of love and creativity.
The longer Felix thought about the matter, the more he wondered if it was time to introduce the princess to other children. Perhaps, if their majesties will allow it, she could be assigned a playmate. It would be good for her highness to socialize with children her age, after all.
And, well, Felix wouldn’t have to be subjected to wearing lipstick and bows as he attended his majesty around the palace. Not that he didn’t appreciate the wonderful gift of her highness’s creativity that she bestowed upon him! No, no, he was honored to have such an opportunity. It’s just that, well, the other knights didn’t really hold the same opinion about his new look as he himself did.
Well, he’ll bring the idea up to their majesties after their tea time.
Felix opened the door to the audience chamber with one arm, the other holding Athanasia against his chest. It was around midday, and the bright rays of sunlight flooded their way through the open doors, illuminating the couple sitting atop the throne. Truly, anyone who had the opportunity to even glance at the pair couldn’t deny their raw regal presence.
Leisurely sitting on the throne with his head propped up in his arm, there sat his majesty, Emperor Claude de Alger Obelia. His presence, like always, was like that of a sunbathing jaguar, effortlessly exuding a dignified energy, despite his simple Sidonian robes. The sunlight from outside illuminated his golden locks of hair that fell over his forehead, which acted as a curtain for his breathtaking gemstone eyes, a signature of the unique mana that is held by the Obelian royal family.
Her majesty, on the other hand, held a different aura, yet she perfectly complemented his majesty nonetheless. Empress Diana de Alger Obelia, the empire’s mother, is known for illuminating the room like the sun with her presence. She, like his majesty, also had golden hair, but she had wavy and stunning blonde tresses that seemed to be spun out of silk, which fell all the way down to the middle of her back. Her eyes were a stunning shade of ruby pink, warm and lively. She constantly wore Siodonian robes (an ode to her heritage before becoming the empire’s mother), adorned with jewels, flowers, and pearls gifted to her by his majesty, making her stand out like an exotic flower amongst the ton.
The pair seemed to be in a casual conversation before Felix and Princess Athanasia walked in, their expressions shifting into a warm smile of recognition as they realized that their next guest was their lovely daughter.
“Mama! Papa! Athy’s here!” the princess beamed as she jumped out of Felix’s arms and ran towards the couple.
“Oh my! Why, hello there, my baby!” Diana giggled as she made her way down the platform of the throne room, immediately lifting up the child and twirling her around with an elated giggle. “I missed you so much,” the empress muttered as she kissed the child’s face between each word.
“Glory and blessings to the Obelian Empire’s sun and moon,” Felix said as he bowed in their direction before walking towards the family in the center of the throne room.
“Did you have fun babysitting?” Claude regarded with a smirk as he came up behind his wife and daughter, eyeing down Felix’s disheveled appearance.
“Yes, of course! Her highness, Princess Athanasia, is always a delight to accompany,” the knight said as he quickly tidied up his appearance, quickly fixing his hair that was standing up in every direction due to Athanasia’s fidgeting.
“Ehehe, don’t make fun of him, Papa! Felix couldn’t catch up with me because I was simply too fast for him,” the princess said proudly as she recounted the moment with a triumphant smirk.
“That won’t do,” Claude said in a teasing tone. “Felix is supposed to be the strongest knight in this empire. Perhaps I should excuse your babysitting duties so you can thoroughly remind yourself what your duties are in the training field.”
Felix shuddered at the remark as he instantly caught what Claude was suggesting.
“No! I-I mean, I would be honored that your majesty is looking out for my well-being,” he stammered with his hands frantically waving towards Claude while the family started walking out the door. “But I assure you, your majesty, I am perfectly capable and up to date with my physical training as a knight! It’s just that her highness is incredibly fast, so much so that I, a grown adult, can hardly keep up! Which is perfectly fine because this means that her highness is a perfectly energetic and healthy child-”
“Don’t use my daughter as an excuse for your incompetence,” Claude said stoically as he put his hand up to Felix’s face to stop him from rambling even more. “Starting next week, I’ll make sure that you won’t ever forget what’s expected of you again.”
The sounds of laughter and bickering echoed throughout the palace as the group made its way towards the garden.
In the midst of the melodies various birds and critters made from inside the garden, the sound of a large thunk hit the floor, causing the rattle of various teacups and dishes to interrupt nature’s choir. Numerous birds were startled enough by the sound to flock away.
Felix fell to his knees, his arms bracing himself on the grass as he wheezed with exasperation.
“Your,” huff, “ Your majesty,” Felix panted as he attempted to catch his breath, sweat rolling down his face. “Please have mercy on this poor knight, I’ve run,” huff, “ten laps around the palace now, and you’re already done with your teacup, so please-”
“Hmm? What on earth are you talking about, Felix?” Claude said as he picked up his teacup and then proceeded to pour a single drop onto Felix’s head. “I wasn’t done with my beverage in the slightest. I didn’t think of you as a cheat, let alone a quitter, Felix. Run another ten laps. To let a child outrun a guard of the royal family is a serious security matter,” the Emperor said nonchalantly as he sat back down, refilling his tea cup with magic.
“Now now, your majesty. Please, have mercy on him,” Diana laughed as she beckoned Felix to get up, handing him a cup of water that he desperately thanked her for before gulping it down. “Over-exerting him won’t do anything! As Felix said,” the woman smiled warmly as she patted her daughter's head. “The fact that our precious daughter can even outrun the best knight in the empire shows just how excellent she is, don’t you agree?”
Claude hummed in agreement as he shrugged his shoulders before gesturing for Felix to sit down and refresh himself at the table. Athanasia giggled at the sight of Felix’s disarrayed appearance before pushing a plate of cake towards the knight’s direction. The gentle breeze of spring softly sang throughout the garden, and soft chirps and distant chatter of the palace could be heard at the table, creating an atmosphere of serenity. The family in front of him was a picturesque sight; a young, energetic child chattering about her lessons while her parents regarded her with an immeasurable amount of love and warmth in their gaze. These days, this routine was the norm. The princess’s bright and cheerful presence lightened up every room she entered, her laughter immediately bringing a smile to anyone near her.
What a simple but memorable moment this is, Felix thought as he stood back up to return to his post as a knight. I’ve never seen his majesty look so at peace since childhood. Strange, that felt like yesterday, but somehow it also felt ages ago. Felix calmly closed his eyes as he listened to the various noises around him, taking everything in with a warm smile. It could’ve been mere seconds or minutes that passed by, and Felix wouldn’t have registered it, but his trance was quickly broken by the sound of his name. His posture immediately sharpened, his attention at the ready, an instinct almost second to nature at this point.
“Felix, will you still be able to play with Athy today?” Athanasia called as she looked up at him with expectant eyes. The couple sitting beside her exchanged glances, which the princess noticed immediately before deflating with defeat. “Ah, I forgot, you have to attend Papa with more meetings today.”
“My sincere apologies, Princess Athanasia. I know you were looking forward to spending time with me today,” the knight put his hand on his heart as he bowed for forgiveness. “If his majesty will allow it, I’ll make some time to make it up to you,” he smiled warmly before glancing at Claude, who was absentmindedly gazing off into nowhere. Felix then glanced towards Diana, who seemed to have a smile tinged with guilt as she hugged the child in her lap.
“I’m sorry, my precious baby. You must be lonely, hm? Forgive your mother for being so busy all the time,” the woman exclaimed as she held her daughter's face in her hands, using her thumb to brush some hair out of the child's face. Claude looked at the pair, his expression unreadable, except for a slight twinge in his eyebrow, a detail that would’ve been unnoticeable to the untrained eye.
Felix, after noticing the change in mood, cleared his throat to gain their attention.
“If I may, your majesties,” he started as he glanced at the princess. “I believe it would be a good idea for Princess Athanasia to have a playmate,” he started, scanning the group for their reactions. Athanasia tilted her head in confusion (which reminded Felix of a puppy), Diana seemed focused on what he was saying, and Claude raised a single brow before glancing towards his child.
“I have a nephew who, when he was around the princess’s age, also had a playmate or two when his family became more preoccupied with their work. He still spent time with them, of course, but I believe that he became more open and seemingly more expressive once he learned how to socialize with other peers his age,” the knight continued, still scanning the family for their reactions. They still seemed to be interested in the idea. Princess Athanasia put her finger to her chin as if she were pondering the possibility, an act that made Felix want to giggle, but he stifled as he continued speaking.
“I’m sure any family would find it to be a great honor to have their child become Princess Athanasia’s playmate,” Felix smiled warmly at the girl, who seemed to be deep in thought.
“Hmm. A playmate, huh?” Claude hummed as he dragged his finger around the rim of his teacup, glancing up at his wife for her opinion.
“Well, I don’t think we can even make a proper decision without our daughter's opinion, can we?” Diana smiled as she looked down at Athanasia, who was playing with the necklace around her neck.
Everyone seemed to be silent, waiting for the young princess to voice her opinion. After a moment, the princess looked up at the knight, then at the rest of her family, before realizing that they were waiting for her.
“Uhm, Athy has Felix and Lily as her friends, and Athy’s already happy with that,” the princess muttered quietly as the rest of the adults waited for her to continue. “But, if they’re people who Mama and Papa picked out, Athy would be happy with that as well.”
“I assure you, your highness, we will ensure that your playmate is adequate and to your liking,” Felix assured her before an attendant walked into the garden.
“Glory and blessings upon the Obelian Empire’s highest,” the servant bowed, seemingly aware that they seemed to be interrupting something. “Apologies for the interruption, but Duke Alpheus has arrived for his meeting with his majesty.”
Claude tsked as he ran his head through his hair, shooing the attendant away as he got up while Diana helped Athanasia from her chair, kneeling to cradle her face.
“We’re not going to force you to do anything you wouldn’t want to do, my baby,” she said quietly as she placed a kiss on her daughter’s forehead. “You don’t have to agree to something just because you think it’ll make us happy. If you’re happy, then the empire is happy,” she spoke into her hair as Athanasia gave her a hug around her neck.
“That's right. Don’t think that you have to entertain any fools. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you, so just say the word,” Claude said as he patted her head before turning to Felix to leave.
Athanasia seemed to ponder for a moment and then called out to the two men as they were leaving. Diana stood up to leave as well, before picking the child up and turning to Lily, who had just arrived.
“Think about it some more, okay? As your father said, you can have anything your heart desires, my baby. You’re the star of Obelia, and there’s nothing we wouldn’t do to make you happy,” she said as she kissed the child’s forehead and handed her off to the nanny, thanking her for watching the princess before walking off.
As they walked off towards the Emerald Palace, Athanasia absentmindedly answered Lily’s questions about her day, too lost in thought about the prospect of having a playmate. She did sometimes feel lonely when all the adults in her life had to leave her to attend to their own matters, but she never knew that she had the option to have a friend her age.
What if they didn’t get along? What if she didn’t know how to talk to another kid? And how would this even work? Would they always show up at the snap of her finger? Would they attend lessons with her? Oh goodness, what if her parents want to adopt them instead of her, and she had to turn into a maid because she got banished from the palace?
This was too much. Perhaps she would think about this after her nap.