Chapter 51
Lucina
I watch the rain softly falling outside my window. Droplets create delicate patterns on the glass.
This rain is so random.
Just yesterday, the weather was sunny. We were at the tea party.
I sigh, turning my attention back to the scroll in front of me. I'm writing a response to Kai. Our conversation today is about Helena.
I finish my message and watch the ink fade into the parchment. My words have been sent.
A moment later, Kai's response appears.
I snicker at his playful and witty remarks. He's such a fool. Always managing to lighten my mood with his banter.
I laugh out loud at Kai's response.
Valendor looks up from where he's seated nearby. Haroun sits quietly, true to his duties as my knight. I told him he didn't have to be so strict here. The most he'll do is take a seat rather than stand like a statue.
I find myself missing my purple-haired boy.
I haven't seen Nikolai in a while.
The thought brings a pang of longing.
I stand and make my way through the palace, eventually finding him in his office.
He is deep in concentration. His eyes focus intently on the magical formulas spread out before him. His long hair is tied back in a ponytail. He looks so absorbed in his work that I pause at the doorway to admire him.
He pulls up the sleeves of his white linen shirt to his elbows. Exposes his forearms as he begins to write some complicated magical formula.
I find myself mesmerized.
The sight of his veiny forearms. The way the muscles flex and move as he writes.
Am I an arm person now?
I wonder, amused by my own thoughts.
I chuckle softly.
I stand in the doorway for a few more minutes, watching Nikolai work.
He must have been deeply immersed in his task. When he finally hears me, his face lights up with a beautiful smile.
I don't deserve this treatment.
A non-existent pang of guilt flickers through me.
With a flick of his wrist, the paperwork packs itself up. The desk clears.
He looks up at me expectantly.
I walk over and sit on the desk in front of him.
Nikolai's eyes twinkle with mischief as he gently moves my legs apart and places his head on my inner thigh. A playful look on his face.
How sneaky.
"My princess. You finally remember me."
His tone is exaggerated. Playful. Whining.
"We see each other every day." I scoff at him, amused. "Dramatic much?"
"Yeah, but these days it seems like Haroun and Valendor have all your attention." He feigns mock sadness. "And I'm just there. "
"Oh really?"
I play along, raising an eyebrow.
I put my hand on his cheek and caress it gently. Then I remove his glasses.
His purple eyes sparkle.
I'm once again struck by how impressive they are.
Suddenly, Nikolai stands.
He pulls me off the table with a swift, unexpected motion.
With another flick of his hand, the table moves to barricade the door. As if that's not enough, the chairs follow suit.
I stand there, curious and slightly amused. Wondering what he's up to.
Without warning, he pulls me close.
"Dance with me."
His voice is low. Earnest.
"What?"
I'm dumbfounded.
"Dance with me."
He repeats. His eyes lock onto mine with a determination that makes my heart skip a beat.
"Now?"
I'm still trying to process his sudden request.
"Yes."
He pulls me to the center of the room.
The soft light from the window casts a gentle glow around us. The only sound is the steady thud of rain outside.
The moment feels almost magical.
"To the sound of rain?"
I raise an eyebrow.
"Oh, right."
He suddenly remembers something. He scurries to his desk, removing a small crystal with intricate symbols etched into its surface. With a few deft movements, he activates it.
The sound of a beautiful orchestra fills the room.
"Recording crystal."
He grins, returning to me and offering his hand.
I giggle, charmed by his spontaneity, and place my hand in his.
He pulls me close. Wraps my hand in his and places his other arm around my waist.
All those etiquette lessons have certainly paid off.
Suddenly, he twirls me.
I laugh in surprise.
"It's not fair that you're thinking of something else when you're with me."
His voice is a soft reprimand. His playful yet serious tone makes me realize how much he cherishes our time together.
I decide to let go of all distractions. Fully immerse myself in the moment.
I match his rhythm. Allow myself to be swept away by the music and the warmth of his embrace. Each step, each turn, feels like a dance in a dream.
Nothing else matters but the two of us.
As we continue to dance, a whimsical thought flits through my mind.
I feel like a Disney princess in this moment.
Twirling in the arms of my prince charming.
Then it hits me.
I am a princess.
The absurdity of it makes me snort with laughter just as Nikolai twirls me again.