Chapter 53
Lucina
Dinner is an interesting affair.
I snicker at the sight of Nikolai, strategically placed at the far end of the table, receiving stink eyes from the other two.
The tension among them is palpable.
I decide to stay out of their boyish rivalries.
I focus on my meal. Each bite testifies to Valendor's culinary artistry. The flavors dance on my tongue—a delightful symphony that temporarily distracts me from the undercurrents of jealousy and competition swirling around the table.
I glance around discreetly, observing the dynamics.
Valendor, ever the composed one, serves the food with meticulous care. His expression is calm. Collected.
Haroun maintains his stoic demeanor. But I sense the simmering annoyance just beneath the surface.
Nikolai, despite his distance, catches my eye.
He gives me a cheeky grin.
I stifle a laugh and shake my head slightly.
***
Nikolai
The princess ascends the stairs.
Her dress elegantly hugs her figure with each step.
She complained about getting rounder. But to me, Valendor's creations only highlight her beauty in all the right places.
I smile, recalling how she felt in my arms earlier.
The memory is a pleasant distraction.
"That is an annoying smile."
Valendor's voice breaks through my reverie.
He steps directly into my line of sight. Purposefully blocking my view.
I roll my eyes. Unfazed.
"Nothing you say or do will dampen my joy."
I lean back into my chair with a satisfied grin.
He scoffs. Clearly irritated.
"You were in there for hours!"
Valendor accuses.
"Nothing happened."
I stretch the truth with a mischievous twinkle in my eye.
"Well. Not that far anyway."
I leave the insinuation hanging in the air. Enjoying the way it fuels his suspicion.
Valendor eyes me with suspicion.
I chuckle.
"I wish something had happened. Like we all do."
I take a leisurely bite of dessert.
From across the room, I hear Haroun murmur something under his breath.
"You don't get to say anything, mister."
I shoot back.
"You thought it was genius to make your move in front of the whole Empire."
The memory of Haroun's bold public declaration still stuns. Valendor and I were both shocked at his audacity during the competition.
Speaking of the competition,I've been avoiding my master's summons ever since he saw Haroun and the princess together. He's convinced my position is in jeopardy.
But today's events prove otherwise.
Absently, I bring my fingers to my mouth.
Two projectiles—one fork, one knife—hurtling in my direction.
With a flick of magic, they suspend in mid-air. I place them gently on the table.
"My, my, my." I feign sadness.
"I've always heard from the noble ladies that being in a harem was a dangerous game. Is this attempted murder?" I stand.
"What happened to the camaraderie between us?"
Before anyone can react, I activate a short-range teleportation spell.
I can't manage long-distance teleportation yet. That's perfected at six stars. I'm only a three-star mage.
My master would kill me if he knew I was attempting this.
Something about getting lost in time and space. Or limbs attaching wrong.
I reappear in front of the princess's door.
I give a soft knock.
Her voice from within invites me to enter.
I step inside.
She sits by the window. Radiant. Serene. The soft glow of evening light frames her beautifully.
I close the door behind me and approach. A mix of excitement and nervousness bubbles in my chest.
I sense a presence behind me.
I don't need to turn around.
Valendor.
Internally, I roll my eyes.
---
I step inside.
The princess lounges on her bed.
She's wearing one of my shirts.
She's developed an odd attachment to them. Honestly? I love it.
Her hair is a riot of color against the dull bedding. A vibrant contrast that suits her perfectly.
I walk toward her.
She motions for us to join her.
I take my place on the right side. Valendor settles on the left.
I lie down, resting my head on her chest.
She begins to run her fingers through my hair.
The gentle rhythm of her heartbeat. Her soft touch.
They lull me into a state of blissful relaxation.
I hear the murmur of her voice as she talks with Valendor about random things. Occasionally, she laughs softly—a sound that brings a smile to my face even as I drift closer to sleep.
Her hand continues its gentle ministrations.
I find myself slipping into dreamland, surrounded by the presence of my favorite person in the world.
Her heartbeat becomes the soundtrack of my dreams.
I surrender to the peace that only she can provide.