– Kashion –
Kashion sat in his room, waiting. He wasn't entirely sure when Prior would arrive, and he found himself growing impatient.
He replayed the day in detail.
The session had gone particularly well this time. Because he had been in the laboratory himself, he had been able to argue more convincingly. And thanks to Prior's explanation, he had understood everything much more clearly.
His thoughts drifted back to the moment she had stood in front of that tube, the laser light casting reflections across her face. It was incomprehensible to him that only a few days ago, when she had first arrived on Earth, he hadn't even noticed her.
The negotiations with Princess Evlina were, for now, concluded. Over the next few days, he would have to prepare for the arrival of representatives from the other realms. There would be no further sessions with Evlina and her entourage for the time being. Still, Kashion knew he was responsible for the princess's well-being. He couldn't simply leave her to herself for three days. That would make him appear to be a poor host.
For tomorrow, he had suggested she rest and make use of the palace's wellness area. His mother and sister would be available to her at any time.
Only the remaining two days needed planning. Yet the thought of spending time with her no longer appealed to him. It felt like another council meeting—and he was tired of those.
Suddenly, he heard a hesitant knock at the door. His heart began to race instantly. But he didn't rush to open it. Instead, he waited a few seconds.
He cast one last glance in the mirror and set water to boil for tea.
– Prior –
Prior could hardly believe she was standing in front of Prince Kashion's door again. And this time, she knew exactly what awaited her.
In the laboratory, she hadn't been able to concentrate properly. Her emotions had been a cocktail of fear, anticipation, tension, and curiosity.
This time, she had freshened up a little. She didn't want to appear disheveled before the prince again. She had also changed clothes and now wore a mint-green blouse over beige linen trousers.
It took a moment before the door opened.
Prince Kashion looked down at her, smiled, and said, "Good evening, Prior. Have a seat."
Prior sat down while Kashion briefly disappeared into his room once more. When he returned, he carried a tray with a teapot and two small cups.
He had changed as well and now wore a burgundy shirt over black trousers.
He placed the tray between them on the table and sat opposite her. He appeared calm and in good spirits.
Looking at her, he asked, "Tired?"
Prior shook her head. At the moment, she was wide awake. Anything but tired.
"Good," Kashion replied, lifting the teapot and pouring tea into both cups.
"I can do that myself!" Prior protested.
"No need. You are my guest," Kashion said.
A strange tingling spread through Prior's stomach. She was Prince Kashion's guest? It sounded—and felt—unreal.
"Thank you." That was all she could manage. Kashion merely nodded.
Prior looked at the Cheqi board. Not knowing what else to say, she said, "I assume I'm playing white again?"
"Yes. When we play together, you play white," Kashion replied.
When we play together. It almost sounded as if this would not be the last game he had in mind.
"Before we begin," he suddenly added, "I have an idea to make the game more interesting."
Prior looked at him with wide, surprised eyes. What was coming now?
He smiled slightly, teasingly. "Let's make a bet. Whoever loses must grant the other person a wish."
A shiver ran down her spine. She stared at him in alarm. What could he possibly wish from her?
As if sensing her fear, he said, "Don't worry. We'll play with open cards and clarify everything beforehand. But it will make it much more exciting, don't you think?"
More exciting—yes. And how. Uncomfortable, and yet strangely tempting.
"All right," she said softly. "What do you wish for, if you win?" she finally asked.
What could he want that she could actually give?
"I want you to make Saturn Rings for me."
Prior laughed. "Saturn Rings?" That was hardly a problem. Was he serious, or was this a joke? And how did he even know about them?
But he looked at her quite seriously.
"You know Saturn Rings?" she asked.
He nodded. "You brought some to Oren recently."
Ah, that. Then Oren must have mentioned it—or given him some.
She laughed quietly again. "Saturn Rings, no problem. I can make them for you." And teasingly she added, "If you win."
– Kashion –
This time I will win, Kashion thought to himself.
He looked at Prior. She was dressed differently than in the lab. Had she changed for him? And she wore her hair loose now. She seemed slightly more relaxed than during their last game. Not nearly as relaxed as in the laboratory—but it was a small step forward.
"And your wish?" he asked.
She hesitated briefly. "May I ask for anything?"
He nodded. "State your wish, and I will tell you if it's possible."
Now he was curious.
Strawberries? Access to laboratory secrets? Something regarding the treaty? Jewelry, perhaps?
He was prepared for everything. Or so he thought.
She looked down first, bit her lower lip, then met his gaze directly.
"Then I would like an excursion to Gelserkh."
He could not hide his surprise and stared at her with wide eyes.
"Oh—don't misunderstand. Of course, just a trip for me. Not that you would come along. That's not what I mean."
She had struck twice.
First: Gelserkh. Did she know? That province was deeply special to him. Whenever he heard its name, beautiful memories surfaced. Memories of a time when he had been freer, more carefree. When duty had still been a word he didn't fully understand. When he had allowed himself more dreams.
His mother originally came from Gelserkh, and he had spent much of his childhood with relatives there. He had learned to ride there and always loved remembering how he galloped across wide meadows on horseback, feeling the wind against his back.
Second: her addition. Not that you would come along. Of course she had to say that, he thought bitterly. She had to choose a place far away from him and immediately clarify that she wished to be there without him. Was he so difficult for her to endure?
And yet—her wish touched him deeply. Someone else would surely have asked for something different. Despite its beauty, the province of Gelserkh was not among the most popular destinations.
"Why Gelserkh?" he finally asked.
Her face lit up with genuine enthusiasm.
"I've been reading a lot about it lately and looking at pictures. Especially about the Valley of a Hundred Waterfalls. I don't know if I'll ever make it there, but it would be my dream," she answered.
He inhaled deeply. "A truly beautiful place. No problem. If you win, I will organize everything for you."
She beamed at him. That alone was almost worth it.
Kashion picked up a cup and handed it to Prior. Then he raised his own and held it toward her. "To our game—and our bet," he said.
Prior clinked her teacup against his.
Kashion felt satisfied. This bet would not only bring him Saturn Rings; it would also make the game more thrilling, since Prior would certainly want to win again. And he had learned more about her than he had hoped.
– Prior –
Prior took a sip of tea. It tasted pleasant—not bitter.
The gesture had almost reminded her of his sister Kassia. In some ways, they were alike.
And sitting here with Prince Kashion wasn't as uncomfortable as she had expected. He had something both calming and magnetic about him—something that unsettled her. It was probably his presence, the way he looked at her, the way he spoke to her—and not least, his gentle voice.
She felt relaxed and tense at the same time.
But now she needed to focus on the board in front of her.
If she truly had the chance to go to Gelserkh! That would be her dream.
She considered how she should play today. They had no concrete plan. She definitely couldn't use the same strategy as last time—that was certain. She hadn't played in the past few days, nor had she really had the head for it.
"You may begin," she heard Kashion say.
She drummed her fingers lightly against the table.