Chapter 12
It was a rare day of rest in the palace. The sun streamed through the tall windows of the training hall, catching the polished marble floors in golden light. Most trainees lounged on the soft mats or wandered the courtyard, chatting, laughing, and sharing small meals prepared by the catering staff. The seventh prince had been sent on a mission that would take about a month, leaving the halls quieter than usual.
She sat under a cherry blossom tree in the courtyard, pale hands wrapped around a cup of warm tea. Her best friend plopped down beside her, arms crossed.
"I don't like this," her friend said, frowning. "That new trainer… you can't trust him. He's too flashy, too charming. And he asked you for personal training?"
She smiled faintly, sipping the tea. "He's just a trainer. He wants me to improve. That's all."
"Just a trainer? He's staring at you like he's never seen anyone else before. You know you don't need that, right?"
"I… I just want to get stronger. That's it," she replied softly, watching the busy palace staff arrange the morning meal. Her gaze lingered on the catering trays—the golden bread, spiced rice, roasted chicken—and she imagined sharing a casual breakfast with someone who didn't sneer at her weakness.
The new trainer approached, tall and handsome, his uniform crisp. "Ready for training?" he asked with a slight smile. "I promise it won't be too harsh today."
She nodded. "Yes… I'm ready."
Her best friend groaned audibly. "See? This is exactly what I mean!"
The courtyard became their training ground. He adjusted her posture, guided her movements, and offered quiet praise. "Keep your balance here… perfect. You're improving faster than I expected," he said, eyes softening for a moment.
She blushed, but it wasn't just embarrassment—it was the feeling of being noticed, really noticed, without ridicule. "I… I think I'm finally starting to feel stronger," she admitted.
"You are. Trust me, just keep at it. You're doing better than you think."
During a short break, they sat on the stone steps, sharing pieces of fruit from a nearby vendor. "So, how's the rest day treating you?" he asked casually.
"Peaceful," she said, biting into an orange. "But… I miss someone." Her voice was soft, almost hesitant.
He tilted his head, curious. "Who?"
"The seventh prince," she admitted. "He… always seems to watch over me quietly. I miss that."
He nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Well, I can't be him, but I'll do my best in his absence."
Weeks passed, and their bond grew. Training sessions became laughter-filled exchanges, discussions about techniques, and shared meals. One afternoon, he handed her a small vial.
"I think I've found something that will help you feel better… at least for a few weeks. It's not permanent, but it should give you more strength," he said quietly.
Her hands trembled slightly as she held it. "Thank you… I… I don't know how to repay you."
"Just keep training with me. That's enough."
Meanwhile, the quiet third prince had noticed them. He often lingered near the training hall, observing—not to intervene, just watching her with an intensity that made her cheeks warm. One evening, as she sat eating a light dinner with her friend, he approached, bowing slightly.
"May I join you?" he asked softly.
She hesitated, glancing at her friend, who looked like she might protest, but nodded. "Of course."
He sat across from her, careful not to reach too close. "You've been improving," he said quietly. "I… I admire your persistence."
She smiled softly. "Thank you. I'm trying."
"I…" He paused, uncertain. "I'd like to see you train sometimes… if that's alright?"
She blinked. "Of course… I'd like that."
Later, during a playful sparring session with her new trainer, he teased her gently. "Hey, careful! You almost fell there!"
"I'm getting better!" she protested, laughing as she regained her balance.
"You're not half bad," he admitted. "Better than I expected for someone your size."
"Better than you expected? That's not exactly a compliment," she teased, grinning.
"Maybe not," he said, chuckling, "but it's true."
As the sun set over the palace, she leaned against the wall, tired but smiling. Surrounded by friends, attentive trainers, and the subtle gaze of the princes, she felt… noticed, valued, and, for the first time in a long while, not entirely helpless.