Shameless

"It was you princess. You cast a healing spell on me." Those words resonated in Aria's mind and her eyes widened in realization. She just thought of how to heal Leon a while ago and it seemed that her powers acted on their own. The thought of it sent shivers down Aria's heart and she feared that she could hurt anyone without her own accord.

Leon looked at the confused princess and wondered what she was thinking. Her face seemed to have changed and she now looked warely of him. But instead of running from her, he embraced her out of the blue causing the princess to gasp in surprise. She was just thinking a while ago and the next thing she knew, someone had embraced her. His body was warm giving her a feeling of safety and comfort at the same time.

Minutes passed and Leon was still stiffened in the embrace. "That's enough Leon," she said pushing him off and breaking from the hug. Leon blinked twice at her beautiful face and she blushed at his action.

"We need to keep going," she said hiding her red face from Leon, "we must find water before nightfall." Leon chuckled lightly before standing up and picking his sword.

"How far until we reach Eldrida?" He asked jogging to catch up with the princess.

"I have no idea," she said sheathing her blade in its scabbard. "But I hope we'll reach there before sunrise." Leon looked at the position of the sun in the sky and knew that nightfall was approaching. The two continued walking until a small lake came into view. The setting sun cast a blue reflection on it creating a beautiful scenery that was unmatched.

When Aria saw the lake, she threw all the thoughts in the back of her mind and ran down to the lake like a child. It had been a long time since she had drank water to her fill, let alone take a bath. Now that the opportunity had presented itself, she had nothing to stop at. Leon chuckled lightly amused by the princess behavior right now. Did she miss water that much?

Aria squatted down the shore and drank water with her palms until she quenched her undying thirst. Leon too drank the water but not as hungrily as the princess. Instead, he filled his wineskin first and then drank the water. Aria stood up and an idea of a cool bath struck her mind. She was about to undress when she realized that she was not alone. Taking a peek at Leon, she saw him staring at her with a grin plastered on his face.

"Were you just going to watch me undress in front of you?" She asked anger evident in her calm voice.

"Who wouldn't want to given that you are beautiful as well." Aria's eyes widened and she couldn't help but call him shameless. Leon stood up ready to leave.

"Since you don't want me to see your nakedness, I will take my leave now." He bowed slightly before he disappeared into the woods. Aria was glad that he at least left. He was turning to be shameless everyday. First, he hugged her without her consent and now he was just about to...She couldn't bring herself to think how she would have reacted had he seen her naked. The thought of Leon looking at her lustfully crossed her mind and her cheeks flashed red in embarrassment.

Tossing the bad thoughts to the back of her mind, she untied the stripes that held her dress letting it slide out of her body in ease. The evening cold met with her bare skin as she stood there with nothing except her undergarments. Shivering, she made for the lake and dipped her leg by the shore. The water was cold and it sent shivers up her body.

Taking another step, she found the water on her waistline and finally covered her whole body. She floated on her back allowing the cool sensation settle on her body. Oh! How she had missed this feeling. This reminded her of her favorite spot on the garden and she missed it immediately. She couldn't help but wonder how her father was fairing knowing that she was out here.

Thinking of him brought painful memories and she immediately regretted it. What if he had turned back on drinking just as he used to do when her mother went missing. She clearly remembered how he suffered throughout the year. He had stayed locked in his chambers just drinking wine and the council wanted to overthrow him. But he had found his mind in time before they did it.

Aria worried that history would repeat itself and the council might overthrow her father. Was this their plan all along? Judging from what she knew about the incident, she knew that it was all Lord Blackwood's plan to overthrow the king. He wanted the whole kingdom to himself. She vowed to stop him at whatever cost. For that, she needed an army, and a large one at that. The only place she could find one was in Eldrida.

Aria had been so much immersed in her thoughts that she did not notice Leon's presence. He sat by a rock on the shore while sharpening his sword. He looked over at the direction of the princess and their eyes met. He scanned the visible part of her body and she lowered in the water. But his gaze was not filled by lust, it was care. He just wanted to confirm if she sustained any injuries. But judging from the princess' reaction, he knew she misunderstood her. The two just stayed there each lost on his own thoughts. It seemed quiet and peaceful and they knew they had to enjoy it while it lasted. Who knew maybe it was the calm before a storm.