The king's gaze!!!

Y/N POV

I was serving breakfast when I saw them.

*What are they doing...? This morning, they looked like they were about to jump into that pond. I am sure they are about to do something...but what.....I have to find it*

I glanced at the king, who was eating peacefully.

*He's handsome, but... something feels off. Are they hiding something? If I ask him directly, he'll definitely get angry* I thought

I sighed quietly to myself. *I need to talk to Princess Diana about them *

Suddenly, a voice broke my thoughts.

Commander : "Hmm... what's your name?"

I turned to face the commander, realizing he was speaking to me.

"My name is Y/N," I replied while carefully setting a plate in front of him.

Princess Diana: "You know, Y/N has some impressive fighting skills. If you're looking for a sparring partner, you should ask her, Commander Xavier!" Princess said

Xavier: "Ah, I don't need that, Princess." He waved dismissively, a smug grin forming on his face.

King: "Oh, really?? She skills huh!!"

The king suddenly spoke, setting down his fork. His voice held a playful yet challenging tone.

King: "Then why don't we test that confidence of yours? Let's see you fight....with me." He said

*what * I thought

My eyes widened in surprise.

"I-I'm sorry, my lord, but I—" how can I fight with king

Xavier: "Oh, come on, Y/N! Are you afraid of him?" The commander said tom

I turned to look at the king again. His gaze was locked on me — unwavering, intense. His confidence was clear, and somehow, that only made me more determined.

"No," I said firmly. "I'm not afraid...I -I- ju-

Fine, I'll do it." I said

Princess Diana: "That's the spirit, Y/N! I'm on your side. My king, you should know my dear y/n is well-trained — you might be in for a surprise." I smile at her statment

Xavier: "Oh, but our king is quite skilled too. Your Y/N should know that, Princess." Cammader said

The king's eyes never left mine, and I couldn't look away either. Their voices felt distant now, like background noise. It was just me and him — two opponents locked in silent challenge.

Princess Diana: "Commander Xavier, let's make this interesting. If Y/N wins, you'll have to do whatever I say." Princess said with a confident

King: "Don't worry, Xavier. If she wins, we'll both do whatever they ask. But..."

He paused, his gaze sharpening.

King : "If I win, they'll have to do whatever we say. Is that clear?" His voice was so intense

I felt his eyes boring into me, like he was waiting for my answer — testing me, challenging me.

Princess Diana: "Alright, we agree." Princess said

King: "No, Princess... I want to hear it from my opponent." His voice was low and serious now, his gaze narrowing like he was trying to read my mind.

I straightened my posture, meeting his stare with equal confidence.

"I'm ready... and we're going to win." I said with a confidence

The king's lips curled into a faint smirk.

King: "Well then... let's see about that. But we'll fight near the pond — in the evening. Is that acceptable to you?" His tone was calm, yet challenged

"Okay," the Princess and I answered in unison.

The king's smirk widened slightly.

King: "Good. Now, go prepare yourselves. You'd be wise to practice a little before then." His eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, as if he knew something I didn't.

"I don't need practice, my king," I said. He just laughed, and the two of them made their way to their room.

"Let's go, Y/N. We need to talk," the princess said.

After we arrived at the princess's room, she closed the door behind us

Princess: "Don't worry, Y/N. Remember I told you that King Charles doesn't know how to fight? I mean, he's handsome and intelligent, but he's never been in a battle before. Everyone says he doesn't know how to fight," she said.

Y/N: "Yeah, I remember... but the way he challenged... I think prin—"

Princess: "They're going to lose!" she interrupted excitedly. "We need to start planning what we'll do next. I mean, this is a great opportunity, right?" she added with a smile.

"It's all up to you, Princess," I said with a shrug.

Princess: "You're so boring, Y/N... Ooh! I'm so excited! I think I should say, 'Kiss me!'"

I choked at her unexpected words.

"Wh-what?! Princess!" I stammered, eyes wide.

Princess: "Heheh... Maybe you should try it too, Y/N. I think the commander would be happy to give you one." She grinned mischievously.

I shook my head firmly. "No! No! Princess, I don't like him at all!" I protested.

Princess: "What? You don't like him? Well... I do. I mean... he's kinda cute..." She said to me

I turned to look at her, noticing the faint blush on her cheeks.

"Wait... are you blushing?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.

Princess: "No, no, Y/N! Don't get me wrong!" she said quickly, waving her hands. "I just... I just find him cute, that's all!" She said

I nodded slowly, but I wasn't convinced. "Hmm... if you say so." I said

Princess: Miya aunt is here??? " She ask

"Yeah, do you want to talk to her?" I replied.

Princess: "Yeah! Let's go!"

"Okay, I also need to get lunch ready," I added as we headed toward the kitchen.

When we arrived, we saw Aunt Miya busily working.

Princess: "Aunt Miya!"

Aunt Miya looked up, surprised.

Aunt Miya: "Oh, m-my Princess! You didn't have to come all the way here — it's too hot in the kitchen,"** she said, bowing respectfully.

Princess: "Aunt Miya, I'm okay! And how many times have I told you — you don't have to treat me like this... Sometimes I even get jealous of Y/N."

We both laughed.

Aunt Miya: "Ah, my dear... So, what's the matter with you two young ladies?"

We exchanged a quick glance before the Princess spoke up.

Princess: "Actually... w-we wanted some tips from you."

Aunt Miya: "Tips? Hmm... about cooking?" she asked with a curious smile.

Princess: "No, no... umm... actually, we wanted to know what men love most in a woman."

Aunt Miya paused, her eyes shifting between us. When her gaze landed on me, I quickly shook my hands, signaling "It's not me, I swear!"

Aunt Miya: "Well... you'll have to wait until tomorrow, ladies. I'm in a hurry right now."

Princess: "Aww, is that so? Can't you just tell us a little—"

Aunt Miya: "Tomorrow,"** she said firmly. "Oh, and by the way, lunch is ready. Y/N, tell the servants what to make for dinner, alright? Okay, bye!"

With that, she hurried off, leaving us standing there.