The Battel

Y/N's POV

The warm afternoon sun bathed the garden in a golden glow as Princess Diana and I watered the plants. A soft breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers, filling the air with a comforting warmth.

Princess: "Y/N, look! This flower is so beautiful."

She pointed excitedly at a delicate bloom, her eyes sparkling with admiration. I followed her gaze and let a small smile form on my lips.

Me: "Yeah… actually, my m-mother gave it to me."

Princess: "What? It's beautiful—just like Aunt Bella. It's almost as if she wanted to say something good to you through it."

I laughed softly at her words, a familiar warmth spreading in my chest.

Me: "Maybe."

A memory surfaced in my mind—the gentle voice of my mother whenever I felt sad or cried.

"Be like a flower, my love. When you're young, stay happy, ignore the sadness around you, and always shine."

I reached out, gently brushing my fingers over the petals.

Me: "It's a peony, Princess."

Princess: "A peony?"

She tilted her head, curiosity filling her features.

Me: "Yes. This flower holds its own meaning—it symbolizes happiness, and its leaves represent good fortune and wealth. Whenever you look at it, you might feel sudden happiness. And when you smell it, it reminds you of something special... a memory you cherish."

Princess: "Really? Then why didn't you tell me about it before?"

I hesitated before answering, my gaze dropping slightly.

Me: "Hmm… after my mother died, the flower never bloomed again."

Princess: "What? Then why is it blooming now? Maybe… something good is about to happen to us."

Her words lingered in my mind. Could it be true? Before I could dwell on it further, a sudden thought struck me like lightning.

I turned to the Princess, lowering my voice.

Me: "Princess, the King and the Commander… don't you find it strange? Why are they here? And remember how they tried to jump into the pond? Isn't it suspicious?"

Her expression shifted slightly, as if she had already considered this.

Princess: "I thought about it too, but Y/N, King Charles never does anything without a reason."

Me: "Are you even sure he is King Charles? I mean, you've only seen him once, right?"

Princess: "Well, yes, but I have no doubt it's him. And you heard Commander Xavier—if you want to clear your doubts, we can just talk to the King le—"

Before she could finish, a deep voice interrupted us.

???: "No need to go anywhere. You can ask me now."

A chill ran down my spine. We turned our heads sharply to see King Charles and his Commander, Xavier, walking toward us with unreadable expressions.

King: "So, go ahead. Ask me."

I swallowed, trying to steady my nerves before speaking.

Me: "Why are you here? And why were you two hiding under the bed?"

A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, as if my question amused him.

King: "Well, I'm here because I want to marry the girl I choose. It's a family tradition—the King must find his bride himself, living as a normal person to see how honest she is. But while we were nearby, some people mistook us for thieves, so we had to run. We secretly entered the palace to hide."

I studied his face carefully, searching for any sign of deception. His words made sense, yet something about them didn't sit right with me.

Princess: "Oh! So, did you find your bride, my King?" she asked with childlike curiosity.

King: "I'll decide when I leave."

She nodded, seemingly satisfied, but his gaze then shifted toward me. There was something intense about the way he looked at me.

King: "Now, let's begin our battle."

Princess: "Really? Okay, okay! Y/N, are you ready?"

I nodded and reached for my sword, preparing myself.

King: "Without that."

He smirked, and I froze for a second. His confidence was unsettling. Then, with a determined nod, I put my sword down and took my stance.

Commander Xavier: "Princess, come. Let's sit here and watch them."

I caught the slight blush on the Princess's cheeks as she nodded and sat beside him.

King: "Eyes on me, Y/N."

I turned my focus back to him. We started the fight—I was quick, dodging his attacks and grabbing his hand. In a swift movement, I flipped him onto the ground.

Princess: "Yes! Y/N, come on!"

I smirked down at him, feeling a small surge of victory.

King: "Oh, you're quite fast."

He got up, brushing the dust off his clothes, and we continued fighting. His movements were sharp, controlled, and precise—he was incredibly skilled.

How is this possible? How can he fight so well?

King: "Let's make it interesting. If my back touches the ground three times, I lose. But for you, it'll be ten."

He spoke between movements, suddenly grabbing my waist. His face was mere inches from mine.

I took the chance to use my special move—tricking him and flipping him onto the ground once more.

Me: "No need for that. We're equal here, King Charles."

Commander Xavier: "Brother! What are you doing? You're going to lose!"

Princess: "Yes! Well, get ready, Commander Xavier."

The King stood up, chuckling softly.

King: "Don't worry, brother. I will win for sure."

Then, in a flash, he grabbed me. I tried to defend myself, but he was too fast—he threw me onto the ground.

King: "Did I hurt you?"

I glared up at him.

Me: "I am a soldier, King Charles."

I got back up, refusing to back down.

We fought fiercely, our movements becoming faster and sharper. Sometimes, we were so close that our noses almost touched. His techniques were unlike anything I had seen before.

Once again, he threw me onto the ground.

Now we both have one chance left.

Neither of us noticed how late it had become—the sky was now a deep shade of blue.

Then, out of nowhere, he pulled me close in a tight grip, almost like a hug. My body tensed as I struggled to escape. I was exhausted, but I refused to give up.

But suddenly, he used a trick move—one I didn't see coming.

Boom.

I hit the ground hard, my body frozen in shock.

How… how did I lose?

I lay there, staring up at the night sky, my heart pounding in disbelief.t