Does it have to be her?

A bruised face, messy hair… This wasn't the first time Blair had seen Aeneas in this state.

Years ago, something like this was normal. There was nothing Blair could do but treat Aeneas's wounds, who were holding back his own cries. Gradually, Aeneas became accustomed to the injuries he received. At some point, Aeneas never cared about his injuries again.

And this time, it was Blair who was hurt. His own stupidity deeply hurt him.

Since then, Blair has promised himself that Aeneas will not be hurt again. Blair gives Aeneas the choice of his knight, freeing him from physical training as well as keeping him away from politics. That's all Blair does to look after Aeneas.

But look at him now, Blair thought, touching one of Aeneas' bruises.

"Ouch!"

"Sorry," Blair said quickly. "Even though you know it will hurt a lot, why are you still so determined to advance?"

"I can't just sit idly by when I see someone I love hurt, Brother," said Aeneas straightforwardly. He grinned at Blair. "No matter how painful it is, no matter how big the risk is, I am willing to bear it."

Blair was stunned to hear this. "This is already the second time you've been injured because of Lady Dulcia. This is also Sir Azel's second time not done his job properly."

"Don't be like that to them. You know very well that it's not their fault," said Aeneas with a hint of amusement. "I'm just too weak to withstand Duke Dulcia's attack."

"No, Aeneas. You shouldn't be hurt like this."

"Why do you sound so obsessed with the wounds I got?"

Those words sounded like a splash of cold water on Blair's head. "Aeneas… not that… I mean…"

Aeneas suddenly takes Blair in his arms. His hand patted Blair's back as if trying to calm him down. "I'm fine, Brother. Really," he whispered right in Blair's ear. "This wound is nothing compared to the wounds I received in the past."

Again the memory burst into Blair's mind. Horrible memories from the past still haunt Blair even after all these years have passed. Memories that drive Catalina crazy. Memories that make…

What made Aeneas?

Blair slowly released Aeneas' embrace. He oversaw his brother's face. Despite the bruises on his face, Aeneas looks calm and even relaxed. His different colors eyes didn't show any fear at all. Aeneas looks instead–

"You aren't considering separating me from Lady Selah, right?"

Blair snapped out of his reverie.

Selah? Did Selah cause this change in Aeneas? Does Aeneas' courage come from Selah?

"Do… you really love her?" he asked.

Aeneas tries to smile through his hurt lips. "Yes. Maybe it's been since the first time I saw him archery that time," he replied.

"Why, of all people, does it have to be Lady Dulcia?" Blair asked through a lump in his throat.

"Because I can't see her grieving," answered Aeneas. "And I don't want to make you the one who hurts Lady Selah. You two… are people who mean a lot to me."

Blair looks directly into Aeneas' eyes, trying to find lies in them. But what Blair saw instead was a great deal of conviction.

"Or could it be… You actually like Lady Selah?" asked Aeneas cautiously.

"No," Blair answered quickly. "Our relationship is only a political relationship."

"I'm sorry if I messed up your political plans. But this feeling I had for the first time… was unstoppable." Aeneas touched his chest. "This is a strange feeling for me because I can feel love and sincerity. Are you mad?"

"No, Aeneas. No," Blair said reassuringly. "I can still find other women who are like Lady Dulcia. There must be many out there. As for you… for you, there must be only one like Lady Dulcia in this world."

"Blair…"

"Aeneas." Blair takes Aeneas' hand. "Do not worry about it. I don't want to be the one who hurts you."

"Yes, alright. Thank you for entrusting Lady Selah to me, Your Highness."

***

"You're hurt! Oh, my dear… What happened to you? Blair… Why… Why is Aeneas like this?"

"Sorry for being unable to take good care of him, Your Majesty. There was a bit of an accident when we went to play again. But the doctor has examined Aeneas, and the doctor said that he is fine."

"Really? Then how about you? Are you hurt too?"

"I'm fine. Look? You don't have to worry too much about us. It's already late, so get some rest soon."

"Mother." Aeneas patted Catalina's shoulder and smiled as sweetly as he could. "I want to be hummed."

"Of course," Catalina said immediately. "Blair, drink some warm milk before bed so you can sleep well. Oh, my poor children…."

Aeneas waves Blair goodbye before they all head back to their places.

[Our relationship is only a political one.]

Aeneas snorted in amusement at Blair's earlier words. Yes, yes. Of course, Blair's relationship with Selah is purely political.

"Really, those two people…" muttered Aeneas.

"My angel, did you say something?" she asked.

"No, Mother," said Aeneas gently. "My wound suddenly hurts…."

Catalina looked at him worriedly. "Actually, how can you play until it hurts like this?"

They reached Catalina's room before long. A spacious room with a soothing scent of flowers. The room also always feels warm and comfortable for anyone who enters it.

"I was injured while trying to protect someone," Aeneas said as soon as they both lay on the bed. "Mom, do you remember that I had a lover? Well, I'm trying to protect her."

"Oh, my. What happened to your girlfriend?" Catalina asked worriedly. "If he's really in danger, just bring him here. There are many knights here who will protect him. Mother will also protect him."

"Take it easy, Mother. I will protect her as best I can before bringing her here," said Aeneas, stroking his mother's hair. "Right now, there are indeed many bad people around her. But in the future, no one will ever dare to do evil again."

"Yes, that's right. My angel lover should not be in misery." Catalina smiles at Aeneas. "You should be happy, Aeneas. Your lover should also be happy. You all should be happy and stay away from bad people."

"Yes, of course, Mother," said Aeneas.

Then, Catalina started singing and fell asleep by herself. Then Aeneas left his mother.