Her

Lucien knew better than to strike the first punch, no matter how badly he wanted to, not because he was afraid of what his mother would do, but because he did not want to give Zarek the satisfaction. He knew all Zarek wanted to do was provoke him into doing something he would regret. He wouldn't let that happen.

Zarek shrugged, "Don't judge me, I've been busy. But today I decided to make out time for you Lucien."

Lucien stared at him for a while unsure of what to say; if he stood there listening to Zarek, he would surely lose his cool. The earlier Zarek left, the better for both of them.

"We both know why you're here, so cut to the chase and be gone. I have things to do," Lucien turned his back to the young man.

"Well, don't say I didn't care about you when you were nursing a wounded ego," there was a hint of a sarcastic smile in his voice.

Lucien shook his head, he was not going to allow himself to lose his cool, not over something very insignificant.

"If we're being honest, you were never really suited for the role. Father knew that" Zarek stood to his feet, "But you know father, always giving you a helping hand, because you're his favorite son." he finished sarcastically.

"Is that why you are so bitter all the time Zarek?" Lucien asked coolly, turning to face him. "You are jealous Father favors me all the time," he chuckled.

Zarek eyed him, "Why would I be envious of you? You are incompetent, slow, and riding on father's wing," Zarek's cool expression started to fade.

"And even with all your competence, Father picks me every time," Lucien folded his hand over his chest smugly.

Zarek ground his teeth in annoyance, "I don't care for Father's acknowledgment, you can keep it, while I keep the chief commander's position," he forced a smile.

Lucien chuckled, "Technically, you aren't the chief commander yet. Father said he will announce his decision at the next council meeting."

"The position is mine. Father will not go back on his word," Zarek barked.

Lucien walked casually to his bed and laid down, "You can take the chief commander position and any other position you want, I really don't care. I am the heir to the throne, Zarek, and by implication the next king of Arvenia, I couldn't be bothered about leading the army." He grinned, much to the distaste of Zarek. Zarek clenched and unclenched his fist, he wanted nothing more than to scrub that smile off Lucien's face.

"We will see who rules Arvenia," he muttered under his breath and stormed towards the door.

"Thanks for dropping by," Lucien laughed dryly.

________________

Levina sat in the garden, staring into space. She could not stop thinking about the incident that occurred in Lucien's chambers earlier. Why did she lose control when he touched her? She spent her teenage years practicing spells and how to control her powers and how to stop her emotions from interfering with her magic. Yet somehow, Lucien managed to get her to lose control.

Lucien was proving to be more of a problem than she anticipated.

She jumped when somebody touched her shoulder. Levina looked up to find a young woman staring down at her. She had curly, hazel hair, brown eyes, and thin lips. She was not much to look at, but she did have a beautiful smile. The lady was probably the same age as herself.

The lady stretched out her hand, which Levina gladly accepted and she helped her to her feet. Levina looked her over, she did not look like any of the maids. Who was she then?

"Aerilyn," the girl introduced herself excitedly.

"Levina," she replied while dusting her skirt.

"I have never seen you around, are you new here?" she asked.

Levina nodded her head in response, "I am Lu- the prince's personal nurse."

Aerilyn smiled, "My father works here, so I drop by every now and then to see him," she said. "It is nice to finally meet someone here that is not a help."

"You know, if you are not doing anything now, you could come with me. I am heading to the royal blacksmith's shop actually. I want to say hello to an old friend. What I am trying to say is, if you are free, come with me."

Aerilyn spoke too fast, without thinking, but Levina loved the sound of her chatter, it was nice to hear the voice of someone that wasn't her father or Lucien; someone her age.

Levina nodded without hesitation.

"Great, come along then," she grabbed Levina by the arm and skittered away.

The walk to the blacksmith's shop was a long one, even though it was within the palace walls. There were two gates leading to the palace, the first one fenced the vast land where the infirmary, the blacksmith shop, and the training ground were located and the second gate led to the castle itself.

Initially, it seemed like a great idea to walk, Aerilyn had suggested they walk, so as to have more time to get to know each other. But the more they walked the more it seemed like a terrible idea. By the time they got to the blacksmith's, they were sweaty and out of breath.

"You both look like you walked from Ionia to Arvenia!" Draven laughed nervously. He knew Aerilyn was coming but he didn't know she would bring 'her' along.

He never said more than two words to Levina, all he did was admire her from afar.