Chapter 11

"The spark is a flicker of light in the darkness, yet holds the possibility of illumination to the unknown."

"Well tell me what's the problem with that boy?" Asked empress Tatiana nearly angered and confused by her grandchild, no discernible behaviour inconsistent. He does well in school for almost a year and passed but his temper has become more like dancing at a razor edge.

"I don't know what to do with him." Muttered to her husband.

The lady in waiting saw her lady in deep mental distress, so hadn't been sure if she'd speak but she made up her mind hoping this particular piece of information would help,

" your highness…hhmmm." Said hoping to get her attention. The empress was surprised by her head maid but she gave her attention and gestured for her to proceed.

"I'm not sure if this would be considered as a good sign but he has been visiting a music studio, more to the point a girl. She is a musical genius who received a scholarship. He had been visiting her for the last month from what we gathered he has a crush on her." Said the head maid in one breath hoping to see a change of expression and she wasn't disappointed.

"Go on continue." Said Tatiana happily.

"Well the girl's name is Gracey, only child. Father died in the last skirmish at the southern border. Mother a nurse, she could only afford the lowest geno therapy, but she's an anomaly."

"It doesn't matter prepare the car tomorrow for the school." She ordered happily. She kissed her husband's cheeks and went to her study.

The emperor was not smiling though,"continue with the report." Ordered with seriousness.

"His linguistics last paper was admitted late but he gotten a perfect score but programming is sitting a little shy of perfect. Constant fighting in the arena…"

"Is he improving?" Interrupted Julian.

"Well yes his cadet training is also excellent but he is difficult to work with, also he's been very lax due to his new affectionate behaviour to this young lady." Concluded the head maid.

"Anyone sniffing around?" Asked Julian to no one in particular.

Unassuming knight behind him came forward and replied,"Some interested parties inquired about the young lord and lady but some unexpected business group outside the country tried to hire some hackers to obtain information.

"As soon as they were located they were taken care of discreetly. But the analyst are convinced that there is an organization of sorts that's stirring up trouble." Said the knight somewhat upsetting the emperor.

"No matter keep an eye on the other countries and their secret projects, tell the RND to accelerate their efforts." Ordered emperor Julian contemplating the fate of his country.

As the morning sun hit Erick's face, waking him from a beautiful dream where he had watched Gracey play her instrument, her delicate and beautiful voice, and the hand movements that captured his imagination, he cursed the sun for its interference. But as a new day brought new possibilities, he got off his bed, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. He wasn't quite sure what to do with this new cocktail of emotions.

As he got ready, he couldn't help but doubt if she would show up. The thought gnawed at him, making his hands tremble slightly as he buttoned his shirt. What if she changed her mind? What if something came up and she couldn't make it? Erick shook his head, trying to push the negative thoughts away. He had to stay positive.

After a quick breakfast, he made his way to the music studio where they had agreed to meet. The morning air was crisp, and the studio was still quiet, with early risers out for their classes and activities. Erick checked his watch repeatedly, each minute feeling like an eternity.

Finally, he saw her. Gracey walked towards him, her smile as radiant as the morning sun. She was wearing a simple dress unlike their first meeting uniform, her hair flowing freely in a casual bun. Erick's heart skipped a beat, and he felt a rush of relief and joy.

"Good morning," Gracey greeted him, her eyes sparkling with the same excitement he felt. She questioned his motives the night before and kept coming to one conclusion a crush.

"Good morning," Erick replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "I was starting to think you wouldn't show up."

Gracey laughed softly. "I wouldn't miss this for anything."

They walked together to one of the practice rooms, where Gracey always has her session. The room was cozy, with a grand piano in the corner and a few chairs scattered around. Gracey set up her cello , tuning it with practiced ease.

"I thought it would be nice if we could play something together, it's been sometime since I've played." Erick said, feeling a bit shy. "I brought my violin."

Gracey's eyes were lit up with curiosity a brute known for his brutality to play something delicate as violin. From the look of the violin it looked like it was a rare one of a kind,"I'd love that. What do you want to play?"

Erick suggested a simple duet, something they both knew well. As they began to play, the room filled with the harmonious blend of the violin and cello. Erick watched Gracey as she played, captivated by her skill and passion. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the music, and Erick felt a deep connection to her.

After they finished the piece, Gracey smiled at him. "You play beautifully, Erick."

"Thanks," he replied.

"You were amazing, as always."

They spent the next hour playing various pieces, laughing at their mistakes and enjoying the shared experience. Erick felt his nerves ease away, replaced by a sense of joy and contentment.

As the session came to an end, Gracey suggested they take a break.

"There's a small café nearby. Would you like to grab a coffee?"

"I'd love to," Erick said, feeling happy and for the first time in a while he forgot his troubles.

They walked to the café, continuing their conversation about music, their lives, and their dreams. Gracey shared stories about her time at the academy, and Erick found himself opening up about his own experiences.

"I feel like I can be myself with you and yet I spilled my past more with you than anyone else. I'm feeling like an idiot," Erick said, looking into her eyes.

Gracey's expression softened. "I feel the same way, Erick. But what I can't wrap my head around is that you can actually play, most muscle bound idiots can't even play to save their lives."

In that moment as they laughed together, everything felt right. The uncertainties and doubts melted away, leaving only the pure, undeniable connection between them. As they sipped their coffee, they talked about their hopes and fears, growing closer with each passing minute.

As the hour struck midday a little traffic started to pour in to the street. People witnessed something of rarity in that day, Erick the inhuman laughing and smiling, talking to a girl. As the realization hit the passersby why the training ground was peaceful today.

"Why are they staring at us?" Asked Gracey.

Erick saw his watch without caring about his surroundings,"it's lunchtime, do you want some lunch…?" As he finished his sentence four black cars with no emblem no identifying plates pulled over by the door.

As everyone started to panic when people with weapons stepped out of the vehicles, at first glance they were equipped with armour that seemed like a prototype but only two people didn't have a face mask, what the hell do they want he thought to himself. As he saw a scared and confused look on Gracey, he got triggered, with a gloomy voice,"who sent you?" He asked.

The young man that was approaching looked at Erick with a humble smile," excuse me miss, sorry to interrupt your date lord but you are…."

"Let me stop you I was perfectly clear not to interrupt my life here,Is it grandmother or the old man who sent you?" Asked Erick with anger mixed in his voice.

After witnessing the stalemate in the cafe the second woman who didn't wore a mask approached and without hesitation handed Erick an invitation to came home," my apologies but this is what we were ordered and we'll also pick up the young lady too lord, so please don't make this difficult for us." As she bowed after finishing her sentence, Erick sensed her genuine gesture and turned back to Gracey.

Gracey was caught off guard by the suddenness of it all, she heard no one knows what his background is, due to many words floating around like he's a son of some rich family or illegitimate son of some high ranking official or noble but with what she saw from these people she had but confirmed her own thoughts," what is this, the crest on this invitation is from the royal family?" Whispered Gracey looking at him.

"I know the royal family from the news and you're not one of them, can you be?"

"Look sorry about this,grandma is the one who sent her guardians her to fetch me because of my birthday today I'm guessing."

"Why didn't you say it's your birthday?"

"I don't really celebrate it anymore, since my family…"

"I know you have class today in the afternoon so I'll see you in a couple of days, that is if you still want to go out with me? I'll understand if you can't." He said with a gentle look.

" I'm curious, so yes I'll see you when you get back." Said Gracey with a twinkle in her eyes.

As the escort of guards picked up glory on their way, glory was surprised by her brother and his new attitude, a smile that hanged on his face, the bright disposition and tiny ray of hope in his eyes. She came to one conclusion that her stubborn brother has a crush, she couldn't wait to tell their grandparents when they get to the palace.