Chapter 14

{The Maestro}: „I heard all of it from Leo. After something like that, you must have long lost your feelings of hatred, huh?"

{Aldric}: „I'm so embarrassed, don't expect me to answer that. It's not like I'm that easy to win over."

{The Maestro}: „Aldric, at the end of the day, you're loved. Even if not by many. There's still people who support you and care for you, so don't waste your life like this again."

Subconsciously, I start to tear up again. It seems my emotions have built up over these years.

I don't want to die. Not now anyways.

{Leo}: „Hey, you guys still conversing? I wanted to ask you if you wanted to join us today at the gathering."

{Aldric}: „Did…Did Elara want that too?"

{Leo}: „Of course, you're her brother after all. I don't mind you either. I know that your hard exterior is just for show."

For the first time in ten years, I felt the warm sun shining through the window. My heart felt warm and I started to smile. I was so happy to finally have people, who care about me. I felt like crying again. Gosh I'm such a crybaby…

*At the dining halls*

{Elara}: „I'm glad you showed up, Aldric. Hope you fixed your little mental blocks."

{Aldric}: „I'm sorry, Elara. I couldn't ever make it up to you, I know that, but please forgive me for all the wrong I did to you."

{Elara}: „Stop! Let's just have a good time haha."

{Leo}: „I agree. Drop the heavy atmosphere, just for tonight."

I spent the rest of the days in comfort. That was until I had to leave again. I would lose all my friends again, but not my motivation. I'll fight on for them.

That's what I thought anyways.

{Elara}: „You awake yet, Leo?"

{Leo}: „Yeah, what is it?"

{Elara}: „We're supposed to be leaving today, right? Kind of a shame. It felt kind of like a honeymoon, don't you think?"

{Leo}: „It was Kind of stressful for me personally to be honest. I didn't get to relax at all these few days."

{Elara}: „Oh, I didn't realise. Sorry."

{Leo}: „Haha it's alright."

{Elara}: „Did you ever think of abandoning the royal family, Leo?"

{Leo}: „Of course. I mean…. If we get married we'd be sent to one of the 14 areas as emperor and empress."

{Elara}: *blush* „Haha true true."

{Leo]: „Why the sudden question?"

{Elara}: „Just curious."

In the end I'm glad, that I didn't have to resort to desperate measures regarding Aldric. It was quite lucky, that I was able to manipulate him into liking me and abandoning his antagonistic hatred.

I wonder what kind of person the king is. He obviously seemed capable, as our land is one of the biggest and fastest growing in the known world. That isn't all though, he must be a strong individual with an iron will to basically trap his children in a cage and to abandon Aldric like that.

*knock knock*

{Leo}: „Its us, Lysander."

{The Maestro}: „Ah, Leo and Elara. You must be here to say your goodbyes."

{Elara}: „Yeah it was really fun this year. I hope it can continue like this."

{The Maestro}: „Well actually… I guess you guys haven't read the news yet. There has been an incident at the eastern border. Not only recent espionage cases but the royal letters have been getting more and more pro-war. The eastern kingdoms King must be wanting to hasten the progress of animosity between our lands."

{Leo}: „It's getting more and more unsafe in this kingdom is what you're saying?"

{Elara}: „The first ones I can think of, who are impacted by this are… Leo and Aldric. Their stance in the nobility is too loose. They would be the first sent to war if it happens. Father will surely use this time to get rid of all nuisances in the kingdom after all."

{The Maestro}: „From what I can imagine… there's an unimaginably high risk for you to go to war, Leo. The king probably already took note of your insane physical capabilities and will be thirsting to get you on the frontlines. The partner of a princess leading the troops to war is too convenient to pass up on. And you have the capability to fulfill that fantasy."

{Leo}: „You're right… I always dreaded this moment would come."

Elara moves in an lays her hands on mine. I can feel the tension in the air as her grasp of my hand tightens. Tears flow in streams out of her bloodshot eyes. With a shaky and scared voice she utters what I know to be her true feelings of despair.

{Elara}: „Don't you die on me, Leo… You have to come back."

{Leo}: „Hold on… It's not like it's been decided yet."

She looks at me like I said something wrong. She gets in closer and I fall back on the couch. By that point, Lysander had long cleared the room and left, almost knowing what was about to happen. I swear he's just as monster-like as Adelinde when it comes to reading the room.

{Leo}: „Hold on… I-"

{Elara}: „Not a single word from you, Leo. You have said enough."

She throws herself on my chest with an embarrassed expression. She wraps her arms around my waist and presses as hard as she can.

{Elara}: „How can such a warm and soft body be so strong. How can the person I love be so cute, even though I have never seen him."

{Leo}: „D-Dear~ What seems to have come over you ha ha?"

Elara ignores my remark and starts unbuttoning my shirt, while moving her hands along my body, feeling with every touch where to find the next button to undo. I'm too embarrassed to react as she proceeds to take of my piece of clothing. She then puts her head on my chest, as if to hear in on my heartbeat. Her soft hair envelopes my body and my heart begins to race. I can sense her movements getting more and more inaccurate, as she is overcome with excitement.

That was the crucial moment, where I heard the door locking. We are alone… all alone in this room. It's shameful, embarrassing but seeing her like this… I can't do anything but let her do what she must.

It's hard to remember as the memories are clouded in a haze of excitement. All I remember is the sudden rush of emotions I felt after the fact.

As I looked at Elara, I felt, that she has never looked more beautiful. After an awkward pause, we got up and silently dressed ourselves and cleaned up as much as we could. The rest will be for the maids to take care of.

I take Elara on my back and unlock the door, as we are already late for our ride back to Regal. I rushed things, as not to see Lysander again. It would be too embarrassing for me to handle, I fear. There we silently sit in the carriage…

{Elara}: „I never knew it could be so exhausting."

{Leo}: „You can lie down, I don't mind. I'm a bit sleepy as well. Last night was definitely no good for my sleep schedule."

Elara lies down, resting her head on my lap. The sun is setting and the orange light fills the room in a warm light. I feel, that right now is the best time to say it.

{Leo}: „Elara, Do you want to marry me?"