The Archer's Aim
The court had a short memory.
For weeks, the scandal had consumed them—whispers behind fans, careful glances, and pointed conversations cut short whenever Eva entered a room.
But just as quickly as the rumor had spread, it began to die.
Maybe it was because there was no proof.
Maybe it was because the king's silence had unnerved them.
Or maybe it was because something new had captured their attention.
Either way, the court moved on.
And Eva?
Eva picked up a bow.
---
The Princess in the Training Yard
The morning air was crisp as Eva stood in the training yard, gripping a bow that was slightly too large for her. The target stood several yards away, taunting her.
Lucian watched from the shadows of the training grounds, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
She pulled back the string, narrowed her eyes, and—
THUNK!
The arrow missed the target entirely, landing in the dirt with a pathetic wobble.
A few knights snickered.
Eva exhaled through her nose. "Alright. Not my best shot."
She grabbed another arrow, straightened her stance, and tried again.
THUNK!
The arrow hit the edge of the target this time.
Lucian tilted his head, intrigued despite himself.
---
The Silent Spectator
For the past hour, Lucian had been watching her struggle.
She wasn't bad.
But she wasn't good either.
And that should have been the end of it.
Except Eva wasn't giving up.
Each miss only made her adjust her grip, her stance, her focus.
Each failure made her more determined.
It was—admirable.
Not that he'd say that, of course.
---
Meanwhile, Tobias and Isolde Were Up to No Good
Tobias leaned against the stable wall, chewing on an apple, watching the scene unfold. "So, do we tell her she looks ridiculous or just let her embarrass herself?"
Isolde smacked his arm. "Shut up, Tobias. She's trying."
He winced. "Alright, alright. No need to get violent."
Isolde rolled her eyes. "Besides, I think she's improving."
Tobias snorted. "Right. And I think I'll grow wings and fly."
Isolde nudged him. "You're just mad because she's doing something impressive and you're standing here eating."
Tobias grinned. "I like standing here eating."
Isolde smirked. "Lucian's watching her."
Tobias raised a brow. "And?"
"And he cares."
Tobias laughed. "Oh, he'd rather die than admit that."
---
A Frustrated Princess
Eva groaned, lowering her bow. "This is impossible."
Lucian finally stepped forward. "Your grip is wrong."
Eva turned, startled. "You—" She narrowed her eyes. "You've been watching me?"
Lucian ignored the question. "Straighten your wrist. Loosen your fingers. You're overcompensating."
Eva huffed. "I know that."
He smirked. "Clearly."
She scowled. "Are you here to mock me or help me?"
He shrugged. "Both."
She sighed but did as he instructed.
Another arrow.
Another shot.
This time, it landed closer to the center.
Lucian nodded, barely hiding his approval. "Better."
Eva smirked. "I knew you were impressed."
Lucian scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself."
Tobias and Isolde watched the exchange from a distance.
Tobias snickered. "You think they'll ever admit they're flirting?"
Isolde grinned. "Not a chance."
---
A Royal Interruption
Just as Eva was preparing for another shot, a deep voice interrupted.
"Princess Eva."
She turned, eyes widening. "Father."
King Aldric stood at the entrance of the training yard, watching with quiet amusement. His royal attire was pristine despite the dusty surroundings.
The knights straightened immediately.
Lucian's posture stiffened.
Even Tobias and Isolde stopped laughing.
Eva lowered her bow. "I—was just—"
Aldric held up a hand. "Continue."
Eva hesitated.
Then, determined not to embarrass herself, she nocked another arrow.
A deep breath.
A steady aim.
She released.
THUNK!
The arrow landed just outside the center.
Not perfect.
But close.
Aldric smiled. "Not bad."
Eva exhaled, relieved.
Then, to her surprise, the king walked toward the weapon racks.
And picked up a bow.
---
The King's Shot
The knights exchanged glances.
Lucian watched, intrigued.
Aldric pulled back the string, his stance relaxed but firm.
Without hesitation, he released the arrow.
THWACK!
A perfect shot.
Dead center.
The training yard fell silent.
Aldric smirked. "It's been a while."
Eva gaped. "You never told me you could do that."
Aldric handed the bow to a nearby knight. "You never asked."
Lucian stared at the king with newfound respect.
Tobias muttered, "Well, that's embarrassing."
Isolde whispered, "At least she wasn't that bad."
Eva recovered, lifting her chin. "Well. I almost hit the center."
Aldric chuckled. "Keep practicing."
Then he turned and walked away, as if he hadn't just casually humiliated everyone on the field.
---
The Aftermath
As the training yard emptied, Lucian walked beside Eva.
He didn't say anything for a long time.
Then—
"You really aren't bad."
Eva blinked. "Was that… a compliment?"
Lucian shrugged. "Take it however you want."
She smirked. "You're impressed."
He rolled his eyes. "You'll never let this go, will you?"
"Never."
Tobias and Isolde exchanged knowing looks.
The princess was improving her aim.
But Lucian?
Lucian was losing his.