Aurein's POV
"Nghhh!"
"Mfff!"
"So this is what sword training feels like... it's exhausting, General Voltaire," Serena said between exaggerated breaths, as though she were moments away from collapsing.
What an actress. Truly, she deserved an award for this performance.
"You don't have to push yourself, Princess Serena," General Voltaire said with a faint hint of concern in his voice.
"But still, I want to learn," she said sweetly, offering him a smile so sugary it could rot teeth. "I want to protect not only myself—but my King, Aurein. I will stand by his side and fight."
I nearly rolled my eyes out of my skull.
I actually felt my throat tighten. I almost gagged. Give me a bucket. Please. I want to vomit!
"I like what you said, Princess Serena," General Voltaire said.
"Don't believe her, General Voltaire!" I snapped irritably.
The general cast me a flat, unimpressed look—one of those looks that told me he thought I was the childish one here.
"Hmp," I muttered under my breath, shooting him a glare since he refused to believe me.
"Am I doing this correctly, General? Is my grip right? Is this the proper stance?" Serena asked suddenly, drawing both our attention.
"Um... no, it's actually wrong. But let me show you the correct way," General Voltaire said.
Wrong on purpose. I knew it. I absolutely knew it.
I watched as he stepped closer to her—yet not too close—and adjusted her form with careful, polite touches. They stood face-to-face, his hands repositioning her elbows and shoulders with the stiff, overly formal manner of correcting someone.
Unlike with me.
I remembered it too clearly—the way he always stood behind me, his chest brushing my back, his breath close at my ear... almost like he was about to wrap his arms around me.
The memory made me smile without realizing it.
To her, he kept distance. To me, he forgot what distance even meant. He was too close when he's with me.
Maybe it was because Serena was a princess and royalty. But so was I? Yet he never treated me with prince-like delicacy. Not once. Well, maybe in front of my parents only!
Perhaps... in a strange way... I preferred it. I didn't need him to respect me like royalty. If anything—maybe I liked when he treated me freely. Roughly. Honestly.
Not in a malicious way or anything, of course!
"Thank you, General Voltaire, for correcting my stance," Serena said softly.
"My pleasure," he said.
"General..." I called out suddenly, and he turned to me.
Before I answered, I glanced at Serena and flashed her a sly little smile—quick, sharp, and deliberate—before facing him again.
"I actually forgot the fifth form," I said with innocent sweetness. "I'm not sure if my shoulder and arm placement are correct. Could you... help me remember?"
If she could act, then so could I.
Two can play this game. And I play to win.
As I hoped, this time General Voltaire stepped behind me—exactly the way I pictured it. The way I remembered.
He came close—close enough for me to feel the warmth radiating off him—then gently lifted my arms.
"You need to relax your arms," he said, his hands guiding mine. "Not stiff, but firm enough to support your grip."
"Okay... and then?" I asked, stealing a quick glance at Serena.
Her eyes were narrowing—slowly, murderously.
Ha!
"Just like I taught you before," he said, his voice low and calm. "Make sure the sword's edge is at eye level."
He leaned forward as he adjusted my grip, his head moving beside mine—so close that our cheeks brushed. My breath faltered.
"This is where the edge of your sword should be. Do you understand?" he asked.
"Yes, General," I said quietly.
"Then make sure your breathing is correct," he added.
His hand settled on my abdomen—firm, warm—pressing gently as he guided my breath.
"Stabilize your breathing. Inhale... exhale..." he said with a softness that unraveled every nerve in my body.
And with every touch, every brush of his fingers, it felt like he was embracing me—holding me—not just my arms, but my entire being. Heat flared low in my stomach. Lower.
Oh no.
I could feel something... forming... growing... beneath my belt.
A slight curve. A very damning, very noticeable bulge.
Dear gods—please, please, let him not notice.
Because his touch... I didn't know what it was doing to me.
It made me feel something—
Something thrilling.
Something dangerous.
Something that excited me.
I glanced at Serena—and there she was, gripping her wooden sword so tightly her knuckles were turning white. She was shaking with barely contained frustration.
Ha!
Victory tasted sweet.
Should I add this to the scoreboard?
Probably yes.
Then General Voltaire's hands closed around mine—firm, warm—guiding me through the stance as though he were locking me into his embrace. His arms framed me, steady and grounding, and together we moved in slow, controlled motions so I could memorize every detail of the form.
"Do you understand now, Prince Aurein?" he asked.
"Can you help me do it again? I... didn't quite get a part of it," I said innocently, even though I knew this form by heart. I had to play dumb to get what I wanted.
If Serena could be sweet, then I would be the picture of innocent incompetence.
Then—
Thud!
"Ouch!" Serena cried as her wooden sword dropped to the ground. She crouched instantly, clutching her foot, which I know she did on purpose!
General Voltaire released me immediately—so fast it was almost insulting—and rushed toward her, kneeling before the princess.
"Does it hurt? Where did it hit you?" he asked anxiously, taking her right foot into his hands.
"It happened so suddenly," she said, voice trembling dramatically. "You weren't focused on me, so I must have swung wrongly and dropped my sword by mistake. My entire right foot hurts."
She was trying to sound as fragile as humanly possible.
"I'm sorry, Princess Serena," General Voltaire said. Then he turned to me with a serious expression. "Prince Aurein, you might have to continue on your own for now. We cannot risk another casualty."
A casualty? Really?
She only dropped a light wooden sword. It's not as if the poor thing shattered her bones or left her crippled for life.
"Good thing it was only a wooden sword," he added, removing her shoe and gently massaging her foot.
"Ahh..." Serena whimpered, and while the General focused on her foot, she tilted her head toward me and mouthed:
I won.
Then she smirked—devilish, triumphant.
My eyes narrowed dangerously. It took every ounce of royal restraint not to yank her hair out.
She turned back to the General and suddenly burst into theatrical sobbing.
"Ow! Yes, right there, General—that's where it hurts! A-aw!"
I could see the General's expression shift—calm, but with a furrow in his brows. Concerned. Focused.
"This spot?" General Voltaire asked as his thumbs circled her foot in a careful massage.
"Yes, General. It hurts so much," she said in a pitiful voice.
"It's just a wooden sword. Stop being dramatic," I muttered irritably.
"You're not helping, Aurein. You're making it worse, and hurting my feelings." Serena said between her exaggerated breaths.
"Please, Prince Aurein," General Voltaire said. "Do not make any harsh comments. The princess needs comfort." Then he turned back to her. "Is it all right if I carry you to my hut so you can rest?"
"Yes, please," Serena said—as if she were moments away from death.
General Voltaire lifted her carefully into his arms, cradling her like she was something fragile. For a split second, he looked back at me—quick, unreadable—but I saw it.
Then he turned his back, and Serena immediately twisted her head toward me, waving mockingly with a smile that could kill kingdoms.
They walked away.
I just hope she won't harass the General when they are alone inside the hut!
"Ugh!" I groaned, tilting my head back in pure irritation.
My blood boiled so fiercely I grabbed my wooden sword and began slashing through the air—every form, every strike, all at once and without pause.
Like I was chopping Serena into perfect, even slices.
"Prince Aurein! Calm down!" Dante said as he arrived, panicked.
"No! I cannot calm down!" I said while continuing to strike at the air.
"What made you angry? What happened, Prince Aurein?" Ton-Ton asked.
"I'm more than angry—I'm furious!" I growled.
"But you were happy just a while ago?" Asper asked in confusion.
"That was before!" I snapped, slicing through the air with murderous precision.
While I continued my furious assault, I noticed Ton-Ton, Asper, and Dante quietly stepping backward—as if they had seen a ghost.
Even the other warriors froze, watching in stunned silence.
But I ignored them and kept slashing, venting every bit of rage spiraling inside me.
Maybe they were intimidated by me! That's right! I am unleashing the beast inside of me!
Then—
"Aah... General Voltaire was right," someone said calmly. "You truly are exceptional with the sword now."
I stopped instantly and turned.
"Father? King Lexor?" I blurted. "What are you doing here?"
"We wanted to visit you and Princess Serena," my father said. "To see how your training is progressing. And I'm glad we found you practicing with the wooden sword on your own. I'm impressed."
"Where is Serena? Why don't I see her?" King Lexor asked.
"Uhmm..." I muttered.
If I said she was in the hut, with the General himself, they might think something inappropriate.
If I said she was injured, they might scold General Voltaire for not taking care of her properly.
"They're nearby," I said instead. "No need to worry—she's with General Voltaire."
"All right, then. We'll take our leave," my father said. "Continue your training, Aurein. Tonight, I'd like to remind you that there will be a celebration to introduce you and the princess to everyone."
"All right..." I said, though unease sat heavily in my chest.
We exchanged farewells before the two kings departed.
"King Lucen said there will be a celebration tonight. I'm sure there will be so much delicious food again!" Ton-Ton said excitedly, eyes sparkling.
"Stop that, Ton-Ton! That celebration isn't for us!" Asper hissed quietly. "It's only for royalty and nobles!"
"Maybe they'll give us some food. Besides, we're close to Prince Aurein," Dante added hopefully.
"You too? Have you no shame?" Asper muttered, then turned to me apologetically. "Please excuse these two, Prince Aurein."
I simply sighed and offered them a small smile.
But inside, the word celebration sat in my chest like a stone.
My father's words echoed again—
They were already preparing to introduce us.
To present me and Serena... together.
To show the entire kingdom the future they had chosen for us.
"Ahh, I'm excited!" Ton-Ton said.
"Me too!" Dante added.
"Stop it, both of you! Can't you see Prince Aurein doesn't seem pleased?" Asper whispered, loud enough for me to hear.
He grabbed both of them and dragged them away before they could embarrass him further.
* * *
Later that afternoon, our training finally ended. And, as expected, Serena continued limping dramatically—milking every step as if the world owed her sympathy.
She already knew about the celebration, and when I told her that Father and King Lexor had come earlier, she was relieved I didn't tell them her foot was "injured."
She said she would act completely fine at the party...
But "weak" again when General Voltaire looked at her.
The nerve of that girl.
"Prince Aurein! I'm back!" Rowan called, waving as he approached with a cheerful smile.
"I told you, you don't have to pick me up," I said.
"I had nothing else to do, so I decided to meet you," he said with a shrug. "Besides, the celebration starts late tonight. I was wondering... would you like to go to the city market for a bit?"
"But I actually want to rest," I said hesitantly.
"Now that you've mentioned it, I haven't been to the city market! I want to see it." Serena suddenly chimed in excitedly. "General, will you accompany me?"
"But Princess, what about your foot?" General Voltaire asked, concerned.
Serena looked at me first—of course she did—then at her foot.
She moved it around dramatically, testing it as if she were uncertain... even though I knew she felt nothing.
"I'm all better! Thank you for taking care of me earlier! I can walk normally again!" she said happily.
"Are you sure?" the General asked.
"Yes! So... will you accompany me?" she asked sweetly.
"If you wish, Princess Serena," General Voltaire said.
"Let's go!" she said, practically skipping as they walked off together.
So much for her dramatic act earlier—as if she were about to die—yet now she's suddenly bursting with energy.
Rowan turned to me. "So... should we head back to your chamber?"
"You know what?" I said, irritated, watching them disappear into the forest. "I changed my mind. I'm going to the city market too. Let's go!"
* * *
By the time we arrived, the city market was alive—bursting with chatter, vendors, laughter, and a tide of people moving from stall to stall. The air smelled of spices, grilled meat, sweet pastries, and fresh flowers.
Whenever someone recognized me, they would stop and bow respectfully.
I made sure to smile warmly each time—after all, I wanted to look like a prince who was approachable, not distant.
Rowan walked beside me, talking about something—I honestly didn't know what—because my attention had completely drifted elsewhere.
A short distance ahead, I spotted them.
General Voltaire and Serena.
They were at a jewelry stall—accessories glittering in the light. Serena was laughing softly, trying on hair ornaments, earrings, necklaces, constantly turning to the General for his opinion.
My jaw tightened.
Then I noticed him.
General Voltaire held a silver necklace with a blue crystal pendant.
He turned it gently in his hand, brushing his thumb across the crystal.
He smiled—a faint, unreadable smile—as if the stone stirred some memory in him.
I didn't know what he was thinking.
But before I could wonder too long, Serena snatched the necklace from his hand and eagerly clasped it around her neck.
Of course.
"Aurein, are you listening to what I'm saying?" Rowan asked suddenly, snapping me back to reality.
"Yes," I answered. "My answer is yes."
Even though I absolutely had no idea what he had been talking about.
* * *
Voltaire's POV
Right now, I was standing at a jewelry stall with Princess Serena—who had not stopped talking since we left the training grounds. Not once. Not even for a breath.
If I could admit aloud how her nonstop chatter was drilling into my skull, I absolutely would.
If I could place a hand over her mouth just to buy myself one minute of silence, I would do that too.
But I couldn't.
She was royalty, after all.
But if it were Aurein...
I would gladly listen to him talk for hours. Until he was the one exhausted.
"This one is beautiful, isn't it, General?" Princess Serena said, holding up a pair of red earrings shaped like delicate roses. She pressed them against her ears, beaming proudly. "I might wear these later. They're cheap but they don't look cheap on me, do they?"
"Yes. They look amazing," I said flatly.
I shifted my gaze to the other displays, hoping to give my mind a moment of peace from her continuous monologue.
"This! I think this looks perfect on me!" she said next, holding up a thin silver ring with an elegant carved design. She slid it onto her finger. "It looks good on me, right?"
"Yes," I said, nodding briefly before returning to the shelves.
I exhaled a long, heavy breath.
I was aggravated.
And bored. Deeply bored.
I had never felt this lifeless in the presence of a beautiful maiden before. A woman like Princess Serena should have easily captured my interest. Under normal circumstances, I would have been attentive, polite, eager to compliment her.
But something was different.
My attraction toward women was still there—but faint, distant, muted.
"I think this will look lovely in my hair, right?" she asked, holding another accessory.
"Ah. Yes," I replied, though my attention had already wandered toward the necklaces.
That was when something caught my eye—
A silver necklace with a blue crystal stone.
I picked it up carefully, brushing my thumb across the surface of the crystal. The color reminded me of someone... someone who would look breathtaking wearing it.
"It would look perfect on you..." I murmured.
But in truth, I was imagining it resting against Aurein's collarbone.
Shining beautifully against his skin.
"Wow! That's beautiful! You have a great taste!" Serena exclaimed as she snatched the necklace right out of my hand.
I instinctively tensed, almost ready to scold her—but forced myself to stop.
I had to remember my place.
If it had been Aurein who grabbed something rudely, I would have scolded him without hesitation, but pat his head right away so he won't feel bad.
But not her.
Serena clasped the necklace around her neck and turned to me, smiling sweetly.
"It looks good on me, right?" she asked.
"Actually, it doesn't," I answered truthfully. "It doesn't suit you. Try something else."
Her smile faltered. She pouted, sighed, and placed the necklace back on its display among the others.
I just don't want her to wear it.
"Let's go, General. Let's find something else," she said as she walked ahead.
I took a step to follow her—but my eyes drifted back to the necklace.
It felt as if the blue crystal was calling me.
I swallowed hard, a quiet breath slipping from my chest. I remembered something...
Then, without meaning to—
I smirked.
* * *
Aurein's POV
As of now, everyone in the palace was scrambling—decorating halls, arranging lanterns, preparing feasts. The celebration to introduce me and Serena to all Ardentian citizens was only hours away.
Meanwhile, I stood in my chamber as the female servants dressed me layer by layer.
The first garment they held up was the inner tunic—a soft silver-white fabric that shimmered like moonlight whenever it caught the lanterns. Cool against my skin, weightless, almost like woven mist. It shaped itself neatly over my shoulders, outlining the faint contours of my chest, making me appear regal.
Next came the royal vestment.
A midnight-blue doublet, tailored perfectly to my frame. Gold threads curled like vines along its edges—patterns reserved only for the royal bloodline of Ardentia. Each stitch glimmered subtly, never loud, never arrogant... simply refined.
The servant tightened it at the waist, molding the fabric around my torso until it formed clean, sharp lines. Down the front, the clasps were shaped like tiny crescent moons—Ardentia's emblem—polished so they sparkled like stars.
She then draped a royal sash across my chest. Soft white silk with a thin silver line running through its length.
"A symbol of purity and future leadership," she said softly.
I glanced at the polished mirror.
I looked every inch the prince they wanted me to be.
But deep inside... I wasn't certain I wanted to be him.
Then she placed the ceremonial mantle over my shoulders—short, ending just above my elbows. Navy velvet on the outside, pure silver lining within that shimmered whenever I moved. Its gentle weight settled like destiny resting on my spine.
For the lower half, I wore slim black trousers tucked into polished white leather boots trimmed with gold. They made me look taller. More refined. Less like the boy who swung wooden swords in the training grounds and more like the king Ardentia expected me to become.
Finally, the servant placed a thin golden circlet on my forehead. Simple, not extravagant. A small sapphire glowed at its center—catching the light, echoing the color of my eyes.
When the servant stepped back, lantern light washed over me completely.
Silver.
Blue.
Gold.
Quiet moonlight woven into royalty.
I almost didn't recognize myself.
"This will do perfectly, Prince Aurein," she said warmly.
For a moment...
I wondered what General Voltaire would think if he saw me like this.
Would he stare?
Would he... smile?
Would he adore me?
But he wasn't here. He was somewhere with Serena.
I exhaled deeply.
"Could you leave me for now?" I asked softly.
"Yes, Prince Aurein," they said, bowing before exiting.
Silence filled the chamber.
I sat on the large cushioned chair, eyes falling instantly to the garment draped over the armrest—General Voltaire's garment. The one he had left with me. The one he never took. The one I never returned.
The one I refused to return.
I reached for it, pulling it into my arms. Hugging it to my chest, breathing in the faint lingering scent of him.
At least... it felt like he was here with me.
(Knock!)
I jolted and quickly placed the garment back on the chair, smoothing it out as if caught doing something forbidden.
"Come in," I said.
The door opened—and Rowan stepped in, dressed in formal attire.
"You're already dressed," he said as he approached. Then he noticed the garment beside me. "Isn't this the General's garment?"
"Yes."
"Why is it still here? Give it to me—I'll return it," he said, reaching for it.
"No."
My voice was sharp, protective.
"Huh?"
"Please, don't touch it," I said, my face turning serious.
"O-okay..." he replied, confused. "But why keep it?"
"Don't ask more questions, Rowan. But... can you do me a favor?" I asked.
"Of course. Anything for you."
"Can you please... leave me alone for a moment?" I asked quietly.
"Oh..." he said, surprised. "All right. I'll call you when it's time to head to the palace courtyard."
"Thanks."
He left, closing the door softly behind him.
I immediately reached for the garment again, fingers tracing the familiar fabric.
"No one—not anyone—will touch you except me," I whispered, caressing the cloth.
(Knock!)
"Ugh! What is it now? Rowan, I said leave me alone!" I snapped, standing up and marching toward the door. "I swear I will yell at you!"
I pulled the door open.
"Rowan!—"
And I froze.
Completely still.
Because the person standing on the other side was the least person I expected.
"General Voltaire?" I breathed, staring at him in disbelief.
He stared back at me—eyes widening, lips parting slightly.
"Wow..." he said softly, utterly stunned. "Is that really you, Prince Aurein?"
My heart slammed against my chest.
"Wh-what are you doing here?" I asked, unable to meet his eyes as unfamiliar heat crept up my neck.
"Can I come in?" he asked gently.
"Mmm..." I murmured, stepping aside as he slipped into my chamber. He closed the door quietly behind him, the latch clicking softly in the hush of the room.
"You ready for the celebration?" he asked.
"Actually... no," I answered with a long exhale.
"Why not? It's your night," he said, smirking.
"No. It's not my night. Not Aurein's. It's the Prince of Ardentia's night," I said, the weight of it settling again on my chest.
"Huh? Aren't the two of you the same person?" he said, teasing me lightly.
"You don't get it, do you? Are you here just to make fun of me? Don't make my night more miserable, General," I said.
"Hm... partly," he said, smirking again. "I'm here to tease you. I missed doing it."
"General!" I snapped. "Why are you even here? Shouldn't you be next to Princess Serena? What if she's looking for you?"
"She won't," he said calmly. "She's too busy making herself pretty. I told her I had something else to do—something important."
"And that 'important' thing is... teasing me?" I said irritably.
He smiled—one of those smiles that tugged annoyingly at my heart.
I rolled my eyes, pretending to be annoyed... when in truth, I was embarrassingly flustered.
Then suddenly, he grabbed my arm and pulled me forward.
"General! W–what are you—!"
He stopped only when we stood before the tall mirror. I faced my reflection while he stood behind me—towering, steady, impossibly close.
"Are you trying to make me feel bad by showing me I'm a prince and I have to fulfill all these duties?" I asked.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" he said with confusion. "Just close your eyes."
"What now?" I muttered, irritated.
"Close your eyes," he repeated, voice deepening commanding.
Intimidating.
So I quickly shut them.
Something shifted behind me—soft movement, a faint brush against my shoulders, then my neck. A light pressure, a tickling touch. I stiffened.
"What are you doing, General Voltaire?"
"Don't peek. I'm almost done," he said.
"General..." I grumbled, trying not to sound too nervous.
"Now open your eyes," he said gently.
I opened them slowly.
And I froze.
"G-General Voltaire..." I breathed.
Resting around my neck was a necklace—a silver chain holding a blue crystal stone.
The same crystal I saw him holding at the city market.
The one he smiled at.
I lifted it with trembling fingers, caressing the cool blue surface. My eyes stung immediately.
"I told you earlier, didn't I? That I had a reward for you," he said softly. "This is your reward. It may be cheap... probably worth a single coin to someone like you. But I hope you'll like it."
Then he adjusted the chain carefully around my collarbone.
His reflection in the mirror appeared behind mine—his expression soft, warm, almost protective.
"As your general, I order you," he said, voice low yet firm, "don't ever, ever remove that necklace. Understand, Prince Aurein?"
His tone...
It wasn't just firm.
It was claiming.
Marking.
Declaring something without saying it openly.
I turned toward him—
And I couldn't hold myself back anymore.
I just couldn't.
I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him—softly, tightly, desperately.
"P-Prince Aurein..." he said, surprised.
"Thank you, General Voltaire," I whispered. "I promise... I won't ever remove this necklace you gave me. Forever."
And then—
Warmth.
A firm weight behind my back.
His hands.
He hugged me.
General Voltaire hugged me back.
My heart burst open. Tears threatened to fall. Happiness flooded every corner of me until I could barely breathe.
If time could stop—
If the world could freeze—
I would choose this moment.
"Thank you, General Voltaire," I whispered again, pressing my face against his chest.
He chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through me.
"You deserve it... my little prince," he whispered.
End of Chapter 19