The night air was cool and quiet beside the Riven no Hikari river. Seraphine couldn't sleep. The journey had gone from a quiet, solitary run to a crowded, complicated travel party in just a few days.
She sat up, looking at the three figures sleeping near her.
Lionel Kisaragi, the tsundere, was curled up on his side, his fierce face completely relaxed in sleep, looking younger and softer. He was an annoying, blunt protector who was so easily attached. He made her laugh, even when he was yelling at her for being careless.
Kael Arisugawa, her childhood friend, was sleeping with a peaceful, easy smile on his handsome face. He was her home, safe and familiar. He was flirty and playful, always making her feel special with his warm attention.
And finally, Yuzael Valestrian, the cold prince, was sleeping perfectly straight, somehow managing to look elegant even on the hard ground. He was distant and cold, but he was also the one who brought her a thoughtful, glowing map.
The Inner Question
Seraphine rested her chin on her knees, watching the soft glow of the moon on the river. She realized that every time she stumbled or lost something (which was often), one of the three handsome boys was always there.
She thought about their hands:
Lionel's hands were rough and firm when he grabbed her, protective and possessive, always pulling her out of trouble.
Yuzael's hands were clean and elegant when he helped her, but distant, reminding her of her royal duty.
Kael's hands were warm, safe, and familiar when he touched her, reminding her of their pure love since childhood.
She found herself replaying their small, sweet moments in her mind: Lionel's embarrassed blush when she got too close, Kael's beautiful, flirty smile over the meal, and Yuzael's subtle, quiet observation of her every small movement.
Seraphine, the kind-hearted princess, realized this was no longer just an escape.
"Why am I falling for him?" she whispered to herself.
She didn't know which one "him" was. She only knew that the constant, intense attention from three very different, very handsome men was starting to warm her heart in a way she never expected. The serious rivalry was making her feel cherished.
An Unexpected Confidant
As Seraphine was lost in her thoughts, a quiet voice startled her.
"Can't sleep, Princess?"
It was Yuzael. He was sitting up, his cold aura somehow less sharp in the moonlight.
"No, Prince Yuzael," she replied formally. "I was just thinking."
Yuzael simply stared at the river, his voice utterly nonchalant. "You should sleep. You are careless when you're tired. It would complicate the journey if you got injured."
It was a classic cold, honest line. But Seraphine, seeing his serious face, understood his hidden meaning: I am worried about you.
"Thank you, Yuzael," she said softly.
He didn't reply, just looked back at the river. Seraphine lay back down, pulling the soft blanket he had given her (the one he fought Kael and Lionel for) closer. She closed her eyes, the warmth of the blanket and the confusing warmth in her heart finally allowing her to drift off.
The question lingered in the silent night: Why am I falling for him?