The sun is setting and Cyris still hasn't found any trace of Arthir. The last place he hadn't checked yet was the smallest part of the city where they produce and advertise items from centuries ago. Cyris enters the quiet area and looks around.
"Just where the heck did you run off to..."
Fortunately, it didn't take too long.
Cyris finds Arthir standing in front of a bookstore, looking at the books on display behind the glass. Cyris approaches him carefully, not wanting to startle Arthir and make him run off again. Cyris just wanted to go home already.
"Hey." Cyris calls.
Arthir glances at him and looks back at the books.
Cyris grinds his teeth at the reaction and exhaless in frustration. "Hey, let's go back already."
"..."
"Are you listening to me? Do you know what I had to go through just to find you?"
"..."
"What the hell is wrong with you? Answer me! Arthir!"
"Please wait for a moment. I am looking through these books."
"..."
He finally spoke.
Cyris walks closer to stand by Arthir's side.
"What's so interesting about these books?" Cyris asked. "If you want one, you can just purchase them off the net, you know?"
"A real copy feels different."
"...Eh?" Cyris didn't really get it. As long as you can read it, does it really matter what shape or form it is? Cyris looks closer to find that Arthir was looking at fairy tales and adventure books. Arthir pressed his palm against the glass and spoke. "It's just my preference. I prefer to have a physical copy like these."
"...Do you have money on you?"
Arthir shakes his head. "I was given nothing when I left."
"..."
Arthir had a weak and self-deprecating smile on his face. He continues to speak with a voice trying to mask its shakiness and verge of breaking down. "You're right. I shouldn't have said what I said. I apologize for overreacting and how I acted a few moments ago. What right does someone like me have? How you lead your kingdom is your own business."
"...Wait here."
"Huh?"
Arthir watches as Cyris enters the bookstore. He blinks in confusion. A few seconds later, Cyris comes out with a bag full of books and raises it as if he was going to drop it. Arthir quickly understood the gesture and caught the bag.
"This is..." Arthir takes a peek inside of the bag to find that these were all the books he's been eyeing and a few more titles. Arthir looked up at Cyris in disbelief. Who the hell was this man in front of him?
Cyris looks back at him and cocked his head to the side. "Come on, let's go back already."
"..."
Cyris turns around and begins to walk.
"Prince Cyris."
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
"The hell? I'm getting chills for some reason."
"Prince Cyris, I am being sincere right now." Arthir frowns, catching up to Cyris's side. Cyris laughed and bumps Arthir's shoulder with his own. Arthir replies by bumping into Cyris, earning a snicker from the taller.
Arthir sighs. "I would like to apologize again for how I acted...That was very rude of me. I have no excuse."
Cyris smirks. "You know your mistakes, for that I applaud you and spare you from punishment."
Arthir's frown grows bigger. "Prince Cyris..."
Cyris looks at Arthir's reaction, an odd feeling welling up in his chest. He spoke. "I will also apologize...For what I said before...I realize that now. It was wrong of me to bring up something like that when you were just...trying to help me."
"Eh?" Arthir wrapped his arms around himself, looking at Cyris as if he was a monster. "I'm getting chills for some reason."
"Fuck you. I'm being serious."
"I was too."
"..."
"..."
"Pfft! Hahaha!" The two turn into a laughing fit for minutes. Cyris had never felt like this before, laughing at moments like these so freely. It felt relaxing for some reason, something he thought he'd never feel outside of battle. He was always restless, always in the need to move and quench his blood thirst.
But moments like these...were alright he supposes.
"I forgive you." Arthir smiled more brightly. "I know you didn't mean it."
"Hm, I will also spare you from my wrath."
"That's quite a way to say 'I forgive you too.'"
"Shut up." Cyris then looks at the bag. "What are those books anyways? What's so interesting?"
"Wow, you tell me to shut up then ask me question?" Arthir laughs when Cyris shot him a glare. Arthir's dives into the bag to take out one of the books. It was a fantasy adventure novel. Suddenly, Arthir's eyes twinkled in joy. He looked like he had been dying to tell this to someone and he sounded like it too.
"I shall present to you the beautiful masterpieces of the Adventure and Fantasy genres!"
"You..." Cyris let out an amused huff. There was no heat behind his next words. "You nerd."
"Listen to me, listen to me."
"I can hear you." Cyris replies, understanding what he got himself into at the same time. For the next hour, he had to listen to Arthir talk about the novel at hand with such detail. Who was this man by his side? Where did the fussy Arthir go all of the sudden? He speaks so informally too now.
But...
Cyris really didn't mind it.
He's listening.
They return home, separating at the hall. "Thank you for today, Prince Cyris."
"No need to thank me."
"Because you were forced to take me out today?" Arthir snickered.
"Hey!"
"Today was fun, Prince Cyris. I mean it, thank you." Arthir said softly.
"...Yeah." Cyris nods. "And um..."
"Yes?"
"Stories...I want to hear more." Cyris said, eyes anywhere but on Arthir. Cyris wasn't one who liked to read, but listening to stories...
Arthir nods. "Of course."
The two exchange farewells and Cyris returns to the training grounds to train. A few minutes later, Cohlin arrives with a call from the Emperor. Cyris makes his way to his father's chamber and greets him.
"Good evening father."
"Good evening son, how was your date with Prince Arthir."
Cyris was quiet for a moment before answering.
"It was alright."
"Alright?" The Emperor repeated. It was just alright!? Well...Since Cyris isn't downright complaining from the get-go then it's a good sign, right? Hm, the Emperor will trust Cyris's word and take it to heart.
The date was alright.
"Father, the end of the deal?"
"Have you learned nothing from today's experience with Prince Arthir?" The Emperor blurted out. Cyris had this look on his face and eyed his father strangely. "Learn?"
The Emperor nods. "Like...do you perhaps feel something different or new for Prince Arthir?"
Cyris's eyes look up and back at his father. "...He's not bad."
"Do you still wish to fight him?"
"Yes."
The emperor sighed. Well, he should stay true to his word. "Permission granted. You are free to request another duel from Prince Arthir."
A bright smile appeared on Cyris's face as he thanked the Emperor. The Emperor was taken aback at his son's reaction. He looked giddy, something he never thought he'd see on his son's face ever since he turned thirteen. "Is...fighting all you wish to do?"
Cyris froze.
"..." Does he want more than that? He questioned himself. He did want to hear more stories from Arthir but that was it...Is there something else he would like to do? Cyris thought about it, but he didn't really care about the specifics of the activity he just...wanted to spend time with Arthir.
However, Cyris wouldn't call this a strong feeling.
It was little yet...he wanted to explore that.
~~~~~~~~~
Hello everyone!
How are you guys?
I had a lot of fun with this chapter, especially exploring more the characters' personalities and some feelings slowly blooming! I just love writing scenes where characters slowly become aware of their feelings and just be confused about it. Haha!
Once again, thank you so much for the support, views, votes, and comments!
I'll see you all in the next chapter!