The match had ended. Both children lay on the grass, staring up at the clouds. A few meters behind them, Percival chatted animatedly with the queen. Beside him rested that legendary Hippogriff, lying peacefully on the lawn next to his young knight companion.
"Your swordsmanship was excellent. How long have you been training?" Arthur asked without taking his eyes off the sky.
Cinder thought for a few seconds.
"I think... two months."
Arthur froze.
"Two months...?" he whispered.
"Why do you ask? How long have you been training?"
The prince remained silent for a few moments before answering. The coldness on his face had been replaced by an expression of self-directed disappointment.
"One year..." he said softly, barely audible.
"Oh..."
Cinder looked back at the sky.
"I'm really sorry."
