The clinking of swords could be heard, each strike was heavier than the last, ruthless in its intent, echoing through the training grounds like the cracking of bone. Alaric moved without restraint, every swing sharp and ruthless.
"Focus," Marvin warned, barely raising his sword in time.
Alaric struck again.
Marvin missed the block and was knocked flat into the dirt. He laughed breathlessly, staring up at the sky. "You're fighting like a man haunted."
"Get up," Alaric snapped.
Marvin rose, brushing dirt from his palms. "You look like you have woman problems," he said lightly. "Looks like you finally..."
"Fuck off."
The next second, Marvin's collar was in Alaric's grip. Fingers tightened around his throat, cutting off his breath. Alaric's eyes were bloodshot, veins standing out along his neck, fury raw and unfiltered.
"If all you know how to do is speak rubbish," Alaric growled, "I'll gladly cut out your tongue."
"My prince!"
A guard rushed forward, prying them apart. "Enough. Get a hold of yourself."
Alaric didn't look back. He turned sharply and stormed away, boots biting into the ground with every step.
Behind him, Marvin coughed and shook his head. "Only one woman could make him this unbearable," he muttered.
A nearby maid stiffened, jealousy flashing briefly across her face. "He's still caught up in the past, he doesn't know when to move on," she murmured, then wrinkled her nose in disgust, "go wash, you stink."
Marvin sighed. "Right," he muttered, walking off.
"Why did you steal from that man, do you want to die?" The boy looked at the source of the voice, her skin was so fair, her face, so enchanting.
"Are you a princess?" the boy blurted.
She stopped.
For a moment, a subtle emotion crossed her face.
"No," she replied softly. "I'm not."
She looked down at him, voice low. "Don't rush toward death, okay. Mother says only bad people aren't scared to die, but you aren't scared, I was watching you, does it mean you are bad?" She tilted her head, "No, I don't think so," she didn't wait for a response, her face turned a little more serious as she crouched, meeting his gaze, "Death don't deserves us, at least not yet, so try to avoid it okay." She stood and left
Alaric halted mid-step. His fists clenched, he glanced towards the direction of Eveline's room.
The palace seemed to narrow, sound dulling as his attention locked onto her retreating figure. Without a word, he turned and followed.
Eveline had just finished arranging the breakfast tray when the door to her chamber opened abruptly.
She turned and froze. Alaric stood there.
Loose fabric draped around her shoulders, hair still unpinned, the morning light clinging to her like it favored her presence. She bowed quickly, composure snapping into place.
"Your Majesty," she said. "It's rare to receive such an honor so early. To what do I owe the visit?" there was no sound from him.
Alaric stepped closer.
Her hands fidgeted despite herself. Something stirred in her chest, familiar, unsettling, incomplete. A memory brushed her mind and slipped away before she could grasp it.
"Do you remember?" he asked quietly.
"I'm afraid I don't," Eveline replied carefully. "I don't believe we've met before." His restraint shattered.
"Why don't you remember?" Alaric demanded.
He grabbed her waist fiercely, almost merging her bones into his, he could feel her soft chest, her smooth body, his sanity was crumbling.
"Why did you forget?" he said again, his voice low, his breath sprayed over her neck, making her face heat up.
A sharp clatter broke the moment.
A tray slipped from trembling hands, dishes shattering against the floor.
"I... I'm sorry, Your Majesty," the servant stammered, eyes wide. "I'll return later...."
"No," Eveline said quickly, pulling away. "It's fine."
She knelt, helping gather the broken pieces. "Who are you?" she asked gently.
"I.... The Queen assigned me to you," the girl said hurriedly. "To assist you. My name is Lily."
"Thank you, Lily," Eveline said calmly. "You may bring the food later."
The girl bowed and fled.
Eveline straightened and faced Alaric once more.
"I'm new to the palace," she said evenly. "I've already drawn more attention than I'd like, given my… past. If His Majesty believes we share some history, I suggest you consult the royal physician. Surely he can help."