XAVIER

This year, I turns thirteen, a milestone that is marking the beginning of my serious preparation as the crown prince. I know what this mean—I will have to leave the northen estate and return to the imperial palace, where I will train and prepare myself for my royal duities for the next five years. It is a duty I cannot avoic, but the thought of leaving Aveline is weighing heavily in my heart.

Each time I tries to tell her, my voice failed me, and the words lingered, unsaid. The thought of leaving Avaline without properly explaining gnawed at me, making it really hard to sleep as the days dwindled down to five. I finally decided I can not wait no longer; I will have to be brave and tell her tonight.

As I find myself outside Aveline's door, my heart is pounding, my mind fills with worry. How will she react? Will she be angry or dissapointed? I draw in a deep breath, steadying myself, and knock.

Aveline opened the door, her expression softening when she saw me. "Xavier? It's late—is everything alright?"

I manage a small smile, nodding as I steps inside. "I'm sorry for disturbing you, Aveline," I said, my voice quiet but steady. She shakes her head, inviting me to sit, sensing the seriousness in my gaze.

Once we are both seated, I take another breath and looks into her eyes. "Aveline, there's something I need to tell you," I begin, hesitating as I watches her expression shift to one of concern.

"I'm listening," she said softly, her gaze unwavering.

Finally, I am telling her, "In five days, I will be leaving for the imperial palace. I have to train and prepare for my duties as the crown prince, and it'll be... it'll be five years before I can come back and visit the Duke's estate."

Aveline's face fell, a flicker of worry crossing her features. "But.. isn't there someone who wants to harm you? It could be dangerous there.'

I gives a slight nod, appreciating her concern. "There are those who would, yes. But during my time here, the Duke has taught me well. I can weild a sword, and I won't be defenseless." I give her a reassuring smile, hoping to ease her fears. 'And you know I'm nearly as strong as the Duke even if I'm young."

Aveline's shoulders relaxed, and she seem comforted by my words, knowing how capable I'd become. We sat in silence for a moment, each of us absorbing the weight of my departure.

"Promise me you'll write?" she asked quietly.

"Of course," I said with a smile, reaching out to take her hand. "We'll write to each other, no matter what."

We share a look filled with understanding and unspoken words. I reach out, brushing my hand gently through her hair, my fingers lingering just a moment. I lean down, pressing a gentle goodnight kiss on her forehead, a silent farewell for the nights I'd miss.

"Goodnight, Aveline," I whispered softly, before I turn and left, making my way back to my room with the memory of our promise holding my heart steady.

————————————————————————— AVELINE I felt a sudden warmth on my forehead as Xavier gently kissed me, leaving me momentarily stunned. Well, i never experience such an intimate gesture before, and as the surprise settled, a thought bloomed in my mind; maybe I should give Xavier something meaningful before he left. The next morning, after having breakfast, I slip away to Sir Adam's workshop. I request a unique cufflink design—a diamond set with a red tint to match Xavier's striking eyes, and Xavier's name engraved on it. Sir Adam listened, understanding both my intentions and urgency of the request.

The day of Xavier's departure arrived all too soon. The three of us—the Duke, Xavier and I—stand by the front gate. With a mixture of shyness and sincerity, I hand out my gift to Xavier, wishing him a safe journey. Duke Edric, with a fatherly smile, urge Xavier to always be brave.

As the carriage begins to roll away, I wave, watching him disappear down the road. Suddenly, the Duke turns to me with a plyful expression, "And what about me? Don't I get a parting gift too?" Caught off-guard, I fumbles, trying to explain, "Well, Xavier is leaving after all." The Duke chuckled, then asked me what's my opinion on Xavier

I replied, "I think he's an easy-going young boy."

With a knowing smile, the Duke said, "Not everyone sees him that way. To many, he is intimidating. He only let his guard down with those he trusts." I laugh, finding the idea of 'scary' Xavier hard to believe.

Realizing I am not convinced, the Duke sighed and told me to continue my studies, leaving me with a new perspective on my friend's complex character.