>>Hael

Once there were only two of us left in the throne room. The king looked at me

"I'm assuming the mages want to keep her." He said, "After all, you didn't let any person from the temple reach the girl even when she was asleep in her home."

"Yes," I gave a respected short bow to the king, "We don't wish to hand over a new saint to the temple."

"Hmmm," The king thought about it.

"The mages discovered her, we intend to keep her with us," I straightened up, "Isn't that only fair?"

"So, are you trying to fight with the temple?" He asked

"Absolutely not," I gave him a calm reply with a subtle smile.

"The temple will not hand her over." The king said, "Any person with holy power belongs to them. Those are the established rules. Just as any person with a high affinity for magic goes to the magic tower."

"No mage has ever been forced to join the magic tower, unlike the holy temple who force people to join them." I answered, "Besides, they'll keep their mouth shut if we tell them we know their secret."

!!!

His highness was surprised at my reply. His eyes went wide at my statement, then he calmed down and laughed, "I knew you weren't the type to be messed with." He shook his head in amusement, "

***

>>Amber

I softly looked at Ahin.

With a gentle smile, I reached out to accept the rose, the warmth of his hand sending a jolt of electricity coursing through me. The crowd fell silent, their curious gazes fixated on our exchange as Ahin looked straight into my eyes.

"Thank you," I whispered the words just enough for him to hear. As I held the rose in my hand, I couldn't help but feel a part of me healed, "It's very sweet of you to offer it to me."

"Who else would I-" Ahin was about to say something when the crowd erupted in cheers.

"It looks like the knight everyone has been fancying has finally found a girl he likes!" The announcer chose to speak right at that time, making both of us feel awkward.

"I'll go for now," He said, "I'll meet you later," Ahin yipped his horse away and I sat back down on the bench feeling odd.

God,

That's a bit too much attention.

Luckily, the attention shifted when the announcer made the announcement for the next match, "Our next participants are coming in!"

Thank God! I relaxed when the gazes were off of me.

"Hello," But that's when someone chose to greet me. Someone who was sitting right next to me.

I turned to look at the person, only to be shocked

Illaris?!?

"Your reaction tells me you know me," She passed me a smile.

"Oh," Think fast! I told myself, I can't make a mistake here, "You're the saint," I said, "How would I not know you," I passed her a smile in return.

"Hmm," She looked in front, at the next contestants entering the arena, "I see," She maintained her smile, "What's your name?" She asked

I gulped, "Amber,"

"Amber," She must be thinking about it too, "That's a wonderful name," That I looked like Corvina,

"Thank you," I replied and we both looked away

"And now, making their grand entrance onto the field," I looked in front. I didn't want to talk to anyone here, so I chose to pay attention to the game but that didn't turn out well either, "I present to you Prince Lyal, "

My heart skipped a beat as I heard the announcer's voice booming across the arena, "And on the other side, we have Prince Roran, ambassador from Rowana!"

A sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach at the mention of Prince Lyal's name. Memories of our past encounters flooded my mind, filling me with a sense of unease. Despite the grandeur of his title.

So, he's participating too...

I felt my stomach churn. Maybe I should leave. I glanced at the Princess. She wasn't paying me any attention. I don't think I have to tell her, she's not interested in me to begin with.

I got up and was about to turn to leave when Illaris grabbed my dress, making me look back at her.

"Please," She passed me a smile, "Sit, I want to talk to you," Her action caught the attention of many people. Of course, she was the saint. A small action from her would make people curious.

Especially when the person she caught looked exactly like someone they know from the past. I didn't dare look around at the other benches. So I had no idea how many people would recognize me but the anxiety in my heart began to stir.

"I have somewhere to be," I replied. I didn't want to be here. Where's Hael? Isn't he done yet?

"Just this match," She pulled my dress down, making me sit, "You can leave after that."

Didn't she say she wanted to talk? What is she up to? As soon as I sat down, she looked away. I pursed my lips and looked at the players.

As the two princes took their places on opposite ends of the arena, the tension in the air became palpable. The crowd held its breath, eagerly awaiting the clash of titans that was about to unfold before them.

But amidst the anticipation, I couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that gripped me at the sight of Prince Lyal. His presence seemed to cast a shadow over the entire arena, his gaze piercing and intense as it swept over the crowd.

I couldn't really focus on the match. I was fretting over how to leave, but it felt like Illaris constantly had her eyes on me.

As the match reached its climax, the crowd held its breath, their eyes glued to the unfolding spectacle before them. And then, in a skillful display of agility, Prince Lyal delivered the final blow, his lance striking true and sending Prince Roran tumbling from his horse with a resounding crash.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Lyal emerged victorious,

"Prince Lyal" The crowd chanted his name as he pranced around on his horse.

Hmm

It seems in the recent years he has risen to fame. Otherwise, there was no one who would support him like this. I glanced at Illaris. It might be because he and the saint went on expeditions together and they managed to clean up a lot of miasma.

In turn, the people started giving their support to him. I looked down at my foot, then balled my fists and bit my lower lips.

He's enjoying his life, while I can't walk straight because of what he did.

Lyal received his red rose and I knew it was time to leave.

"Well then," I stood up, "I'll be leaving then."

Lyal grabbed his rose and turned to look at my bench. I froze and so did he.

Our eyes met and my heart fell to the pit of my stomach. I felt nauseous.

Oh shit,

I could see the bewilderment flickering in his eyes, a furrow forming on his brow as he struggled to comprehend my presence in the crowd. His gaze remained fixed on me, a myriad of emotions swirling beneath the surface—surprise, curiosity, and perhaps even a hint of disbelief.

Despite his obvious confusion, Prince Lyal maintained his composure, his regal demeanor unwavering as he made his way towards me.

OH! No, no, no, no.

The crowd murmured with curiosity, their whispers blending into a soft hum of anticipation as they watched the unfolding exchange.

Shit! What do I do now!? He's not coming towards me right? I glanced at Illaris. They're a rumored thing! He must be coming to give her the rose!

Prince Lyal approached, the rose held out before him. His confusion was palpable, yet there was a determination in his gaze that belied his uncertainty.

For a moment, we stood there in silence, the weight of his gaze heavy upon me as I met his eyes with a mixture of apprehension

Oh no, this can't be happening! Illaris was right next to me. Give the rose to her, please!!!

The crowd grew quiet like never before, "You're Corvina, right?" He asked and I chose to play dumb.

"Yes?" I acted confused, "I'm sorry? Who?" I pointed at myself, looking utterly lost, "Me?"

My words flustered him, "Ah, right, you can't be her." He looked distraught. I noticed Illaris looking at him, there was a look of anger in her eyes.

"Then, I'll be leaving." I hurried up. I just wanted to get out of here, but like before, the moment I turned I was stopped.

"Wait," Lyal said and I froze.

God! What am I? A dog? Someone gives me a command and I stop?

"Yes?" I awkwardly looked back at him.

"Here," He presented his rose to me and the look in Illaris eyes turned dark, it was as if she would kill me right there, "I present my victory to you."

My chest tightened and I felt bad. I did not want to take his rose. I felt sick all of the sudden.

God! Please, show me some miracle! I stared at the rose he held in his hand while I clutched the rose in mine tightly. Please, I don't know why he's doing this but I don't want his rose!

I looked at him, I want him to go away! I hate the sight of him!

And as if my prayer had been heard. The rose in Lyal's hand burst up in flames, startling everyone in the place.