Separate Crowns of One Heart

Thırty-Føur

I rise before sunup the next day, the visions of Kenyon still muddling my brain and my body aching in ways it has never before. It feels as though I was stretched and pulled like taffy in my sleep. Sitting up in bed, I stuff the letters back into the keepsake box and go to the bathroom to get ready. The cut General Knox gave me has hardened into a scab and does not hurt at all, further solidifying the decision I have already made.

When I'm all showered and ready, I retrieve my armor and head outside to catch a carriage to the training facility. The moment I enter the facility, all eyes turn to me as usual. The two remaining generals' faces harden but they keep their mouths shut as I begin stretching with the other Jaguars.

After some time, the redhead Male that asked me to dance at the cotillion approaches me with a shy smile. "Your Highness." I smile up at him. "Do not worry, I'm not here to ask you for a dance." I chuckle, shaking my head. He sits with me and copies the stretch I'm doing. "Is His Highness away again?"

I nod my head yes. "If attention is something you require, I advise you not to marry a prince."

"You would be shocked to know that the thought never crossed my mind once," he jokes with ease. The Jaguars nearest to us glance when we both laugh. "I never gave you my name. I am Deji."

"Deji. That is an interesting name," I tell him, standing. "I quite like it a lot."

"It does not compare to yours though, Princess Cyrah."

"Stop it," I nudge him when he also rises to a stand. "Here I am just Cyrah. Not a princess, just another Jaguar."

"Yes, Your-- Yes, Cyrah." His face breaks into a comical smile right before he draws his sword. "Would it be too forward to ask you to partner with me?"

"Just don't stab me," I warn him, remembering what happened here the last time. "I would not want you to go missing like Knox." His eyebrows slowly rise as an understanding of what I am hinting at seeps in. I brandish my sword and we begin the dance of battle, dodging each other's advances and attacking with our instruments-- our swords.

At the end of the training, Deji walks me to the carriage where we say goodbye. Back at the Palace, Mila is coming down the stairs as I'm going up. "Cyrah!" She goes to hug me but stops when she sees my hair sticking to my face. Her face twists in disgust. "Ew. Nevermind."

I just roll my eyes. "I'm going to freshen up but I have something I need to tell you when I'm done."

"Picnic in the gardens?" I nod, agreeing. "What do you need to tell me?" I smile sweetly at her, wanting her to wait. "Cyrah!"

"Meet me in the gardens and I will tell you." I turn before she can complain or beg for more information. In the suite, I check to see if a letter has arrived from the Prince. When I do not find one, I go to the bathroom for my second shower today.

Mila is already with a blanket and the most delicious-look food spread out in the gardens. Her hair is pulled back from her pretty face and she wears a light summer dress similar to the one I've doned except hers has frills on the hems of the short sleeves. Her green eyes light up brighter than the shining sun above when she sees me.

"Sit! Sit! Sit!" She bounces, excited about what I have to tell her even though she has no idea what it is.

"Let me get some food into my system before I tell you." The smile falls visibly off her face as I reach for a bowl of porridge with chopped fruits. I eat some of it and look at her. "How are you?"

She gives me a look. "Impatient. And you, Your Highness?"

"Quit it," I laugh. Reaching for a soft roll of freshly baked bread, I pull it apart before putting the sweet pastry into my mouth. "Alright. I will tell you now."