Caught in Time

Chapter IX: The Journey Starts!

The duel between the Princess and the Prince just ended. Both Irina and Nicholas pulled themselves out of the courtyard fountain. Everyone else who were watching are going back to whatever they needed to do. Rosa was busy drying Irina's hair, while Nicholas was taking off his drenched armor. King Alexander II, Adran, and Kyleas approached them.

"My daughter, I would like to congratulate you on your victory. It was a well-deserved victory. You never lost your composure despite intense pressure from Nicholas", said Alexander II congratulated her.

"What I am trying to say is that I am impressed with your victory. Not the cleanest of victories, but you have proved yourself enough to me. And I will keep my end of the deal", he added as he was stroking Irina's head.

"Thank you, Father!" replied Irina excitedly as she tried to hug his father.

"*laughs* Please dry yourself first, Irina. I don't want to get my clothes wet", he said while stopping her.

The King then proceeds back inside the palace.

"Congratulations, big sis. You truly surprised me with how much you've improved! I envy you! I guess this means that I need to catch up with you", said Nicholas.

"Hehe thanks Nicholas! You've quite improved yourself, it was a really tough fight!", replied Irina.

"Yeah, there's no shame in losing like that. We can still train tonight if you want", said Adran as he patted Nicholas on the back.

"Oh and congratulations Irina. You were impressive back then, and Kyleas seems to be very happy with how you did as well *laughs*", he said to Irina.

"But with that being said, welcome to the 'hunting party'. We'll be leaving in two days, so get your things ready, alright?", he added.

"Thanks Adran! I won't let you down, I swear!", she replied.

Adran nods and smiled at her. Both Adran and Nicholas then went back inside the palace.

"Princess Irina, congratulations on your victory! I am really impressed with how you did! Now you've officially joined the team, please catch up on a much deserved rest", said Kyleas.

"Thank you so much, Kyleas! I literally won't be able to make it if it's not because of you!", replied Irina happily while grabbing Kyleas' hands.

Kyleas eventually also went back inside the palace, leaving only Irina and Rosa at the courtyard.

"Lady Irina, I would like to congratulate you for your victory... So please take this", said Rosa with a low voice as she gave her a rose necklace.

"Thank you Rosa, it's really beautiful! But you really don't have to do this", replied Irina.

"No, this is a parting gift from me. So I want you to please keep it, Lady Irina", insisted Rosa with a serious face.

The moment Irina understands what she meant, her happiness was suddenly washed away with a sad realization that after so many years together with Rosa, this might be the moment where she had to say goodbye to her. And so Irina decided to take the gift Rosa had made for her.

"Thank you very much, Rosa! I- I- I need to go take a bath!", Irina took off inside the palace.

As the day became night, Irina is feeling so bad for leaving Rosa. So she thought, 'there's only one more thing I need to do right now!' As dinner time came and went, she needs to talk about something with her father. It's already late at night, but she entered her father's throne room to speak to him nonetheless.

"Irina, what's wrong? You seem troubled", said Alexander II.

"Father, I'm sorry for saying this. But I have a further request to be made", she replied.