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.

"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", 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.

"I think I'll get inside and change now, it's getting uncomfortable being soaked like this *laughs*", blurted Nicholas.

Adran, Nicholas, and King Alexander II head back inside the palace.

"Princess Irina, congratulations on your victory! I am really impressed with how you did! Now that 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.

"No, Princess. This victory is all yours. I may have trained you, but without your determination to push your limits, my lessons would've been for nothing", he replied with a smile.

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 day turned to night, Irina mostly stayed in her room because she can't even bear to look at Rosa right now, lest she would burst into tears.