Watty's Shortlist 2023
"I have been waiting a long time to meet you."
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When two warring kingdoms hear of a magical object that will end the conflict once and for all, two rival heirs embark on a quest to retrieve it and bring their...
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Anxiety bubbled under Aila's surface, only visible in the shaking of her hands and her inability to stay still. She attempted to let the breeze blowing in the air cool the fire within her, attempted to let the silence calm the torrent of thoughts within her little head. She lay down in the soft grass of the palace gardens, finding some comfort in the sight of the stars above.
"Hello," the sound of a voice met her ears and she lurched into a fighting stance, regarding the newcomer with a wariness in her features.
He laughed, the sound youthful and relaxed. He appeared to be around nine years old, only a couple of years older than her.
"I won't hurt you," he said calmly, his expression the portrait of sincerity.
"You couldn't even if you tried," Aila frowned, raising her little fists in front of her.
Kaiden laughed again, and Aila's guard slipped a bit as she realised how much she liked the sound. It had been a long time since she'd heard a laugh that carefree.
"I'm Kaiden," he extended a hand. Aila considered thoughtfully, taking his hand and shaking it politely after coming to the conclusion that he wasn't a threat.
"I'm Aila."
It was then that Aila noticed his eyes, the deep blue that seemed to carry every single shade of the colour, like an ocean.
She had heard of eyes like this, knew to whom they belonged. She knew who stood in front of her. And yet, she didn't see any reason to feel threatened or afraid of him as she had been warned to do before the arrival of Perador's royal court an hour ago.
"So, you think you can beat me in combat, Aila?" Kaiden's unique eyes twinkled in the faint light of the garden.
"I know I can," Aila grinned, the anxiety that had overtaken her all day had suddenly dissipated, and she was oblivious to its disappearance.
"Prove it," the nine year old grinned, a challenge alighting in his eyes.
Aila didn't back down from a challenge.
She also wasn't one to test the waters before diving in.
She charged at the young boy, throwing her weight at him in one rapid movement. He hadn't been expecting the attack, no doubt having learnt from his previous instructors that a good opponent will always wait for you to initiate the first move. Aila's attack threw him to the ground, the soft grass breaking his fall. She landed on top of him, pinning him down with her steady weight.
