꧁ • One chance • ꧂

[♔] Chapter 3 - Where to start [♔]

Sitting at the dining table with my family, I stared down at the vegetable cream soup; those mysterious blue flames.. somewhere deep inside, a part of me feels like I should recognize this.

I snapped back to reality by hearing the sound of glass tapping. I quickly looked up and see my older brother, May, tapping his glass cup of wine with a silver spoon.

May looked around, seeing if he got his sibling's attention. His expression changed to annoyance when his eyes laid on my two younger brothers, Frost & Fang, who were fighting for the last biscuit.

He cleared his throat and both of their movements stopped before looking back at him. Frost let go of Fang's arm and fixed his posture, having a nervous smile plastered on his face. Fang on the other hand, stuffed the biscuit in his mouth quickly and sits back down in his chair.

All eyes are on May. "I would like to make an announcement," he stated, "After the celebration of Trixie's recovery. Me & Sunset will be on an important trip."

"While we are away, Trixie will take in charge of looking after the kingdom," May calmly spoke as he met eyes with me, smiling. Everyone except Sunset was surprised.

"What?! No way!" Fang exclaimed, "Why can't it be me? I'm better with stuff like this!" "You can't even finish your own royal duties while slacking off." Frost commented, bonking Fang on the head, "Ow!" Fang cried.

"Taking in charge of the kingdom? It must be hard to fulfill that role.." Jewel added, "Aren't you putting too much pressure on big sister?" "I'm sure she is fine. She does better in her royal duties and she is the Commander of this kingdom."

I raised my hand up slightly, "What is this important trip that you & Sunset are going?" I asked, "It is nothing that you all know of and it's best to leave it in the hands of your elder siblings." May stated.

The dining hall was filled with silence until Sunset placed her teacup down, "It is nothing to worry about, we will return back safe and sound." Her gentle words eased the silence atmosphere, "Who knows, maybe we will arrive back home with wonderful gifts."

"And you have a lovely older sister here with you. She will protect you and the kingdom. So please place your trust in her." Sunset glances at me. All the attention turned towards me.

I gulped, feeling my shoulders weighed me down with the responsibilities and the kingdom's reputation. I shook the feeling off and put on a confident look. "Of course, you all can rely on me." I glanced at both May & Sunset, "I won't let you down." I smiled as they smiled back, knowing that they have high hopes for me.

I stand up from my chair, not feeling the appetite for breakfast. "I shall go continue my royal duties." I bowed slightly, pushing in my chair and exited the dining hall.

I let out a sigh, feeling the pressure lift off me for once. 'Great.. Now I have another thing to worried about..' I thought to myself.

At the courtyard, I wield the sword in my hand as I slashed down dummies one by one. Breathing heavily, I wiped the sweat off my face. Then, I heard clapping and turned to see my Vice Commander, Cross.

"Not bad" he smiled, Cross wore a formal suit with white fur on his shoulder; connected to a one-shoulder cape. His heterochromia highlights and the slashed scar on his cheekbone captures his good looks.

"Cross.." I mumbled, "Heya Commander, glad to see you on your feet. Are you practicing sword fighting?" "Mhm.. I need to get use to fighting with a sword in battle." I answered.

"Is that so?" He commented, "then let's see how well you can withstand a real sword fight." He reaches his hand and draws out his sword from his belt, the blade of his sword glistens in the sunlight.

"Shall we dance?" He asked, holding out his sword. I imitate his action, "Come forward." I answered.

We clashed swords. The sounds of sword fighting filled the courtyard. We both focused on our movements. Dodge! Swing! Slash, Dodge! Things were getting intense until Cross knocked the sword out of my hand.

I looked at my sword on the ground. "I guess the sickness really did knocked the stars out of ya." Cross chuckled, drawing back his sword.

I chuckled along, wiping the dust off the sword. Even though Cross took his Vice Commander role seriously, that doesn't mean that he can't act like himself. He's a good friend.

"Today is a nice day, would you care for a walk?" He offered, having a smile on his face. "Of course, but first let me get changed." I answered.