Embers of Sun and Flame (Fuegoleon Vermillion x OC)

Chapter 6 Kiss of embers

Routine. One of the things that formulate with one hardly noticing it. And that's precisely what became of Solara's responsibilities at the Crimson Lion Kings' headquarters. A routine. She learned little by little to navigate through the customs and practises, until she no longer needed to run by Randal's office to ask trivial questions. Though he never complained, instead always insisted that he was grateful for any help that he got. Solara still felt slightly inadequate as she couldn't just go through the work, but the infuriating frustration slowly dissipated; the gritting of teeth diminished, day by day.

Mereo was kept busy with her additional newly found duties and an upcoming selection tournament of some kind, which was all for deciding those who'd qualify for a new squad, and defend all of Clover Kingdom against a terrorist group. Many of the squad members were training even harder to prepare themselves, feat that made them all grow, day by day.

On the morning of the examination day, the air was tense, but filled with hopeful excitement. Solara let her eyes travel over each of those she knew to participate in the tournament, her lips fixed into a smile. They've all worked so hard. She thought, but then her eyes landed on Leo. The fact that she noticed his expression only now, made her heart sink as he was seated on the opposite side of the table from her, and so she should've seen it sooner. She should've seen the frown, the hunched posture, and the worry that radiated from him.

"Leo?" Solara asked over the table, making his eyes turn to her from his plate.

The smile that rose to his lips seemed crafted, one that was meant to convince both, her and himself, of everything being alright. But as before, she didn't dare hurt the young lion's pride and announce that she saw through him.

"I'm sure you'll do wonderfully," she said with a smile instead, making the corners of Leo's lips tug up in relief.

"Thank you aneue!" His posture straightened, and the smile he now wore was washed of the weight that it had previously carried. But still, there was a veil of worry in his eyes; unspoken hesitance that would be best to address, later. So, for now, Solara settled for a smile and instead turned her attention back to the conversation taking place at the table.

They're all nervous. I can tell. Leo is just taking it harder than the others. But then again, he has big boots to fill. So, I can't really blame him for that. Not that I would, even if I could. He just reminds me of Rory so much... I need to wish him good luck still before he leaves. She thought to herself, making a mental note, even if it would take place shortly after breakfast. But she didn't want to miss the departure in any case. So, it was already as they were walking down a corridor, away from the dining hall, that she approached Leo.

"Are you feeling nervous?" Solara asked, despite being able to tell already. But still she tilted her head with a smile, hoping that she had been speaking quietly enough to keep the others from hearing. Though she knew that they wouldn't blame Leo either for feeling a little anxious. But Solara knew better than to hurt the pride of a lion.

Leo's eyes shifted slightly around as they walked, until he rubbed the back of his head and admitted: "yeah... a little bit...". He spoke under his breath, or as much so as he could for someone with strong lungs. His head hung low as he stared to the depths of the floor.

"It means that you care," she began, making Leo's eyes turn to her. "The fact that you are nervous means that you care about the outcome of the tournament. And I believe it's a feeling that you share with all of your participating squad members, even if it might seem hard to believe at first." Solara let out a small chuckle, her lips settling into a smile. "And I'm certain, that you'll do wonderfully." She paused, but continued: "But still, I want to wish you the best of luck in your endeavour." She turned her head to look at Leo, who now bore a slightly melancholic expression.