Love & Duty

Chapter 5

In the dining room, everyone was sitting all together. Sophia was glad to see that Ren shared his meals with his friends. She was even happier when they brought in the food. After all that training, she was famished.

At the big dining table, the six of them occupied both sides. Digging into the food the chef gladly made for his Prince and his guests. He did slightly go over the top since the Princess of Whitestone was the specific guest, but she won't complain!

From the juicy meat with the pepper sauce soaking it all up to the mashed potatoes, so hot, steam was coming out of them. All sorts of vegetables are cut neatly in perfect measurements, bringing beauty through their different colors. Oh! And the stacks of boiled corn, just their scent, made Sophia's stomach grumble. Can't forget the toast, and the bread, of all kinds and sizes.

Sophia couldn't wait to dig in!

As they are eating, "So Soph, how was training?" Ren asks as he takes a sip from his soda.

"Mm!" she swallows before speaking, "It was terrific! I managed to make Tyler trip and shot nineteen arrows in the center." she replies with a bit of pride.

"Wow! Almost a perfect score. You always were good with the bow." Ren remembers how much she liked it, even though it was bigger than her. She refused to try the small one.

"I guess, but I prefer the sword. Up close and personal!" Sophia makes stabbing motions with her knife, getting everyone to laugh at the table. "However... I missed my chance at something great." suddenly acting all regretful.

"What is it?" Ren getting intrigued.

While Tyler and Valerie roll their eyes at her dramatics. She sniffs her nose, wipes a non-existent tear from her eye, and points at Tyler, looking the other way. "The Glaive! I missed my chance at getting the Glaive. Oh, the horror!" she continues her acting.

It took Ren a few seconds to understand what she meant, and he burst out laughing. "She failed again at the chance?" he pointed his question to Tyler.

Tyler loves his food, so he doesn't stop eating just to talk about this, but he can't ignore the Prince. Shrugging his shoulders was his answer.

"Don't worry, Soph! When you are ready, you shall receive the great training of the Glaive." Ren joins her dramatics about the Glaive.

As they laugh about it, Rowen is still somehow lost on how or why a Glaive is so important. "I'm sorry, but what is the importance of the Glaive?" he finally asks when they have calmed down. Sophia looks at him and decides to 'bless' him with the information.

"Oh, Rowen. The Glaive is the legendary weapon that I have yet to conquer! The holder of the Glaive is a mean, selfish, scary Demon. No one dares to come close to him. And he does not think about anything before cutting anyone down with the legendary weapon." she continues with her dramatic hand motions and creepy voice. "One day, as Ren said, I'll be strong enough to slay the demon! And get the Legendary Weapon, The Glaive!" she ends her story by elongating the last word.

All that could be heard was Ren laughing even harder. Rowen, on the other hand, just seemed more confused.

"Dream on, kid! You are a hundred years too early to 'slay' me." Tyler answers since he wiped his plate clean. As they start bickering, Valerie decides to clear up the fantasy story.

"The Glaive is Tyler's weapon. Princess Sophia has wanted to go against him while he uses it. However, Tyler and I don't think she is ready yet." Rowen finally understands.

You can hear a loud gasp in the room. "Valerie! You're not on my side?" Sophia is now full and filled with energy again.

"I'm sorry. But it is not exaggerated when it's said that Tyler, combined with his Glaive, is practically unbeatable. Knowing his childishness, I don't want you to get hurt." Valerie explains herself very calmly.