ENCHANTED: Guardian Series #1 {COMPLETED, UNDER REVISION}

CHAPTER 19: Dark Magi

CHAPTER NINETEEN
DRY

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ETHERION REALM

-Tahomma Kingdom-
"How many days have passed?" whispered Kaira as she talked to herself, leaning her body on the terrace of her room. 'Twentieth day, perhaps?'

She looked below her and saw the rose garden of Lee being taken care of by other gardners. While admiring the dull glow of the petals, she received a knocking sound out her door. Kaira knew that it was Leonard that she couldn't help but to sigh out.

Even on the twentieth day of their courtship period, she hadn't developed any feelings for him. However her hatred towards the Second Young Prince had lessened when she saw kindness in him. She even thought that the woman he will marry in the future is lucky to have a kind husband like him. Then again, she does not see herself in that position.

"Princess? Are you unwell?" Leonard asked in a softer tone. As Kaira said, he is a kind man. He is concerned about Kaira, uncertain of why she is feeling blue.

"Yes," Kaira replied, being honest about what she feels. Facing Leonard, her eyebrows rest near her eyelids, and her lips are slightly curved down. "However, I am unsure why."

His eyebrows were slightly raised, surprised by her honest response. He had a low hum while thinking what they should do for today. Seeing Kaira's low energy, Leonard thought that she would prefer to stay in her room than going out with him. Thus, he suggested to cancel their trip as he approached Kaira in a slow pace.

"Then, shall I cancel our trip for today?" After seeing her in a berserk mode, Leonard had been cautious to his actions and words. Offending this princess in front of him might actually lead to his death. Or in worst cases of scenarios, Kaira might be the cause of the kingdom's fall. He immediately shook his head when he realized he had gone over the top of overthinking things.

Sigh.

"No. I need... fresh air," sighed Kaira, flicking her hair behind her.

They will be having a day in Maya Village since Leonard also had a transaction with the village chief-he is multitasking, to be exact.

While they are in the carriage, the usual thing that Kaira will do was stare out of the window until they've arrived at their destination. But this time, she had a book with her for entertainment. She read it with a serious expression that made Leonard curious about what she was reading.

"What are you reading?" he paused from transferring documents from one side to another, asking Kaira with another neutral tone.

"Book of war," she replied, rather proud about it. Kaira wore a happy smirk, showing off the contents of the book to Leonard while facing the page to him.

'War arises in times of toughness?' his brows quivered to thought of that phrase. He had a cursory glance at Kaira with a raised eyebrow before stating a phrase he once heard. "War? Young warriors are eager to taste war..."

"... yet they cower to its bitter taste."

Another surprised expression appeared on Leonard's face upon hearing Kaira finishing his sentence. A statement that was once used by a professor in the academy he attended when he was younger. Because of her sudden tone, he was driven to curiosity.

"I thought you never received education?"

To be honest, Kaira was slightly offended by his sharp tongue that she glared daggers at him. "For you information, Your Highness," she sneered while closing the book, crossing her legs before she continued her talk. "I did receive proper and basic education for... three years."