HER MAJESTY, HIS ROYALTY

EPISODE 7: EUPHORIA IN A KISS

MSHELL

As the airplane soared through the boundless sky, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming happiness that enveloped me when I saw Evly on the plane. The universe seemed to conspire in our favour during this journey, aligning the stars in a way that placed us together, side by side. This fortuitous seating arrangement became the canvas upon which our conversation painted its vibrant strokes.

With an effortless grace, our dialogue meandered through a myriad of subjects. Some of these topics have now found refuge in the corners of my mind, fading like old photographs. Evly, with her remarkable gift, possessed the natural talent to transform each exchange into a symphony of words-a dance that swirled with elegance and joy.

As we embarked on a journey through Central Athras, I couldn't help but be captivated by Evly's contagious excitement about the city. Don't get me wrong, Athras had always been my home, and its beauty had become a familiar companion. Yet, observing the city through Evly's eyes breathed a new life into its streets and buildings. With every step we took, I found myself not only discovering the city anew but also discovering facets of Evly that seemed to mirror the city's vibrancy.

Gordiee awaited us at the end of our expedition, and as we finally stood before it, Evly's eyes gleamed with a radiance that words could hardly capture. Her emotions were vividly painted on her face. I insisted that Nainina take her leave, expressing my intention to guide Evly from this point onward.

"Take care of our princess," Nainina said, winking at me. Nainina was more than a chauffeur or a royal bodyguard; she was my friend. Throughout the years, her support has been unwavering. Weeks ago, I confided in her about Evly. Little did I know then that this trip would come to fruition.

Evly had spotted our friends, or rather, the members of our friend group. Hayley stood beside the statue of Sir Bermling, her usual humour lighting up the moment. The awkwardness that had once existed between Hayley and me seemed to have faded, almost as if she had intuited my feelings for Evly long before I realized them myself.

Mello and Jane remained as stunning as ever; their perfection briefly ignited envy within me. Our friends exchanged chit-chat before dispersing to explore other parts of Gordiee. This left Evly and me alone once again.

"Gordiee is truly something else," Evly exclaimed, her wonder evident. "Look at the atmosphere, the ancient ruins, the entire setting. It's almost unfathomable that this place holds such deep historical roots." I found her awe utterly endearing.

I took the opportunity to share some history with her, and she listened with rapt attention. Evly's genuine interest was impressive; it was clear that such things truly captivated her. I reflected on how, back when I was learning this history, I detested it vehemently. Yet now, I was grateful for that knowledge, as it allowed me to engage with Evly so effortlessly.

"See that statue up there?" I pointed, drawing her gaze. "That's the Knight of Bermling," referring to the same knightly figure that Hayley had playfully posed beside earlier.

"Seriously?" she inquired. The expression on her face conveyed her unfamiliarity with the name. Eager to share, I delved deeper into the tale. The story of Sir Bermling remains one of my favourites, largely because, if I am being entirely honest, he played a significant role in my personal history.

As we stood by the statue, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as I began to recount the captivating narrative. The statue's presence seemed to amplify the essence of the tale, making it even more vivid in my mind.

"Have you ever heard of Sir Bermling?" I asked, my voice carrying the enchantment of a born storyteller. "His story-it's truly unlike any other. It all started with an orphan, seeking solace amidst the palace stables. You see, both of his parents had served in the castle. But destiny had a different plan, as they passed away, leaving him utterly alone. Can you imagine? He had to resort to eating the very feed meant for the horses, just to endure."