Odes of Autumn | A Narnia One-Shot Collection

Souls On Fire

October 5th Prompt: Candles

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He's doing that thing again.

Aravis leaned back in her chair, absent-mindedly watching the golden-headed prince her opposite. A vision of beauty in the warm glow of the autumn sunset, her wild, black curls cascaded over her shoulders and down her back; somehow perfection in their twisting, chaotic pattern. A perfect parallel to the royal prince, with his subtle waves brushed neatly to the side.

His hair was quite grown out these days, not yet long enough to graze his shoulders but long enough to fully cover his ears. His youthful features also sporting something resembling a moustache, not a favorite in the sight of the noble lady.

Dinner had concluded nearly two hours ago, yet here they sat, sharing stories and laugher like it was the first time they had been together in years when in fact this was a nightly occurrence. This was one element of Archenlandian culture that had taken time to get used to.

Though it still seemed funny to Aravis, she loved it more than anything. Never had a mealtime consisted of such joy until arriving here.

Prince Cor, the main subject of her attention, stole a glance in her direction and grinned sheepishly.

And again.

Aravis smiled back at the now distracted prince as he twirled a lock of hair around his finger.

He'd had this habit for as long as she'd known him. This habit, to her, charming and quite adorable, would often appear when he was nervous or agitated.

And though there wasn't so much as a hint of agitation about his demeanor; he'd been twisting the long strands that fell just below his eyebrows all evening. Winding them tight about his index finger, then pinching them and pulling them straight.

Again, and again.

Curious as she was about what may be causing the need to indulge his comfort habit, Aravis found it was becoming quite amusing.

She sat forward, elbows on the table, resting her chin in her palm. Her silk and chiffon layered gown rustling, almost silent, and falling about her like a cloud; it's blush-pink hue a stunning contrast to her rich, olive skin.

Her movement once again caught the eyes of Prince Cor, and this time he held her gaze.

There was something so wonderfully magical about the sparkle that always seemed to be caught inside those soft brown orbs.

Flashing another affectionate grin, Cor gave her a wink and awkwardly mirrored her posture.

Aravis immediately withdrew her elbows from the table, thinking he was wordlessly reminding her of the etiquette that he so often teased her for upholding.

But as soon as she did, he did the same.

Aravis raised an eyebrow and tipped her head, ever so slightly, to the side.

The prince followed suit, trying his best to suppress the laugh just barely held at bay by the mischievous smile playing across his lips.

So, it's a game.

Sitting tall in the most rigid posture she could exhibit; Aravis took a strand of her own hair and brought it up to her face.

Placing it above her top lip, she offered a pout to keep it in place, now sporting a moustache to mirror his.

Cor nearly spit his drink across the table, coughing and sputtering and making a whole scene.

Aravis covered her face with her hand, nonchalantly rubbing her forehead to cover the mischievous smile she couldn't contain.