veiled hearts

two

I had the whole morning to decide when to show up in the Lord's office, and for some stupid reason, I had the idea of going as soon as I could. I had already eaten breakfast, very early, I didn't even get to see Sadira in the great hall when I ate. She was a morning person, it was incredible to me how she could wake up so early every day for the mere reason of not wanting to waste her day. She was right, though, one should use every hour that is given to us because it will always be needed when we less know it.

But I shifted from the point. I solely woke up early, so I could see the lord and get it all over with.

I stared at myself in the mirror only once more before leaving. My fears were getting worse after each second passed, nothing scared me more than the harsh lessons of the lord, how his words were so stiff that they cut right through me mercilessly, I despised it.

"I'm exaggerating," I said to myself. I always spoke to myself, I had no company.

My thoughts decreased the moment I got near the mirror, watching that the paint in my eyes wasn't too harsh, nor too little. My eyes had to stand out since the rest of my face wasn't visible.

Oh man, I truly wished Sadira were here.

I sucked a deep breath, looking at my blonde hair only once in my reflection before I finally left.

I opened my doors, searching for Eiran so that he noticed I was ready. His eyes finally met mine, and it felt as if it had taken forever.

"You look..."

"Don't even tell me." I sighed.

"Beautiful." Oh.

"Do I?"

"Always."

Those words warmed my heart. I honestly was expecting him to tell me that I looked shaken, maybe even irate.
But his words were always so dear, so calming. My whole body shook as he walked behind me to The Lord's office.

He opened his mouth but looked quite hesitant, so he closed it not so long after. Looking up at him made me realize how he blushed, he had changed almost nothing since we were little.
"What?" I giggled.

Shaking his head while glancing at the ground, he breathed. "It's just," his brows rose, and he looked at me once again. "I'm truly glad about my journey. Our journey, princess." He corrected. "I remember how we would sneak around the garden, hiding behind the rose bushes as my dad looked for me, scared that I might get in trouble for messing with the princess." His dad. He would design my attire. Dress me up for events.
"Remember? How I would promise to guard you as your personal guard." Nostalgia struck my chest while he spoke.

"You would act as if you were my guard already," I added, biting my lips under my veil to try to contain my chuckle.

"Well, look at us now." He uttered, his face full of warmth. "Look at you." Nothing more than light could I feel in this boy, who was now a man. Someone I was glad of growing up with. His bright eyes expressed happiness, yet sentimentality at the same time, and it made my soul crumble at his feet. I loved him, with the power I was granted by the gods, with the lustre of ten suns. He was the best friend any being could ever have. And I was truly grateful for having him by my side every single day, nearly at all times.

"We're here. Good luck princess! May the-."

"The gods guide me." I cut him off, almost breathing out all those words. I needed that, I truly did. I was now, once again scared.
And it took me a second to realize how I had forgotten about all of this in the time I spent with Eiran. His presence helped me be calm. He delivered me something I owned only a trace of. Peace.