Mobile Suit Gundam: Blood Price

Interlude pt.2

Warning! This Chapter is very Sus and have NSFW content. If your a Little baby or a minor, skip this chapter right now.

You've been warned!

Meanwhile...

"Ah... that hits the spot..." Alicia groaned in relaxation as she soaked in the castle baths, a wide open bathroom with multiple pools of water. Alicia's muscles were sore from the melee. She had trained hard, but it was different from actual combat. She had defeated many foes today.

But her thoughts always come back to that infuriating boy, one who tried to take advantage of Prim's innocence.

Speaking of Prim,

Said girl is glaring at her with intensity while sitting on Claudia's lap as the knight washes the pink haired princess. The Goddess Celestine just beside them, soaking and relaxing in the water.

"You should get over it, Cousin," Alicia called out, her tone only half-joking. "He's not worth your time."

Prim huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Easy for you to say," she muttered. "You chased away my friend even after I explained last night, Hmmph!" Alicia sighed, knowing that Prim was referring to Mika. She didn't want to argue with her cousin now, especially when she was already so sore. "Look, I'm sorry if I came on too strong," she said, reaching over to pat the smaller girl's knee. "It's just that... well, I don't trust him, okay? And I don't want you to get hurt."

Prim didn't seem mollified, but she didn't bother arguing further. Instead, her attention drifted to the Goddess Celestine, who had turned to address them. "Would you ladies like to join me for a swim?" she asked with a warm smile. "The water is lovely this evening."

"Thank you, Your Holiness," Alicia replied with a respectful nod.

"I'd love to, but I think I'm going to take a break from the water for now," Prim said, before turning to Alicia with a murmur. "Do you want to go swim with her?" There was an edge to her voice, as if she were challenging Alicia to spend more time with the Goddess.

Alicia hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She rose from the water, grabbing a towel from a nearby rack. "Sure," she said as she stepped out of the pool. "Lead the way."

Celestine smiled kindly and held out a hand, helping Alicia up from the lower step. The two of them waded into a pool deeper than the others, leaving Prim and Claudia alone together. The Goddess was warm and comforting in the water, like a motherly figure. "So, Princess Alicia." Alicia nodded. "It's a pleasure to speak with you again, Your Holiness." She glanced over at Prim and Claudia, then back at the Goddess. "I trust you've been enjoying the tournament so far?"

"Yes, it's been quite exciting," Celestine said, her voice resonant and serene. "And I must say, I'm impressed by your skill in combat today, my dear. You fought with determination and courage." Alicia blushed slightly at the compliment.

"But I have a question for you." Alicia tensed slightly at the Goddess's serious tone. "Of course, Your Holiness. Please, ask."

Celestine looked at Alicia with gentle, piercing eyes. "I wish to know your plans after the tournament. You're at the age already to take back Feoh's rule but I don't think being a ruler is your plan?" Alicia hesitated for a moment before answering, her thoughts swirling. "It's true, I've never been particularly interested in ruling," she admitted. "But I understand that it comes with the role of princess, and I will do whatever is necessary to protect my people. Even if it means taking on the mantle of leadership."

Celestine nodded thoughtfully, her expression sympathetic. "I understand your feelings, child. It is not an easy decision to make. But know this: You have many options open to you." She placed a hand on Alicia's shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring. "You could seek out allies, perhaps even find a suitor who shares your vision for the kingdom. Or, if you truly wish to remain neutral, there are other paths you could follow."