The New Princess

Chapter 27: Soarin & Rainbow (pt.2)

After bidding everyone goodnight, Soarin made his way to his room, the sounds of laughter and friendly banter still echoing down the palace halls. He could feel his heart racing, not just from the excitement of the day, but from the weight of a new realization, something he'd been avoiding telling Rainbow until now.

As he closed the door behind him, the room fell silent, save for the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. He moved to the window and gazed out at the moonlit landscape, taking a deep breath. Tonight had been incredible—watching Rainbow with the others, seeing her so happy and full of life. But in the quiet moments alone, the reality of his duty settled back in. He knew he couldn't keep hiding it forever. He had seen it, after all.

The magic.

A few days ago, while he was training Rainbow, he'd caught a glimpse of something incredible. At first, he thought he was just imagining it, some trick of the light or his own hopes for her success, but the more he thought about it, the more undeniable it became. He had witnessed a spark, a shimmering, ethereal light around Rainbow as she trained—a subtle glow that hinted at the magic she was beginning to harness.

It had been faint, but real. And if he'd seen it, that meant she was truly embracing her role, awakening powers far beyond what they'd ever imagined. Soarin could still remember the feeling in his chest when he'd seen that glow, something like awe mixed with pride... and, if he was honest, a hint of fear.

"What if she's not ready for this?" he murmured, leaning against the windowsill. The whole reason he had been pushing her was to prepare her for the inevitable—to bear the weight of the crown and to rule Aeatria with grace, courage, and wisdom. But even if he believed she could handle it, there was so much she didn't know. So much he hadn't told her.

And then there was that nagging thought that he could almost hear the dark spirit saying, mocking him: Are you sure she's the one for this?

Soarin clenched his fists, silencing the doubts. He'd trained Rainbow himself. He knew her better than anyone else. She was loyal, fearless, determined—a natural-born leader who just needed time to grow. But the magic he'd seen tonight—it was unlike anything he'd ever witnessed. That was the very thing Aeatria needed. And he knew Rainbow was worthy of it, even if she didn't yet.

But telling her was another story. She'd been through so much already, and they were just starting to get closer, opening up about their fears and dreams. If he told her now, would it overwhelm her? Would she start to doubt herself?

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I can't keep this from her forever," he muttered. "She deserves to know, and she deserves to know it's real."

He leaned his head back, closing his eyes, the memory of the magical spark lingering in his mind. Tomorrow, he'd tell her. He'd tell her everything he'd seen. He'd show her that she was more powerful than she realized, more than just a strong leader or a potential queen. She was a guardian, someone who could wield magic and protect her kingdom in ways no one else could.

"Rainbow, you have no idea what you're capable of," he whispered to himself. And the thought of her reaction brought a small smile to his face. She'd probably just shrug, laugh it off, and challenge him to another training session, stubborn as ever.

But somewhere deep down, he hoped that seeing the magic would give her the confidence she needed. He couldn't bear the thought of her doubting herself, especially when she was the only one who could bring peace back to Aeatria.

Soarin turned away from the window and looked around his room. Tomorrow, he'd help her see the truth, and he'd be there to support her through every step. After all, he was more than her trainer; he was her friend, her confidant—and maybe, just maybe, something more.