The Seventh Moon

Affection

Even in the seemingly endless conflict, your existence alone can change the future… ~ Alice, IVVY

xxxxxx

As much as Risa wanted to focus on her training with Alathil, her mind would continue going back to the conversation that they had the other night. She didn't know what to make of it, or if she was going to believe it. But she had never seen a trace of lies in the Second Prince's eyes when he told her about the possibility of her being the Seventh Moon from the legend.

Of course, she thought at first that it was crazy. Only... the rest of the conversation they had that night had just heightened the suspicion that she was indeed that person from the legend.

A legend that only the royal family and the higher court mages (the Master Mage and Lady Enlari) knew.

"You're supposed to be concentrating, Risa."

That voice snapped Risa out of her musings. She raised her head to see Prince Alathil looking at her intently, causing her heart to beat fast again.

She forced herself not to blush, but still couldn't help the feeling of flustered embarrassment that spread throughout her body at being caught spacing out. "I'm sorry, Your Highness."

Alathil sighed and closed his eyes, "It's fine, I'm the one that should apologize for snapping at you like that. And I thought I told you not to address you as such, remember?"

Risa smiled and shook her head. "Come on. You know I'm just joking." Her expression turned serious once again. "I'm still thinking about what you told me last night."

"I figured. But I do hope that you shouldn't let that affect you while you're training in both magic and swordsmanship. The assumption I gave you last night must be something that only the two of us should know for now. There could be ways to either prove or disprove my theory about you and why you're here. But right now, only your magic and what it can really do can give us the answer to that," Alathil explained.

Risa took in some deep breaths as she tried to get her thoughts straight. This was exactly what she needed. It was exactly the kind of challenge that her skills and abilities could provide her with. Not to mention, she was able to spend time with Alathil outside of their usual lessons. She could tell that the prince wasn't going to go easy on her just because she was a woman. And she didn't mind that.

Then again, her heart sometimes couldn't take the way the Second Prince would show affection to her even when Shuren would intervene. Why would the prince do that to her, anyway? Fascination? Adoration? Amusement?

Whatever it was, Risa felt a little uneasy at the display, especially when he didn't seem to mean it romantically. Or at least Risa thought that was what it meant. The way he spoke made it sound like a lot more than mere admiration. Which was ridiculous because, really, he was a prince. She wouldn't be surprised if she found out that Alathil was already engaged or something.

However, as much as she hated it, she didn't like the idea of him actually engaged at all. It was a crazy thought, but surely enough to stir something inside of her.

"Are you alright, Risa? You went quiet all of a sudden again," Alathil asked gently, interrupting Risa's train of thought.

She nodded without meeting the prince's gaze, trying to hide the fact that she was thinking about how he seemed to have such an effect on her, despite the fact that he was just another boy who happened to be incredibly beautiful.

Her cheeks flushed bright pink for no apparent reason. "Oh, um... yes." It felt weird talking to someone like this, but she supposed it wasn't very surprising considering who they were talking about.