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I sat quietly at the dinner table as the food was slowly delivered to the table. Ayato appeared just as he usually was, thanking the maids as they came in, but from his demeanour and tone of voice I could tell his head was elsewhere.
With the snap of a finger the maid lit up the candles adorning the table.
With the final plate set the remaining people made their way out. When the door shut, silence fell upon us once more.
Thoma pretended to be focused on his food while Ayato was lost in his own thoughts.
The only one who seemed to be present aside from myself was Capitano.
He leaned up against one of the nearby walls seemingly sensing the strange atmosphere. I sent a glance in his direction and he tilted his head to look back at me.
I glanced over at Ayato and Thoma again before looking down at my food.
I could only imagine the difficulties those two were dealing with now. Seeing them worry away made me wonder what I was doing. As the Princess I should have been doing more, but knowing my uncle he would keep the burden to himself.
"So..." I started the conversation, "Has there been any changes?"
Ayato did not answer right away and Thoma glanced up at him.
When Ayato noticed the eyes on him he blinked a few times before looking questionably at the two of us.
"Is something wrong?"
I let out a sigh before picking up my fork, "No, it's nothing."
Thoma glanced at me and then back at Ayato unsure of if he should comment.
Ayato noticed his lingering stare before coming to a conclusion.
"Oh!" His attention flickered to me, "Y/N how was your day?"
My heart sank a bit. That hadn't been what I had asked but I could tell Ayato was trying his best. He always tried to look out for my well-being even if his own was in question.
I gave him a half-hearted smile before answering, "Oh it was alright. I learned how to use a sword today."
Ayato's eyes lit up in surprise, "Is that so? Who exactly..."
His attention shifted and he let out a soft chuckle, "Oh I see. Well that's good to hear though do be careful. I don't want you to end up getting hurt."
I rolled my eyes, "Hey I don't think you've got to worry. I've got the best teacher around."
Thoma nodded in agreement, "She's right. I couldn't think of someone more capable, aside from you of course."
Ayato smiled, "Fair point. Just remember not to get too distracted."
I shook my head, "Where he comes from most of the women fight."
"Y/N you are also the Princess. You have other responsibilities as well." Uncle Ayato commented.
I couldn't disagree with that unfortunately, but I was also aware that Ayato was not a fan of me fighting. Princess or not.
That was part of the reason I hadn't learnt much. He didn't trust anyone but himself or Thoma to teach me and neither of them had the time.
"Well it's good for me to know isn't it? What if I end up in a situation like I did when I first met him?"
Ayato shook his head, "I understand Y/N. That's why I will say nothing further on the matter. You're free to use your spare time as you wish."
After that the dinner continued in silence. I looked over at Capitano every once in a while but nothing had changed.
By the time I had finished eating it was finally time to return to my room. Capitano escorted me through the quiet halls.
"He seemed very distracted today." I commented.
Capitano glanced over at me.
"He isn't usually this quiet when we eat. I think the whole situation has been stressing him out. It makes me feel like I should be doing more, you know?"
Capitano nodded, "I heard a few things earlier."
"Really?"
He continued, "It was only idle chatter, but supposedly the King of Snezhnaya had sent King Ayato a letter."
I stopped in my tracks and turned to look at him.
"Why wouldn't he mention this? What did the letter supposedly say?"
Capitano shrugged, "The contents weren't leaked. Perhaps he didn't want to worry you."
I shook my head in disappointment.
"Not much of a useful Princess am I?" I said a little dejectedly.
Capitano shook his head, "You're young. You've got lots to learn first. Focus on what you can."
The two of us began walking once more and his words played over a bit in my mind.
I really wanted to help my uncle. Especially since one day it would be my duty, but I guess it would all come in time.
"Can I ask you a weird question?"
We had finally arrived at my room.
"Did the princess of your nation also know what she was doing?"
Capitano shrugged, "She was proficient with a sword, but lacked the other necessary skills to rule. There is more than just knowing how to fight and read."
I nodded. That made me feel a little better. I'm sure there was a time when Ayato didn't know what he was doing either.
"Thank you Capitano and sorry for bringing this up. Sometimes I just start to doubt myself a bit, but you're right. There's still a lot for me to learn. Goodnight Capitano."
He nodded his head, "Goodnight Y/N."
As I opened my bedroom door, his final comment made my heart skip a beat,
