TBATE-ONESHOTS

A Different Beginning After The End 7

Caera was completely frozen as she stood there, with Arthur pressing the blade of the practice sword against her neck. Her throat bobbed, and she blinked, the only movement she showed. Slowly, a rosy tint appeared on Caera's cheeks, as her vermillion eyes seemed to study Arthur. 

"Well," Whispering Blade began, his voice booming as he stepped forward. Arthur looked toward him, seeing that Whispering Blade was staring right at him. "It seems that Princess Caera has lost this battle. Well done, young man." 

"Excuse me," Caera said. 

Arthur looked back at her, seeing her face was still a little red, "Yes?"

Caera raised her hand, gently placing the tip of her index finger against the wooden blade, "Would you be so kind as to remove the training sword from my neck?"

Arthur's brows raised, before his eyes flicked to the blade. He mentally facepalm, seeing he was indeed still holding the sword to her neck. He quickly took the sword away and stepped back, giving Caera an apologetic smile, "Sorry." 

Footsteps caught Arthur's attention, and he looked to the side, seeing Morgan approaching. Her gaze was curious as she looked at Arthur. "Well fought," Morgan said, coming to stand beside her sister. 

Caera, still staring at Arthur, tilted her head slightly, "W-What did you say your name was, again?" 

"My name is Arthur, Princess," Arthur replied, giving a small nod. 

Caera's lips went partially again, as her eyes moved up and down Arthur's frame, "Arthur."

Arthur's heart nearly skipped, hearing Caera say his name. 

"What an amazing display of swordsmanship," Whispering Blade continued, as he walked into th center of the ballroom. "Now, let us continue with this joyous night." He motioned to the band. 

The musicians began to play again, giving a sweet, elegant tune. The guests didn't miss a beat, as they began to crowd the dance floor once more and danced along with the tune. 

"I'll take that, Sir."

Arthur looked toward the voice, seeing an attendant approach. The attendant was holding out his right hand, while holding the other sword Arthur had knocked out of Caera's hand in his other hand. 

Arthur nodded toward the attendant and handed over the sword. "Thank you."

The attendant returned Arthur's nod before turning and walking away. 

"Well," Morgan said, taking a step back. "I'm going to get something to drink." She shot her sister a glance, who gave a reassuring nod. Morgan nodded back, giving Arthur one last glance before she turned and walked away. 

Watching Morgan walk away, Arthur turned his gaze toward Caera, who seemed to be watching him expectantly. His brows raised, feeling confused and suddenly nervous again. 

Caera raised a brow, and the corner of her lips curled, "While you won the duel, it is still customary for the man to ask the woman to dance."

Arthur blinked, suddenly feeling like an idiot, "Right." He stepped forward, steeling his nerves, and held out his hand. "Would you like to dance, Princess?" 

Caera raised her chin as she lifted her hand, gently placing it into Arthur's. He swallowed hard when her skin rubbed against his, thinking how smooth her hand felt. 

"It'd be my pleasure," Caera said, her voice soft. 

Clearing his throat, Arthur stepped closer to her and interlaced his fingers with hers. She then placed her other hand onto his shoulder, and he hesitated for a moment before placing his hand lightly on her waist.