≫ eadrik oneshots

"Through me, it seems."

Erik's POV
I watched nervously as the last selected boy walked out into the main hall to meet Princess Eadlyn. Henri and I were alone in the hall, and I couldn't stop pacing.

"Erik, what's wrong?" Henri asked, coming over and placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Henri, we're about to meet the Princess," I said, rubbing my face in exasperation. "I'm terrified."

"Well, you shouldn't be," he smiled and gave me a reassuring pat. "She's probably lovely."

"Yes, but-" I was cut off by the guard, Officer Legend or something, who was gesturing for us to come out and meet the Princess.

"Erik, it's going to be fine," Henri gave me one of his biggest grins before striding around the corner confidently. I sighed and had no choice but to follow closely behind.

I tried not to make any eye contact whatsoever with the Princess, keeping my head bowed and my gaze fixed on the floor.

"Hello, Highness," I heard Henri say, his voice making it clear that he was all smiles. "How are you?"

"I'm well," the Princess said cautiously. I could tell she was confused, and I couldn't help but peek up at her. I immediately looked back down at my toes. She was absolutely stunning, and I didn't want to be caught staring at her like an idiot. That would be even more embarrassing.

"It's been a long day," she continued. "I'm sure it has been for you, too."

I suddenly remembered why I was there. Leaning forward, I translated to Henri what the Princess had said in Finnish.

Henri nodded, but I knew he wouldn't be able to answer. He didn't know English well enough for that. "Oh, yes, yes, but . . . eets nice to meeting you."

This was a disaster. Princess Eadlyn leaned in, clearly unable to make out what Henri was trying to say. "Excuse me?" she asked.

I had no choice but to answer for my friend. "He says it's a pleasure to meet you," I said quietly, looking up at the Princess daringly. She was still as beautiful and commanding as the first time I glanced at her, but now she was squinting, clearly confused.

"My name ees Henri," Henri said, bowing. I wanted to smack myself. These introductions were going horribly. Why had I ever agreed to this?

The Princess nodded, but I could tell she was just doing it to look polite. "Hello, Henri."

Henri beamed at the mention of his name, but the situation got real awkward real fast. He kept looking between me and the Princess, not sure what to say or do.

"I can't help but notice your accent," Princess Eadlyn remarked. She was trying to be friendly, and for that I was grateful. "Where do you come from?"

"Umm, Swend—?" Henri started slowly, looking back at me for help.

"Sir Henri was born in Swendway, so he has a very strong Finnish accent," I said, nodding.

"Oh," the Princess replied. "And does he speak much English?"

Henri laughed. "English, no, no." He said it so easily, and I couldn't help but admire him for it. He wasn't afraid of anything.

"How are we supposed to get to know each other?" The Princess looked utterly confused. I turned towards Henri and quickly translated her words. Of course, he just pointed at me.

"Through me, it seems," I answered, hoping I didn't look as terrified as I felt.

"Okay. Well. Umm." The Princess clearly wasn't prepared for this, and I felt terrible for making her job harder than it already was. I hated being such a burden, and I knew that's exactly what I'd become.

There was a long pause as Princess Eadlyn thought of a way to dismiss us. Finally, she thanked us for coming. "It's very nice to meet you, Henri."

Henri smiled, and I felt a small pang of sadness in my stomach. I knew I wasn't supposed to be there in the first place, but she hadn't even asked me my name.

The Princess pointed us towards the Men's Parlor, and I led Henri away quickly. As we walked off, I tuned out his gushing excitement and thought about Eadlyn. She was so perfect in every way, and I knew I'd never even have a chance with her. I'd always be in the background, and I had to prepare myself for that.

Even though it was going to be absolutely impossible to ignore her beautiful smile every single day.

A/N [old me]
AGG, I'm so sorry. This is horrible and short. I just honestly had no inspiration, and I felt like writing about the first time Eadlyn and Erik met. Oh well. Sorry.😞

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