Sword of Ericliff (BoyXBoy)

Chapter 15 (The Reason)

Alexios' POV

I walked down the empty halls of my home, looking for one person, in particular, Jen. She was hiding amongst these empty halls, cleared because everyone left to go to a play outside and we snuck away to stay inside. Well, I can't say it's completely empty, as the maids and servants stayed to clean up, and Jurak was still hidden in his office. However, Jurak never tended to leave his room or office anymore, except when he trained with me or gave me lessons. Some people still find me lucky to be able to see him and be honored with his education. Most think that the reason that he's training me is so I can take his position when he dies. He really isn't that old physically, but in reality, he had to be the same age as my father. I still didn't know the reason he trained me, I just knew that he was more of a father figure to me than my father. He even said I could wear a crown on my 18th birthday. It was to resemble what I would have got if I were back in my other kingdom. I loved it but didn't wear, not wanting to be that type of person.

I turned the corner and smirked as I came to a closed door among open ones. I grasped the handle and slowly turned it, not creating a single sound as I made my way inside. I took a quick inventory of the room before I spotted a chair in the corner. I heard a giggle from the corner and quickly ran towards the sound, listening as Jen emitted a squeal and jumped up to try and get away. I was too quick as I grasped her waist and swung her towards me. She giggled uncontrollably as I collapsed to the floor and pinned her beneath me. My hands gripped her sides as I tickled her. Once she was a crying mess, I slowly moved my hands away and watched her catch her breath. Her blonde hair was astray across the hair and in a tangled mess that she would get upset at me with soon. Her eyes were brightly lit with the excitement of it all and had a light film of tears. I couldn't believe that she was 18 and I was 19 years old. It seemed like just yesterday we were both having our first kiss. I couldn't believe she was all mine.

"I love you," I whispered, leaning back on my haunches. She beamed at me and sat up so we were nose to nose.

"I love you more." She spoke, leaning in to kiss me firmly.

***

"Lean to the left when you swing. You're leaning more to the right. Come on now." I sighed and turned my back to him, pretending that I was prepping when I just didn't want to see him roll my eyes. I rolled my shoulders and popped back around, nodding at Jurak who stood with a pair of shorts and a tank top. I was in a white tank with black sweatpants. This was just about the only time anyone ever got to see him when he was training with me. It was not uncommon to see people standing off to the side of the field and watching us practice.

I rose my fist in anticipation and the battle began. It didn't take long for me to practice my latest trick. I faked to the left, and he stood firm, realizing it was a fake. However, he wasn't prepared as I rose my right leg pretending I was going to kick him before placing it back down firmly and darting forward to shove him back. He stumbled back and caught himself. I breathed harshly as I waited for his reaction. After he stood straight from the shock, he beamed at me and leaned in to pat my shoulder firmly.

"Good job." And that was the anticlimactic ending.

Afterward, I went back to my room and washed up. However, Jurak didn't seem done for the day because, as I tried to leave to find Jen, he was waiting for me.

"I need to ask you a few things." He told me. I frowned but nodded and shut my door behind me and walking out with him. We walked in silence all the way back outside and to a bench. We still sat in silence as I waited for him to speak.

"I am not sure if you are aware of all the kingdoms in this world." He spoke. I frowned and turned my head so I was watching him. He leaned back on his hands and looked up at the clear blue sky.