A Curse of the First

•«CHAPTER SEVEN»• •«WORRY»•

Fir stared at the painting in his room. What happened back in the throne room? He asked himself. And why did Melt come from Phobiae? And Dad was so sad... did I see his worst fear? He asked.

N-no, I couldn't have. That's impossible! Only Phobiaeos can do that! I must've just imagined it. He reassured himself. Fir walked over to his bed and sighed, angry and confused.

Birch is becoming a knight tomorrow. I want to go and make sure she's doing ok right now. But my dad said not to. She's busy and I can't distract her. He thought, messing with his hair since he was worried.

I'm just going to check on her. He decided. Fir rushed down the stairs then slowed down as he walked to the Dim Gym. The short grey building was attached to the castle by a long tunnel. He hurried down the few steps and snuck quietly through the tunnel.

Clanging of metal was ringing in his ear and he reached the Dim Gym. It was designed to teach aspiring knights and actual knights how to fight in the dark, giving them a vantage point over the enemy.

The Dim Gym had no doors, it was like a maze that had various training places. Birch usually preferred to be near the entrance, it was lighter there and easier to see your surroundings.

Fir quickly stepped in and noted how much darker it became with just a step. He glanced around and saw dark, raven hair flying with every clang of metal that could be heard. It had to be Birch.

Fir knew that every time she swung her sword, her hair would fly if it wasn't in a ponytail. I  shouldn't disturb her. He decided as he walked up to the room she was in.

Birch's black hair was swinging all over as she attacked a metal statue of a Phobiaeos. Tear the Phobiaeos apart, Birch! His mind excitedly thought. But Birch hadn't done much damage, like she was holding back.

She could usually would have already chopped the statue up like it was butter, but so far she had only made a dents. Fir wasn't sure, but it sounded like there was faint sobbing. Suddenly, a clash of metal could be heard.

Concerned, he poked his head inside and saw Birch leaning against the statue, her arms around it and her sword on the floor. Even though he couldn't see her face he could tell he was crying. Why was she crying?!

Oh how he longed to run over and comforted her, but he knew she could get over this, and he promised his dad and himself not to bother her. Fir took a silent, deep breath and reluctantly backed away. He shot a regretful glance at her before walking back to his room.

He lugged himself through the tunnel, strongly regretting not helping Birch as he climbed up the few stairs and began to walk again. Fir's room was so far away and it angered him SO MUCH. At least his room was safe from the flood but the Dim Gym was underground... oh he so hoped Birch would be safe.

Fir knew he needed to stop worrying about her but it was so hard! He knew that she could take care of herself but he was the prince and could supply extra support. If only she didn't act so independent he wouldn't feel uncomfortable helping her.

Birch's emotions were so complicated it's like he barely even knew her, even though he had known her for six years now. He started up the stairs to his room and expected to be tired by the time he got there.

Fir finally got there five minutes later, the pitter-patter of the rain driving him mad. When he reached his room, he stomped inside and slammed his door shut. It was already late so he knew he should be heading to bed soon.

Fir sat down on his bed before he placed his head in his hands, feeling distressed. Why is Birch so upset?! O-or well, I hope she was upset at least.

"Ughhhhhh..." Fir groaned. "Why do I worry about her so much?!"

I will say, just like I did in chapter three, I really did NOT expect this book to be popular AT ALL