A Morning Worth Remembering
The rustling sounds of leaves bright and early as the gentle breeze painted across the valley. The sun peeked over the hills and bathed the dark room in a warm light, like a gentle smile a mother would give their child. Birds sung their tune like a private little orchestra meant only for the early risers. It was a picture-perfect image of what a fairy tale would look like, yet the young princess hated it.
Mornings meant responsibilities. It meant keeping their manners and high respects for those above her. Days meant it was time to deal with those boring old folk talking about tradition. A princess was expected to be one of the first to rise and last to fall while doing nothing but work. Work this, work that. Do this, do that. Don't do that, don't do this. Mornings were for those joy killers, everyone but her.
She was free spirited who preferred being outdoors for the most part. Running around in the grass playing chase with the animals of their grand pristinely kept garden. Maybe enjoying a day of horseback riding into the woods where everyone had their own will. Exploring the caves looking for trouble before bailing halfway through as it became too scary. Taking in the fresh air from a top of the trees singing along with the birds working together to harmonize.
Anything but staying locked up.
Or when forced to stay indoors art was one of her greatest passions that helped the young pink girl escape. To see the vision in her head and put it into paper, mixing colors to make something new. Tinting those stuffy overly priced outdated ugly dresses the girl had been forced to wear, from dull to vibrant. Making sure everywhere she went she left her mark in all types of color instead of that dark ink that had marked her name in elegance. Escaping anything that bound her to the rules of society, the rules that kept her from shining brightly.
Yet here she was sat in front of a mirror as the one of the castle maids brushed her hair that accompanied a scolding due to the eye bags under her golden amber eyes. And it was the same things said to the pink princess, being told to stop being creative for the sake of her kingdom. To take on more responsibility rather than so called doodling on the paper given to her meant for reports. Bring upon the land honor rather than disgrace.
Act more like the princess you were born as—no.
To act more like the next in line for soon to be queen, Raora Panthera.
Yeah, that was her whole life. Like a badly written story playing out the way it was supposed to be. But it was all a sick joke to the young princess. A sharp pain yanked at the girl who growled at the sudden sensation, only to receive yet another scolding from the maid. Her ears twitched in annoyance resisting the urge to roll her eyes as it was, 'unbefitting of a princess to do such rude things' or so they told her. With a sigh she let the maids finish their work, which was rather fast.
Still the pink panther's tail swayed robotically going through the motions of yet another day. Walking down the same halls, greeted the same way. Going to the dining hall to greet her parents the same way, playfully teasing her sister like always only to get shut down by her father. Saying hello to her brother was the same with his stoic expression never changing. With the political talks once again arising making the panther's ears twitch once more.
A plate of food was place in front of her as soon as the door was shut the silence ate at the girl's mind. It was just like yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that, a never-ending time loop. Her father talked loudly his voice echoing through the room. Even so every word the man spoke went in one ear and out the other. Pecking at her plate wondering when her cue was to speak.
"Tonight is the night you choose a suitor my dear Raora." There it was again the marriage topic. "As queen to be you need a fine partner to rule our kingdom to even greater prosperity."
The girl didn't say a word instead choosing to stare blankly at her plate thinking she's had enough of this topic. "All the kingdoms will be here to present a fine young man to be your husband to which you'll produce an heir to the throne—" The pink panther abruptly stood up from her seat leaving the room without another word ignoring her father's warnings.
She's just had it with this life.
What does a girl need to do to get at least some excitement in their life. Let alone a simple word in that can claim this life as hers and not someone else's to dictate. Walking back to her room the amber eyed panther locked the door behind her as soon as she stepped into the comfort of her room. Instantly the panther slumped to the floor with her tail wrapping around her protectively, like a makeshift blanket. Still, it did nothing to ease the pain in her heart let alone stop the tears that began trickling down her cheeks.
The window burst open as a tall red head woman jumped in with a smile on her face and boisterous tone she spoke, "OHOHO! Fear not pretty kitty your knight in—" Scarlet eyes laid upon the balled-up feline who wept quietly on the floor never noticing the lady who barged into her room. The red head saddened as she watched her friend weep walking over to the young lass doing her best to comfort her. "Hey..., what's wrong Raora?"
"THIS! Everyday it's been the same thing as a never-ending time loop that comes from a stupid book!" The tall lady backed away startled by the sudden backlash from the otherwise normally gentle panther. The panther looked into scarlet eyes as she continuously cried about her daily life that held nothing but responsibilities.
"Why can't I have a say in my own life?! How is it that everyone can rip me apart and control me like a puppet as if they owned me!?" She continued to bellow out her frustrations as the gestures she does when speaking grow grander the more her frustration grew. "All I want is at least one say! One word even! But not even that can be granted to me!"
"Woah, kitty, calm down yelling about it won't do you much good now would it dear?"
"Look who's taking you're a knight and can roam around without a care in the world Liz, avoiding responsibilities as if they never existed!"
The red head raised a brow as her smile became full of glee, "I am Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame, from Great Exardia first in line and only heir to the throne of the Bloodflame Kingdom!" Then the Exardian began patting that fluffy pink mane her friend had with her tone sounding that of a mother comforting their child, "I know all too well what it means to have unbearable responsibilities. To be controlled like a chess piece, moved around and discarded when needed."
Raora looked up to meet gentle red eyes stare back into her own amber ones. The feline felt horrible as she saw the honesty behind those eyes and truths spoken with every word. Her heart tightened as her feelings of disappointment filled her body. Cringing at her actions as she pushed out a meek apology for the Exardian. With a small smile the apology was accepted with no further inquiry.
"You know what you need? A day out in the sun, I found this lovely place I'm sure you'll love!" Raora watched the knight flash her that iconic Knightly smile, the one that often made the maids in the palace swoon over. For the panther however saw it as a friendly person trying their best. With a firm nod Raora got up from the floor wiping the tears away from her eyes with the help of Elizabeth.
Walking over to her wardrobe the girl took searched through it taking out a decent sized chest from the depths of the enclosed closet. Taking it out revealing its contents made the princess smile. Taking out the clothes the panther glance at the warrior who bowed and walked over to the window, "You know where to find me my love!" And out the window jumped the lady.
The princess rolled her eyes playfully before immediately changing out of the godforsaken dress she was in. Once in her new casual outfit Raora put on come spare boots and finally grabbing the bag in the chest, throwing it over her shoulder before fully closing the box. Placing it back in its secret area Raora nodded and off she went towards the window. Maybe not jumping out of if but the pink feline climbed out of it. Immediately the warm breeze hit her as the smell of dirt and grass filling her nose.
That feeling was always magical to Raora.
Just that alone made the girl feel alive and gave her a small sense of freedom every time she feels it. Once her feet hit the ground with a thud the panther dashed towards her destination. Arms spreading wide making sure the wind hit every part of her body. A bright smile graced the panther's features for the first time all morning. With a grin Raora went ahead and cartwheeled across the meadow, loving the way the prickly grass felt in her hands. The way the dirt stained her hand confirming she was finally outside.
After one more flip Raora stuck the landing with a bright smile as she saw her home in the distance. The castle at the center of the city. A landmark like no other with its grandiose stature the five pillars around it with each one interchanging between blue or pink rooftops. With a somber look she turned around running into a bush, then through a small crevasse on the rocky wall marking the last step of her escape. Fixing her bag the pink panther tied her hair up into a ponytail, walking through the woods that stood in between her home and the village.
Looking around Raora adored the way the light of the sun shone through the leaves, peeking through the small gaps giving the area a gentle warm light. The way the rabbits hopped on by, birds sung in the branches showcasing their joy for the day. An occasional deer said hello before darting off after laying their eyes on the panther. To which she only giggled continuing to trot through their home. Raora's ears twitched picking up the bustling sounds of the village, jogging towards the noise to reach the area easier.
The way her people went through their day always fascinated the feline. She often wondered what it was like to make decisions on your own without having someone correcting it. To live life the way one wanted and not the way others hoped for. It was often the main and only thing the princess really yearned for. And with a nod she continued to make her way to the one place she can find Elizabeth without a doubt.
After a good walk Raora stood before a large stone building with no windows as the vines that hugged it made it looked abandoned. But with the flag of her empire displayed, a wooden emblem of their head knights next to it caught the panther's eye. As she shook her head still smiling the princess went inside revealing a small venue for registration. One man stood behind the counter bulky in stature with scars covering their body. Raora without fault approached the man who looked at her with distrustful sharp eyes scanning her every move.
"Hey boss care to let me in?" Raora said firmly only to receive a deeper scowl from the man, "I must see Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame, I'm sure you know her."
The man scoffed, "And what makes you think I'll let you in?" Loud boisterous tone quickly turned meek as to no draw attention, "A princess like you should be in the castle not out here with us commoners."
The panther was a bit taken aback by the man's response before her brows furrowed deeply showcasing the annoyance that started to bubble up. "I have you know I'm currently a commoner too, so would you let me in?" Voice now low but full of command.
"Then you should wait in line like the rest of us rather than stepping up as a royal would."
"You say that, but you'll still let me in won't you, boss?" The girl raised a brow at the man who gave her a stern look before erupting into a fit of laughter. His death glare turning mellow as he watched the princess's frown morph into a smile. "Nice to see you still have that fiery spirit of yours, milady!" Said the man through fits of laughter to which the feline smiled.
"I have to as one day you'll be bowing to me then you won't dare to deny me entry here ever again!" More laughter came from the man before settling down into a large grin.
"And best believe I'll pledge my loyalty to you still Raora!" The feline mawkishly smiled as her ears flattened uncomfortably. She knew the citizen meant well but the princess couldn't help but be disheartened by the future.
"Ms. Bloodflame is in the battle arena, she might not be free right now since she's sparing with someone" Amber eyes widen in shock at the revelation.
Who was gutsy enough to spar with Liz the well renowned knight with enough skills to topple a whole army if given the chance. Raora nodded at the man before walking off where Liz is supposed to be. It wasn't long for the panther to realize how serious the fight was. The number of patriots increasingly filling the arena, watching the red head battle against her opponent. Nearing closer the princess weaved through the crowd towards center stage witnessing firsthand the shock everyone else wore.
To think the knight everyone feared was being stopped by someone younger than her?
It was hard to fully grasp who they were but their two-toned hair and overly large ahoge being the only things Raora fully understood. Visually however their black tail seemed to stand out more as they dodged every one of the Exardian's attack in a rather peculiar way. Instead of backing away, jumping to the side or even trying to parry the taller lady. The smaller knight just bounced around like a hyperactive child.
Tilting her head in mixture of confusion and curiosity when the knight went from close combat to sword attacks, like it was second nature to them. Only to backflip away from the onslaught of attacks Liz keeps failing to land. The smaller knight perched themselves with their tail using it as a stool to sit, with entertainment written all over those magenta eyes.
"You fight in a style I've never seen before young knight! I must applaud you for keeping up with me." The Exardian's complement was met with a loud laugh as the knight bashfully scratched their head.
"Why thank you maiden, my home tends to birth unique styles of fighting to prevent an easy lost."
"And where may that be?"
"The kingdom of Freezia!" Proudly stated the knight to which the panther hummed in amusement. Even the scarlet eyed knight seemed to find joy in their battle, "Ah yes. You all are notorious gremlins, aren't you?"
A bright grin was flashed aimed at the Exardian red head, before scarlet eyes harden in resolve once more taking their stance. Wooden sword pridefully stabbed into the ground with their hands placed upon the hilt of the sword. Their back straightening out with the fire on their chest growing in volume bathing their features in a blue glow. The Freezian knight smiled as they dashed forward sword held in one hand jumping at the under protected Exardian.
In one fell swoop however the smaller knight was left unbalanced. Falling backwards ready to flip away once again. But Elizabeth spun low kicking the girl's hand flipping them over onto their stomach, before the Exardian swung at their back never making contact with the Freezian's actual body. Only a gust of wind that fand the ground making a mini dust storm. Everyone fell silent before blowing up in cheer as the great Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame remains undefeated in battle once again.
Raora applauded the duo all the same walking up to them as her friend helped the Freezian knight stand on both legs. "Man, and here I thought I won...boo..." Whined the shorter girl as she dusted herself off.
"But you did well no one here can keep up with Liz anyways, so for you to do so is quite impressive!" Magenta eyes locked onto amber ones as they begun to hold a mischievous glint in their eye, "And who might you be fair maiden" The knight ended with a light bow to which the feline giggled.
"Call me Raora, nice to meet you!" Ended the pink panther with a smile.
"Raora, what a wonderful name for such a beautiful lady!" Almost instantly the feline laughed up a storm at the shorter girl's antics, "My name is—OW!"A bird began pecking at the girl who swatted at it like her life depended on it. It flew around before landing on the girl's shoulder and in closer inspection it looked off.
Its black top hat was already something that wasn't normal, it acted like a bird but the way it looked was wrong. It acted alive when everything about it said otherwise. Tilting her head in curiosity, watching the way the knight reacted towards the bird. Besides their whining they spoke formally never losing their respect towards the bird. Despite consistently swatting at it like a cat attacking a bird.
Still the way the girl never lost the formality kept itching the curiosity inside the felines mind. Her ears stood up at the sudden eye contact from the bird jade eyes look into amber, both seemingly intrigued by the other before the Freezian girl cut the tension.
"Sorry I'll have to go now, but it was nice meeting y'all!" Then she turned towards Liz still wearing a grin, "And I hope to spar with you again see ya!" Off ran the shorter knight with a wave, however their bird friend just flew on one spot seemingly staring at Raora.
Jade eyes looked lifeless, yet they felt warm. Shyly Raora waved at the bird with a top hat and tie, before it tweeted like a bird and off it went. Flying away in chase of the two-toned haired girl, the feline's tail swayed calmly but felt her heartbeat rather quickly. More than it should for a seemingly weird bird.
"Well, what a rowdy morning innit?" Liz chuckled catching the attention of the pink princess, "Come on let's go let me show you that place I was talking about"
Raora nodded as a reply still having her amber eyes glued to where the bird flew. Then forcefully tore her gaze away walking away with their friend wondering if they'll ever see that bird again. Even the girl who seemed like she was in a lane of her own. Free to do what she liked unlike herself who was chained to a destiny that wasn't her own. Raora couldn't help but look forward for the time they meet again.
After a long stroll, chatting up a storm like the old friends they were until they arrived at their destination. Through the stone pathway and through the woods they arrived at an open area that looked over the ocean, with boats docked ready to embark on their journey. Watching her people go about their day, kids running around without a care. Their laughter being carried by the winds full of joy. All the while the adults worked their hours helping the town run like a well-oiled machine.
The ocean cool breeze brought the scent of salt and sea life along with it. As the seagulls chimed in revealing their presence occasionally flying through the clear blue sky. This was nice. "See what a lovely place I found!" Glancing over at the red head she could just tell how proud she looked. Like a child proudly showcasing their toy to their other friends. It was so noticeable it looked like there was sparkles in their eyes.
"It is..." Somberly said the panther princess. "Too bad I won't get to see things like this anymore..."
"Oh, that's just a bunch of bullocks Raora. I'm sure you'll still be able to see things like this! Queen or not I think you still need to have the freedom to see sights like this." Her friend motion to her patting the patch of grass besides her.
Raora silently obliged sitting and hugging her legs with her tail wrapping around the feline protectively. Ears pulled back as her amber eyes started to become glossy, vision growing blurrier as she fought the urge to cry. Only to let out a small sniffle in between it all.
"Liz, you know very well my family doesn't like it that I don't take this responsibility as seriously as I should..."
"Mmhm yes you should, to be Queen is no joke my dear kitty." A light growl came out the panther to which the Exardian responded by clearing her throat. "What I'm trying to say is...although you may not like how huge the responsibility it is, your parents made the right choice in preparing you to be queen."
The panther stayed quiet not fully understanding her response, let alone her parent's decision. Why her? Sure, she was the oldest one, so it was natural she would be first in line. However, everyone in the castle keeps saying her younger siblings are better suited for the role. Her sister was a scholar, the girl's knowledge expanded outside the kingdom. Truth be told the reason the Romance Empire's economy has been sky rocketing is because of her little sister.
She saw a problem within their lack of trade and fixed it within the year. Her brother, the first prince, is on equal footing with Elizabeth when it comes to the sword. With the duo only ever having tied matches and no actual winner. He trains the current knights and is the head of the knights' guard. Even commanding his own group of knights who are more than ready to defend the castle. Then there was Raora.
She wasn't book smart the way her sister is, and she wasn't at a level of sparing the way her brother is. Raora could hold her own in both aspects, but neither was really breath taking unlike her younger siblings. She was just her, an above normal girl with no actual personal achievements. The girl tightly hugged her legs burying herself deeper into her despair.
"I have nothing to offer the kingdom Liz, I'm the least qualified to rule..." Meekly said the panther.
"And yet everyone loves you my dear." Said Elizabeth calmly running her hands through pink hair, "You'll do something great for this place I just know you will so don't sell yourself short ok?"
Raora nodded. Physically acknowledging Elizabeth's words mentally however was a different story. Still the girl never let it show how those words went in one ear and out the other. Slowly she peeked over her arm watching the waves clash in the distance, finding it therapeutic. As amber eyes scanned the area, she noticed a commotion around the main plaza. Raora visibly became annoyed at the sight her eyes found.
Fancy carriages, knights in full armor, and a flag with their kingdom's emblem. The panther groaned in agony knowing full well those were the men to be. Or better said, "The suitors arrived..." Raora said full of annoyance.
Liz followed the panther's gaze also noticing the way the carriages arrived. Making a note of every single one of them. From their formation to the decor the red knight grasped the level of royalty behind each carriage, only to huff out in distaste of their grand entrance. All but one. A black and jade carriage with white accents. Two horses pulled the carriage along their rider seemingly looking robotic with its lack of movement. Which was fine for the carriage's small stature, however there were no guards around.
The knight mused a hum as it's peculiarity peeked interest within the Exardian knight. The pink panther princess also caught on to the sight. Raising a brow at the insanity that was the person inside the carriage. Squinting her eyes more scanning the sight she caught the emblem on one of the side doors, to which amber eyes widen in shock. A golden gear shaped clock and a red jewel next to another smaller gear, with symbols she couldn't make out written on it. Meant one thing and one thing alone.
Immerheim.
The king will arrive and present himself as a suiter. Raora slowly unfolded herself as her body practically lost all its function. Ears dropped to the side as their tail became lifeless, with amber eyes still in shock over what she's seen. That was it. Her wish for freedom was as good as gone with the King of Immerheim in her home, her gaze slowly scanned the land before her. Everything she knew, everyone who she grew up with. From the sights to the smells, the tastes in food and her native language, it'll all be gone.
Her father must have known they were going to arrive, if that was the case then she should've stayed in the dinner hall. Maybe within reason she could have convinced her father to let her stay here in her home. Had she not been so rash in her decision of leaving the room she could've argued with her father.
But then what?
If it wasn't the king, then it would be someone else. And then the cycle would continue like a broken record, day in and day out. Watching the carriages go by one by one her eyes stayed glued onto dark green as it moved along through the streets of her home. Observing the way her people celebrated the arrival of such esteemed guest with open arms. Brows furrowed deeply as a deep resolve began filling the panther's mind.
"Liz let's get married." Raora stated firmly.
"I'm sorry?!"
"You heard me let's get married, at least with you I'll still be able to come and visit home..." The feline started as her amber eyes turned to the red knight. "At least with you I'll be with someone I know and trust..."
Raora never finished her thought, but even so it didn't take a genius to figure out what the panther meant. The knight's heart stung at the deflated princess as she took initiative to embrace the sad girl. The pink princess returned the hug however her proposal was met with an apology. It was a given. As much as the girl was a knight her formal title is that of future queen to the Bloodflame kingdom, not king. Whomever she'd marry to needed to have a tittle of prince or king and at best case a knight of high position.
All tittles Elizabeth technically held but the tittle of prince, just her luck. Raora sunk her head into the red head's shoulder wishing for something short of a miracle to get her out of this situation. "Why is it so hard to be free?" Liz couldn't answer the poor panther, just tightening her grip around the panther.
They duo stayed quiet just taking in the moment only breaking the hug when the battle arena's bell rung, catching both of the girl's attention. Although Elizabeth refused to answer the call Raora was adamite in having the Exardian attend the gathering. Hesitantly the nodded still feeling off in leaving the princess alone, however with one unfair command the red knight left leaving the princess alone.
Time ticked by and the queen to be just watched over her people, even the carriages that had royals appear in her home. Nothing truly escaped her gaze. Yet in her mind always wondered back to that jade carriage. Her fate was practically sealed with them being here, it frightened the panther. The pink panther shouted her frustrations into the sky as they practically threw a tantrum on the hill she was on.
Falling backwards with a soft thud as her tears begun falling down her face, still shouting her pain into the sky. After a while the girl finally calmed down getting up from the ground dusting herself off, only to walk off god knows where. A short walk later her mind felt clear, but she kept at it listening to the rustling of the trees. She watched the way her path became darker as with each step into the dark woods becoming continuously more difficult.
The pink princess however never faltered as she kept her eyes glued into the darkness that stared back at her. Ears flattened as she started to regret her actions the more she got buried in silence, yet with a shake of their head Raora hardened her nerves trotting carefully into the woods. That's when she heard it a sharp whoosh sound accompanied by a loud thud shaking the ground she stood on. A rabid animal was Raora's first thought, summoning her own personal weapon.
The rings on her right hand transformed into long metal claws as it covering her fingers with a chain trailing up to her wrist, with a leather holding it all together. Carefully the panther lowered her posture sticking close to the ground walking towards the sound, tail flowing behind her making sure not to drag it across the overgrown life around her.
Swiftly amber eyes thinned as she stopped the up-and-coming attack aimed at her, only making out the silhouette of a handful of swords in its place. Weird no animal or beast handles weaponry as a means to defend themselves. Raora kept low to the ground as she saw a pair of glowing red eyes tracking her every move, the princess reacted accordingly by attacking first asking questions later.
Despite that to her shock her claws slashed at something akin to a shield, triggering alarm bells in the royal's mind. Backing off still keeping their weapon at the ready the girl's mind ran through a thousand thoughts in a second. They were human—or at the very least someone who communicates. Sternly the panther called out to the person making sure her tone was commanding as it carried in the wind.
Calmly the shield lowered disappearing like shattered glass as it let itself be carried by the wind, flowing the same way dandelions flew in the breeze. The person lifted both hands up with an open palm as their eyes connected. Amber eyes widened at the person before her with her ears perking up in response, they were a looker. Red eyes transformed into a beautiful emerald shade matching the mint undertones their white hair had, with a singular braid swaying on the left side of their face.
Tilting their head slightly loosing up their posture as their heartbeat turned unsteady. When they spoke, a mellow tone flowed out their lips cheery yet stern tickling the panther's ears. But despite the male attire the feminine voice confirmed that they were in fact female. Digging more at Raora's curiosity as their fluffy pink tail softly rocked from side to side making their body deflate gradually.
A gloved hand waving at them as emerald eyes narrowed in confusion, "Um...hello? Are you listening...?" It took a second for the panther to register the words, but when it did panic set in replacing her threatening actions to that of a frightened individual. "Right...well I mean no harm I'm just passing by miss; Cecilia Immergreen is my name"
Raora's heart skipped a beat as it pounded against her chest in a harsh force, only to sluggishly transfer to her ears. Hesitantly she spoke introducing themselves as a native of this land to the person before her. Suddenly a wave of embarrassment washed over the panther princess. For the first time she felt ashamed for being caught doing something so unladylike. Muttering a weak apology to the girl.
"No need to apologize I'm not from here so it's only natural for you to be scared." The girl gently stated, "Let me introduce myself a bit better. I'm Cecilia Immergreen from the Kingdom of Immerheim." The emerald eyed girl then proceeded to flash the emblem on her suit subtly showcasing she was of royal decent.
Raora's mind immediately remembered the jade carriage making the girl's heart race even harder. It was them. It was the king of Immerheim. The person their fate was practically sold to was standing in front of her. The panther should be fuming with anger—instead she felt relieved? An interesting feeling started to form in the depths of her stomach as something in her heart told her mind,
Maybe it wasn't so bad to be with them.
As the royal's spoke Raora never felt so comfortable near another person. Much less with the warmth in her heart that invaded her face constantly. Yet the princess wasn't so much bothered by it but rather embraced it. Such a new feeling she was experiencing all over their simple chatting. Her heart that raced in such a way was somewhat intoxicating and the feline only dived deeper into it.
At some point the princess laughed at their unknown knowledge towards them and the girl decided to play along with it. Laughing and teasing them as they walked closer to them, something that the panther picked up was their nervousness around them. It made the pink girl muse as the smile in her face grew only walking closer to the royal teasing them more in the process.
The embarrassed look was priceless to the panther sadly she knew she couldn't be here anymore. Amber eyes soften as she watched the way the prince stumbled with her words. Raora pulled back commencing her farewells but the grip on her hand that was rather startling. Turning to face the girl, amber eyes met needy emerald. But as quickly as she saw that neediness did it disappear going into shock.
Surprising the panther was the vividness that she felt when their hands weren't together. The instant disappointment that washed over the feline was rather concerning for her. Yet the strength in which her own desire for having the prince's hands intertwined with her own made the girl shy.
"Um...ca-can I... walk you b-back...?"
It was just a simple question, nothing life changing. However, the way it made her heart pound in her chest it might as well be life changing. Raora smiled fondly at the prince giving the royal a wholehearted reply which made the green royal smile equally. And slowly but surely the duo commenced their walk back having idle chatter as they do.
The way the king spoke of her kingdom was fascinating and different as each obstacle they came by the girl only seemed to knock it down. She had a sense of freedom Raora wasn't expecting a king to have, let alone wield during their rule. Yet it was that same freedom that just dragged Raora in deeper into curiosity with every word that came out the girl. Still even if they were both royals of different kingdoms they seemed to bond over their disdain for their siblings.
"No, I one hundred percent agree with you." Said the panther, "My siblings have a lot of achievements of their own I rightfully think they're a better fit to lead than I ever would, but everyone and I mean EVERYONE wants ME to be the one to do so!"
"Do you not want to be a leader?" Curiously asked the prince.
"It's not that I don't want to...maybe...it's just that the more I look towards the future the less of..." The princess's shoulders drooped as she timidly gestured towards herself, "...Me I see in it you know...?"
The prince stayed quiet letting the panther finish her rant in peace and rant she did. "Like ok I get it I'm the oldest so I must hold all the responsibility on MY shoulders but the more I think about it the more I just don't want it."
Amber eyes looked up to the sky the way they walked made the dense forest become clearer in time, but her heart stayed as foggy for her future rule.
"I don't have a mathematical brain like my sister or have impeccable battle skills like my brother I'm just me..." Continued the panther as her ears flattened in disappointment, "I don't even have any magical ability unlike my mother who just oozes power"
A deep sigh came out the girl something she knew in her gut she'd be scolded for, "And my father...everyone respects him for what he has done...everyone has something to call their own..." Their gaze fell to the ground watching the way the grass became greener the more they walked, "But my life is written out and planned without my say in it..."
A clap of hands and a venomous tone Raora felt justified for even ranting to the royal. They spewed out their own struggled as they continued to walk. Each word resonating more than the last to which the panther only nodded in response. However, the more they talked the more they wanted an answer to one thing they said. And it was an answer she got and unexpectedly their eyes were drawn to the display before her.
A dark shadow was conjugated from where the forest collided with the bright sun, the display of dark magic was new to the pink princess making them unable to tear their gaze away. More than anything she was intrigued by the way those emerald eyes turned into a deep scarlet, the mint highlights they had turned red the more they used their power. Even then something about the shadow puppets just brought out the felines interests some more.
Each shadow was new and distinct the way a drawing would, it was as if king Cecilia drew using the shadows around her like ink. The movement was fluid and full of life. The way the shadows faded slightly every time they grew closer to a light source made her ears twitched, and a feeling of joy came over the feline. Which made the one thing her amber gaze followed all the more magical. Despite the king's now glowing red eyes each shadow had a rich green stare, as if to show they were friendly making their smile all the wider.
Once the display ended Raora couldn't help but clap her hands exclaiming their emotions out loud for the high ranking royal to hear. Something that had them stun locked in place confused expression and all. But the more the panther explained why the more it felt like her words landed on deaf ears. Until little by little the green royal gained their trust, and the smile written on the pink princess was practically undeniable. That was until the church bell in the distance brought her back to her circumstances.
Panic set in as she bid the royal farewell but was stopped in her tracks, dark magic was at play. Raora stared at the royal worry filling her eyes the more time slipped through her hands. Only to be interrogated by said royal. It brought the feline nothing but annoyance but if it got them to leave sooner the better. Then there was that statement of so-called fast travel, something the panther princess couldn't help but scoff at a little.
Still, she played along only to receive a hum in return with more questioning. But the question she received only filled her with confusion as she replayed the event prior, and with more digging the more the princess realized she never properly introduced herself. Deeply she apologized to the jade royal before formally introducing herself minus the family name and status. The bell rung once more and her tail sharply snapped in movement giving the internal panic the feline was going through.
The unexpected came when the royal smiled as they wished no fear upon the princess, which did nothing but the contrary. The anxiety that fueled the lower royal grew immediately as darkness engulfed her cutting her voice off from shouting her pleas. But one thing led to another, and she was spat out from the shadows of a tree. A tree that was right in front of her home.
Shocked she looked around thinking this was an elaborate joke however it proved useless as she was indeed back home. Last she checked she was basically on the other side to the empire how was she now here, in front of her home no less. With confusion still running through her mind the panther ran through the gates trying to not be late for anything.
Although before she could even think of finally passing through the doors of the castle the princess looked back. As the sun hid itself behind the mountains Raora couldn't help but linger on the direction of the forest she was just in. Her heart felt full yet empty, time flew in a way she wasn't accustomed to. If anything, the girl never knew how little time truly made up the day as she wished for the time, she spent with the king to never end.
All they did was chat and nothing more. A chatting session that should have been equivalent to mere minutes, yet it turned out to be hours. Hours with the royal felt like minutes the panther wondered what hours would feel like around them. Clutching her chest Raora whispered a small wish into the air, hoping the wind could carry it towards the wish maker.
If all she could ask was one thing, it was to have Cecilia Immergreen be hers as she would gladly let their heart be theirs. Her grip tightened around the fabric wrinkling it to an unusable degree as her brows furrowed in pain,
Please let me call this feeling my own...I'll do anything to keep it that way.
Raora turned around heading inside the castle preparing herself for what's to come. Only she deeply latched onto the newfound feelings she felt for the girl. With hope and will being her only form of comfort as she continued to run through the halls towards her room.