7 The Biggest Charm

Elaine Vernimiere narrowed her eyes at herself when she heard King Arias. There was quite a serious wound on her left leg and her cloth that covered the wounded part was even cut open by some sharp objects. Maybe it happened when she rolled down the rugged slope. She wasn't sure.

"I will go to the physician, Your Majesty," she promptly said when she turned her attention back to the King. "This is nothing serious and I'll return once I get it treated. I know I'm already late."

Arias Astaze maintained his silence and unlike other times, Elaine struggled to read him. As one who knew him the best, she rarely had a problem with that.

"You only argue whenever I try to be kind to you," the King muttered, making the Captain slightly raise a brow.

Was that what he was thinking?

"I -"

"Just sit down," King Arias urged her in that usual tired voice.

The Captain still remembered when they were children. Even at those times, Arias was the one who always treat her wounds whenever she got injured. Arias's late mother was a physician who spent her time treating poor people without expecting anything in return. While she was alive, she taught many of her skills to her son.

Arias Astaze was always intelligent since he was a child and despite his young age, he didn't have any problem learning from his mother. Instead, he still remembered everything even until now.

Elaine sat on one of the couches with a bit of reluctance. With the order from the King, the servants brought in items necessary to treat the Captain's wounds. However, before that, Elaine cleaned up and get changed with the clothes the servants brought as all her clothing and even appearance were a mess.

Right now, Elaine was sitting on the couch with her left leg on the center table. King Arias was at the other end, applying some ointment on the most serious wound she had which was on her shin.

"I thought that you've changed but you're still reckless, Elaine," the King calmly pointed out as he treated the wound. "You still get yourself injured all the time."

Elaine Vernimiere didn't say anything. Maybe her mind was occupied by something else. What the King was doing right now made her recall so many memories. Some were just from a little over a year ago but... they seemed so distant for her now. It's as if many years had passed.

"About what happened last night... " Arias Astaze started and he made a deliberate pause. "I apologize for that."

One brief thought and Elaine knew what the King was referring to. "Please don't apologize, Your Majesty. I understand the Princess's condition."

KIng Arias paused when he heard his childhood friend. He didn't even notice how Elaine was surprised by this as his thoughts went back to the past. Elaine Vernimiere he used to know will never allow others to trample on her.

As someone destined to succeed her father one day, she was devoted and submissive when it comes to the royal family but... that's it. Not to mention that she was brave and daring enough to confront anyone if necessary.

According to Arias Astaze, that's the biggest charm of his friend.

Snapping himself out of his thoughts, the King continued treating the wound. Once he bandaged the one on her shin, he focused on her arm and finally, the one on the side of her forehead.

"You should rest today," King Arias said once he finished treating Elaine. "You're in no situation to follow me around."

Elaine looked at her bandaged wounds and all other minor wounds. She also knew that the King didn't have many things on his schedule for the day while tomorrow will be an important day. As such, she nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

The King looked at her, almost surprised but Elaine understood what he was thinking. He was taken aback that she didn't argue. As someone who took responsibilities very seriously, she rarely agreed to rest even if she was told to. However, Arias didn't voice any of his thoughts which wasn't a rare occurrence anymore.

Once again, Elaine was somehow pained by how different her best friend had become.

She didn't see that playful Second Prince in him anymore. Just an aloof King who rarely spoke his heart or even mind.

"I'll excuse myself," she said as she took the box the servants brought in that contained necessities to treat her wounds. Then she bowed and walked out of the chamber.

All alone in the chamber, King Arias sat still with his mind occupied by what just unfolded. A few minutes passed and a servant walked inside to inform him that breakfast was ready. Then the King made his way to the dining hall to have breakfast with his sister.

* * *

Elaine was alone in her quarters for half a day now. Though she haven't eaten anything, she didn't even feel like eating. Instead, her mind was occupied by what she encountered in the forest.

King Arias was right when he said that she was still reckless but... it's not just that. She was aggressive too and what she encountered in the morning... the Captain let out a sigh.

She should just let it slide and forget.

It's not like she can do something about it.

Sitting on a chair next to the window, Elaine darted her eyes to the door when she heard the sound of knocking. She wondered who it might be as she wasn't expecting anyone. Then she slowly rose from her seat and went to get the door as she had it locked.

She opened the door and her gaze landed on her cousin. The sight was enough to make her raise a brow. "Cayden," she muttered and quickly observed herself.

Why must he show up now? But...

When she saw the look on the General's face which was a mixture of displeasure and concern, Elaine realized one thing.

The General came because he heard what happened!

"Come in," she meekly said and the cousin entered without even saying a word.

Oh no! She was so doomed.....