Commander Iria observed Rion for a while, trying to know what he was thinking. As they had known each other for years, she knew him very well and that helped her to easily succeed in reading him. However, she rose from her seat and walked towards him.

"What make you think that?" she inquired.

Noticing the Commander's expression which was quite serious made Rion wondered if he had just committed another mistake. Did he disappoint her again, for the second time?!

"I apologize if I made another mistake, Commander," he quickly uttered as he lowered his head. However...

He raised a brow when he heard her let out a sigh. He felt lost as he was never in this situation.

"I admit I was disappointed that day, Rion," Iria Alewine finally said. "However, it was also wrong of me to be that sensitive. You know me well and I don't think that it will still bother you. I should be the one to apologize and not you." She paused and calmly added, "I'm sorry for that. I should have been more considerate."

Words couldn't explain how taken aback the young soldier was! He knew his Commander well and he also knew how she didn't hesitate to apologize if she was wrong. That's one rare trait for a powerful Commander like her, but...

He never heard her say those words to him. The reason was that... she had never done anything to apologize for. What's more, she was way above him in all aspects.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Iria asked with a slight frown. "Are you thinking if you should accept my apology or not?"

"No!" Rion promptly exclaimed, making the Commander slightly chuckle. "I won't dare to do that," he added in a much lower voice.

"That's great then," Commander Iria remarked and returned to her seat. "Problem's solved."

"Then Commander, that Nardodian Crown Prince... "

"Let's not talk about that traitor," Commander Iria simply said. "I've had enough of him."

Whenever she said 'traitor', it always occurred to her that they were pretty much the same. They both fooled Arin Helev. However, Emor Tripas fooled her too while he had always known that she wasn't the real Princess Iria.

"I understand," Rion responded. "It's late, Commander. Please have a rest. I guess tomorrow will also be another long day."

Rion walked out of the tent but his last sentence put the Commander in a daze. Another long day? She was really tired of it.

When will this end?!

Thinking of Arin Helev who was waiting for her, she let out a sigh.

He must have many things to handle in his kingdom yet he was staying here in Jerivia for her sake. Was she even worth his time?

* * *

It was still early in the morning but Arin Helev was already in the market, trying to check out something. The brown cloak which he wore covered his whole body but he didn't cover his head. He believed that if he hid his face, he will only draw attention. It's not like people here know his face. Only a handful will be able to recognize him.

As it was still too early, the market wasn't that crowded as it was during the day. However, he soon sensed how someone was following him.

In this kingdom, only Iria knew that he was here and he doubted that it would be her. Could it be one of her people? But still, the Commander had no reason to send her people for now. He knew that she was still busy.

Considering it as the best choice, he quickened his pace and walked past many streets of the vast market. However, it seemed like his unidentified stalker was quite determined as he or she won't stop following him. Besides, this person knew the market well than he did.

This reminded the Qalagon Crown Prince that he was in an enemy kingdom and not in Qalagon.

When he reached a quiet alley where no one was present, Arin abruptly halted his steps. In a split second, the unidentified stalker was standing right behind him. Then he heard the sound of a sword being unsheathed.

"What is the Qalagon Crown Prince doing in Jerivia?" The stalker asked, pointing his sword at him.

This voice. Arin Helev raised a brow as he still remembered it. Making up his mind, he slowly turned around to face the person. "It's you, Rion."

"Answer me," Rion insisted in a pretty firm voice. "Why are you here? Did you forget that our two kingdoms are already back to being enemies?"

Arin Helev could easily unsheathe his sword which was hanged in his waist. He knew that Rion was pretty skilled but he was confident that he could beat him. However, he had a feeling that this young man won't hurt him.

If Rion wanted to hurt him, he will already attempt to do that rather than asking him a question.

"Who says we are enemies again?" he asked Rion back with confidence. "If I really think that way because of the trick your kingdom pulled on mine, we won't be meeting here but on the battlefield."

The Qalagon Crown Prince appeared to be quite sincere but Rion was still pointing his sword at him. However...

"General Rion, is there a problem?"

He heard a voice from behind. He put down his sword and quickly turned around to know that they were soldiers on patrol. They were four of them. He briefly glanced at Arin Helev who had no intention to run away though this was a great chance.

Was he a fool or what?

"No," he replied to the soldiers on patrol. "We are only playing around."

"That's a relief," one of the soldiers remarked. "We won't disturb you anymore then." They slightly bowed and walked away without any suspicion.

Arin Helev was feeling quite relieved. If Rion chose the other option, it will be quite a hassle. He will be able to escape, but soon... his portrait might be circulated in the whole capital!

"You should return to your kingdom, Crown Prince," Rion warned Arin Helev when he turned around to face him. "You are not welcomed here." He sheathed his sword and looked at the Crown Prince again.

"Don't misunderstand my action, Your Highness. I'm loyal to Jerivia but I only did that for the sake of my Commander. If I see you again, it will be different," he said to Arin Helev with all seriousness.

Then he walked away before Crown Prince Arin could say anything.....