She wore an apron over her dress elegantly with a natural warm and soothing smile as if anything she wore would suit her. She moved around the counters handling cookware and ingredients gracefully, pouring them into pots and cooking some on the metal pans.

As I sat down watching her, a mouthwatering delicious scent wafted along the room from the pot she was stirring. She hums a calm, rhythmic tune, smiling at me and giggling in a lovely manner whenever she would catch me looking at her. I would have sworn that I saw her cheeks turn a faint pinkish blush, but it may only be my imagination.

Lorelei placed an expensive looking plate of steaming seasoned meat with sauce and vegetables on the side, soup with a delectable aroma, and bread served on another clean plate.

"I hope that you like it. It's the first time I've ever tried cooking for someone else, so I'm quite anxious to know why you think," she said, untying her apron. "It's pheasant meat, seasoned with spices and a sauce I've learned to make from a cook book. Next is a thick stocked soup with small chunks of meat and vegetables."

From start to finish I savored every taste, not having time to comment and compliment her on everything she had done great on the meal. It felt like a small feast for me alone, and that this being the reward sufficed. Within minutes I had realized that there was nothing left on the plate, and I was content. "It's delicious. It’s been a while since I've had a hearty meal like that, it reminds me of home. Thank you."

She smiled at me jovially and released a relieved sigh, placing her hand on her chest where her heart is. "I'm glad that you liked it. But I was confident that I would make you something that you might like, I wasn't sure about how you would think of it."

"I don't know how anyone would think that. Have a bit of faith in yourself. This is great."

"Ah, what a relief," she said softly.

After I finished my meal, she showed me around the castle, various wide spaced rooms where most of the tenants are people wearing armor and holding weapons, servants running around doing errands and chores, and staff of the kingdom. Each room was grander than the other, providing a specific service depending on the one using it, but It felt quite dreary and lonely as the silence made its way in. Wide open unused halls accumulated dust, their purpose being wasted.

But one thing that I did realize was that the wealth contained within this castle alone surpasses anything I could ever dream or imagine, though I never gave it any serious thought, the designs of royalty to suit their tastes were expensive. Gold chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, marble pillars serving as the support of the tall floors, even stain-glassed windows. But nonetheless, there was no such effort for the people living in the confines of these stone walls to exude out in the open their wealth. I saw in that in Lorelei. As I looked upon her, there was no such thing as sin on her face. She had a genuine smile that could never hope to draw any controversy since there never was a use for it anyway. That's what I see in her.

She showed me her works, a few paintings that she had done in her studies. One was a breathtaking portrait of a lush green scenery where a cozy cottage stood, mountains covered in snow in the distance. It felt so real, the way I looked at it, and it seemed unbelievable that someone could make something from reality and put it into what she calls a 'canvas'.

"You did all these by yourself? Amazing. How about this one?" I asked, looking at one other notable portrait of two beautiful looking people. One elegant, beautiful. mature looking woman wearing a beautiful dress with her hand on the man, who sat distinguishably with a courageous and brave smile to suit his youthful features. They posed and looked as if they were staring back at me.

"This one is of my father and mother from a year ago. Before everything became hectic and chaotic. So far, this has been my most cherished work. But as of late, I have not had any progress with any more works of art. It seems that I have lost the inspiration."

"Inspiration? What do you mean by that?"

"I can't quite explain it myself, but when I do feel, inspired I seem to create these works with a great vigor and motivation. I pour all my heart and emotion into creating such a wonder that even I fail to notice doing just that."

"Then that means you're a natural, motivation or not. Looking at these paintings, I can feel a great amount of hard work behind them. At first glance, I realized that you made each one of these with a great passion, but maybe that's just me."

"You praise me too much, Zachary. But, thank you, that means a lot."

"How about this one? The one in the middle sure looks familiar," I drew my attention to an unfinished painting by the corner of the room, covered by a piece of cloth that I had removed, revealing a green hill where three figures sat, looking at a sunrise. The figures and the scenery was incomplete, but what it was supposed to look like was obvious."

"Ah!" She quickly covered it up and hid it behind her bodily frame. It's-It's not finished yet, or, I don't plan on finishing it. Forgive me, but I simply keep this here for my own use, nothing else."

"Well, if that's what you want, then I'll leave it at that."

Finally, I was led to a garden, a wide plot spanning a few green acres, decorated with a beautiful array of flowers arranged in a rainbow of a bed. There, a fountain where the statue of a woman holding a sword in one hand, and as scale in the other, stood in the center for all to admire, being the cornerstone of the garden. The greenery here also felt natural as trees, trimmed shrubs, and bushes could be seen, yet the artistic taste of those who designed it demanded the attention of the guest, a goal which was bold yet successful as I found myself admiring it for a few seconds.

But it hit me as we took a leisure tour of the area. It bothered me that I had to ask her about it. "Isn't it lonely here? Besides you, I don't think I‘ve seen anyone your age around here. There are a lot of rooms, but not a lot of people, save for the guards."

She stared at the beautiful bed of purple flowers and knelt in front of it with a somber expression, hiding the once jovial smile that made my heart beat irregularly. "These ones are called Hyacinths. Have you ever heard of the language of flowers?" she asked, carefully caressing one.

"Not really, though I've planted some, I never really thought that they had any meaning. I just thought that they were all beautiful to look at."

"Is that so?" she let out a stifled laugh. "You seem to look at the world with a much more optimistic point of view. Maybe I should teach you some time."

"Answering your previous question, yes, it is quite lonely. But in these times, there is not much a princess of a kingdom can do. I had not the opportunity to make friends because of the great caution my loving parents have given me. They have said that it is to my benefit that I stay within the confines of these castle walls so that I may be safe. But at the cost of being alone, I have accepted. However, I have found leisure time in my studies, learning about the outside of our boundaries. I have read many great works of art. But I have had some friends in the past- " she took a pause, turning gray as she refrained from continuing, looking away from at for a split second until she returned to her usual self.

She stood up, clasping both her hands in front of her, cheerfully looking at me. "But though it pains me that I have disobeyed them this once last night, I am glad that I found someone that I could be friends with... Am I being too presumptuous?"

The way she smiled seemed forced, but what was more painful was when she thought about her loneliness because of my question. I was hard to see her like that for some reason. "No, no! Not at all. I'll be more than happy to be friends with you. Not because you saved me, but because I want to. So, if it's alright with you, then I won't let you be alone. Besides, I know that it's lonely not having someone to talk to when you need them the most," I said with a shaking confidence. It was odd though, her face was flushed, but I know why.

I impulsively took her warm and calming hands, and stood inches away from her, realizing my lack in social grace. I moved away as quickly as I could, trying to comprehend why I had done something as ridiculous as that.

Sure enough it made it hard to look her in the eye as we both seemed to avert each other's gaze. There was an awkward silence in the air.

"T-thank you, Zachary. I truly am glad to have met you," she spoke, flustered, finally breaking the silence, giggling cheerfully. Her smooth, long, chestnut colored hair swayed with the soft breeze, her fair skin and emerald green eyes encompassed her charms.

Thankfully enough what I had done earlier didn't ruin our relationship, she seemed to ease up once more as we began talking. I told her some of the things that I had gone through with my adventures with Gino and Daphne, omitting some of the parts best left alone. She seemed amazed at every part, eyes full of wonder and curiosity. Without a concrete knowledge and experience of the outside world, my stories piqued her interests greatly.

"Sir Hark became what one could call an adoptive parent. Though his treatments were harsh, those were to better myself each time. He wasn't all that strict all the time. In truth, he's more lax than people give him credit for."

"My, it seems that I had seen a mask on his face. Whenever he would come here, he would have a distinguished and unmoving face that displayed a powerful amount of authority."

"Well, he changes once it comes to his duties..." we continued to talk as if there wasn't anything in the world that could ruin it. In truth, I had hoped there would be no divine intervention for something that I have started finding a great fondness of.

"But if Sir Hark is your adoptive parent, where are your real parents?"

"They, passed away, to the demons. It still feels recent, the time I lost them. It almost feels unreal, how I'm here and all. I never would've thought that these many things were just beyond the boundaries of the forest I lived in with them."

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry for reopening your wounds. I didn't mean to. I'm very sorry about them and what you had to go through," she said apologetically.

"I know. Well, you couldn't have known, so it's alright. I just wish I could've been stronger to save them. But would it have meant anything. I'm still really weak. I promise, that no matter what, I'll keep those close to me safe no matter what, now, that includes you too."

"I'm honored, but I don't think you are weak," she placed her hand above mine and looked at me with a smile. "You don't need to draw strength from might. There are many things that I can see you're strong at, rather, I can feel it. You defended me without even knowing me, without being terrified of losing your life. You have a strong conviction, and strong ambition to dream, there are so much more. So don't punish yourself for what you already have."

She flashed me an even brighter smile, one that made me want her to be here with me forever. It was a ridiculous thought, but right now, as we sit together, I can feel a warmth lying dormant inside. I can't quell it, but I feel calm just staying by her side.

"I, don't know what to say. I guess that's the first I've heard of that. Thanks."

"No need for any of that. I know this is quite the question, but what was it like? Seeing the demons," she asked.

"Well, at first, I was really terrified, but I had to grow accustomed to it. I still wonder why they are made to fight all of us. Why can't we just leave them in peace if it's going in this direction."

"I'm afraid I can't answer your question, Zachary. I don't know myself. I've never seen one before."

"But I would like to ask, if you've been to Lavis, somewhere that far, then have you seen the wave of light, or the bright pillar up close? I have never seen something so beautiful in my life. It was as if the stars of the night sky were closer. It was all that everyone was speaking of when it happened."

"I wonder if it is true, what they say. That the Thalisean truly exists."

"What do you think of them, exactly?"

"I think that they're simply brave, courageous, and selfless. They were born for the sole purpose of defeating the demons for the safety and future of the human race. That alone is more than enough to show just how strong their will is to be able to live with such a task... Father said that the light I saw that day came from them, and they always had it from the beginning of their lives. It was as if they were born from the stars up above, a simply magnificent and wondrous thought," she marveled at the clear blue sky. She spoke with a brimming passion, sincere and genuine. It was odd; I had half a mind to simply break my promise and tell her that I am one, but no, it will all come in time.

She spoke about how she grew up as on only child of the royal family, living a sheltered, but loving life because of her parents, which grew busier as the ruthless reality threatened the lives of many. It was then that she spent most of her time with Sofiya, her friend growing up, and her steward. Nothing much else could be said other than the suitors she would often get from other kingdoms and countries asking for her hand. Wealthy princes and royalty carrying high-born blood vying for her affections. Somehow it made me unnerved as jealousy moved my emotions for some reason.

"Did you accept any of them?" I asked grudgingly.

"No," she shook her head. "Father would chase them away. But I wasn't quite fond of the idea myself. I knew nothing about them, so it was very uncomfortable, the thought of being with someone that you know very little of, or even the thought of marriage with that person."

"I see," I said, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.

"It should be the one with whom you are devoted to and love, no?"

Amidst all our time together, I failed to notice the arrival of one so important to this realm. A great bravery and a mature beauty. They passed and entered the garden that we were in, drawing a startled "What is the meaning of this?" from a strong husky voice.

"Ah, father, mother, what are you two doing here so early?" she said, standing casually and bowing with grace, radiating with that lovely smile of hers.

I found myself the target of a suspicious gaze. There was a frightening intensity that came with it as he stood there silent while the beautiful fair skinned woman beside him simply giggled to herself, smiling warmly at us.

"Have you made a friend, Lorelei? I hope you don't mind if you introduce him to us," she said, drawing close to us, enough for me to closely make us her appearance. She wore an elegant white dress that hid her mature charms and fair skin; a long blonde hair that went along her back. She had eyes as blue as the sky, and a temperament of a calm woman. Her long brown hair elegantly swayed with the breeze.

"Yes, I would be glad to. Zachary, this is my mother, Roxanne Evandelear, mother, this is Zachary Erinn, a friend that I have made."

I stood up on reflex, stuttering and stammering unable to clearly say anything to her. She laughed at it then urged me.

"Zachary Erinn. Sorry that I came here unannounced. I'm really thankful to Lorelei for saving me."

"Quite formal, are we? Your name, I have heard of it already if I'm not mistaken. It seems that there is something that I need to know about how all this developed. But nevertheless, it is nice that our dear Lorelei has made a friend. Someone nice and modest, don't you agree, Gareth?"

"Hmm... Erinn's child, is it?" he said, looking me over sharply. He said nothing else but instead gave a slight nod. "I knew your father, if I am referring to the same man in my head. He trained me, and under him I grew. It seems that you carried with him his admirable strength and skill from what I saw from the tournament. Know that I am eternally grateful to him for his tutelage. I'd like for you to tell him if you have the chance."

I nodded back and stood silent. It felt wrong to ruin this moment, so I decided to stay silent about his passing and tell him another time, some other time where Lorelei wouldn't be listening. But that wouldn't stop me from fulfilling his request.

"Well then, I think it is time that we return. We still have much to do before the tournament begins. Please come over to the palace whenever you like. I'm sure Lorelei will be pleased with that as well. I hope to be able to see you once more in the near future to get to know you a bit more," she bowed and took the arm of the king. Together they left, leaving the two of us to ourselves once more.

The sun started shining brightly into the sky, reminding me that dawn had passed.

"I didn't notice that this much time had already passed. Forgive my father for his strict character. That is his way of showing his firmness as he would say. He would prefer if people looked at him with dignity rather than a lax disposition."

"Don't worry too much about it. If that's the case, then I'll have to somehow make myself look good enough for them to not think that I'm a bad person."

"Thank you for understanding. But I know that you aren't."

"What are friends for anyway? If I put my mind into it, there's nothing impossible out there that I can't accomplish."

"You're quite straightforward with your words. I feel a great amount of fulfillment in them as well, like what you say may be accomplished by you through belief and belief alone. I trust you as well that you can accomplish such impossible feats," she encouraged, smiling, refreshed as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"Princess, we must prepare now. It is almost time," said Sofiya, appearing on the entrance with a wave.

"Unfortunately, I have duties to attend to," she sighed. "I must be there to attend the tournament this evening. But... I would not like to see you go. Is there possibly another chance that we could meet again?" she asked shyly, inciting a rapid beat from my chest once more. I could feel my face heating up as my throats went dry, unable to find the right response.

"Wait, you said something about a tournament? Then I'll be there to compete. It's not finished yet after all, and I'm still in the running."

"But your injuries. You simply can't compete in your state."

"I might not look like it, but when I need to do something, I can push through despite the hardships. Of course, if I go, then I'll be able to see you like we promised, right?"

"With the risk of you getting hurt further, I don't think I'd like to take that chance. There are strong and terrifying competitors there. Those who take no mercy. It will all become worse if you relent."

"Thank you for being concerned for me. But I can't go breaking a promise now. It's just not in me. Place a bit of your trust in me, why don't you? Once the tournament is finished, I'll try and come here again."

And with a sad farewell, we parted, and I made my way and entered the square of the city. I think that it was too much to force her to worry after all she had done, but the worry on her face made me all the more motivated to finish this tournament standing on the top. On my way there, what I had told her lingered in my mind. There was something in me that wanted to give my all and impress her despite my injuries which still ache at every turn.

Why I was so focused and fixated on her was a deep mystery to me. I had yet to understand why such things are happening to me.

The districts and the streets were just as festive as they were yesterday, in fact it may even be more chaotic than yesterday. It looks like the number of people have doubled since yesterday, and that they crowd the busy streets in droves.

I quickly made my way back to the inn where Gino, Daphne, and I were staying in, worried about what happened to Daphne after I had left her last night in that alley. I had checked it beforehand, but only the traces of blood remained.

Right as I opened the door, I was met with a wide awkward stare from Daphne, bags in her eyes. She was silent, unmoving, slumped on the table of the Inn. She slowly stood up and walked towards me. Her hands were clenched and I found myself backing away instinctively.

She wore a casual set of clothes, different from her usual set of armor. She had no sort of weapon on her hands except her hands themselves.

"Sorry I left you back there. I got these wounds trying to pay them back for what they did to you, and I guess I couldn't move until the morning," I said scratching my head while smiling wryly. I tried looking her in the eye, but she evaded my gaze.

To my great surprise, it was not a scolding that I received from her, but a warm welcome with her eyes focused on me. She fidgeted and embraced her arms, trying to find the words to say but could not speak.

"I was worried about you," she said in a hushed voice, hands clenched. "Why did you have to do that and chase him? You could have let him go instead. That was idiotic of you," she said calmly.

Though I couldn't figure out why this was happening, I went along with it as best I could. I was too astonished to think of a reason as to how she became like this in an instant. It was very much different from her usual stoic and grave self; in fact, she was the exact opposite of who she was before.

"What do you mean? If I did that, then they wouldn't have left you alone. I just wouldn't let them get away after they did all that to you. I'm not heartless, you know?"

"I know that. Of course, I do. You ran away even before I could say a thing."

"Well, it's all said and done now, so why don't we take a seat? Where is Gino anyway?" I said, trying to separate myself from the anomaly that was Daphne. There was a moment that I gazed upon her face, pure and innocent, untainted. This was indeed her, yet not her. The one I had known of both possessed an equal allure of that I cannot explain further.

The door opened, and Gino emerged with a handful of scrolls and books in his arms. He looked at me as if we never separated, and greeted me with his usual smile and staggering confidence.

It was at that point too that I noticed Daphne had already backed away as if she had not done her earlier actions.

"It doesn't look like you're holding up well. I can't administer medicine if it still ails you. I knew you'd be back by tomorrow. I had that much faith in you. Unfortunately, I am in the middle of something, so I cannot join you."

"What are you saying, Gino? What are you doing?"

"Ha ha, well not to worry. I'll leave you two young ones to yourselves. I will be trying to find some sought out tomes and scrolls for my own use, so why not join the festivities outside? By the main plaza they are holding some sort of feast in lieu of the event. I think you two should find some time to bond and build your relationship, don't you think?" he went past me with a wink and proceeded into the rooms, departing with a great amount of speed.

It was then that we found ourselves alone once more, only the stares of the tenants and the inn keeper on us.

"How about we take his advice and go in out? I'm sure that there's still a lot of things out there that are exciting?" I asked her, trying to break from this atmosphere.

"But your wounds, I think you need rest."

"Don't worry about me. I'm fine. Come, let's not waste any time. I'll just get a change of clothes. I wouldn't want to go out in these."

And so, after I had exchanged my tattered, bloody shit, I met with Daphne outside, whom had changed into something different, wearing a casual brown skirt that spanned below her knees. And a beige blouse as a top. It was the first time I had seen her wear both a different set of clothes, and a different expression, almost as if she were truly a different person.

Innocent but uncertain. Full of doubt, but untainted. Her pure image was now in front of me, and my eyes would be glued on her without my noticing.

"Come, let's go then," she said, leading the way shyly, trying to look away from me at every glance.

As we walked, she would pace far enough for us to be separated by the crowds, but I would catch up to her using a great amount of effort.

"Is something the matter?" I confronted her."

"Nothing. I was simply lost in thought."

I had shrugged off my imminent accusation and went on with the day normally. There were as many booths and stalls that occupied us and kept my mind off it, but I was even more conscious of it. She would try and distance herself from me whenever I would try to close the distance between us. Our eyes would not meet when I speak with her, but she would fidget and squirm uncomfortably and look anywhere else but at me.

We went to the plaza, an oddly less crowded location where people would pass by, only to head to where the main festivities of the day are being held. Now only a solemn, peaceful atmosphere reigns. A fountain stood in the middle, a marble statue of a maiden looking heavenward. We sat side by side on a lonely bench away from everyone else.

"I can't think that this is just my imagination. Tell me, have I done something to you that made you like this? I don't understand what happened all of the sudden."

"I-It's not that. It's just that, what lingered in my mind was the thought of you having been endangered because of me and my weakness. If only I had not neglected their presence, I would have avoided something like this happening. If something happened to you, then I would take responsibility, but I wouldn't want that. I wouldn't want to lose someone close to me again."

"Is that it?" I looked up feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "I thought that I had done something to make you dislike me. I'm glad that wasn't it. I wouldn't want that, after all," I said, looking at her. She seemed to evade my gaze once more, but knowing that it wasn't out of hate made it a softer blow to me. I simply laughed it off.

"But it's pretty dangerous, the fact that you're being constantly chased by people who are after your life. I'll make this promise then. I will do something about that soon. I still don't know what, but I'll do something so that they stop trying to chase you," I said with a firm look at her, forcing her attention at me. Her newfound timidity was quite shocking, but oddly refreshing.

"Are you mad? The only way you could do something like that is to confront my uncle, or kill him. Are you telling me that you'll fight a kingdom for such a petty reason as protecting me? You don't even know me that well."

"I don't find it petty at all. In fact, I'm serious. I'll take on the entire kingdom just to make sure I don't have to see that sorrow in your face twice. It pains me. It reminded me of myself when I had gone through something terrible in the past. I don't think I need to know you to a certain extent after having seen all that."

"You're foolish, you know that?" she laughed. "But, I can't shake the feeling that after looking at your face as you said that promise of yours, you might just be able to do it no matter what happens. I won't force you to go through with it, but thank you. Hearing your words, it's comforting enough," her face eased up and she relaxed, leaning back on the bench.

"I know this isn't the time, but I just can't not say it. You look different. You look really beautiful now that I've gotten a good close look at you. Both what you look like and what you're wearing right now. I guess that's just me, but- " the air in my lungs was knocked out before I could even finish my sentence.

"What nonsense are you spewing all of a sudden?!" she said in a frenzy. Her cheeks were of a rosy red, and she started stuttering through her sentences that slowly became incoherent.

"Nonsense? I was just speaking my mind," I said, trying to recover from her near fatal attack.

"W-Well, I am sorry then. It was just that I am not accustomed to receiving compliments. I would be told that I looked more masculine than feminine, so I thought of it as an insult. Forgive me," she spoke solemnly and sincerely.

It was a farfetched reason, but not something I chastised her for. It was my fault for not knowing, but a part of me inside wanted to let her know all about it since it was all true.

"But, I wanted to ask you something that stuck to my mind from that night. I'm not sure if I heard it clearly, but they called you a bastard princess. What was that about?"

"So you heard, have you? I was hoping that you had not. Yes, it is true. I am the daughter of the king and a woman that he had fallen for during his reign. I was borne from that love, and I grew knowing it well. But when he was killed, every truth that came from his mouth became lies. Thus, I have been exiled when my uncle assassinated his brother, my father, and placed his son and daughter in the throne. I had been promised it, so I will not allow it to fall into someone else's hands. It is the last legacy that my father had given me."

"So, how do you intend to win it back?"

"I thought you would do it for me," she looked at me with a stern gaze, then laughed. "I jest. I intend to win it back through my own efforts. But I have a choice, one that can overrule all that."

"And that is?"

"To marry the last Thalisean."

The silence became deafening as she stared into the horizon, not meeting my eyes those of which sought that question, why? And how? I found myself confused and without an answer for what should happen now.

"Let me ask you this. Zachary Erinn, I Daphne Everric Luvierre, daughter of Halycn Luvierre, previous ruler of the kingdom of Alrifer, ask for your hand in marriage to restore my power to the throne. Will you help me attain that? No," she shook her head. "I shall wait for your response. I will not force you, but I will wait."

It wasn't that simple anymore. Her words constantly echoed inside my head, not giving pause. No true answer could be said, nor do I know what to say despite there being only two choices from me to select from. A single yes or no would diverge into two separate paths, those of which I do not know the outcome of. But I knew something, one thing that my parents had taught me from their own experiences through life together. There was a certainty in her voice that made it difficult to tell if she was lying or not.

"A marriage is supposed to be for two people who have devoted themselves to each other. For two people who love and care for each other. If I do accept, there will be nothing for you to feel. You won't know love if you have forced someone to do the same. I won't be fine with that. It has to be genuine."

"I see," she looked down sadly, “Do not worry yourself, Zachary. It was a mere jest. I would not force you to do something like that. Now come, there are still a lot of things for us to see and do," she rose with a newfound smile, one that seemed forced, and extended her hand towards me.

The way her face immediately changed guises made me question myself and what I wanted to do. I wanted to protect her, as much as I can. She's been under the danger of dying all this time, and just because she was born from a high-blood family.

Are people really willing to go through something this drastic just to end someone's life? Just to silence them? Well, I won't stand this by for long. Soon, I'll do something to help her, and finally end this farce. I don't want to see that sorrow in her eyes anymore. I want to save it.