The sun barely peeked through the worn curtains of the inn. Its warm light caressed the faces of those who had spent the night in that small room, untouched by the growing turmoil of the city outside.
Asori was the first to open his eyes. For a moment, he didn't understand where he was. His body no longer burned with fever, nor did his bones feel like they were breaking; his breathing was light, as if he had finally escaped the weight dragging him into darkness.
He turned his head and found a curious scene: Aisha was fast asleep between him and Blair, curled up like a kitten, her tiny fingers clinging to Asori's tunic.
Asori blinked in surprise, then couldn't help but smile tenderly. So this… is what it feels like to be surrounded by people who care about you.
A soft movement caught his attention. Blair slowly opened her eyes, and when she saw him awake, her face lit up with such pure relief that it almost made him blush.
—Good morning… —Blair whispered, barely moving her lips so as not to wake the girl.—Good morning… —Asori echoed, in the same hushed tone.
The silence was comfortable, warm. But soon, like a reflex, both remembered the words they had exchanged amidst the chaos of the tournament: I love you.The memory flushed their cheeks at the same time, and they turned their gazes away, awkward as teenagers caught in their first confession.
Aisha stirred, yawned twice, then suddenly sat up. Her heavy eyes didn't stop her from doing what habit had drilled into her all her life. She knelt on the bed, bowing her head before Asori.
—Good morning, master. How may I serve you today?
The room froze.
—M-master? —Asori choked on his own saliva, turning red as a tomato.
Mikrom, who was just stepping in with a tray of bread and water, nearly dropped it all at the sound.
—Hahaha! —he burst out, laughing loudly—. Well, kid, it didn't even take you a day to get yourself a wife and a servant!
—Shut up, Mikrom! —Asori barked, trying not to wake the entire inn.
But Aisha wasn't finished. She turned toward Blair, her eyes innocent.
—And good morning to you as well, wife of my master.
Blair froze for a few seconds… and then, instead of being upset, she smiled softly.
—I'm not his wife yet, little Aisha. But… —she glanced sideways at Asori, cheeks flushed— I don't mind if you call me that.
Asori buried his face in his hands, unsure if he wanted to sink into the bed or run out the door in sheer embarrassment.
The group went down to the inn's dining hall for breakfast. But the mood shifted heavily when one of the patrons burst in, shouting the day's news.
—Sir Kael has been executed! His head hangs in the central plaza!
The bread caught in Asori's throat. His body trembled automatically, recalling every blow, every moment of terror against that monster. Kael had been his enemy, but hearing of such a brutal end left him cold.
—So Darian disposed of his rabid dog… —Mikan muttered coldly—. How convenient.—Yes… —Mikrom added gravely—. If he was capable of eliminating someone like Kael just to appear just, imagine what he'll do when we stand before him.
Asori said nothing. His hands pressed hard against his knees, his mind trapped in the image of Kael's head hanging before the crowd.
Blair noticed, and slid her hand over his under the table. It was a small gesture, but enough to give him back a little calm.
When they left the inn, a crowd was waiting. Men, women, and children raised makeshift banners—some with flowers, others with simple embroidered cloth.
—Princess Blair will bring us hope! —a woman cried.—And the Champion of the Capital will protect us! —a man shouted, pointing at Asori.
The young man froze. Champion… me?
Blair looked at him sideways with a proud smile, while Asori could only scratch the back of his neck, embarrassed.
Mikan seized the moment to raise her voice, hands in the air.—Well, I was the one who actually won the tournament, you know? —she said, but no one seemed to listen.
Mikrom, mocking, leaned toward her.—Relax, ninja. Your moment of glory will come.
Mikan jabbed him with an elbow that nearly made him double over from the pain.
Amid the commotion, Mikan announced she would return ahead to her village.—I need to deliver the prize to my people. They need it more than I do.
Blair gave her a grateful smile, and Mikrom watched her go, though a flicker of discomfort crossed his eyes—he already missed her before she was gone.
The group set off toward Tifa's castle. The noise of the capital faded behind them, but at every corner they could feel the tension of a city divided.
Blair took the chance to fall back alongside Asori. They walked in silence until she gathered the courage to speak.—I want to apologize… for how I reacted after what happened with Kael.
Asori lowered his gaze, remembering her words of rejection.—You don't need to apologize. I know it was hard for you. I… should have understood sooner.
—No, —Blair said firmly, stopping to meet his eyes—. What I told you at the end of the tournament is real. I love you. I just… need time to feel at ease again with touch.
Asori stayed quiet, then smiled sincerely and nodded.—Take all the time you need. I… will always be here.
Blair squeezed his hand tightly.—You're very important to me. I can't imagine walking without you by my side.
He could only smile, heart pounding.
A few paces ahead, Mikrom watched them with a smirk.—Look at those two… like a pair of newlyweds.
Aisha, however, gazed at them silently, wide-eyed. She didn't fully understand what was happening, but for the first time in her life, she felt safe. That warmth, that unity… it was new to her. And in her fragile heart, a seed of trust began to grow.