Lyria's POV
Raven and I arrived at the palace gates, and the guards bowed as we passed. We stepped inside, and in the front garden Cara was already waiting. The moment she saw us, she marched toward me with anger practically radiating from her.
"You snuck out of the palace without me again," she scolded sharply. "Didn't I tell you not to go anywhere without me?"
I gave her my most innocent smile. "I didn't sneak out… I just went for a little walk. And I hid my face—no one saw me or recognized me. So there's nothing to worry about."
"Nothing to worry about?!" Cara suddenly raised her voice. "It's my job to protect you! What if something happened to you? What am I supposed to tell the King then—that I failed the one task he entrusted to me?"
My expression dropped, guilt tightening my chest. Before I could say anything, Raven stepped slightly in front of me.
"Calm down," she said gently. "Nothing bad happened. And the Princess already feels guilty. I'm sure she won't do it again , right ."
Cara looked between us a few times, then sighed. She pointed a warning finger at me. "Don't ever do that again. I'm warning you. If you want to go somewhere, just tell me. I'll come with you."
I smiled softly. "Alright, I promise. I won't do it again."
"Good." She exhaled. "Now go—the King is waiting for you in his study. I'll take Raven and wait for you in your room."
I turned to Raven. There were so many things I wanted to say… but none of them left my throat. After a long pause, my face warmed and I managed to whisper, "I'll talk to my father. I'll be right back."
"Take your time," she replied with her usual calm voice. "I'll be with Cara."
I walked down the hallway slowly, unable to wipe the stupid grin off my face. My cheeks still felt warm. I learned so many things about Raven today… she likes cooking, she loves bitter things, she doesn't like sweets.
And then… the memory of her in the kitchen flashed in my mind—her hand lifting my chin, her fingers warm against my skin. My heart immediately sped up again, my cheeks burning. I covered my face with my hands and took a deep breath, trying to calm myself.
By the time I reached my father's study, my expression had already shifted to something more serious. I knocked twice.
"Enter," came his voice.
He didn't look up when I stepped in. Papers were stacked all over his desk. I sat quietly and waited until he set the document aside.
"As you can see, I'm very busy today," he said. "I need you to handle something for me. A noble family from the city of Ardellum is traveling to another region, and since our kingdom is along their route, they wish to stay here and explore for a bit. I want you to accompany them. Of course, Cara and Raven will go with you."
I lowered my head slightly. "But… Father, why me? You could send a council member."
His tone turned firm. "This is part of your duties as a future queen. They are influential, and having their goodwill will benefit you greatly."
"I… understand. I'll accompany them," I said quietly.
He smiled approvingly. "Good. Go prepare—they'll arrive within the hour."
I returned to my room. Cara and Raven were chatting on the balcony. I walked over and asked with a smile, "What are you two talking about?"
Cara smirked and winked. "It's a secret."
I frowned. "Come on, tell me."
She burst out laughing. Raven saved me, explaining calmly, "Nothing important. Cara wants another sparring match. She claims she's been training hard since last time."
I smirked at Cara. "Oh? You want another fight? Do you want your butt kicked again?"
Cara scowled. "I've gotten much stronger! I'm sure I can beat her this time."
She turned to Raven. "Well? Will you accept?"
"No," Raven said instantly.
Cara groaned dramatically. "I'll make you agree eventually… She turned to me and said, Now tell us—what did the King want?"
I sighed. "A noble family is visiting. Father wants me to guide them around the city. They'll arrive in an hour. But for now, let's relax. I brought some delicious pastries."
We sat on the balcony. I made sure to sit beside Raven. A maid served tea and pastries, and brought Raven her new drink—the one she bought earlier. Cara leaned toward her cup.
"What are you drinking? It smells nice, but it looks strange."
Raven offered her the cup, and Cara took a sip.
She immediately coughed several times. "How can you drink something so bitter?! What is this?!"
Raven took back her cup. "Where I come from, it's called coffee."
She suddenly froze for a moment, then added, "I mean—I first tried it a year ago while traveling in a far city."
I frowned inwardly. Where she comes from? What does she mean?
Cara muttered, "Coffee… whatever it is, I hate it." She turned to me. "Do you like it, Lyria?"
I smiled shyly. "Yes… it's not bad."
Cara mumbled about how "insane" that was, but Raven looked at me.
"What do you think, Princess?" she asked softly. "Should we resume your training? Every day, for two hours. Since you're so reckless and love sneaking out alone, I want you to at least be able to defend yourself."
I froze. Training every day… that means I'll see her every day… be closer to her… maybe even more than friends…
My heart raced again.
After I stared at her silently for too long, Raven said, "If you don't want to, you can refuse. I just want you to be safe."
"What? No! I mean—yes! Please. I don't mind at all. It would be… great," I said, smiling awkwardly.
"I don't mind either," Raven said. "You can choose when we start."
Before I could answer, Cara cut in, "Can I join too? I want you to train me as well!"
Raven nodded calmly. "I'll start the Princess from the basics. If you want to join, that's fine."
And just like that, we agreed.
A knock interrupted us. My mother—Queen Seraphina—entered with her elegant voice. "I hate to interrupt, but Lyria, you must get ready. The guests will arrive in ten minutes, and you must greet them at the city gate."
I sighed. "Alright, I'll change quickly."
Raven stood. "I'll wait for you at the palace gates." She bowed slightly to my mother and headed for the door.
"Don't worry," I told her quietly, blushing. "I won't take long."
She smiled. "Take your time."
Then she walked out… and I kept staring at the door long after she was gone.
Mother cleared her throat twice. "She left, dear. What exactly are you staring at?" she asked with a sly smile.
I jumped, cheeks burning. "N-nothing! I was just… lost in thought!"
Cara burst out laughing. "Oh please. You were totally thinking about Raven. Look at your face—you're as red as a tomato!"
Mother approached me with an impish grin. "So… you like her, don't you? Or perhaps… you're already falling for her?"
My face turned completely red. I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe.
Mother laughed so hard tears formed in her eyes. "My daughter has fallen hard."
I finally snapped out of it. "W-what are you talking about?! Raven is just my friend! It's normal to care about her!"
"Oh? Just a friend? Let's see if she's just a friend." Mother leaned close and whispered in my ear,
"Imagine Raven pulling you into a hug… your heart racing… and then gently lifting your chin—leaning in slowly… and kissing you."
My entire mind shut down.
Everything went black around me except for the sound of my own heartbeat hammering wildly .
I know I like Raven… but I didn't know it was this strong.
And now… I really want to kiss her…
I covered my face. "Is it that obvious… that I like her?"
Mother laughed. "It's written on your face in bold letters. Somehow Raven hasn't noticed. Strange—your feelings are very obvious or maybe She pretends she doesn't know ."
"She hasn't noticed," I mumbled. "She's… very innocent and oblivious about these things."
I looked at my mother with pleading eyes. "What should I do? She probably doesn't feel the same…"
Mother smiled warmly. "We'll talk when you return. Now go—you'll be late."
I nodded, changed my clothes, and headed out with Cara toward the palace gates…
where Raven was waiting for me .