Chapter 3: The Bond Deepens

Yohan studied Elliana, his jaw tightening as he noticed the cuts and bruises on her arms. “Proved yourself to whom?” he asked, his voice low but edged with concern.

Elliana straightened her back, unwilling to show weakness. “To the knights who doubted me. I fought Sir Alaric and held my ground.”

Yohan’s brows furrowed. “Alaric is twice your size and twice your strength. Why would you take that risk?”

“Because I needed to show them that I’m more than just a girl in a gown,” Elliana replied, meeting his gaze. “You said strength is about what you choose to fight for. I chose to fight for myself.”

For a moment, Yohan was silent, his expression unreadable. Then, to her surprise, a slow smile spread across his face. “You’re reckless,” he said, “but you’re also remarkable.”

Her cheeks flushed, but she held his gaze. “So, will you keep teaching me?”

“I will,” he said. “But from now on, no more secret duels.”

That evening, Yohan introduced Elliana to more advanced techniques, his movements slower and more deliberate as he ensured she understood every strike and parry. With each lesson, their connection grew stronger. What had started as mere curiosity blossomed into trust, admiration—and something neither of them dared to name.

...-An Unexpected Invitation-...

Weeks later, as the kingdom prepared for its annual Harvest Festival, Elliana received an unexpected invitation to join the royal family at the palace. She stared at the ornate letter in her hands, her heart pounding.

“You’ve been noticed,” Yohan said, leaning against the stable door.

“By whom?” she asked, her voice laced with apprehension.

“The queen,” Yohan replied. “She’s heard of your... unusual pursuits.”

Elliana’s stomach churned. “Is this an invitation or a summons?”

“Perhaps both,” Yohan said with a smirk. “But don’t worry. I’ll be there.”

The festival was unlike anything Elliana had ever experienced. The palace gardens were transformed into a sea of lanterns and flowers, music filling the air. But as she walked through the grand hall, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.

The queen, a regal woman with piercing eyes, approached her during the feast. “Elliana, I’ve heard much about you,” she said. “It’s not every day a young woman defies tradition so boldly.”

Elliana bowed her head. “I only seek to be true to myself, Your Majesty.”

The queen’s lips curved into a faint smile. “A noble sentiment. But in this world, being true to oneself often comes at a cost. Are you prepared for that?”

Elliana met her gaze, her voice steady. “I am.”

The queen studied Elliana for a moment, her expression unreadable. “Then perhaps you are stronger than most,” she said before turning to leave.

As the night went on, Elliana couldn’t help but notice Yohan watching her from across the room. When he finally approached, he whispered, “You impressed her.”

Elliana smiled. “I’m not done impressing people yet.”

... -To be continue-...

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