This is the first gift you gave me

"It's nice to get a gift from my lover."

"Stop it, Your Highness. You've said that many times."

Aeneas hugs the doll that Selah got and gave him earlier. "Am I not allowed to express my pleasure?" he asked cutesily.

"You embarrass me," Selah sneered, then looked away.

Aeneas laughed. "Jesus, there's nothing shameful about giving her boyfriend a gift," he said. "I'm really happy, you know. This is the first gift you gave me."

"Yeah, yeah. You're welcome," Selah said, trying to be nonchalant.

The doll was clearly nothing after the various pieces of jewelry that Aeneas gave Selah. It was just a teddy bear in rough cloth and not soft. Its value is far inferior to the jewels that Aeneas gave.

But Aeneas seems to really like it. Throughout they are going around, he holds his doll tightly while the other held Selah's hand. From the looks of it, they were like a pair of mother and daughter instead of lovers.

"How long are we going to go around? It's already late now," Selah warned.

"Wait a minute. "It's the festival's first day, so there's usually a performance," Aeneas tells her.

"What show will there be?"

Right after Selah finished her question, there was a sound of an explosion in the sky.

Firework.

The visitors to the festival, including the sellers, suddenly squealed with joy. They all looked up, some pointing toward the sky. The little children cried out with joy, with their eyes sparkling.

And Aeneas… His eyes…

"The fireworks are in the sky," said Aeneas amused.

"Your eyes reflect the light of the fireworks so clearly," said Selah.

"You want to take a closer look?"

Those sapphire blue and golden eyes opened wide. Its clarity surpassed any gemstone Selah had ever seen. She wondered how there could be a person who had all the beauty in this world?

The pressure from the doll Aeneas was hugging made Selah realize she had gotten too close to him. Aeneas chuckled at this.

Then without warning, he put the doll aside and kissed Selah.

It tastes sweet, like the food they ate earlier.

***

The carriage left the courtyard full of blooming flowers. The galloping of his horse sounded calm and rhythmic. When the carriage reached a place, it stopped. Someone got into it, then.

"Oh, right. I brought souvenirs for you. Here, eat while it's warm," said Aeneas while giving Azel a package.

Azel lowered the hood of his cloak and received the package from Aeneas. "Thank you, Your Highness," he muttered. His eyes glanced at a large doll beside Aeneas.

Aeneas caught Azel's eye movement and smiled. "Lady Selah got it for me. Great, right?"

"Yes. I saw how Lady Selah aimed her arrow earlier," said Azel.

"The other visitors were also amazed to see it earlier," said Aeneas. "Hey, how do you think Lady Selah became a knight?"

Azel was silent for a moment. "Her strength may not be as great as a man's, but with her intelligence, Lady Selah might make a good knight."

"Fortunately, she is a noble lady, huh? Imagine if she was a commoner and Blair made her his personal knight. Do you think you can beat her, Sir Azel?"

"With all due respect, Your Highness. I believe in my strength and ability to face any enemy," Azel answered diplomatically.

Aeneas laughs at this. "Don't be so serious. That's just an if. Lady Selah is already in my grasp."

Azel was silent for a moment. For a moment, Aeneas could see the doubt in his eyes. "Are you really going to get married?"

"You are jealous?"

You know exactly what I mean. Azel took a deep breath. "I was worried about your condition."

Now Aeneas is silent. Thoughts are raging on his wedding which is only a matter of months.

Naturally, Azel was worried. Aeneas even knows that Blair is secretly concerned about him–that's why he keeps asking why Aeneas is suddenly engaged. But getting married is the way. Having children is the shortcut. Without those two things, it would be difficult for Aeneas to kill King Tristan and Blair.

Aeneas does not want to become king without a supporter by his side. He might even be overthrown himself. If that's the case, what about his mother, Catalina? What about the hope that Catalina has always kept?

It's okay, I can do this, that's what Aeneas's mind whispers every time he kisses Selah. The kiss is a small step before Aeneas takes a bigger one.

"Your Highness!" Suddenly Azel has caught Aeneas's unsteady body. "Sorry for my impudence."

Aeneas clutched his head. Various bad memories rushed in, making breathing hard for him and breaking out in a cold sweat.

"Your Highness–"

Aeneas brushed Azel's hand away. "If you already knew, you should have kept quiet," he hissed.

Azel complied and was silent.

After long minutes of complete silence, they finally arrived at the Palace. When Azel tries to help him, Aeneas again brushes him off. He can walk alone.

But it looks like Aeneas still hasn't fully recovered. His body swayed from the lingering dizziness. Just when he thought he was about to be helped by Azel or fall down ridiculously, another hand came to his aid.

"Sir Azel, are you doing your job?" Blair scoffed angrily.

"Crown Prince Blair," Azel hurriedly greeted. "My deep apologies."

"Go. I can take Aeneas to his room myself."

Aeneas watched Azel leave. He still couldn't say anything. He felt like throwing up.

"Aeneas?" called Blair cautiously in a worried tone. "You can still walk, right?"

"Yes…"

"Come on, let me help you. Take it slow, it's okay."

Blair also carries Aeneas to his room. Aeneas doesn't care if he looks weak in front of his brother. He just wanted to sit and lie down and forget everything.

"Do you need anything else?" asked Blair gently as he laid Aeneas down. "I can call your maid."

"Mother…"

"I'll tell Catalina later when you're sleepy, so just worry about yourself." Blair stroked Aeneas' head. "Why did you come home in this state?"

The question strikes at Aeneas' sensitive, weak point. He could feel his eyes heat up and his chest constrict. Luckily Aeneas was still able to hold back his sobs.

"The doll from earlier… where is it?" asked Aeneas.

"This?" Blair handed over the doll Selah had given her. "Are you sure you don't want to call a maid or a doctor?"

Aeneas shook his head, then said. "Brother, just stay here, okay? Wait for me to fall asleep."

"Okay…" Blair whispered.

Then Aeneas could feel Blair's hand again stroking his head.