How annoying (Daniel's POV)

Daniel did not know what to share about himself.

It was not that he was reluctant for Violet to know more about him.

He just simply did not know anything about him that might interest Violet.

"What do you want to know about me ?"

" Anything. Anything that you're comfortable sharing with me."

The first thing that came to Daniel's mind was 'swordsmanship'.

Daniel shared about his fascination with swords since he was a child.

He looked at Violet as spoke whose eyes sparkled with interest.

" No wonder you're known as the best swordsman in the Empire of Asterin.

I believe it's not just talent. It must have been a lot of hard work and practice. To be able to reach your level."

Daniel felt a pleasant feeling soar in his heart as Violet acknowledged the hard work behind his apparent success in the field of swords.

It was true.

Daniel knew that many people who simply praise him as a genius and be jealous of his skills not knowing the years of discipline and practice he needed to reach where he was now.

" People say that the women of Iretonia are extremely skilled in embroidery, painting , calligraphy and music.

Does Violet excel in these areas too?"

Daniel asked Violet this question merely out of curiosity as women in Iretonia were expected to be brilliant 'in the arts that make a woman.'

These standards expected of women was not present in Asterin but very much prevalent in Iretonia.

Daniel saw Violet making a weird face which he couldn't decide whether it was a face that one made when offended or when one heard something extremely hilarious.

Daniel saw Violet smile slightly in embarrassment and explained how awful she was at painting and embroidery.

Daniel felt bad having asked such a question so he complimented her cooking and archery skills .

He had really not planned to make her feel embarrassed with his question.

Daniel had merely wanted to know whether she was also shackled and conformed to the stereotypical patterns of society against women in Iretonia.

" But you cook extremely well."

And I heard that your archery skills are the best among the best."

Daniel knew for a fact that she was a great person and a competent Empress.

Daniel did not feel that there was anything wrong with not being able to paint or do embroidery.

Those were not necessary to be an Empress or a worthy woman.

Not everyone was meant to be a painter.

Or an embroiderer.

As they were talking about her interest in archery , Daniel felt Violet suddenly holding his hands.

He felt a jolt of current passing through him.

" Can we practice together? I don't really have anyone to practice archery with here in the Palace. Xander is able to teach me but his expertise lies with the sword."

" Yes , sure."

Daniel smiled at Violet who was still holding his hands.

He wished she would never let go.

It was warm and homely.

Daniel felt Violet letting go of his hands and apologised.

She seemed to have realised that she had held to his hands longer than what was deemed appropriate.

He did not mind.

In fact , he loved it very much.

"It's alright , Violet. I liked it.

The warmth of your hands."

Daniel could see how Violet felt startled at his subtle confession.

' Did I push too far?'

He knew that he had already told himself that he would remain as her friend.

But sometimes , he couldn't control his emotions that seemed to overflow in her presence.

"Shall we go back now? It's getting late."

" Yeah , we should."

Daniel asked Violet if they could continue to meet each other to which Violet said yes.

No one could have been happier than Daniel that night after receiving an affirmation from Violet.

Daniel got up early the next morning to prepare for his archery practice with Violet.

He did not really know how good she was at archery.

As Violet had previously told him , the words of her brothers could not really be taken objectively.

Because to them , Violet was the best at everything.

Daniel's heart swelled with respect for Violet's brothers and father who treasured her and treated her well.

However , as they practiced , Violet's skills exceeded Daniel's expectations.

Daniel watched as Violet fired the arrows from her bow.

The intensity of her eyes.

Her posture.

Her footing.

Her concentration.

Her strength.

The sight of Violet shooting the arrows enthralled him.

' She looks so glamorous and sexy.'

Daniel continued to practice with his sword for some more time.

Daniel felt that his energy was reinvigorated because Violet was watching him.

Violet handed him coconut water to replenish his energy after his practice.

' Always so thoughtful.'

Daniel held Violet's hand when she was about to leave.

"Yes?"

" I will drop you back."

He insisted to drop her personally.

Violet was about to answer when Ethan called from a distance.

Daniel had no choice but to let go of her hand because of the unexpected third party who came at the most inappropriate time.

"How annoying. " Daniel muttered.

Daniel apologised to Violet because he would now be unable to drop her off even though he was the one who insisted on dropping her.

As soon as Violet was at quite a distance , Daniel kicked Ethan on his shin and walked away.

Daniel could hear Ethan curse him as he followed him for a discussion.