The Weapon of War

"HOW WAS THE show?" Prince Enzo asked his little sister when he returned to her side. "Fun?"

"Oh yes," Elixane admitted with a nod as she emerged from behind the pillar. "Strong display of strength, Brother."

The crown prince merely rolled his eyes. Shaking his head, he nodded towards where the unnamed man was previously at, sighing.

"It's such a waste," he commented.

"Why say so?" Elixane asked.

Instead of answering her question, Enzo gestured forward and began to walk. Elixane followed, struggling to keep up with the long strides of her brother's at first due to the heft of her dress. After a while, she eventually found her momentum, walking at his side.

"It's such a shame because that man seems to have so much potential," explained Enzo. "He was able to push four of our royal knights off of him. One man against the strength of four, and yet he emerged victorious. He only kneeled and remained passive out of respect."

"Is he like one of us?" Elixane couldn't help herself but question.

She had thought about it to herself as well when she witnessed the sight. The knights in service of the royal family were all the best of the best, the crème de la crème. If he were an average human, he wouldn't be able to shrug them off so easily, as if those knights were no more than ragdolls in the hands of a beast.

"Blessed with powers?" Enzo asked, trying to clarify Elixane's question.

Her own ability fizzled and buzzed at her fingertips. They were like sparks that were dancing, coming alive. Everywhere they walked, as long as there was metal present, she could feel her powers tingling, calling out to it like a magnet.

To Elixane, her powers had always been a blessing. It made many things in life convenient for her, a third arm that she had so many uses for.

However, it was also a tainted skill. The memory of the history book crept into her mind like a wretched worm. She was once again reminded of the horrors her powers could do as well. Her ancestor, General Archibald Tatiane II, had definitely won the war against the Old Loumotiem army using his gifted strength.

Elixane knew above all that their powers were not to bring life. She couldn't heal injuries nor create miracles. The palm of her hands couldn't ignite flames nor sculpt ice with just a thought. Rather, her abilities best shone on the battlefield as a weapon of war.

It only brought about pain and destruction.

"I doubt it," Enzo finally answered her question. "He's just stronger than most men. As a hardworking leader of a village, I can't say that I'm surprised, honestly. All leaders will have to be strong. If not, they will not be able to protect what they hold most dear to their hearts. They won't be a good ruler."

Elixane shoved the memory of the book to the back of her mind. She didn't want to think about it anymore, not when things had already progressed this way.

Time could never be turned back and what was done back then couldn't be undone in the present. At most, Elixane could only be a better person for her country, striving to protect its people from any harm.

"Anyway, don't think too much about that, Eli," Enzo said. Patting the top of Elixane's head affectionately, he gently smiled down at her. "Instead, think about the upcoming party. Mother is still waiting for you to decide what decorations you want, as well as the menu that will be served to the guests."

"Oh yes," Elixane muttered absentmindedly. Then, she perked up, her eyes widening in realization. "Oh! It's my birthday soon!"

"And it will be a day like no other," Enzo promised. "Have the Head Maid prepare for your celebration early, Sister. Your big day will be arriving soon, after all. If we're to have everything set up at the last minute again, it will be a mess for all of us."

Enzo began to pick up his pace, prepared to leave for his office to get the work for today done and dusted.

"Oh! One more thing, Elixane!"

Suddenly remembering something, Enzo turned back. He was a short distance away and had to speak just a little louder than usual. It wasn't enough to announce to the whole world what his thoughts were but it was certainly less secretive.

"Father received word earlier this morning. A village up north seems to be stirring up trouble these days. They're suspecting that the village might be planning a rebellion so we best be on our guard for the worst. They may strike at any time, especially with your birthday celebration coming up soon. Keep an eye out, Sister."

With his instructions relayed, Enzo was off. Elixane watched, standing still as she gazed after her older brother's retreating figure.

She was once again a little closer to her brother in terms of their capabilities. However, just like their ages, every time Elixane's control over her powers improved, so did Enzo's. She wondered silently if she would ever catch up to what her brother could do.

***

Bertrand was already waiting in the study room when Elixane finally arrived. His father, Professor Argonton, was nowhere to be found.

"Hello, Bert," Elixane chirped merrily, taking a seat on the couch where Bertrand was perched.

The man looked up when his name was called, smiling gently at the princess as if she hung the moon and the stars.

"Greetings, Your Highness," he replied. When met with the deadpan expression on Elixane's face, he chuckled softly. "Apologies, I mean, hello to you too, Elixane."

All at once, the smile was back on Elixane's lips. "Much better," she commented. "So… where's the professor?"

"Father has some urgent matters to take care of," Bertrand explained. He closed the book that he had in hand, placing it on the side table. "He instructed me to come over and tutor you in his stead."

"Personal matters again?"

"His research means a lot to him." Bertrand nodded sheepishly. "He's about to make a breakthrough that can potentially change the structure of the world as we know it."

"What can Professor Argonton even be researching about?" Elixane wrinkled her nose in distaste. "I understand never to question a man's hobbies but still, to claim that it can change the world?"

Bertrand only smiled knowingly at Elixane's words. He shrugged, standing up to his full height before heading towards the desk where the scrolls and teaching materials were kept.

"Now, where did Father last leave off?"

"How about we skip the study session and head straight to the after-class activities?" Elixane asked playfully. She pointed at the glass window that had a perfect view of the garden and the lake in the distance. "It's a perfect day today to go boating."

Shaking his head, Bertrand began to chuckle.

"Elixane, never say that to a man. You might put odd thoughts into his head even with the simplest and most innocent of smiles," he warned.

At his insinuation, Elixane finally realized what her words could've meant. She blushed, blinking rapidly as she laid her gaze anywhere but on Bertrand.

Seeing her so flustered and red, the man couldn't contain his laughter again. He picked up one of the scrolls on the table before walking over. Without warning, he placed one hand on the side of Elixane's head before pulling her in towards his chest.

Elixane's eyes widened in shock. She could hear the thumping of Bertrand's heart beneath his ribs, running as wildly as her own pulse. Did he feel the same way as she did? Was that why his heart was racing just like hers?

"You drive men wild, Princess," Bertrand murmured softly into her hair.

Elixane felt her heart skip a beat. She didn't even dare to breathe, worried that any large movement would shatter her current reality.

"Pardon my boldness, Your Highness, but when I finally make a name for myself, when I finally have something to boast about, I promise to request for your hand," he swore. "And when that day comes, I can only pray that you will accept me as yours."