A New Encounter

Meanwhile the second prince was back at the cave, sitting in the lake. The water was clear and cool. The lake had daffodils around the edges and there were small shards of magic crystal embedded in the cave's walls. They were called Usilit crystals and were unique for increasing one's magical presence and were said to also stabilize pulse energy. Due to its lack of practical uses, they were not harvested, leading to a surplus of these crystals in many caves. The second prince, Alexander, marvelled at the glimmer of the crystals as they beamed in a variety of colours. The crystals kept the cave lit. Alexander closed his eyes and enjoyed the tranquil surrounding. At first the air in the cave had a calm cool flow but there was gradually a change to this.

All of a sudden there was a burst of water in the centre of the lake and the Blossom appeared. The Blossom still hadn't fully materialized. The prince wasn't sure what he had been seeing. He looked on, perplexed. He couldn't be sure what or who was before him but he decided it would be best to protect himself. As he was about to raise his hand to attack, the Blossom grabbed his arm and kissed him. The figure was now crouched down before him. At first the prince wanted to resist this strange presence, yet he couldn't as he began feeling a warmth bubbling up inside himself. A warmth that felt comforting and powerful. The Blossom began to fully materialize as she absorbed pulse energy from Alexander. After she received enough pulse energy she released the second prince and stepped back. The second prince now had a full view of her and she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She had blue eyes and what he could only describe as Goddess-like features, with long silverish purple wavy hair. The curves of her body were mesmerizing. The prince suddenly turned away realizing he had been staring at her naked body. He placed his hand on his chest and felt his heart beating rapidly.

"I- I'm sorry for staring but why are you naked? Who are you?" he asked while blushing.

"I have just been summoned here and have not yet been dressed," she responded with a calm tone. She spoke with such a beautiful voice that he felt his ears were being caressed. The Blossom then knelt down on one knee and placed her right hand on her chest.

"I am now your sword and shield, I was summoned to fulfil my duty to you as requested. From this day forth until my duty is fulfilled I will live to serve you. I was grown as a violet and my loyalty is unquestioned," she avowed.

The second prince couldn't maintain eye contact given her current appearance but he could feel the sincerity in her words. At first he didn't understand what was happening but then realized that she must've been a Blossom as he had heard of. Although it was the crown prince who was more involved in the matters of the kingdom he was still taught general knowledge of the kingdom. He had many questions running through his mind but didn't let them deter him from the current situation. He, now realizing he was also naked, hurriedly put on his pants which he had close by then took up his coat to cover her. As he walked towards her he did his best to avert his eyes. His hand trembled as he handed the coat to her. She smiled lightly and thanked him as she put the coat on. He sighed with relief as the coat was long enough to cover up to her thighs. There were still some droplets of water on her legs which drew his attention to her smooth skin. Many thoughts went through his mind but he did his best to control himself. He then led her out of the lake.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"I have none. Please do me the honour of naming me," she requested as their eyes met.

His face became flushed. He was in awe of her beauty. He wondered if this was what love at first sight meant. He already felt close to her.

"Okay, I'll name you Viola. I'll call you Vi for short. Do you like it?" he asked as he smiled nervously.

"Vi… I like it a great deal," she replied as she smiled sweetly. The prince was captivated once again, he quickly turned away from her to hide his expression.

"I'm Alexander but you can call me Xander if you prefer," he stated. The prince then reached for his shirt which he had washed and layed out on a small boulder. It was still a bit damp but he had nothing else. He quickly put on the shirt. The fabric outlined his broad shoulders and muscular arms. Viola pressed her hand on his back. Alexander jumped as though he had received a jolt. He clumsily turned to face Viola, almost falling.

"Wha- what are you doing?" inquired Alexander as his heart rate quickened. Viola took a step towards Alexander.

"I was going to dry your shirt. Based on your body's composition, wearing that might affect your health negatively," she stated plainly.

Alexander chuckled awkwardly and nodded in agreement. With her hand still raised she released a gust of wind that caused Alexander to be pushed into the air. Alexander screamed as he was being pushed and pulled. She maneuvered the wind in such a way to prevent him from being harmed by the cave's walls. After a few moments she then manipulated the air to lower him gently.

"I'm done," informed Viola as she placed her hand on Alexander's shirt.

Alexander was slouched against a small rock and still in shock, he could do nothing but nod. Shortly after he got to his feet and left with Viola.

As they were leaving, they were about to pass the Blooming Tree. Viola walked closer to it. She faced the tree then closed her eyes and placed her forehead against its trunk. She placed both hands on the trunk as she stood. Alexander couldn't understand what was happening, nevertheless, he could sense a connection between the Blossom and the tree. Viola stayed in that position for several minutes before opening her eyes again. Viola lifted her forehead and looked up at the blossoms. For a moment her blue eyes darkened and gave off a light glow.

"Are you okay?" asked Alexander as he walked over to Viola. Viola faced Alexander, her eyes now back to their original state.

"I feel much better now," she replied as she walked towards Alexander. Alexander sighed in relief. He left with Viola and they resumed their journey.

Alexander still wasn't sure what would happen once he got back to the royal castle but he needed to return as soon as possible. He couldn't fathom what would happen now that the Blossom was with him. Once they got back to his horse he checked and loaded the night lilies. He placed them in a special container which was able to enlarge at the user's will and then become pocket sized again. After preparing the horse he got onto it and then reached out to Viola. Alexander had his hand outstretched awkwardly as Viola looked on in confusion.

"We need to start moving before it gets dark. I'm just trying to help you onto the horse." Alexander beckoned to Viola.

"Why do I need to get onto this animal?" she asked.

Alexander thought Viola may have wanted to walk back to the castle. However, that was not an option as it would take far too long. Alexander dismounted the horse and tried to explain it to Viola multiple times yet she was still unconvinced. Alexander was getting flustered. He needed to complete his task, be that as it may, he couldn't leave Viola behind. Alexander kept thinking of what could be done, he thought of knocking her unconscious, tying her to him, forcefully putting her on the horse, however, he quickly dispelled those thoughts. Alexander took some time from his own world to realize Viola was staring at him. She was expressionless, she stood silently, almost like a soldier. Alexander realized he hadn't stopped to ask what her thoughts were.

"Do you want to go to the castle with me?" Alexander asked tenderly as he outstretched his hand once more. Viola looked into Alexander's eyes. They were clear, innocent eyes with no signs of ill-intent. She felt as though she could trust this person. She grabbed hold of Alexander's hand.

"I have a way to get you home. You only need to think about where you want to go," Viola smiled as she assured Alexander. Alexander nodded in agreement.

They both mounted the horse. Alexander put his trust in Viola. He closed his eyes and began to visualize the castle.