"Trouble Arises"

"Xyriel," I said softly, trying to wake him up.

He opened his eyes, and I greeted him with a warm smile.

"Good morning, handsome!" I said enthusiastically, walking over to the table just a few feet away.

"I hope you're hungry because I made us breakfast!" I continued.

Xyriel didn't utter a word and didn't even meet my gaze. He stared down at the hardwood floor.

"Here's a glass of water," I said as I approached him and handed him the glass.

He took the glass from my hand and drank it. "Thank you," he muttered.

"You're most welcome, Xyriel. Would you like to eat first or wash up?" I asked.

...

He didn't answer.

"Would you like to wash up? Don't worry, the water is clean. I went to a nearby well earlier and got us some. Plus, I made eggs and bought some bread," I explained.

"I'll wash up first," he finally responded.

"Alright, I also bought us fresh clothes. Feel free to use those," I said while setting the plates on the table.

"Thank you, Zinnia," he smiled, but it seemed somewhat forced.

"This is nothing. Now, go wash up. I'll wait for you here so that we can eat together," I smiled back.

Not gonna lie, there's tension between us after what happened yesterday.

Even without fully knowing his story, I sense that something is going on. But I don't want to pry into his personal life. I'll remain understanding even if I don't know his situation.

After a while, Xyriel came out of the bathroom, wearing fresh clothes. He sat down across from me, fiddling with his fingers, seemingly waiting for me to give the signal to eat.

Damn, how was I able to resist him last night? I'm quite proud of myself for having good self-control over my body.

"Shall we eat?" I questioned, looking at him.

Xyriel only nodded and ate the eggs and bread with a rigid posture.

After we finished eating, I gave him a cup of tea, and of course, I brewed myself one as well.

We were both silent for a couple of minutes, just staring at walls. I'm sure it would be awkward to stare at his face right now, knowing his uncomfortable.

"Princess Zinnia," he said, looking at me with a serious expression.

My eyes widened, "Yes?" I replied, offering a smile.

He suddenly stood up and dropped to all fours. I flinched at how quickly he moved.

"I truly and deeply apologize for my behavior last night. It was my fault that it happened! Please, punish me, Your Highness!" he pleaded.

"Xyriel, stand up," I commanded.

He glanced up at me, tears welling in his eyes, but he remained on all fours. I let out a sigh and knelt down, I touched both his cheeks and briskly pinched them hard. He winced and held his cheeks, trying to soothe the pain. Seeing his reaction made me chuckle.

"Punishment done!" I laughed.

"Eh?" He said, looking bewildered.

It seemed like he was expecting a more severe punishment, but I really couldn't bring myself to do something harsh.

"Are you not satisfied with that?" I asked, tilting my head.

"It's not that I'm unsatisfied. It's just that I didn't quite consider being pinched on the cheeks as a form of punishment," he explained.

"Do you want me to punish you in a different way?" I said sarcastically.

Xyriel's eyes widened, and it appeared that he didn't quite catch onto my sarcasm.

"I-I mean, if that's what you wish, Princess," he stammered, fiddling with his hands.

I forgot that sarcasm isn't a thing in this world.

"I was joking, Xyriel. You don't have to take everything I say so seriously. I tend to joke around quite a lot, in case you hadn't noticed," I chuckled.

"But, kidding aside, I want to remind you that you don't need to be punished for what happened last night. It wasn't your fault. That drunkard alpha is to blame for spreading his pheromones around."

Even after explaining it to him a couple of times, he still believes it's all his fault for what happened.

I should have punched that stupid alpha's face for what his done to my precious friend!

Xyriel simply nodded in response, but from his expression, he still felt responsible.

"I-I would like to make it up to you, Princess. Is there anything I can do, in any way?" He insisted.

"Sigh~ Well if you insist," I said and held my chin trying to think. "For now, I still don't have anything in mind, but I'd like for us to keep being friends and that you'd reply to my letters!" I smiled.

Xyriel seemed taken aback at first, but then a smile graced his face. "It would be my pleasure to remain your friend and pen pal, Zinnia," he softly replied.

"Great! Now, shall we go?" I questioned, extending my hand.

"Alright then," he agreed, standing up.

After our conversation, we both mounted Ellie and I dropped Xyriel off at his mansion. We waved goodbye, and then I headed back to the palace.

Ellie wasn't accustomed to sleeping in a different environment, so he was a bit irritable during the journey. He practically threw me off his back when we returned and went straight to his own stable. I told Sadi that Ellie was in a grumpy mood today and to take special care of him.

Finally, I entered my room and collapsed onto the bed without even bothering to change my clothes yet.

The room was awfully quiet without Adie to nag at me.

I closed my eyes for a bit and drifted away.

...

"Princess Zinnia, Grand Duke Zemislav would like to see you," a maid announced loudly while knocking vigorously on the door and peeking in, revealing half of her body.

The force of the knock startled me, causing me to sit up abruptly to look at her.

"Tell them we can meet another time, I'm busy as of the moment." I said, yawning and rubbing my eyes.

"I-I'm afraid I can't, Princess." She stuttered.

I tilted my head, "And why not?"

"B-because."

"I'm already here, Zinnia." Zemislav's voice carried an angry tone and proceeded to invite himself over my room.