Lifelong Dream

Iria couldn't sleep at all when she first came to Qalagon but it became better as time went by. Now that she was already in this kingdom for almost a month, she started to adjust slowly.

Before, she could never sleep given the fact that she was in an enemy kingdom. However, she sensed a bit of security all thanks to Arin Helev's sincerity. Did she, the most capable and celebrated warrior of Jerivia place trust in the Crown Prince of a rival kingdom? She hated to believe it but it seemed like it.

It's hard to doubt Crown Prince's Arin's nature. Maybe that's why she started to feel safe when he was around. She might be capable herself but... not enough to fight against a kingdom with thousands of soldiers! Not to mention that Jerivia and Qalagon were arch-enemies for decades now!

However, things were different tonight. Once again, she finds herself unable to sleep. All the things that Arin said to her in that small garden in the evening couldn't stop troubling her.

What was she to Arin Helev? This question repeatedly echoed in her ears!

After many unsuccessful attempts, she finally gave up and gets off her bed. However, she wasn't even sure of what to do.

In Jerivia, she would always practice her swordsmanship whenever she couldn't sleep or if something was troubling her. But this wasn't Jerivia and she couldn't act recklessly. The consequence of being exposed might not even end with her life!

After a while of pondering, she wore some light clothes on top of her nightgown and walked out of her chamber. It might be better to get some fresh air rather than tossing and turning around in her bed.

She glanced around her dark and quiet surroundings. It's late and the servants were also nowhere to be seen. The guards patrolled around all the time and some were on standby, guarding the entrance of the Crown Prince's palace and some chambers. Even at the outside of her chamber, two guards were on duty all the time.

There was a small pavilion not far away from her chamber and there were steps that were built to climb to the top of the pavilion. The top was plain in the form of a ground and it provides a great view of the capital of Qalagon.

She had been there once and it was magnificent. So, Iria Alewine decided to go up there. However, it's night and it was dark. The enchanting view wouldn't be much visible.

Going up the top of the pavilion, a cold wind blow on her face and her body, making her braced her body as she only wore light clothes. They didn't shield her much from the cold breeze. However, she suddenly froze.

Was that Arin Helev? What was he doing there?! Standing there with his arms crossed, the Crown Prince was staring in the direction of the capital with a calm face.

She was here because he made her lost her sleep. She escaped to this place and... he was also here? She frowned and turned around. It's better to stay away from him. She shouldn't be curious anymore. Just a few months, she reminded herself.

Trying to not make any sound, she walked down the steps cautiously until...

"What are you doing there?"

She halted and stood still for a while. He already saw her, what's the use now? Then she let out a sigh and turn around.

"It's late, Your Highness. Why are you still here?" She asked, still refusing to approach him again.

"I think I asked you first. It's not polite to dodge a question and threw back at me." Arin simply said, still maintaining a calm face.

For the second time, Iria sighed. "I cannot sleep. So, I came for some fresh air."

"Same here," Arin said, regarding her amusingly.

"Why do you make that face?" Iria asked, dumbfounded yet annoyed.

"I'm just glad. You aren't all guard around me now. Rather than just a plain face, I often witnessed your reaction." Arin said, his face calm yet his tone was serious.

"It doesn't have much difference. There's nothing to be glad of." Iria argued.

Hearing her response, Arin Helev slightly smiled. "There is. From your reaction, I can guess how you're feeling or what's on your mind. It will help me a lot in understanding you and knowing you better."

The Crown Prince's response made Iria silent. He never seemed to be that interested or curious. This man was really hard to understand. Very unpredictable.

"Didn't you come for some fresh air? Why are you standing there?"

Iria darted her eyes to Arin when she heard his voice again. After debating about it for a while, she finally walked up to him again.

Why did she never do as she said these days?! She already reminded herself many times to stay away from him!

Standing beside him, she stared in the direction of the capital without saying anything. Arin gave her a side glance and there was a subtle smile on his lips. Then he glanced at the front again.

"Whenever I came here, I was always lost in my thoughts." Arin started and Iria turned to him though he was still staring at the capital. "It's my goal to create a better world for all these people who look up at me. A world free of hunger, poverty and war. I used to feel scared, wondering if I would fail to achieve my goal."

Scared? Iria blinked in surprise. Was he opening up his fears to her?!

"I want to create a world of equality. An equal society where nobles and commoners live together in harmony without any discrimination. I want to prevent wars to give my people a better life." Arin added and turned to Iria who was still staring at him. "That's my lifelong dream."

"Why are you telling me these?" Iria asked. She was confused yet nervous.

Arin fell silent for a while before he said, "No particular reason. But it's my first time speaking about my dream." Then he met Iria's gaze. "What is your dream, Iria?"