Chapter 26: The Best Partner

~Arika's POV~

 As the morning light became too bright to ignore, Arika woke up feeling strangely groggy. She pushed herself up to see she was sleeping on her robe in the forest. But Vira wasn't anywhere in sight. She noticed a glint and pulled up the silver necklace she was wearing. Though she never remembered putting it on.

 "Vira? Are you here?" She called out as he picked up the robe and held it to her chest. "I don't even remember falling asleep. All I remember is…" she trailed off as she began remembering the night before.

 She started crying because of Sin-Vira's words. Of course, he wasn't aware he was indirectly insulting her, but it still hurt hearing him say that. She was crying in his arms until she lost consciousness.

 "How embarrassing… tears only cause trouble. I wonder if father knows how to make them stop…" she mumbled.

 In the distance, she heard rustling in the treetops and looked up.

 It was her darling prince charming. Standing on a tree branch in only his shorts and looking exhausted.

 "Good morning! I thought you already went home?" Arika spoke as she approached the tree he was in.

 Sin-Vira sat down on the branch and waved. "Morning, Bylla! That was the plan, but I couldn't carry you back without knowing where to go. From the elevation, I can only see my kingdom from here thanks to the mountains. If it doesn't bother you, we can make the trip there and find the path."

 "Good idea! Once we find the path, I'll be walking back home!"

 "That'll be quite the walk from mine to yours. I can call for a carriage to bring you back home instead?" Sin-Vira offered as he descended from the tree with ease. "I'm sure my mom will understand. You could even stay for breakfast."

 Arika couldn't imagine what his mother would think if they returned together. He already failed to return home, coming back with the daughter of the enemy likely wouldn't go well. "Thanks for the offer. But I'll do just fine on my own. You made a long trip for me before. I still owe you for helping me."

 Sin-Vira ran his fingers through his hair as he sighed. "I guess I'm already in enough trouble for not coming back at night. She might try to poison your food." He shrugged before he started walking.

 "How sweet!" She held the robe closer to her chest as she followed him. "But I would like to see your kingdom sometime. Do you think you could invite me over some time?"

 The prince seemed slightly embarrassed. "I… Don't you need your father's approval first?"

 Arika felt sick as she remembered her punishment. "I doubt he'd care so long as I don't die. If your mother approves of my visits, you can send me a letter."

 Sin-Vira let out a groan. "Him not caring about you, it pisses me off. From how he pampered you, I always thought you were his favorite. How little does he think about you?"

 He wasn't wrong, Sibylla is his favorite and she's still being pampered. Arika was the little runt who got whatever Sibylla didn't want.

 "Nowadays he only cares for public appearance. So long as I behave and act properly in the eyes of others, we won't talk to each other." She placed her hand on Sin-Vira's shoulder. "Please don't let it get to you! Having friends like you and Suni means more than his approval!"

 He seemed to smile slightly. "I was so relieved you were awake that I forgot to ask how you were feeling. You were crying a lot and mumbled a lot in your sleep."

 Arika felt her face become warm. "I don't know why, but I've been feeling rather sensitive lately since yesterday. I can't remember how many years it's been since I last cried. It felt like I was… drowning and I hated it." She tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Thanks for holding me! Who would've thought sleeping in your arms would be so comfortable!"

 "I guess I was the only one embarrassed by it then. But I didn't want to risk you getting a bad reaction by sleeping against a tree."

 Arika was close to questioning him until she remembered that excuse from before. "R-right. Sorry for being a burden, I feel like all I did was cause you trouble the whole time."

 "Oh, you were a handful. I've never had to do so much socializing, comforting, and felt under so much pressure to impress you."

 She looked over at him. "Why do you care so much about impressing me?"

 He nudged her slightly with a grin. "C'mon! It's not out of any obligation! I like doing things and getting your praise. Is that so wrong?" he questioned.

 Arika let out a loud laugh as she stumbled slightly. "You're such a little kid sometimes! But it's fine, you've already been surprising me each time. Just keep being you, okay?" Arika remembered the necklace. "Oh right! Thanks for the necklace! It's cute, but you could've given it to me in the morning!"

 Sin-Vira looked away from her as he covered his mouth. "A-about that… I was too embarrassed after holding you all night to even look at you in the morning."

 "That's so adorable!" Arika gushed as she grabbed his arm.

 "I'm glad my humiliation is adorable to you. Besides my mom and Ivy, women aren't common in my kingdom so I'm not always comfortable with certain interactions. I'm guessing that's adorable as well?" He questioned as he looked down at her.

 Arika didn't laugh and shook her head. "It's not because it's humiliating that makes it cute. It's honestly sweet and makes me feel special that I get to see you like this. You'll get used to seeing me a lot more when I come over! We don't have to see each other every day, but the more often the faster you'll get used to it!"

 They ended up standing in the middle of the dirt road with the mountains in view. It was time to part ways so she could gush about everything to Suni.

 "It was fun, Vira. I'll make sure to return your clothes next time we see each other." Arika waved before turning to walk down the long road.

 "S-Sibylla." Sin-Vira's voice startled her before looking back at him. "I-I know you said you'll get nothing out of this deal, but I'll do everything I can to make you happy. It's already selfless marrying someone you barely know, but you're doing it to save my kingdom. I promise I'll be the best partner I can be to you, so I hope you can bear with me."

 Arika couldn't help but flash a big smile. "You really are full of surprises! I'm looking forward to seeing how things will end up." They waved, and she dropped her arm when he turned to leave. She hugged herself tightly as her chest ached. "Idiot… saying that so casually…"