I'M SORRY

As they made their way back to the familiar confines of the training ground, Alastor couldn't help but notice how the sun cast its warm glow over everything, painting the landscape in shades of gold. Time flew just as fast as he did.

He gracefully descended from the azure sky, his massive wings unfurling with a soft rustle as he landed, his talons sinking into the earth beneath him.

Riding with Cielle had been an unexpected amusement, one that had surpassed his initial expectations. He had braced himself for discomfort and awkwardness, but instead found himself enjoying her company more than he had thought possible.

Despite the vast difference in their sizes, he found her presence comforting, her curiosity infectious.

Cielle's wonderment at the outside world was evident in every movement, her eyes wide with excitement as she took in the sights and sounds around her.

Alastor couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as he watched her explore, her every question prompting a thoughtful response from him but he couldn't talk in his dragon form.

And when they soared through the sky together, Alastor found himself experiencing the world anew through Cielle's eyes. The wind rushing past them, the warmth of the sun on his scales – each sensation was heightened by her presence, reminding him of the joy of discovery.

In that moment, as they touched down on solid ground once more, Alastor couldn't shake the feeling of nostalgia that washed over him. He remembered a time when he too had been filled with such boundless curiosity and excitement, a time before duty and responsibility had weighed him down.

"Wow!" Cielle's voice rings out behind him, Alastor turns his head to face her, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes at her playful tone. He watches as she gracefully climbs down from his back, her movements fluid and confident.

"That was really great!" Cielle announces, her voice filled with genuine excitement as she approaches him. "But there was no need for you to almost dump me in that river!" she taunts, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Alastor inwardly laughed as he remembered that incident. The scream Cielle let out has been the funniest.

Cielle walks closer to him, her radiant beauty captivating him more with each step. "Aren't you a naughty big thing?" she teases, a playful smile playing on her lips as she meets his gaze.

Alastor can't help but notice how pretty she really is. Her fiery red hair seems to catch the sunlight, casting a radiant glow around her like flames dancing in the wind. Each strand seems to shimmer with its own inner light, framing her delicate features in a halo of warmth and vitality.

Cielle's wet white robe clings to her skin, the fabric molding to her curves in a way that's both alluring and mesmerizing. The now transparent material hints at the contours of her body beneath, leaving little to the imagination and drawing Alastor's gaze with an almost magnetic pull.

If Alastor was in his human form his cheeks would have painted red at the sight before him. There's an undeniable allure to Cielle's presence, a combination of innocence and sensuality that makes it impossible to look away.

And as she stands before him, her teasing words hanging in the air between them, he can't help but feel a stirring of something deep within him – a longing he hadn't realized was there until this very moment. He is attracted to her. What a curse to be attracted to your enemy.

Cielle reaches out to pet Alastor's head, a playful gesture of affection. But he reacts instinctively, playfully snapping his teeth at her hand.

Cielle gasps in surprise, pulling her hand away with a pout, clearly not expecting such a response from him. She laughed out loud.

But before either of them can react further, a sharp crack splits the air as a whip lashes out, striking Alastor across the back. He recoils in pain, his wings flaring instinctively as he turns to face the source of the attack.

Out of nowhere, a knight emerges, towering beside them with a huge whip in hand. His armor gleams in the sunlight. His eyes are ablaze with anger, his expression hardened with righteous resentment.

"How dare you try to bite off her highness's hand like that?" the knight bellows, his voice booming with authority.

Alastor's eyes narrow in confusion and frustration. He had only meant to playfully tease Cielle, never intending any harm. Yet here stood this knight, his weapon drawn and his accusations flying, ready to defend his charge at any cost.

Cielle steps back, her eyes wide with shock and concern as she watches them. "Are you for real?" She asks in disbelief. "He was only being playful!"

"No, your highness. Dragon's are very aggressive. You are mistaking it for playfulness." The knight argues, ready to charge again. "And why are you all wet, princess? What did he do?"

The way the knight's eyes rank all over Cielle's body makes Alostor's blood boil; he is one step away from ripping his throat out when she speaks.

"It's none of your concern!" She covers her body with her pliant hands. "Kneel."

"What?" The knight cries in disbelief.

"I said kneel! Right now." Cielle demands. Her voice is authoritative and booming in the air.

The knight falls onto his knees. His face red with anger and embarrassment.

"Apologize." Cielle orders.

"What? Why should I?" The knight shouts, a nerve on his jaw popping up from the strain.

"You hurt him for no reason." Cielle reasons, "And he deserves an apology from you for that."

"No I would not." The knight dares to say. Cielle's pale skin reddened from anger, her gaze sharpening as she said.

"Apologize or I would beat you up like you did him."

The knight's eyes widen in horror. Outmost shame painted on his ragged features as he stares at Alastor.

"I'm sorry." He spits.

"Oh, no, that's not how you apologize." Cielle taunts, "Do it properly."

The knight screws his eyes shut, "I'm sorry." the words fall out right this time.