Daydreaming

{Music Recommendation- Fur Elise-Reimagined by Alexander Joseph}

No pain. She must be dead, else she would feel the agony that should accompany such a violent ordeal. Has she already passed to the afterlife? Do people die and move to the afterlife so quickly, without any suffering whatsoever?

Will her parents grieve her death, or resent her for putting the country in such a dire situation? Poor Lord Azryn and Yettiri - they'll bear the pain of losing their loved one. But what will become of Erya? Will she return to Aisin? Perhaps not. It might be in her best interest to remain hidden for life. These thoughts flit through her mind like winter breeze.

She should open her eyes to confront reality, but fear of confirming her departure from the mortal world keeps her eyelids sealed. Suddenly, she becomes aware of a strong grip around her arms and behind her knees. Yetsune slowlyy opens one eye, then the other, to find a blurred figure towering above.

As her vision clears, she makes out the figure to be man. His gaze remains fixed upon her, intense and penetrating. His face sharpens with each second, catching her breath. His eyes, a mesmerizing hazel brown, seem to ignite as he smiles, captivating her in an instant.

Her gaze lowers to his nose, high and straight, then to his softly curved, full lips. She notes his high cheekbones and small, pointed chin. A gentle flutter dances in her chest as his smile broadens, revealing flawless teeth. Her gaze travels to his dark hair, top half neatly styled with a ring crown and the rest cascading over his shoulders.

"Are you human or angel?" she asks, wonder and fascination filling her voice. Even his skin is fairer than Lord Azryn's, known as the most handsome man in all of Asana.

"Human," he answers, his voice enthralling. "Which explains why my arms are aching from holding you so long," he adds, eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Huh?" She's still processing his response when Erya jumps over the fence.

She exhales deply in relief seeing that Yetsune is safe. Only her relief quickly turns to wariness as she notices the stranger cradling Yetsune. "Who are you? Release Her Highness this instant!" Erya demands, instinctively reaching for a non-existent sword at her waist.

"Her Highness?" A guard beside the stranger scoffs, unsheathing his sword and pointing it at Erya. "My Master should be questioning your presence. Why have you trespassed into this manor?"

The gravity of the situation quickly dawn on Erya. She raises her hands in surrender but is stupefied to see Yetsune still nestled comfortably in the stranger's arms, their gazes locked intensely.

Chuckling nervously, Erya moves close and whispers, "Why don't you come down now?" as she pinches Yetsune's arm.

"Ouch!" Yetsune yelps, jolted from her reverie. She blinks rapidly, returning to her senses, and quickly jumps from his arms.

The stranger folds his arms behind him, staring at Yetsune with amuse eyes and a small smile.

Erya pulls Yetsune behind her, grinning nervously. "My friend can be mischievous. Please forgive our intrusion," she bows slightly, expecting Yetsune to follow suit. Yet, the Princess remains absent-minded, eyes still on the young man.

"We shall take our leave now," Erya says, grasping Yetsune's hand. They're halted when the guard presses his sword against Erya's neck, sending a chill down her spine.

"Where do you think you're going?" the guard hisses menacingly. Even Yetsune is jolted from her fantasy by fear for Erya's life.

"We had no intention of trespassing. I was simply pursuing a petty thief who escaped into this manor," Yetsune frantically explains, hoping for the guard's mercy.

"A petty theif? How ridiculous!" The guard egdes his sword closer to Erya's neck. "You must be the petty thief. Who in Velaris doesn't recognise the Young Lord of—" 

"That's enough, the lady looks terrified," the Young Lord interjects, signaling the guard to lower his sword. "I'm certain their intentions are as claimed. They mean no harm, correct?" His eyes remain on Yetsune, who nods vigorously.

Since you're already here, why don't you come inside?" He takes the lead without waiting for a response.

"But, Young Master—" the guard protests, silenced by a raised hand.

"Bring them," the Young Master orders, resolute in his decision.

Minutes later, they find themselves alone in a room, seated opposite each other on floor cushions at a portable table.Their eyes dart around, taking in the minimalist decor. Intricate brown lacquered woodwork graces the table and sideboards, while narrow white ceramic vases with plum blossoms add a touch of nature. A large brown screen featuring birds and bamboo trees stands behind them.

The door opens, and uniformed maids enter with trays of dishes. They bow respectfully, placing the dishes before Yetsune and Erya.

"Please enjoy," one maid says before they withdraw.

Their mouths hang open in awe, eyes round at the feast before them. Yetsune's lingering anger towards the bun thief disappears, replaced by gratitude for this unexpected abundance. The stolen buns are certainly a worthy sacrifice for this feast.

Yetsune grabs a chicken thigh, all manners and decency she has been taught thrown out the window. She tears off the flesh in an instant and reaches for another while one is still in her hand.

"Slowly," Erya cautions. "Have you forgotten you are a prin-"

"It seems you are enjoying yourself." Erya's words are cut short by the guard's sudden appearance. Startled, Yetsune chokes on her mouthful of chicken. Erya quickly pours water and hands it to her. 

"Your conscience must not be clear," he remarks

"It seems you are enjoying yourself." Erya's words are cut short by the guard's sudden appearance. Startled, Yetsune chokes on her mouthful of chicken. Erya quickly pours water and hands it to her. Yetsune gulps it down, eyes locked on the guard.

"Your conscience must not be clear," he remarks disdainfully. "My Master has asked me to inform you that you will stay the night in the manor."

"What-why?" Erya retorts. "Excuse me. We appreciate the food, but we wouldn't want to impose," she adds, trying to dispel any suspicion her fast objection might add.

"If you're thinking of escaping, it can only be in your dreams." He gives the both of them a warning glare before adding, "You will be questioned by my Master tomorrow morning."

"But-" He leaves before she can finish. Erya sighs in frustration at their predicament. "How are we supposed to meet the convoy tomorrow?" She laments, turning only to find that Yetsune has returned to eating.

"Are you not concerned at all, What if he finds out our identity?"

"We escaped Aisin on our own; surely we can leave this manor before dawn. For now, let's fill our bellies and rest," Yetsune answers nonchalantly, stuffing her mouth. "And besides," she adds dreamily, the chicken leg hanging loosely as she clasps her hands, "I wouldn't mind being questioned by the Young Master. I've never seen such a beautiful man..." Her thoughts drift into a blissful daydream.

Erya twists her lips in disgust. She has only seen the princess daydream about fictional men in books. "Lord Azryn is definitely more handsome than he is. Also, it's in your best interest to keep him out of your mind. You'll soon have to return to where you belong."

The harsh reminder quickly sours Yetsune's expression. "I know..." she replies with a slight frown, angrily tearing into chicken legs with both hands.