[Flashback continued.]

  Lina noticed the Emperor had caressed her mother on the face. She knew it was time to excuse herself.

  Sometimes, Lina wondered why the Emperor even married the Empress and First Concubine if he wasn't going to love them. Then, Lina heard the story about her mother and the Emperor.

  It was amazing that her mother was even able to become the Second Concubine. At that time, The Second Concubine was of royal blood, but from a fallen house with no wealth, no power, and no prospect.

  The entire Imperial Court vehemently denied the relationship until it was certain the Second Concubine's children would not become heir. It was only after two wives was the Emperor finally allowed to marry.

  "Please excuse me, Father," Lina said, lowering into a small curtsy and deciding to head off.

  "Wait," the Emperor commanded.

  Lina instantly did so.

  The Emperor rose out of the seat and beckoned more guards to come over. He approached his daughter, took a good look at the sword on her hips and the people trailing after her.

  "Take more guards with you, my darling girl," the Emperor stated, offering her a slight frown. "The bandits are from Ritan, our warring nation. You must be prepared."

  Lina's heart fell. She had a good feeling they weren't bandits. Her father knew that. Everyone knew that. But her mother didn't. It was why he didn't explicitly say it. If they weren't mere bandits, then they were here to kidnap someone.

  "Yes, Father," Lina instantly obliged.

  Lina lowered herself into a curtsy and headed out of the tent. To save her eyes, she didn't look behind her, fearing she'd witness one of their loving moments. Holding back a soft sigh at the increased guards following her, she continued walking.

  Lina didn't mind the Royal Guards accompanying her. They were a breed of their own. Royal Guards were ranked far higher than normal soldiers, for they were the best that this kingdom had ever seen.

  Just then, she heard a familiar voice amongst the crowd.

  "Princess!"

  Lina spun around and her eyes instantly lit up. She immediately unhooked her veil so he'd recognize her properly.

  A breathless smile overtook her face and she eagerly waited for him to jog up to her. The windswept through his black hair, adding a boyish charm to him. His gaze twinkled like the morning star, his mouth wide with a grin.

  "There you are, Princess," he chuckled, reaching her and lowering his head.

  "Please, Atlan," Lina said. "You shouldn't be bowing to me. You're the master and I am the student."

  Atlan's face went red with embarrassment. Atlan presented a charismatic shake of his head. He sincerely placed a hand on his chest and let out another small laugh.

  "Princess, I am but a mere orphan who has risen through the ranks into a General. Even if I become a great Commander of Teran, I will always bend the knee to you," Atlan swore.

  Lina's heart swelled with his kind words. She could always rely on him to make her feel protected. This man was like a brother to her. Except, he was an orphan, who her mother had picked up on the streets one day after being chased by bandits.

  Atlan had led the Second Concubine to safety twenty years ago, and now, he had trained himself into one of the finest soldiers this nation had ever seen.

  Lina remembered being so proud of the calluses on Atlan's hands from practicing the sword. She even praised the ink on his fingers when he learned how to write in both Teran and Ritan's language. At that time, it was a huge accomplishment. Atlan was one of the first soldier to master Ritan's language.

  Even the Emperor, praised Atlan's skills, which boosted his ranks. Atlan always believed the Emperor only liked him because Lina viewed him as worthy.

  "You're always so dramatic, Atlan," Lina smiled, shaking her head in amusement.

  Many people had told Atlan that his name was strange. It wasn't the typical pronunciation used in Teran. But the boy didn't know where he had come from, what his age was, and he had no knowledge about his family. He only remembered his name—Atlan.

  "It's the truth, Princess," Atlan insisted, lowering his gaze onto her.

  The sight of her in training robes made him shyly smile. He could see her womanly curves and they were beautiful.

  "The sword fighting tournament is beginning soon," Lina pointed out.

  Lina hid her hands behind her to contain the excitement. She was hoping he'd have the time to train her once more before the fight began.

  "Yes," Atlan agreed with a nod.

  "Are you busy?" Lina asked.

  Atlan apologetically smiled. "I'm afraid so, Princess."

  Lina's shoulders dropped in disappointment. She tried to hide that emotion. Instead, she forced a strained smile and reluctantly nodded her head.

  "I see," Lina managed to say.

  Guilt stabbed through Atlan. Atlan rarely told the Princess "no." She used to come first in his life.

  Whenever Atlan was busy with a task, he'd drop it just to please her, even if there was no merit in it. He used to tell her that a simple smile from her was enough.

  "I've been stationed at the border of the tournament due to the increasing Ritan barbarians," Atlan said. "They've infiltrated our lines."

  Lina frowned at his word usage. Teran and Ritan were at war with each other. They were disputing over land and the riches tucked within that small plot. When they caught wind of the land's abundance in metal ores and priceless gems, conflict ensued between Teran and Ritan.

  There had been many casualties on both sides of the battle. Her older sister, one of the only female Commanders of Teran, was engaged in the fight as well. Even as the two spoke, she was on the battlefield, defending the nation.

  "Even if they have infiltrated our lines, let's not call them horrid names," Lina said. "They're humans as well and—"

  "They're scum, Princess, and deserve death on sight," Atlan warned, with a deep frown.

  Lina flinched at his harsh wording and tone. She wasn't used to this grueling side of him. But ever since he participated in the expedition a few months ago, Atlan had changed. He fought valiantly in the battle, won multiple awards, and now, he was a different man.

  "I'm sorry, Princess," Atlan sighed. "Let me apologize by brewing you one of my special tea concoctions."

  Lina loved Atlan's teas. He was amazing at combining certain ingredients to make the drink medicinal or delicious—but not this time.

  "They're not scum," Lina tried to say.

  Atlan scowled. "Princess, you have not seen what they've done to our women. They've ransacked villages, torn down houses, gathered the women, and turned them into—"

  "Aren't Teran's soldiers doing the same?" Lina whispered.

  Atlan froze. "That—"

  "Nevermind," Lina softly said. "You have your duties."

  Seeing her dismayed expression, Atlan's entire heart fell to his stomach. He could feel her distancing herself from him. Fearing he wouldn't have any chance but this one, he immediately approached her.

  "Princess, now that I think about it," Atlan said. "My lunch break is coming up in just a few minutes. Let us spar and perfect your skills before the tournament."

  Lina instantly perked up at his words. She had been disappointed by the way he spoke. Atlan was never good with conversation. He excelled in his actions. She supposed it was because he didn't grow up in the same lifestyle she had.

  Lina reminded herself that Atlan was just blunt at times. He was a good man. A good friend. A good fighter. In her eyes, Atlan was an older brother.

  "But it's your lunch break, you must be fed, I—"

  "Please, Princess," Atlan insisted. "If I can't brew you one of my teas to calm your nerves, then it'd be an honor to train by your side and watch over you."

  Lina vehemently shook her head. "Don't spar with me. Just watch from the sidelines, eating your lunch. You just have to make sure my form is perfect, that's all. What do you think?"

  Atlan smiled gently at her words. The Fourth Princess of Teran was too kind. There was not a mean bone in her body. He knew she was the type of Princess to sacrifice herself for the greater good of this country. But not if he could help it.

  "Very well, Princess. How could I ever deny you a suggestion, when you are far above me?" Atlan said in a joking manner, but he meant every word.

  Atlan was just an orphaned boy. He was already stepping out of the ranks by being the first to speak to the Princess. Even now, as they stood outside the Second Concubine's tent, he could see the irritated stares from the aristocrats.

  "Please, lead the way, Princess," Atlan said, even though he knew the location.

  Atlan didn't dare to lead the Princess. He also didn't have the guts to walk beside her. One day, he would. He promised himself.

  Once he became a Commander, the entire world would be forced to respect him. Once he became richer from the frequent expeditions, accomplishments, and awards, Atlan would have the right to stand beside the Princess.

  One day.

  Atlan just hoped it would be sooner rather than later.