Chapter 12: A Dance Unseen
748 Words
The following morning arrived sooner than either of them expected.
Just as he had promised, Lucien waited for Amelia at the royal training grounds.
The summer breeze drifted gently through the palace as the Royal Knights prepared the practice arena.
When Amelia arrived, Lucien looked up.
"You came."
She smiled.
"I did."
"I hope I'm not late."
"You aren't."
Lucien handed her a wooden practice sword.
"Today, we'll begin with the basics."
Amelia accepted it with a smile.
"I'll be in your care, then."
---
The night before, Amelia had designed a new outfit especially for training.
Unlike the heavy riding clothes worn by noble ladies, hers was light and practical.
It was fitted around the waist, allowing her to move freely, while the sleeves could be tied back during practice.
The Royal Knights couldn't help but glance at the unusual design.
"It looks comfortable..."
"I've never seen training clothes like that."
Even Lucien found himself studying it for a brief moment.
"It suits training well," he admitted.
Amelia smiled.
"I thought clothing shouldn't get in the way of movement."
Lucien gave a small nod.
"It was a good decision."
---
Training soon began.
Lucien demonstrated several simple techniques before asking Amelia to imitate them.
To his surprise...
She learned quickly.
Very quickly.
Every movement he demonstrated, she copied almost perfectly after only a few attempts.
The watching knights exchanged surprised looks.
"She's talented."
"Very talented."
Lucien narrowed his eyes slightly.
"She's learning faster than I expected."
When it came time for a practice match, Lucien raised his wooden sword.
"Come."
Amelia nodded.
The two crossed swords.
Clack!
Clack!
Clack!
For several exchanges, Amelia matched his rhythm far better than a beginner should have.
She quickly realized her mistake.
"I'm showing too much."
"If I continue like this, he'll realize I already know how to fight."
From that moment on, she deliberately slowed herself.
She mistimed a few steps.
She left small openings in her defense.
Finally...
Lucien's wooden sword gently tapped her shoulder.
"You lose."
Amelia lowered her sword with a smile.
"It seems I still have a long way to go."
The knights applauded politely.
But Lucien remained thoughtful.
Something didn't feel right.
For a brief moment...
He had been certain she was holding back.
"Was I imagining it?" he wondered.
He said nothing.
---
After training ended, Amelia returned to her room.
She had worked harder than she expected.
A warm bath washed away the sweat and dust from the morning's practice.
Feeling refreshed, she dried her hair and changed into a simple, comfortable dress.
The room was empty.
Sunlight poured through the open windows.
Without thinking, Amelia smiled.
Back in her previous life, whenever she was alone, she would dance whenever she felt happy.
Old habits were hard to forget.
A familiar melody came to mind.
Softly, she began humming "Runaway" by Aurora.
She remembered only the feeling the song gave her—gentle, free, and full of longing—and she twirled gracefully across the room, letting the melody guide her movements.
Outside her door...
Lucien had come to speak with her.
He intended to ask whether her shoulder had been hurt during training.
Before knocking, however...
He noticed the door was slightly open.
Through the narrow gap, he caught sight of Amelia.
She was dancing.
Her steps were light and elegant.
She moved as though she had forgotten the entire world.
The sunlight caught her hair as it swayed with every turn.
For a long moment...
Lucien simply stood there.
He had never seen someone dance with such effortless grace.
Without realizing it, the corners of his lips softened.
His heartbeat grew a little faster.
"Beautiful..."
The word escaped his thoughts before he could stop it.
Then—
Amelia suddenly sensed someone nearby.
Her movements slowed.
She turned toward the door.
Their eyes met.
Lucien immediately straightened.
"I..."
For the first time in a long while, the Crown Prince found himself at a loss for words.
A faint blush appeared on Amelia's cheeks.
"Oh..."
"Were you standing there long, Your Highness?"
Lucien cleared his throat.
"I had just arrived."
Amelia smiled, pretending not to notice his flustered expression.
"Then please..."
She stepped aside and opened the door a little wider.
"Come in."
Lucien hesitated for only a moment before entering.
Neither of them realized it.
But with every passing day...
The distance between them was growing smaller.
And the Crown Prince's heart...
Was slipping further into feelings he still could not name.
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