The Princess and the Soldier

He's back

Alya POV

I was having a bad feeling about Dad’s sudden persuasion for training. I thought the idea died down ages ago and yet here he was, adamant and very excited. Mom, who is the current queen, didn’t have combat training, so why should I?

It’s because I’m the next in line to the throne.

I sighed internally as I answered myself.

Dad came back to my office together with my supposed trainer. My heart all of a sudden was pounding hard and fast inside my chest that I had to take deep breaths to calm myself.

The man, whose face I could not see, was standing behind Dad. They were about the same height. But then I could see that he was still wearing his decorated army uniform as if he just got off the army camp.

“Here he is.” When Dad stepped aside, the man took off his hat and bowed down low simultaneously, placing his hat over his chest.

I still had not seen his face full. But it did not matter. All I needed was a glimpse and I already knew him.

I stood up from my too big of a chair and clenched my hands in a fist. As my knees buckled underneath me, I placed my hands over my desk.

“What’s this Dad?” I could feel the anger emanating from my own voice as I gritted my teeth.

“You mean who’s this? This is—”

“I know who he is, Dad.”

“That’s good that you still remember him.” He smiled widely at me before patting the man’s shoulder. “So, I’ll leave the two of you as I have a lot of things to do.” But before he could turn his back, Dad had to say something more. “And Alya, this is King’s order. You have to complete the combat training. Do you understand?”

“Dad, at least have somebody else—”

“Do you understand?” He asked with a voice a little firm this time.

“Yes, Sir.” I just had to obey. I bowed my head in submission.

Why? Why does he have to do this to me?

“Good.” The next thing I hear was his steps and the door closing shut.

I sigh audibly and then looked up at the man in front of me. He had not moved from his position.

“Up,” I said, while not prepared for the wave of emotions that overcame my whole body when he straightened himself and looked ahead as if not seeing me. He made a salute and immediately brought his arm down.

Like John, he had changed a lot in the past five years. He looked more confident, his stance was straight and proud. I would have been proud of him, too. After all, he was my best friend. But it was all in the past.

His black hair was cut short with the sides nicely shaven. I remember how I used to comb my fingers through them when I massage his head. We would be in the garden, on a spring day and then he would lay down his head on my thigh.

But yeah, all those times he just thought of me as his best friend. Or as his sister.

He definitely looked different as a man. His facial structure was more defined after the army training. His jaw became more prominent and did away with the extra fats that he had before. Not that he was fat. He and John had been working out since they were sixteen.

Yes, he became more attractive. Dangerously attractive I might say.

His gray eyes that once had held warmth when he looked at me, became steely. One look and he could already make a woman drop her panties.

I shook my head and then inhaled deeply.

“I didn’t want to say this but… welcome back, Leo.” It was supposed to sound sarcastic, but it came out soft. Like longing for someone.

“Thank you, Your Royal Highness.” He replied curtly.

His answer threw me off. There was no familiarity in his voice. He was so formal.

And what do I expect? For him to come running back after I have had ignored him for the past five years?

But then something crawled in my skin as I remember that it was the same deep voice that was in my dreams. I recovered myself from my thoughts and waved to the chair in front of my desk.

“Please have a seat,” I said as I sat down on grandpa’s chair. He sat down, too, and looked at me. The first time that our eyes met.

I quickly averted my eyes and looked at my laptop. The moment our eyes met, I felt that I could not breathe and move. But then I slightly bent my neck left and right and moved forward towards my desk. Goosebumps raised on my arms.

I better end this conversation right away. I still have lots of things to do.

“Did Dad really hire you as my trainer?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“You just came back,” I stated the obvious.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Don’t you need to be somewhere else? Like in a camp or something?” I blurted out. How cruel of me. He just graduated from the military academy and I wanted him somewhere else.

In Solandia, it would take five years for someone to graduate from the military academy. From what I have heard, in some other countries, it only takes four or can extend up to six years.

“I am on a two-month vacation, Ma’am.”

“So, don’t you want to enjoy your vacation?” I shrugged nonchalantly. “You have been away from your parents for so long.”

“My parents will be working, Ma’am. And I will also be staying most of my time at the palace.”

“Of course, you will be hanging out with John.” I nodded.

“No, Ma’am. I was also hired by His Majesty to work for him in addition to becoming your trainer. I will be working on some projects but no specifics were laid out yet.”

Oh no! I can’t be working with him too!

“Is that why you came here directly from the academy?” I find it odd that he would come straight to the palace just because of some work that Dad will be giving him. Dad has enough sense to let him rest.

“My parents are here. I didn’t let them take the day off. And it was just right to give my respects to the King and Queen. And… I wanted to see you.”