Love’s Day

Crystal was impressed by his humility, but Ambrose was not so pleased with himself. He was still blushing furiously, and he felt that if he kept blabbering like that, his hair and face would be the same color.

"Unlike your image, your highness, you are a very kind soul," Crystal said, trying to ease the tension. But her compliment only made Ambrose feel more flustered.

He swallowed hard and sat down on his chair again, trying to ignore the beautiful smile that Crystal gave him. It was making him feel a certain way that he did not know he was capable of feeling.

"You shall depart now," he said, trying to steer the conversation away from his own insecurities. I prefer a subdued atmosphere while I am engaged in the act of painting."

Crystal could have obliged, but she could not tear her eyes away from the painting. It was breathtaking, with its vivid colors and intricate details. She had a bit too much to ask about it.

"Your Highness, if you don't mind me asking," she said tentatively. "You did not start painting this because of my water summon, did you? It's somehow making me feel more guilty."

Crystal knew that this was a lie. She was guilty, but not because of the painting. She just wanted to know the reason behind that maroon color that kept bothering her; the color was just everywhere.

"I must deny," Ambrose replied simply, without looking at her. He continued to stroke his brush against the canvas.

"Oh, that is reassuring to hear, although I did feel that the maroon color was very captivating mixed with the ocean. It gave a sense of something hidden--" Ambrose turned around, cutting her off mid-sentence, and changed the topic.

"Would you be able to evoke your water element?" With his piercing gaze and commanding presence, he was the epitome of royalty, yet there was something genuine in his request. He desired to know something. Crystal felt a flutter of nervousness in her chest as she contemplated her response.

"Why? My water element?" Crystal asked, unsure, and Ambrose nodded his head. "My apologies, but I am still not very skilled with my magic. I have tried summoning my water element after the incident, but every attempt has been unsuccessful till now."

But Ambrose was undeterred, his eyes alight with a strange intensity. He reached for a bucket of water nearby and placed it before her, his anticipation palpable.

"I implore you, Crystal, to make an attempt on my behalf. I assure you, I have a valid reason for making this request." Crystal could feel a questionable aura coming from him, which was weird.

Strong-willed people were the ones she could never read. Their auras and intentions would always be unpredictable for her, and so was Ambrose, the crown prince. The first few times she had met him, she had not been able to see his aura, which always left her confused about his changing demeanor. But now, she suddenly could see it.

It could mean only one thing, and that was that he felt vulnerable around her. But the real confusing factor was what it was about Crystal that would make the crown prince vulnerable.

"Okay, I will try once again for you." Crystal took a deep breath and twisted her wrist, flicking her fingers while chanting the spell, "Aqua Mobilis."

Ambrose looked at her and then at the water back and forth in anticipation, but to his disappointment, there was nothing. Crystal yet again could not lift a drop of water, and now looking at the disappointed look on his face, she felt embarrassed.

"I told you. Sorry to disappoint you." Ambrose could sense the bitterness in Crystal's voice, which now was making him feel terrible for stubbornly making her summon her water element.

"Your apology is unnecessary. Your presence simply brought to mind an individual whom I have missed dearly for an extended period. Please accept my sincerest apologies for placing you in an uncomfortable situation and causing you any distress." Crystal could see how Ambrose's aura changed completely. It was he who looked distressed and alone, and her intuition told her that this man was struggling with something, something deep and personal.

"I too am missing a lot of loved ones from my past, a past that I don't even remember. So that makes the two of us. Cheer up." Crystal lifted her hands up, fisting them up, transferring her radiant strength to Ambrose as he chuckled, shaking his head.

"Your mode of speech is undoubtedly peculiar, yet curiously soothing." Crystal was shocked, looking at Ambrose all smiley.

"Your Highness," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "You have a very pretty smile. You should smile more often. Others need to know that you are more than just a crude face. You also have such a nice personality." Crystal complimented him again without thinking much.

Ambrose cleared his throat, turning away from Crystal and telling her to get going. Crystal failed to notice his changing aura this time, wondering if her words made him feel less terrible inside. His vulnerability was somehow gone.

...

It has been almost a month since Crystal arrived at the academy, and to her surprise, Valentine's Day was a common event on Earth, and Plutus and other species also celebrated the event in their respective kingdoms. And they called it Love's Day.

The academy was decorated with a plethora of red and pink heart-shaped bundles, balloons, ribbons, and flowers.

Red faerie dust was sprinkled everywhere, and love-themed quotes floated in the air, written in red or pink.

But the most anticipated event of the day was the Love Bound Masquerade, where all the students would dance, savor a variety of foods, and perhaps confess their feelings. Crystal was eagerly looking forward to this year's Love's Day, excited to partake in the festivities.

Crystal had seen phrases like 'Love is the foundation of my world', 'Today is the day for love', 'Love is the glue that holds the two of us together', and 'Love is the language of my heart' At first, she was confused about them, but her confusion was melted away by Marina, who told her that these were notes that students created themselves as the tradition, called "Love Grams."