Chapter 34: Duties First

The events of the previous days have been very emotional to the Queen.
A few thoughts keep her mind preoccupied somehow.
The first is on her occasional disbelief that her daughter is finally back after long years of endless searching.
The other worry is on King Merlion's return to the Blue Haven. He has not forgiven his own father and he is trying so hard to stay away.
These two realities is too much tiresome to contemplate for a very caring mother and wife like the Queen.
So a few moments of rest is the proper solution to a troubled mind.
Queen Alina retires to her chambers with Nurse Zella after her. Nadia and Enya, the two young fairy apprentices of Nurse Zella, join them too. This will be an opportunity for them to observe the Nurse fairy attend to the needs of the Queen.
Nurse Zella has been one of the elder fairies in the realm. Her magical knowledge needs younger fairies to pass on to. Both Nadia and Enya are diligent apprentices of the great healer.
Bran is guarding the Queen's chambers a while ago but is doubling back to Caspian and Princess Aria.
They left the two practicing magic right outside their abode near the small lake.
At first, Princess Aria wanted to tag along with the Queen to evade being with Caspian. She is not yet ready to be with him alone.
But her mother told the Princess that it is a good opportunity to practice magic. The Queen suggested that her daughter would have a good start if Caspian is to train her.
Bran is smiling to himself recalling his conversation with the Queen a few minutes ago.
 
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"You know Bran, you don't have to take the King's command too literally." The Queen suggested to him.
"I think nothing will happen to me in my chambers. First of all, having Nurse Zella and her two apprentices with me does seem to sound pretty safe enough number of companions already."
The Queen continues to explain with an amused expression.
"I think we can handle ourselves on our own. Besides, I wouldn't think anyone would dare attack me in my own realm." She reminded him.
"What you need to be more concerned with right now is guarding my daughter. Make sure she does not harm Caspian too hard."
"Our Princess seems to have inherited her aunt's temper after all." Queen Alina says with a smile. She recalls how her sister-in-law could not control her temper herself.
"I advise her to practice with Caspian since she insists on practicing her magic. She learns quite quickly if you must know."
"Better make sure Caspian is still standing until the King arrives."
Queen Alina giggles with the other fairies and lets Bran out of her chambers.
 
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Bran agrees with what the Queen said. It is amusing that his friend is left with the task of practicing with the one fairy he will never ever dare hurt.
With what is presently going on between Princess Aria and Caspian, they would definitely need a person to stay witness or be a referee.
Princess Aria will beat Caspian up badly with her magic. His friend would not even lift a finger to defend himself, or would he?
However funny it may seem to be, Bran hurries up to find them. He is betting that Caspian will surely stick to his duties first and let the Princess do what she wants with him.
 
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Bran finds the ranger and his Princess by the lake. They have been on their own for a few minutes now.
True to the Queen's warning, he sees Caspian soaking wet as he crawls by the lakeshore with a sour expression. He is taking his time to stand. Maybe he is deliberating if he should retaliate back.
Princess Aria, on the other hand, waits impatiently for Caspian to recover with her arms crossed in front. She is almost failing to keep a straight face for she is obviously enjoying herself as she tortures Caspian but intends to look serious or casual about it.
"I forget that you are also a Water fairy by blood my Princess. We should have moved to another area of this realm faraway from this lake."
Caspian comments with sarcasm but also tries to stay polite to their Princess.
"Oh! My apologies to you Sir Ranger... I am still a bit new to my abilities so I have trouble controlling it presently."
The Princess replies with the same sarcastic tone. She attempts to mask her growing impatience.
Bran stops and decides to watch from afar. He has not yet seen the magic of the Princess at work. He is totally curious himself on how far and how fast she has discovered her innate magic.
His other motive for holding back is to see how badly his friend would allow himself to be beaten up. He smiles mischievously to himself.
The Princess flicks her right index finger towards the direction of the lake.
After half a second, a portion of the water from the lake starts to swirl like a mini tidal wave. It smacks straight at Caspian so hard, sending him down with his back against the muddy shore.
Caspian looks annoyed but did not say a word. He just stands shaking his head and busies himself in removing the mud stuck all over him. After that he wills himself to dry.
Princess Anna crosses her arms once more. This time she looks annoyed herself.
"So what is it now? You are not going to fight back? Are you teaching me to fight with a coward?"
The Princess shouts at her ranger with irritation.
"How could I truly learn if you would hold back?"
"Suddenly you are afraid to hurt me? Do not worry okay? I could handle being hurt. I am a big girl now!"
Princess Aria adds with bitterness and pride. Her locket glows at the same time. This makes her emotions even more obvious.
Bran shakes his head. He is debating with himself if he should leave the scene this instant. It makes him feel awkward that he seems to be invading a personal matter between the two.
He sees Caspian stare at their Princess but remains silent. He looks conflicted.
It would seem that Caspian's attempt of using sarcasm on the Princess is backfiring on him.
Maybe it is time for Bran to get involve now.
"Excuse me, Princess Aria. I could join you in your training."
Bran volunteers to break up the tension. He decides to intercede politely for the benefit of his friend.
Princess Aria nods to Bran in agreement.
In the meantime, Caspian walks far away from the lake, just in case the Princess intends to hit him again with water.
"Princess Aria, you seem to get the water spells handled very well." He praises her.
"Let us try just isolating your earth magic first."
Bran suggests to the Princess. He is not really a trainer but he intends to divert the Princess' anger towards something else.
She gives Bran another nod.
Bran is about to walk towards the bickering pair but stops short of his tracks.
"It is alright Bran. I could train with the Princess myself." Caspian finally recovers from his silence.
He shakes his head while looking at Bran. He is warning him to leave them alone.
Bran shrugs his shoulders and sits on the ground to observe.
"I apologize for interrupting your training. Do continue and I will merely observe for now."
Bran announces to the two but both Princess and Ranger do not seem to hear at all.
They are more intently focused on their own bickering.
The Princess focuses her attention on Caspian once more with a mocking smile.
"So are you ready then Sir Ranger?" She asks confidently.
Caspian nods to his Princess.
With a wave of his left hand, he sends mud balls flying towards the Princess.
Princess Aria is caught off guard. She is not expecting that kind of move from Caspian. She deflects most of the mud balls but one or two got through and hit her smack straight on her face.
Princess Aria's expression of anger is priceless for Caspian.
"I'm sorry my Princess. Did you get hurt?"
Caspian is half concerned and half amused by what happened.
The Princess takes a moment to recover. She manually wipes the mud away from her face. A few drops on her dress. With her frustration, she overlooks to use magic to fix her present status.
"I am alright Sir Ranger." She tries to keep her voice level down so as to hide her annoyance. She is determined to show that she is strong.
"Let's try again." Princess Aria commands.
"Are you sure Princess?" Caspian retorts.
"I just think I might have dirtied up your dress. What would your Queen Mother say if she sees you like that? Maybe you need to change first my Princess."
"Excuse me? I am fine." Princess Aria challenges.
"If you would allow me to suggest Princess Aria, you need to take a break first." Bran blurts out as politely as he could.
This time, the Princess turns her attention to Bran. She looks as if she does not appreciate the interruption to their argument.
Bran feels a bit scared for his meddling.
Finally, Princess Aria turns away from them, stomping hurriedly towards indoors.
All of a sudden, ice hail drops on Caspian's head.
Caspian looks surprised as well.
"That's my Princess..." Caspian utters in amusement.
Bran laughs loudly at the scene.
"You'll make such a scary couple." He comments jokingly.
Caspian's expression turns to sadness again.
Bran walks up to his friend and gives him a pat on the back.
"Caspian, you need a break too. Come on my friend. Let's check what Jeera and the others are up to." Bran starts to walk ahead.
Caspian allows Bran to lead the way. He really finds it difficult to prioritize his duties first. Being with the Princess makes him desire to be more than just a ranger. But what good would that do for him?