Prince Naca excused the servants after pouring Salīa another drink, and they stepped onto the balcony, overlooking the lantern-lit land.
Silhouettes of birds swooped through the starry skies, and people huddled down below.
"I am very sorry for her behavior."
Salīa shrugged and sipped on.
"It might not cheer you up entirely, but could I show you your gifts?"
The first thing he presented was a large box, and in it were several exquisite clothes. The one Salīa lifted was a knitted short top and skirt.
It would certainly have proper stretch and fit onto her curves, as she enjoyed. Yet it being dyed in a pattern of rainbow colors was quite unlike her usual muted preferences.
"Oh, this is kind, but I can't really go about being too flashy during this time. So could you keep it until my return?"
Prince Naca nodded.
"I'll send it during your return, then," Prince Naca nodded, then presented a small box.
Within it was a thumb-thick rolled parchment. And once unrolled, it became a larger map, an unusual one too.
"It was made small so you can easily hide it and place it in any books or things you keep with you. This map is unlike most.
With enough focus, it can show you land changes through history. But more importantly, it was specially made to show all lands, not just official ones.
This can guide you on your journey. I've made sure to add notes so if you tap it lightly…"
He tapped lightly on the map at an unmarked land not too far from Oggl. Text drew itself on the map with notes about the land. And once he tapped it again, the text disappeared.
"I'm sure you understand that such gifts should be handled carefully."
This would technically be considered a magic item, one that may not be permitted. But how can I refuse such a necessary gift?
Salīa smiled and accepted it.
"Thank you. This is especially incredible."
"Lastly…well…it's not as practical…but…"
He was seemingly nervous to present the gift that was in the smallest box.
"Salīa," Prince Naca said, lingering over the missed formality. "From the moment we've met, you've left an indelible impression on me. I'm sure you've noticed that I'm easily swayed by your affections."
How do I respond?
"That being said, I'm not purely offering a hand just to take yours. You are a mystery to me in many ways. But I do think I know you well enough to know that I can't force your heart. I don't expect you to indulge me out of concern that denying me will upend relations between our nations."
She downcast her eyes guiltily.
"I know you've endured many years of being lambasted throughout the realm, even in your own homeland. Honestly, I'm surprised it hasn't made you grow indignant."
He finished his glass and poured more for courage.
"You've been made leader of your land, but I assume the crown itches and aches upon your head. Yes?"
Is there a reason he's asking? What is he trying to figure out?
"Magi Inio was my dear teacher. And while he didn't intrude too heavily on my worries, he'd sometimes take care to say simple things to allay them. Do you mind if I share his last words to me before I left nearly a year ago?"
Prince Naca's eyes caught hers, and he grunted.
"'The land which is united can never truly divide. As the palace without its pillars is no palace at all. Yet a palace only needs its pillars to hold its crown. And a crown is only needed to hold its land. While a land is only needed to hold its people. Just as people are only needed to hold life. And life is…'"
Prince Naca waited for her to continue, then smirked upon realizing that was the end of it. He then clinked his glass with hers, and they drank.
"I heard about a special performance at the Freedom Festival."
"Naca!" Salīa blushed.
"Hmm," Prince Naca smiled. "Of course, the song I heard happened to be one you'd share with me plenty. I'm beyond honored to know just where that song came from and what it means. So…"
His lips trembled, but he pushed the small box forward, letting Salīa be the one to open it.
Before her was what appeared to be a wooden snuff box. But upon opening, she couldn't help but wonder if it was a peculiarly squared clock, as it had a circular mechanism along with some pins.
Before she could ask, Prince Naca gestured a turning motion to the small outside lever. She turned it until it was stretched taut, and upon release she heard the sweetest tune.
"This is…"
My song. Well, it's not entirely perfect and has a few hitches, but it's almost the same. But how? Why?
She looked to Prince Naca, who couldn't hide his smile as he saw her react.
"Since your journey may be long, I thought that if you carried a piece of home with you, then—"
She didn't wait for any further explanation before taking him into a long, long hug. And after his heart calmed did he dared to wrap his arms around her and do the same.
When she pulled back, he shyly glanced at her.
"Do you think one day you and I—"
"Thank you so much for—"
"What?" they both said after speaking over each other. Yet Prince Naca was quicker to cover his words. "No need to thank me. Let's just spend a bit more time together."
She sat with him a while longer until both had become tipsy. It was clear to tell he was, as he kept glancing at her with a flushed face. And even if she wanted to not notice, his glances lingered longer each time.
Eventually, she stood up and said, "It's been a good day, and I'm grateful. Now I must tend to some things and rest."
"Tend to some things? Oh, yes, to mollify your guard, right?"
She didn't correct him. And he didn't expect her to, having raised an orange bottle.
"Here is a special gift that might help. It's marula again, but mixed with so much fruit it'll taste just like juice. I'm sure he'll enjoy it."
"Juice? Yes, thank you," she said, and made her way out.
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