Another arrow whizzed through the air towards the target situated in the palace courtyard, but when it hit the target, it missed the center by a few inches. Prince Alfred of the kingdom of Myleria gave a frustrated groan. He was once again trying to practice his poor archery skills, but to no avail.
"Need some assistance, My highness" Alfred turned to the familiar voice behind him to find Lord Ivan Braginsky, the son of the highest general of his mother, the queen. The tall, broad, and violet eyed noble was standing over by the path cutting through the courtyard. But he soon glided over to the unresponsive Prince.
"Let me try" he said holding out his hand, to which Alfred shyly put a bow and arrow in. Ivan quickly got into position and Alfred noted how Ivan made his thick fingers so nimble when handling the slim arrow. Quickly, Ivan locked the arrow into place, pulled the sting back, and released the arrow straight into the center of the awaiting target.
"Show me how to do that" the words flew out of Alfred mouth before he knew he was saying them. Ivan's gaze turned back to Alfred.
"Of course, my highness". But he handed back Alfred his bow, "But first show me what you are doing", not like he had been watching Alfred practice for a while beforehand. He took a step back to give the blonde prince space.
Alfred took his stance, but wasn't as fluid as before positioning the arrow and pulling the sting back as before. He could feel the other's eyes all over his body, and it wasn't doing much for his concentration. The arrow, this time did even worst than the ones before it. It wobbled all the way to the target, and almost didn't make it, landing nearer to the bottom. Embarrassment prickled through him.
"Let me help you, my highness" Ivan was quick to say. Before Alfred could respond, Ivan was pressed against his back as if the two were in a more intimate... Alfred pushed that thought out of his head even though his stomach fluttered. Ivan's warm large hands covered Alfred's and were soon adjusting them around another arrow. Ivan's mouth was right next to Alfred's ear and as he whispered hot breath onto it, Alfred felt his face and ears blush and sincerely hoped Ivan didn't notice. Their hands worked together to draw the bowstring back, and lifting the bow a millimeter up, the string was released. The arrow flew straight into the perfect center of the target. Alfred leaned back into the chest behind him, but Ivan moved his body away. Alfred immediately missed the heat, but also pushed that though out of his head.
"Well then" Ivan sounded triumphed, and Alfred's knees felt weak. "All you need to do is take less time in aiming and trust..." Alfred stopped listening at that point, choosing to focus on the pink lips moving excitedly in front of him.
But Ivan stopped speaking and waited for Alfred to respond, for a long moment the two were left staring at each other, before Alfred snapped out of his daze. "Of course, thank you so much for your help and advice" Alfred said, falling back onto the old courtesies of his upbringing.
"Well, I'm glad I could help, my prince", something in the way Ivan said those last words made butterflies soar in his stomach, and legs feel weak. "Well I must go, it is such a lovely day, goodbye, my highness", Ivan rushed off before any more could be said.
Alfred stood there alone for a moment more. Then he collected all of his arrows and speed walked off into the opposite direction.
