Gazing into each other's eyes

Corrin had found it harder and harder to focus as of late. After his embarrassing display at Felicia's wedding, he couldn't help but stare a Flora every time he saw her. It was affecting his ability to plan out marching orders and battle tactics as well, which gave Leo ample time to assert himself as the official tactician of the army.

Corrin wouldn't argue with his little brother, he was a damn fine tactician. With Xander, Ryoma, Hinoka, and Leo working together, brought together by Corrin, they were achieving the impossible. Ever since this war had started, not a single member of Corrin's elite had fallen.

All of this had given Corrin more time to simply relax. Which would be wonderful if could ever get Flora's image out of his mind.

All in all, Corrin was feeling okay as he walked through the astral castle. Everything was in order, with people manning the shops and a few on lookout on the walls. Off-duty troops made their way to and from shops, eager to spend their savings.

"You look lost in thoughts." Silas commented, startling the prince.

After calming himself, Corrin nodded. "I just...don't know what to do with myself today. I've gotten more free time and..."

Silas grinned. "I'm in a similar position." He rubbed his chin, appearing as if he was thinking, yet Corrin could tell the knight had already made up his mind. "How about we have a little duel?"

"What for?" Corrin asked.

"If I win, you owe me a fancy dinner in Cyrkensia after the war." Silas said with a smirk. "And not just any place, the one with the opera and a play and such."

"And if I win?"

"I'll treat you to the same, unless you want something else?"

Corrin rolled his eyes. "Fine, if only to pass the time."

()()()()

Corrin slid backwards on the empty training yard, breathing heavily. He wiped the sweat from his brow with a weary sigh.

"C'mon, Corrin." Silas called, just as exhausted. "It's first to three, we can give up on a stalemate!"

The score was two-two, and the next round would decide the victor. Corrin rolled his shoulder and took a few deep breaths.

"Alright, let's finish this!" He yelled, running straight towards the lance-wielding knight.

Silas easily deflected Corrin's first attack, using the prince's own momentum to shove the prince from behind. Corrin dropped to a knee and spun in place, kicking dust up at the knight. A moment later, Corrin was throwing wild swings at Silas.

The fight continued for some time, both men refusing to fall yet unable to find an opening in the other's defences.

Corrin panted as he threw a weak swing towards Silas, only for the knight to slap it aside with his lance. Corrin saw the knight was slowing down. In a sudden burst of energy, Corrin launched himself forward and used his sword to throw Silas off-balance.

Corrin was about to bring down the final swing, the winning blow, until he spotted a single observer sitting on the benches.

Flora sat patiently, a small smile on her face. A tray of water and light snacks sat beside her. It seems she was waiting for the prince to finish his little duel.

Corrin made eye-contact with the maid, suddenly finding himself lost in her eyes. Those cool, steel-coloured eyes stared right back at him. Corrin felt as if time had almost slowed down as he felt himself be drawn in by the maid. It was surreal, something he had never experienced before in his life.

Suddenly, Corrin found himself in the dirt, a wooden lance at his throat.

"I think that's game." Silas panted.

"...Right." Corrin said uncertainly, still confused as to what had just happened.

Flora greeted the two men as she handed them cups of water. Corrin raised it to his lips, until Flora stopped him.

"Wait, milord. It's bound to be warm by now." Without waiting for Corrin's answer, the maid took his cup into her hands and closed her eyes. Seconds later, small bits of ice and snow formed in the cup.

Corrin took the water thankfully, his face crimson. Flora left a short while later, promising to return with more water.

Silas grinned and leaned against the shoddy wooden fence surrounding the training area. "So, Flora, huh?"

"What!?"

Silas rolled his eyes. "Don't bother trying to hide it, I saw your whole lovey-dovey look. It was quite funny."

Corrin scowled and looked at the dirt.

"Huh, I always thought you'd fall for Felicia. She clung to you a lot when we were younger."

"No..she was just a friend." Corrin said simply.

"But you and Flora huh..." A wicked grin grew across Silas' face. "For a member of the Ice Tribe, she's kinda hot."

"SILAS!"