Chapter 12 - New Year's Party

754 M.E.

Eira turned her head to the left, looking outside the car window to admire the night scenery of Insomnia. The lights from skyscraper buildings, the colorful lamp signs, and the people who were walking on the pavement; she looked at them while her mind wandered around, remembering a certain beautiful day a week ago.

A smile bloomed on her face whenever her head played some certain memories which happened on that day. She remembered how charming the marshal was; shaved, in his casual attire, lifting the corner of his lips whenever he smiled or chuckled between their conversation. They enjoyed warm beverages together, watched the movie afterward, went around to some shops as he accompanied her to buy some stuff in the places he never visited before, and at the end of their date, Cor invited her to dinner together.

Eira still didn't believe that it was real, that they indeed spent a day together like that in a mall in the middle of Insomnia. But, the white ribbon on her hair was the proof that it wasn't a dream.

It was the gift from the marshal, stating that it was the present for her birthday, and she didn't expect that he knew about that—even though Cor said that her father was the one who told him about it. Well, perhaps she should thank her father for being so noisy, but of course she wouldn't do that.

Tonight, she was going to the New Year's party in the citadel which was being held a week after the first day of the year. Lucian spent New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with family, thus, the party was always being held a week after. It was the party for the King, royal family, and their colleagues, and of course, as a daughter of a royal council member, Eira was also going to attend. And she was very excited to see the marshal, because she would be in the same ballroom as him.

After their date, she rarely talked with him. Things went just like usual before they had any date. They became just colleagues, Cor was just a marshal of crownsguard, and Eira was a mere medic in citadel infirmary. Well, the thing that was different was Eira now had courage to send him a Happy New Year greeting by email, and whenever Cor passed by the infirmary, he would see her and gave a simple smile at her before he disappeared to the training room. Regarding email, they didn't exchange it anymore after that New Year greeting. Eira didn't find any reason to talk, and certainly, Cor would never send her any message first.

Actually she really wanted to tell him every little unimportant thing that happened to her. She wanted to talk more with Cor. But she was too shy to do it, and also, if she was too eager toward him by sending emails every day, she was afraid that Cor would be troubled by it, and thought that she was too clingy and… creepy.

That was why now she was super excited to attend the party. Surely Cor would be there. Even though probably he wouldn't be able to enjoy the party because he would be on duty, guarding the event while standing alone in the corner or maybe staying close to the King. But, if Eira could see him today, even for afar, it would be more than enough for her.

"Someone is being quiet and smiling the entire trip. Excited to see someone?"

Eira blinked, startled by the sudden question thrown by a young woman on the driver seat. Averting her gaze from the window, Eira scowled and looked at the brown-haired woman who was driving the car which would bring her to the citadel.

"N-No. Why did you say something like that Liz?" Eira stuttered, denying the accusations from the crownsguard who was especially assigned to accompany her.

"You looked so happy for the party today," Lizette answered. "And you're putting more effort in your appearance than usual, Ei. Fall in love, at last?"

"N-No…!" The heat burnt Eira's cheeks. She wanted to deny, but it seemed that despite saying "No," Lizette knew that she was lying because she was currently chuckling hearing Eira's reply.

"Well, enjoy your party."

The car had stopped in front of the citadel entrance. The doorman opened the door for her and right before Eira left the car, Lizette talked again, "Good luck with your love, Ei. I'll come later and find out who he is."

"Lizette!" Eira scowled again then stood up properly while thanking the young man who opened the car door for her—it seemed he was a new crownsguard who was being assigned to welcome the guests, she rarely saw him.

"Good evening, Ms. Heallint," the man greeted her, bowing a bit as courtesy.

"Good evening," Eira replied, smiling at him before walking up the stairs to the entrance.

She was a bit nervous, which was weird because it wasn't the first time for her to attend that kind of party. Perhaps, because she was alone right now? Her mother was still in hospital—working—, and her father was already in the citadel. And when she thought about it, it was the first time she came to the party alone without her family.

Excuse. She already knew that she was currently nervous because she already acknowledged that she had fallen in love with someone, who was going to be in the same room with her in a few minutes. Oh, she was really nervous. It didn't mean that she'd have a dance with the marshal or talk with him at the party, though. Well, she wished she would, but it would be impossible.

Some guests were waiting in front of the elevator, just like what she was doing right now. Eira greeted them, talking with them as courtesy since they knew each other. Colleagues, of course. But, as the daughter of House Heallint, she didn't want the people to think that she was an impolite woman who wouldn't want to greet the others.

"Yo, Eira."

Eira jolted, turning her head to see someone who just called her. She looked at the man with a large build who wore a suit which she thought didn't really suit him then greeted, "Hi, Gladio."

"You've just arrived, huh?" Gladio asked, eyes moving around to look at surroundings then he spoke again, "Alone?"

"As you may see," she replied, shrugging a bit. "Not with Iris?"

"She's already here. Maybe. Couldn't wait to see the prince and left home an hour ago."

"Oh, I wonder if the brother is jealous?" Eira chuckled a bit.

"Can't help." Gladio smirked.

The elevator opened and she walked inside with Gladio. The young man initiated the conversation with her, talking about miscellaneous things as they spent the time waiting for the elevator to bring them to the ballroom on the highest floor in the building. But in the middle of their chatter, the other young women in the same elevator began to talk with him, apparently being the royal shield's fans as Eira could see how they tried hard to impress him; by praises, a lot of questions, and some squeals whenever Gladio answered them.

Eira walked after them when the elevator had arrived at the floor where the ballroom was. She didn't really care about Gladio and his fans as she was thinking about a particular someone she wished to see, until they entered the ballroom, when those two ladies went away and ended their chatter with him.

"Hhh," Gladio sighed, which was loud enough to be heard by Eira and she chuckled hearing it.

"Nice to be popular?" she teased.

He snorted and raised one corner of his lips, "Well, sometimes."

They advanced their way to the venue. Eira inadvertently followed Gladio since the man began to talk again with her, about their daily work, the party, or the food. But, in every few seconds, Eira's eyes would wander around to find the figure she yearned to see.

And there she saw him. The marshal, standing a bit far from there, slightly behind the King who was currently talking with some royal family members. There was a loudest thump in her chest along with fluttering butterflies in her stomach as she found him, and her heart then began to beat louder than before. Oh, Cor wore a suit. He was so dazzling in such attire, and again, just like what she thought when she saw him with his casual outfit, Eira wanted to take a lot of his pictures. But, it was only an unfulfilled wish.

She was only seeing him from afar and now she was blushing. Cor didn't even notice her presence. The man was looking straight, toward the men who were talking with the King. What would happen if he noticed her drooling over his figure like this? Certainly, her entire body would be burning in invisible flame. Even now the winter outside the building was seemingly like an illusion. Her face was hot, and the heat slowly crept into her ears.

"You want a drink? Oh wait, you're still eighteen."

"Umm," Eira replied, not really listening to Gladio's words because her eyes were fixated on the charming marshal on the other end of the ballroom. She was currently in daze, being enchanted by the marshal's gracious figure she adorned. Certainly she wouldn't dare to come closer to the man. He was standing too close to the King, and she had no reason to talk with Cor. Greet him? No. No, she never did something like that. Also, her father would find it unusual if she greeted the marshal, remembering that she always hid whenever Cor came over to her house. Um, but that was years ago. It wasn't weird for a crownsguard medic to greet the marshal, right?

"Aherm…"

Gladio who was already taking a glass of drink from the waiter suddenly cleared his throat, startling the young woman who was clearly in daze as she wasn't blinking while watching the marshal from afar.

The voice he made was enough to make Eira shift her gaze to see him, and he suddenly said, "He's cool in a suit, right?"

Gasp!

Widening her eyes, she frowned at his question. "Um? Who?" she stuttered, now didn't dare to look at the marshal anymore.

"I don't know. Well, the man surely attracted you so much you didn't even blink seeing him."

Eira gulped. Biting her lower lips, she glanced at Gladio who was smirking at her before looking elsewhere.

"I don't know what you are talking about," she stuttered, trying hard to hide the fact that she was indeed seeing someone—and perhaps without blinking like Gladio said. She began to walk away, getting further from where the marshal was standing at, pretending that she was walking toward a certain buffet table full of cakes and some drinks in a certain corner—even though she actually had no appetite after being caught red-handed staring at a particular someone.

"I wonder who this lucky guy is," and Gladio followed her, impolitely teasing her despite her clearly disliked being pried into.

"I remembered the time when someone was staring at someone in an elevator months ago. You know? After leaving a library on that certain autumn day," Gladio added.

Thump!

Eira was sure her heart almost stopped after knocking her chest too hard when Gladio specifically explained an event that happened months ago. She quickly turned her head, looking at him in disbelief.

Gladio added, with a smirk on his face, "Perhaps, someone whose initial is C… I don't know… I'm just guessing. Is that right?"

He took a sip of his drink while looking at Eira with his amber eyes which glimmered in mischief. And hearing the initials of the man he was talking about, Eira wanted to cry.

Am I that obvious?

"I-I don't understand. I'm not looking at the marshal."

"Marshal? I never said it was the marshal." Gladio chuckled more, amused by Eira's innocence.

"A-!" Eira gasped. She wanted to run, hiding and pretending that this conversation never happened. And her feet already did the job for her because she was currently scurrying away from Gladio.

Cor was standing next to the King, refusing to enjoy the party even though he wasn't on duty. He watched Regis talking with the members of the royal family, and Cor was observing their surroundings without ever letting his guard down despite this party being a private one and supposed to be safe enough for the King's safety. Clarus was on the other side of the King, and there were glaives in every corner of the room, certainly there was nothing to be worried of.

"Cor, you're not on duty. Go on and enjoy the party," Regis turned his head to the marshal after his conversation with those royal had met its end.

Cor shook his head, "It's okay, Your Majesty."

But then Clarus suddenly moved toward him and whispered, "You know? You're being alone is already making it hard for the women who swoon over you to approach you. And now you're standing here next to the King? Look, over there, the daughter of House Chamberlain, just five years younger than you, beautiful, smart, and available."

Cor frowned, scowling at Clarus who once again brought the topic Cor often avoided. The unimpressed marshal didn't even bat an eye to the woman he was pointing at, and now Clarus pointed at another woman and offered to introduce him to her. Just like a love cupid, but this love cupid was only an old man who loved to interfere with Cor's private matters. Indeed, it was only him and Weskham who hadn't settled in marriage, yet. And Clarus clearly disappointed whenever he knew that Cor broke up with every of his women, quickly introducing the marshal with another woman right after and somehow it never ended well.

"Fine, how about with a man? It's not unusual, and I totally support you if your preference is different from us." Clarus added.

Cor sighed, "Clarus. No."

Good thing was another family came and began to talk with the King and Clarus, freeing Cor from unnecessary conversation and concern regarding his love life.

Another sigh escaped his lips, and Cor unwittingly turned his head to the ballroom entrance. Woman, huh? Speaking of which, he hadn't seen her tonight. He wondered whether she would attend the party or not.

She?

Cor shook his head, rubbing the bridge of his nose as an attempt to wipe away the thought of a peculiar woman.

Funny. They indeed had a date just last week, watching movies and having dinner together afterward. He also gave her a present, and Cor was certain that they were getting close, more than before. But, after that they stopped talking. She just gave him an email at New Year, and there were no more conversations after that. In the citadel, Cor only glanced sometimes inside the infirmary without stopping by and Eira would sometimes notice it and then smiled at him. And just like that, they returned in being a mere colleague. He didn't have any reason to talk with her, even though sometimes he wished she would come to their favorite izakaya so they could sit together at the same table, just like that day after their movie date.

Cor shut his eyes, cursing his head for hoping to get close to the young woman who apparently charmed his heart. But then when he opened his eyes, he caught a figure of a slender woman in white dress with long raven hair which was adorned by a familiar white ribbon, entering the ballroom—with Gladiolus Amicitia.

It was Eira. And she talked with the prince's royal shield, with a beautiful smile on her face as she looked at him.

Cor had averted his attention from the King, and now was looking solely at Eira who was walking inside with Gladio. He watched them unintentionally, wondering what they were talking about.

Thump!

There was an unpleasant feeling in his chest after witnessing the two. Why would he feel displeased? It was totally normal if Eira talked with someone else. Moreover, Gladio was only three years older than her, a fellow crownsguard, certainly she treated his wounds once or twice. Also, when he thought about it, there was a time when he met the two in the elevator a few months ago. It wasn't unusual for Gladio to be friendly with Eira. Also, both of them were the children of the royal families. It wasn't weird if they were actually close, closer than what he thought they were.

Cor turned his head, looking back to the men who were talking with Regis and Clarus. He rarely joined the conversation, having nothing to say and also chattering wasn't his speciality. Except when he spent his time with a certain medic, it seemed that the topic between them had never met its end as the chatter was always going on and on and the time flew by too fast whenever he was with her.

But he sneaked a glance again, and then frowned seeing Eira walk away from Gladio while the man seemingly chased her from behind. Then she stopped, abruptly turning her body to face Gladio. It seemed they talked again, but not for too long since Eira was once again walking away, leaving Gladio alone there.

Cor was curious, yet he should bury his curiosity for he already decided to not leaving the King's side. Until William Heallint suddenly came and tapped his shoulder.

"Cor, did you see Eira?"

Cor blinked, eyes moving to see that Eira was no longer there in the place where Cor last saw her. "What's wrong?" Cor asked.

"I'm just wondering if she already arrived or not. Thing is, I forgot to bring the spare key and she's supposed to bring it to me. You know, the after party will be until midnight and Elle will kill me if I press the bell and wake her up when I come home. Now, before I forget it again, I want to take it," William explained, "And I also want to introduce her to some colleagues. Greeting."

Introduce, eh?

"I saw her. Somewhere around there." Cor turned his head, pointing at the location with his gaze.

"Great."

"Oh! William!" But when William was going to leave, some men came and greeted him, making him unable to walk away.

"Hi, George," William greeted. But before approaching the men, he turned his head to Cor and asked, "Can you call her for me, Cor? Really. I'm afraid that I'll forget about that after I talked with George. The man won't stop talking for a while."

"Huh?" Cor frowned. However, before he could refuse, William had already left and talked to his colleagues.

Seeing how Regis also talked with his guests, Cor walked away without telling him and Clarus. He walked toward the glaive who was standing not far from there and told him he was going to be away for a moment before advancing his way to the spot where he saw Eira a few minutes ago.

It was quite crowded around here, and finding her small figure was a bit of struggle. He looked around while walking, almost being trapped by some guests who greeted him and tried to initiate some conversations, but good thing he was great in showing stern face which made anyone grow reluctant in talking with him.

Cor kept walking, until he saw Gladio who was currently talking with some young women this time.

"Gladio," Cor called. Actually at first he didn't want to ask him about it, but it seemed he knew where Eira was. "Did you see Ms. Heallint?"

"Ms. Heallint? Oh, Eira? She fled to the balcony."

"Fled?" Cor frowned.

"Yeah," Gladio chuckled.

Cor still crooked his eyebrows but didn't really care to ask more about why Gladio chuckled by that. He thanked him and was going to the balcony, but Gladio opened his mouth, making the marshal halt his steps.

"I'm curious what kind of business the marshal has with Ms. Heallint?" Gladio asked.

But Cor didn't answer. He didn't owe Gladio any explanation of what he was going to do anyway. Cor couldn't see his own face, but certainly he made a stern and unimpressed one. And Gladio only smirked at him and walked away with a shrug.

Cor continued his way to the balcony, and as he stepped outside the ballroom, the chilly wind brushed his face, reminding him that it was still in the middle of the winter. He looked around the dim lit balcony, and not far from the entrance, he found Eira staring at the sky as her hand held a cup of drink and leaning her arms on the fence.

He saw her slowly sip the drink. Her face was red, and when she exhaled, he could see her breath. Cor walked closer to her while watching how her hands were slightly trembling there. It was really cold outside, and why would she stay here?

Before Cor could call her, the young woman suddenly turned her head—perhaps hearing his footsteps because he didn't try to hide his presence. Eira jolted seeing him, almost spilling the drink in her hands.

"Marshal?!" she hastily straightened her back, moving her body so she faced him. Her cheeks were really red, and Cor wondered why the woman stayed here even though she was seemingly weak at cold. Well, Cor remembered how her cheeks always turn red, especially when the air was too cold. Just like when she was waiting outside of izakaya months ago.

"What are you doing here? It's cold, right?" he looked at her attire. She wore a white sheath dress, which let him see the silhouette of her waist and hips. Perfectly fit. The dress was the long one, it covered her feet. It was a sleeveless one, and she covered her shoulders with a fur shawl. But, most of her arms weren't covered by anything, and certainly it must be freezing for her to stay here and be exposed to the chilly winter wind.

"Um, no. Um, I mean, not that cold. It's just... too crowded there in the ballroom," she stuttered.

"You don't like crowds?" Cor asked.

"Um, not really," she replied.

Cor gazed at her soft pink lips as she grinned, almost trapped by its charm before he quickly moved his eyes to catch the white ribbon on her head.

"You wear it. The ribbon."

Eira blinked then touched the ribbon Cor gave her with her slightly quivering fingers. "Yes, I thought that it suits my dress."

She gave a sheepish smile at him and Cor couldn't help but to think that she was so adorable tonight. He was so happy to see her wearing the gift from him. It meant that she didn't dislike it, right?

The warmth crept inside his chest and stomach. His heart increased his speed and knocked him from inside louder than before. Cor gulped, trying to suppress the emotion he wanted to erase. Oh the Six! It was only the two of them, and he somehow wanted to do something he needed to avoid.

He cleared his throat, averting his eyes from the young maiden he shouldn't touch and said, "It really suits you."

"Thanks. Never know that the marshal has good eyes to choose it," she giggled softly, and Cor glanced at her because he wanted to see the face she made when she laughed.

"Once again, thanks for the invitation to the movie, and for your guidance."

"No, no. That's not a big deal," she shook her head. Giving a few seconds pause, Eira spoke again, "Just tell me if you want to watch a movie again. Either if you need help, or… just want a … friend," her voice got softer as she looked down while she talked. Then she suddenly cleared her throat, and raised her head to look at him. "Well, surely you already know how to buy the ticket, right?"

Cor stared at her without blinking, and when she threw him a question he finally blinkedーtwice, in a bit surpriseーthen chuckled, "Unfortunately, I'm not really sure."

Eira chuckled, "You could ask me anytime."

"Ah, yes, certainly," Cor gave a pause, inhaling the cold air of Insomnia then said, "Thank you."

"No problem."

They stared at each other in awkward silence. Cor was—again—admiring her gracious figure, wondering how she looked more like an adult despite her actual age. Didn't mean that she looked old, it was just… it made Cor almost forget that she wasn't even twenty, yet.

"So, what brings Marshal here? I thought that you're going to stand by the King the entire night." Eira's voice abruptly stopped him from admiring her.

Cor gasped, just remembering the task he got from a certain man whose daughter watched a movie with him a few days ago.

"William is looking for you. Saying that you brought the spare key to your house and supposed to hand it to him," Cor explained.

"Ah!" a startled gasp left her lips, "I almost forgot it. Thank you, Sir. I'll go to see him."

She was going to move her feet but turned her head to look at him again instead. "Um? Where's he? And did he ask you to look for me?"

"He was talking with a guest. Unable to avoid the conversation, he asked me to find you."

"Oh…"

Another awkward silence shrouded them again. He stared at her, straight into her black eyes which also staring back at him. Her eyes were beautiful, so alluring it somehow imprisoned him in its beauty, so enchanting it somehow pulled him closer and almost let out his desire.

He clenched his fists, soon as he realized that he had slightly lifted one of his hands. What was he going to do? What did he want to touch?

Cor gulped, then said, "Get inside. It's getting colder. Certainly your shawl wouldn't warm you enough, right?"

"Um? Ah, yes. Right," she stuttered. "Then, thank you for informing me, Sir."

Eira lifted both corners of her lips, giving him a smile which never failed to bring the warmth into his chest. Cor nodded, and she began to move his feet.

He stood still, turning his body to watch her walk from there toward the tall door to enter the ballroom. She touched the handle, and before she pulled the door open, Eira turned her head to see him. Giving one last smile at him, she opened the door and walked inside, disappearing from his sight.

"Hhh," Cor rubbed his forehead, shutting his eyes because of the fact that he had a particular desire in his heart… which somehow became a bit unbearable.

He liked her.

He liked her.

But, he shouldn't.

Author's note :

Can't they just kiss? NOW! KISS!

By the way, thank you for reading this story! I wonder if this slow romance is too slow or nicely slow? (Don't talk about the slow update, it's indeed very slow)

I hope you enjoyed it~! Love you all! (Will be very excited if you drop some comments *wink (^_−) )