(Three Weeks Later)
(Xerxes's POV)
The prince's mouth curved upwards into a dazzling smile, the likes of which very few people ever had the fortune of laying eyes upon. In fact, there was, to count, only one.
Arte.
His maid was standing at his shoulder, grinning daintily at him as he savored the snack that she'd brought. She'd introduced him to it a mere four days after they'd been reunited, and ever since then, it had become his favorite.
Brioche.
"How is it?" she asked.
Xerxes turned to look at her and had the strange sensation of getting punched in the gut. It was his first time experiencing such a feeling, as no one alive would ever dare. Arte was the only one that would ever be overlooked for doing something like that, yet it hadn't even been her. At least, not directly.
He'd never noticed until now, which made him wonder if he'd been partially blind his whole life.
It was just that, standing next to him with her long golden hair dancing in the wind and the sunlight shining across her face, she looked so beautiful.
How had he never seen?
Shoving the foolish thought to the back of his head, Xerxes responded, "It's perfect, as usual." he accentuated the compliment with a cheeky grin that none would've ever guessed that the boy titled, "Prince of Evil" could ever possess.
His smirk made Arte beam herself, the mirthful expression on her face lighting up her whole countenance. Xerxes loved it when she smiled. He loved it when she laughed. He loved it when she did anything to express joy, because knowing she was happy made him happy as well.
"I'm glad you think so." the girl responded.
(Arte's POV)
Oh, Xer.
Arte turned away, pretending to be watching the birds soar across the vast, blue sky, but in reality, she furtively craned her eyes to glance at her prince from the corner of her vision. He sat on his chair, happily cutting the brioche into small slices and placing them in his mouth, eyes filling with satisfaction as he did.
You are the prince, I am the maid
Destiny divided these maddened friends
"Today's snack is brioche."
"Enjoying that, aren't you?" Arte teased. Her friend smirked.
"Can't you tell, stupid? ~ " he mocked back, making her scoff, though it wasn't genuine. The maid opened her mouth to make a witty retort consisting of calling him "stupid" right back, but her voice faltered in her throat.
He was wearing a carefree smile, face the very picture of naivety and freedom.
As of he had no burden.
As if he had nothing to feel pain about.
As if his life was perfect.
As if countless innocents, including Gilbert, hadn't died on his orders.
Xerxes...
A gentle zephyr caressed Arte's hair, blowing it into a golden cloud. She tucked the flaxen strands behind her ears, never taking her eyes off her prince's face.
That beam on his face.
That pure, childlike innocence.
You smile, you smile innocently.
He knew nothing of the bitterness, the hatred, directed at him.
But Arte did.
None of those negative emotions will taint the happiness on that face, she vowed. Not as long as my heart still beats.
I will protect you, Xerxes.
...But why?
Why was she trying so hard, why was she so determined to protect him?
She'd killed her mother for him, and he'd laughed, calling it funny.
She'd murdered her dear friend, all on his command.
If anyone had the right to hate, to loathe, to revile Xerxes Break, the "Prince of Evil", it was her.
So why...?
Why was he so important to her?
Why was she willing to do anything, lose everything, risk everything, all for his sake?
The realization, the answer, seemed to collide into her with the force of a cannon.
Arte smiled sadly.
Ah, I see...
Her resolution was made.
It was undeniable.
It was unshakable.
Xerxes Break...
I love you.
THE BIG REVEAL, FAM!
Just kidding. We all knew it was coming.
I know this chapter is short. Sorry about that. The next will almost certainly be longer.
Thanks for reading, and see you guys soon!