Nightwing sighed as he stooped closer to the ground to retrieve the wooden sword that he had just dropped. King Myand'r simply chuckled as the hero picked up the sword for the fourth time within that hour. Dick had felt truly honoured when Myand'r had approached him and asked to practice with him but Kori's absence was beginning to get to him.

It had been a week since Kori had rode away with her brother by her side and the thoughts concerning her wellbeing were starting to give him headaches. Dick wanted to know that she was okay; that she and Ryan had been able to help in defending the west. He just wanted to know if she was safe or not. She should have been back a couple of days ago and that is exactly why he had become worried.

Myand'r practically read his mind. The king tilted his head at the young human, "Something troubles you, Nightwing?" He asked,

Nightwing paused and bit his lip for a moment. He didn't know how to answer that question. For some reason, Dick didn't want to admit that he was worried about the Princess and the Prince.

He faked a smile and shook his head. Dick cleared his throat to reply, "No, nothing, King Myand'r; just trying to figure out how to win one of these sparring matches with you." He chuckled,

Myand'r grinned, "Ah, I have had a long life of combat practice, my boy however; your own skills are very advanced for someone as young as you."

Dick shrugged, "Thanks... Batman made me start training at a young age."

The King nodded to show that he was listening.

Suddenly, their attention pulled in the direction of the double doors that led into the room. Dick felt his heart soar at the sight before him.

Kori meekly stepped inside of the training room with a bright smile on her face. Dick felt his breath hitch in his throat. He was ecstatic to see her alive and well and all he wanted to do was run over to her and hug her but he understood that circumstances prevented him from doing that, especially with the King in the room.

The King grinned and dropped his sword. He threw his arms up and wandered closer to the Princess, "My daughter! You have returned unharmed, I see!" He chuckled, holding his daughter close for a second.

Koriand'r giggled and shook her head at her father, "Of course, father. Did you truly expect anything less of your children?" She countered,

"Of course not; So, I am right in guessing that your brother is alright as well then?"

"Yes and we have brought Grandfather Galfore back with us. He has seen the better days but he is alive."

Myand'r sighed in apparent relief before he leaned forward and kissed Kori's forehead, "A job well done, Koriand'r."

"We were successful in... removing the intruders from the West Plains, also father..."

"You and your brother never fail to make me proud. I shall go and see him and my father immediately. Tonight, we celebrate the success of my children! Aha!" Myand'r boomed, turning to nod at Nightwing as a sign of his leaving.

Nightwing returned the nod, happy to have time alone with Kori.

The King walked out of the room, buzzing with pride and joy at the result Kori had informed him of.

Kori softly smiled as she watched her father leave. Her gaze then shifted to focus on Nightwing who was staring at her like she might disappear in a matter of seconds.

"Richard..." She breathed; glad to know that he was safe while she had been gone,

Dick gulped and boldly strolled over to her. She opened her mouth to say something else but he cut her off. He immediately placed his arms around her and held her close to him.

Kori blinked out of a surprise initially but she relaxed within his arms and hugged him back.

"I'm glad you're safe, Kori." He whispered, through her hair.

The Princess blushed and nodded against his shoulder, "I am also glad that you are unharmed, Richard." She responded, quietly.

Dick sighed contently but it suddenly occurred to him that he was hugging her. He cleared his throat and stepped back from her. He rubbed the back of his neck and blushed,

"Uh... Sorry, Kori... I didn't... I just-" He stammered,

Kori giggled and tilted her head at him, "Do not be silly, Richard. You are my friend. You are more than welcome to hug me... It was a nice thing to come home to so, thank you." She returned, brushing some of her hair behind her ear.

Nightwing offered her a lopsided grin and relaxed a little more.

"In truth, it feels wonderful to be home..." Kori admitted,

"So, you really aren't hurt, right?" Dick paused, "No cuts, no bruises?"

Kori smirked, "None. You may check if you do not believe me," She twirled around quickly, causing Nightwing's blush to deepen.

He grinned however, "It's okay, Kori... I believe you."

The Princess giggled but bit her lip, "I should go... I must get changed. It is horrible to remain within the clothing that you have battled in, I must admit."

Dick chuckled, "I should go and wash up too. Sparring with your father was no easy task!"

Kori raised an eyebrow at him, "Ah, who do you believe it was that educated me in the art of combat?"

Nightwing shrugged in defeat at her statement, deciding that she had a valid point.
"However... I love the aftermath of being victorious in battle. The festive celebrations are most fun! It gives me the excuse to do the dressing up." Kori babbled, clapping her hands delicately.

The hero couldn't help but smile. Whenever he was around her, he couldn't help but feel happy and positive; she was very good at bringing that out in people. Kori bid him goodbye for a little while and left the room swiftly.
Dick sighed. He felt terrible because his abilities to handle his feelings for the Princess were failing miserably yet, he also felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders. He had literally almost passed out when his eyes had fell upon Kori standing in the doorway. He was so relieved that she had made it back safely...