Chapter 15: The Calm Before The Storm 

James entered the garden. Some of it was still being repaired from the most recent incident. As James walked around the garden he noticed Eria sitting down on the bench. James was suddenly overcome with deja vu. As he approached the woman and said 

“out of all the stone benches in the garden is this your favorite?” He asked teasingly as he noticed Eria sat on the same bench in the same place. 

Eira was startled and turned her head to face James. “J-jay.. what brings you here?” She asked, still a little shaken up. “Can’t sleep I usually come here to clear my mind.” He admitted with a shrug and then asked. “Can I sit here?” To which she nodded and scooted over. “Yeah sure” 

James sat next to her. “Is something wrong?” He asked as he turned his gaze toward her. To which she quickly shook her head.

 “O-oh no. Nothing is wrong” she said quickly “you’ve already done plenty for me I don’t want to inconvenience you more” James shook his head. “If anyone should be worried about inconveniencing you is me. I was a bit selfish with the whole court mage thing. I apologize if it seemed forced that wasn’t my intention” he said to which her eyes widened.

 “N-no! It was my fault. I was the one who wanted to make my father proud. If I were more talented then I would never have gotten hurt and my reputation would probably be better…” she said with a sigh to which James put a hand on her shoulder.

 “Listen to me. You are very talented. It is not your fault your elements are conflicting. You’ve been training for a short time yet you’ve made incredible progress. Reputations change all the time. What matters is that you believe in yourself. And even if you don’t believe in yourself now that’s okay… because I believe in you and you are amazing just the way you are…” he said with a small smile to which a small blush appeared on Erias face.

 “W-why are you so nice to me?” She asked him to which James chuckled and said.

 “I’m not the selfless person everyone thinks I am. I have my selfish reasons for keeping you here. The biggest reason is that I enjoy your company and I like spending time with you” he admitted to which Erias's eyes widened. There are hundreds of young women that would do anything for the king's attention. But out of all the beautiful and influential women in the kingdom James chose her. A controversial daughter of a count with ice magic. 

“T-thank you… for having me…” she said and bowed her head to which James placed a finger on her chin and lifted her head. “I should be the one to thank you,” he said with a small smile. As he leaned his head back and stared at the stars in the night sky. “J-jay… Can I ask you something.. personal?” She asked a little embarrassed. 

James chuckled and said. “Sure since we are being so emotional today I’ll let you ask me a personal question,” he said curiously as to what the young woman wanted to ask.

 Eria took a deep breath and said. “How come there’s no queen? I know there are countless women both inside and outside the kingdom that would love to be the queen but you’ve rejected them all. Is it a political thing or was it your personal decision….. you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to but many people are curious..” she said to which James laughed. 

That was unexpected. He was expecting something involving his past or magic but this? He couldn’t think of anything more amusing. 

After taking a minute to laugh he finally settled down and stared at the sky.

 “Ok ok, I’ll tell you.. the truth is pretty simple. When I first took the throne the kingdom was a mess. And a kingdom doesn’t run itself that’s for sure. It takes a lot of long hours seven days a week. I once loved someone dearly. But that person died. And after they died I closed my heart and I didn’t want to try anymore. Many people sent me suitors, sometimes even young princesses came to ask to marry me. But none of those women made me happy. So eventually I just gave up.” He admitted with a shrug. 

Eria chuckled. “You know most men just care about looks. As long as it’s a pretty face personality doesn’t matter. But it’s nice to know you're different from the others. Honestly, you are nothing like the rumors say. I know it’s a little rude to think this but I don’t see you like the all-powerful cold-hearted king. To me, you're just a normal man who carries a lot of weight and responsibility. Even kings are human too right?” She said with a small chuckle.

James stared at her with shock. ‘This is why I like you Eria. You are the only one who thinks that. And I’m glad someone does…” James thought then chuckled and smiled. “Your right. Even kings are humans too” 

Eria and James stared at the sky for a few moments they enjoyed the refreshing silence of the garden. After a few minutes, Eria asked. “Is it true you leaving tomorrow?” She asked as she looked over at James to which he nodded.

 “Yes, I will be leaving tomorrow but don’t worry I’ll be back in three days. Just continue your training like normal and I’ll be back before you know it” he assured her. He already ordered Henry to increase security so she should be safe. 

Eria nodded “well good luck! Show those kings whose boss!” She exclaimed to which James smirked “I always do” he replied half-jokingly. James’ gaze then turned back to the sky. 

For the first time in a while, James’ mind was at peace all his worries and pain felt like it was far away. He continued to gaze at the stars enjoying the peace while it lasted.