Chapter 5

"What did you do to your dress?" Miya huffed, hands on her hips. "It's irreparable now!"

"I think my ability to move to save people takes priority. And you can either use it for scraps, or turn it into a shorter dress." Keira shrugged, looking down at her damaged dress. It was bad enough hearing from the king about leaving his party without telling him, but now this?

"Movement to save lives? I never thought of that." Miya looked at the dresses in Keira's closet. "Does that mean it's not that you hate pretty dresses, but rather you prefer ones that allow freedom of movement?"

Keira shrugged. "Never cared whether clothes were fancy or not. Movement is the biggest factor to me, regardless of what they dress me up in." Though I'd rather nothing too revealing.

"Oh, but people frown upon showing too much leg, too. What to do?"

"I don't really care what people 'frown upon'. What I care about is being able to move swiftly enough to save people."

"But you should! Some of those people are your staunchest supporters. They donate handsome sums to the kingdom to make sure you have all the supplies you need, and that you're well taken care of."

"I thought that was all the king's doing." Especially with how he talks.

"Quite a bit, sure, but he has limits considering everyone else he has to pay. Let's just say they help the kingdom."

Didn't know I took up that many resources... or are they used on those teams that follow me around? Keira sighed. "Either way, I need some sleep, so can you..." She swayed her hand toward the door.

"Let me help you wash up—"

"No, thank you. I can do that myself."

"You never let me pamper you," she huffed.

"That would be wildly uncomfortable for me."

"How would you know if you never let me?"

Keira's eyes narrowed. "What I want is alone time. Leave me be."

Miya shuddered. "Yes, ma'am." She bowed. "I'll come back later to retrieve it." She hurried off.

Keira used her personal bathroom to wash up and relax in a hot bath. She stared at her hand, remembering how Aki had transferred energy to her. I didn't even know that was possible to do. Heal, sure, but give your own energy? I wonder how he's holding up, considering how exhausted I was.

My mind may be weary from the long day, but I still feel energized. Although maybe the drain will be enough to get him to stay away.

The gashes in the crystal came back to her mind as she let bubbly water slip between her fingers.

Why would someone attack the crystals that seal the gate to the other world? They want the kingdom to be attacked? Aren't there enough monsters to fight without the other world being in the picture again?

She poked at the tips of her hair, glad they had changed back.

Maybe they have something against the king? But it could be against anyone in the kingdom...

The gashes aren't enough evidence.

She picked up a handful of bubbles and blew them away.

Thud.

What was that? She rushed out of the tub, dried herself quickly, and threw on the pyjamas she brought with her.

Magic flowed into her hand, forming an ice sword.

She took a deep breath, ducked down, and opened the door to her room.

On the floor, a man in a green cloak lay splayed out.

"Aki? What are you doing here?" Keira dispersed her magic sword and knelt down beside him. "And why are you staying on the floor like that?"

"I... wanted to check on you," he mumbled. "But I tripped on the windowsill. And I'm too tired..."

"Is that because you gave me your energy? Perhaps you should be more careful with that if it can leave you in this state."

He groaned and rolled over, so he could see her. "It's not just from that. And though I felt it, I don't regret giving you energy. How else were you supposed to save everyone with your legs shaking like that?"

"They weren't..." Her jaw tightened. Maybe they did. "You said it's not just from that?"

"I was hiding in the bushes too long, and my legs are really feeling it."

She covered her mouth as she held back a laugh. "But why did you come back? I'm not injured, and I didn't think you'd do it again after how the first time went."

His cheeks tinted pink as he smiled, pulling on the tip of his hair. "I was worried about you. I didn't get to check on you afterward; you were whisked away by Rui."

"Well, no need to worry about me, though I must thank you for both the energy boost and for telling Rui. You have good instincts... sometimes. I'm not so sure about your decision to come back here, though. You should've stayed home and relaxed." She shook her head, smirking. "Well, you've seen that I'm fine." She held her arms out to the sides. "Now, what's your plan? I don't think you're in any condition to sneak back out, and I don't think I can escort you out at this time of day without questions."

Knock, knock.

"Miss. Sakurai? May I come in to take your dress now?" Miya asked.

"One moment," Keira said, staring down at Aki. She sighed, grabbed him by his collar and slid him into the bathroom before grabbing the dress. "Here." She opened the door and handed Miya the dress. "Do whatever you want with it."

Miya glanced past Keira and bowed to her. "Yes, ma'am."

Keira shut the door and sighed. Now what do I do with him? Leave him in the bathroom to sleep? It's not comfortable, but at least he can rest for a while. She stood in the bathroom doorway, staring down at him.

He hadn't moved an inch.

"S-sorry for inconveniencing you..." he mumbled, barely able to keep his eyes open.

"You probably should've thought about that before sneaking in... again. I think we need to work on our security."

"But then it'll be harder for me... to get in here..."

Isn't that the point? "I don't think it's good that people can sneak in here. I know I can handle myself, but the same can't be said for everyone who lives in the palace." Maybe I should get him a pillow.

"Why is there a man on your bathroom floor?"

Keira nearly jumped out of her skin. "Rui?" She took a deep breath, her hand over her racing heart. "What are you doing in here?" Didn't even notice him this time.

"Well, I had heard a noise earlier, and Miya ran off with a frown on her face, so I came in to check... That, and I was wondering if you wanted a drink." He held up a bottle of liquor. "But seeing as you have... Ahem, company..." He raised an eyebrow, staring down at Aki. "Is that who I think it is?"

"Probably."

Rui laughed. "I didn't know it went that well earlier." He patted her heavily on the back. "Don't let me intrude on your fun."

Keira frowned. "What in the world do you think is going on?"

"Do I really have to spell it out? You're hiding a man in your bathroom, while in your pyjamas, after incapacitating him!"

"I didn't..." Her face burned. "Nothing happened!"

"Sure, sure. I can keep your dalliance a secret. Can't have people thinking their hero—"

Crack!

"Ouch!" Rui stumbled back, holding his jaw after she hit him with a right hook. "What was that for?"

"Are you drunk already or what? I just met him, and I've never even... Never mind."

"But then why is he here if you two aren't..." Rui wiggled his eyebrows and made a clicking sound.

Keira pushed him back into her room, closed the bathroom door, and sat him down. Guess if I had to tell anyone, it'd be Rui. "Well, earlier today, after the parade..."