Sunny Day

"I can't believe how much you've improved with a sword..!"

"Same here, honestly."

"I've never been able to beat you. Now I know that I never will."

"Well, Kris, a little more practice never hurt."

"A lot of things hurt, Davin."

The two of them laughed lightheartedly as Kris went to retrieve his sword from the ground. Davin had managed to disarm him; though, perhaps it was not so difficult, as he had vastly improved in a few different forms of combat; but the sword was definitely his weapon of choice. It showed too.

"Wanna take a break?"

"Sure. I still need to scheme on how I'm gonna beat you next time."

"Hey, you just might."

"Here's hoping..!"

The two young men were certainly in high spirits. The day was cool and calm after all, no trouble and no duties as of yet. It was nice to take a break like this. Both Davin and Kris sat down in the grass, both seeming contented with where they were. It was surely a relaxing time.

"So much time has passed."

"Hm?" Davin looked over at Kris. "Oh. Yeah."

"Feels like we grew up so quickly.."

"I guess being a prince does that to you."

"Heh.. Maybe." Kris folded his arms. "It's like life telling us 'Hurry up and become a king so we can bring in the next guy!' You know?"

"Ha! It sure feels like that, no doubt about it!" Both of them laughed. When their laughter died down, Davin spoke again. "It's a crazy life. Hard to believe that we're both gonna rule our own kingdoms some day.."

"Yeah.. A lot of people are going to be watching us. Becoming a symbol of your people is kinda scary.."

"I agree with you. I don't want to make mistakes... That's all I would be remembered for."

"Same here; but Davin? I think you're going to make a fine king. Maybe even the best."

"Come now, you kiss up..!"

"Ha, no really! I'll have to take some pointers too! I'll be lucky if I don't run my kingdom into the ground after the first week..!"

"Please, you'll be just as great a king! I know it! You've certainly got the heart, and by far, you're the bravest guy I know."

"Okay, you KNOW that's not true."

"You take care of things despite being afraid. That's what courage is."

"I-- I guess."

"You know I'm right."

Kris managed a smile, Davin's compliment having made him feel happy and a little more confident. The two shared a comfortable silence before the decided to lie back in the grass side by side and watch up at the passing clouds.

"Hey, Davin?"

"Yes?"

"You know what else this means, right? When we become kings?"

"What?"

"We can't continue our reign without an heir.."

"I-- Oh.."

"It's funny, isn't it?"

"Definitely. Our lives are pretty much already planned."

"Yeah... At least you don't have to worry."

"Eh?"

"You and Roxanne have been together for a very long time."

"Right... Roxy.."

"When I think 'royal queen', I'll admit that Rox is not the kind of person that first comes to mind."

Davin chuckled. "I suppose not. She may not be prim and proper like your average queen, but she's one nonetheless..!"

"I agree." Kris also laughed. "You two are a great pair."

"Glad you think so. A lot of nobles in my kingdom don't like their prince going around with a girl like her. You already know that I care not; and neither does my family. They love her all the same. I wish people would stop judging her.."

"Same here. She's always looked out for us."

"That she has.."

"Well...who cares? It's not like anyone who dislikes her can do a thing to her."

"Oh-- Heh, yeah. She's way too strong for the lot of them."

"Exactly. Nobody gets passed Roxy! She's the toughest woman on the planet!"

"Yeah.. She is.."

Kris raised a brow and looked back at Davin, a curious look in his eyes. "... You good?"

"Hm? Oh, yeah. I was-- I was just thinking about the future."

"About you and Rox, I'm guessing?"

Davin nodded. "I never like jumping ahead because nobody knows what the future is like-- but with Roxy... She's the only person I could ever see myself be with; the only person I could see asking to be my spouse; the only person I would ever want to grow old with.. No rich nobles, no handsome princes, no elegant princesses... Just dear Roxanne..."

Kris listened silently. He couldn't help but smile. His friend really was head over heels for his beloved. Honestly, he was so happy that they found each other. "That's really nice, Davin.."

Davin couldn't help but feel his face go red. He was a little embarrassed since he did not mean to think out loud. "I-- Sorry..!"

"No, don't be. It's nice seeing you two talk about each other. I know the two of you were meant for each other; and I know that you both are going to be excellent rulers. I can see it!"

Davin seemed to take comfort in the statements his friend made. "Thank you, Kris. You've always supported me."

"You've always done the same for me. You guys are my family. I'm going to take care of you all just like how you two took care of me."

"See? I'm right?"

"... Huh?"

"You're going to make an excellent king too."

"Oh-- hey! This is about you and Roxanne, not me!"

"Hey, we're a family, remember?" Davin started laughing lightheartedly and Kris soon joined him. "All right! You ready for for more training, Kris?"

"Oh, yeah! I'll try to beat you this time!"

"Give me all you got."

The two young men got back to their feet and would continue to spend the day together until sunset. The two of them were certainly looking forward to running into Roxanne before the day ended too. The three friends shared a very strong bond; and surely it would last them a lifetime.