“I’d recommend the two arenas run by the Adventurer’s Guild in the center of the city,” Eren suggests. “Barring us, they’re the largest arenas, and they have the largest numbers of live-in knights.”
“Perfect. I’ll contact them straight away.”
“Is there anything else I can do for you, My Queen?” Eren questions. “We have a great many quality knights that live here. I would be happy to put on a training session for you.”
“Oh, that won’t be necessary, but thank you for offering,” I reply.
“Actually, would I be able to take you up on that offer instead?” Aurelio asks.
“Of course!”
I glance at him, noting his unusually conflicted face. The shadows under his eyes reappear, but his smile is genuine.
“Do you plan to return tonight, or should I tell Mina to hold off on making you dinner?” I question.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be back for dinner. There’s just someone I’ve been dying to spar with,” Aurelio says.
“Ah, that would be Emilia, I presume,” Eren says, nodding. “She’s been chomping at the bit for a rematch with you since you became the crowned Prince of Celestia, you know. She’ll be happy to fulfill your request.”
I roll my eyes. “Seriously, Aurelio, you’re going to come home bruised again. I won’t baby you just because you’re beat up.”
“Excuse me, I do not need babying!” Aurelio says, crossing his arms. “Plus, you don’t know if I’ll get beat this time! Maybe I’ve improved since sparring with you and fighting off wendigos!”
“Improvement is one thing. Defeating Emilia is another, as much as I’ve heard of her skill,” I say, smirking.
Aurelio deadpans. “You’re the worst.”
“You’re no better.”
“Jerk.”
“Idiot.”
Eren suddenly lets out a laugh, catching me off guard. I look at him, then back at Aurelio.
“Did I say something funny?”
“No, not at all. It’s just, if I may, I never thought I’d see the day when Aurelio found his soulmate, but you’re standing right before me, My Queen. You act like you’ve been married all your life in the short time you’ve known each other. It’s the fine work of the gods, if I’ve ever seen it.”
Aurelio and I exchange a glance. Then, as if sharing the same thought, we look away from each other, and I avert my eyes to the stadium.
“No, we just happen to have the same attitude,” I say.
“Well, in any case, I’m happy for you,” Eren says, bowing his head respectfully. “I wish you good health and a peaceful evening, My Queen.”
“You as well, Eren.”
I leave the arena as quickly as possible, but I pause before I leave the stadium, taking a second to glance back at Aurelio. My heart leaps into my throat to see him already staring after me, his eyes shining with that same light they did that day in the river. I’m not embarrassed, though; if anything, I’m excited to know he’s sharing the same thought as me. I return his smile with one of my own.
It is fine work of the gods, isn’t it? The finest work, if I’ve ever seen it.
I give Aurelio a small wave, turn on my heel, and walk out the doors, pulling my hood back over my head before I leave the building.
***
By the time I make it back to the castle, it’s already time for my own training session. I suit up in my room, then head down to the courtyard, where I find Mina just finishing up preparing my practice dummies. She waves enthusiastically when she sees me.
“Alessia! Welcome back!” she chirps. She looks over my shoulders, then frowns. “Where’s that hot husband of yours? Didn’t he go with you?”
