Kilamin’s POV

As Serene left the office Artins shifted his focus toward me and said in a professional and serious tone: "Kilamin I realize how hectic and tough your job is. Protecting someone at all costs is not easy. But remember she is still a teenager and the weight of the world has been dropped on her young shoulders. Use patience when dealing with her."

"I understand, I just want her to do her best and not waste her potential. She can become so much more powerful." I replied still irked by Serene’s behavior.

"And you will only achieve that when you try to understand her. She is comfortable here, she has made friends, and she has even fallen in love. Do you think she will listen when you will threaten to take all this away from her? She won’t, she will act rebellious. That’s what teenagers do." Artins replied with his hands clasped on the table, giving me his full attention.

"What do you want me to do?" I inquired.

"Kilamin there is no one better to teach and guide her right now, than you. But forcing her into it, won’t work. She is under a lot of stress, so train her but be there for her as well. Drop your icy exterior sometimes, and be gentle. Plus don’t try to push her away from her friends. Right now they are her lifeline, a reason to keep trying. Don’t take that away from her." The wisdom of Artins was evident from his words.

"I see, I will try. This is all something new for me too and taking care of her and making sure she is safe at all times is the primary objective of my life. I want to do it at all costs." I replied trying to stay calm.

"Don’t do it at the cost of her breaking down. See things from her perspective too and it will become easier for both of you." His words were wise and I could see why Serene and even our king respected him so much. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"I will endeavor to change my current approach. She is my princess and me trying to dominate her doesn’t always work."

"It won’t, that’s why I said try a different approach." He offered me a small smile and I nodded in return. The warlock part of me always made me respect this man.

We talked and discussed a few more issues for a while longer before I took leave to find Serene. I needed a peace offering though. Something to cheer her up. So I went to the dining hall and asked the staff there if they had any chocolates lying around. They did and they were happy to give me a big one.

After that, I made my way to the grounds where the contest was being held. The battle between witches was ensuing and one of the witches from the opponent team had used a sound spell that flattened all the witches and warlocks of our institute. That included Serene’s friend; Ayrden. I saw Serene rushing towards the dome and stopping just at the edge. Worry was written all over her face.

I kept my distance for now but kept her in my line of sight. Battle was lost for our witches and warlocks, Artins won’t be thrilled. This battle concluded today’s events and the rest were to take place tomorrow.

I gave Serene half an hour with her friends and once she was calm enough, I decided to approach her.

"Serene!!!" I kept my voice as calm as possible. She turned to look at me and instantly a frown appeared on her forehead. She was never good with hiding emotions and I knew she hated me now. She didn’t say anything, just stared at me.

"Battles are over, it’s time for your practice," I spoke again, maintaining eye contact.

"Ok," with those words she turned and said something in Zeph’s ear, and he nodded. "Let’s go," and began to lead the way. I followed her.

Once we reached the training hall, she stopped and turned around to face me. Her face still twisted in anger. She was not a little girl anymore and it was becoming so difficult for me to handle her at times. Considering she was my Princess and I couldn’t show her the respect she wanted and deserved. This was not an easy task.

I made my way to the bleachers and sat down and patted my right side: "Come sit with me, I want to talk to you." She didn’t budge.

"Why? So you can threaten and insult me some more." She replied defiantly, her arms crossed in front of her.

"No, I promise I won’t do that." I tried to reassure her. "Please."

She finally moved and sat down at some distance from me. I took out the chocolate from my pocket and offered her. "Peace offering, I know you love them." She looked at me with hesitation filling her eyes.

"I am sorry, I was way out of line. Let’s both try to do better from today onwards." I said maintaining my composure. Her eyes grew wide in shock and she fidgeted with her hands. Her expression was much softer now.

"I am sorry too for trying to slap you. I apologize." She replied and took the chocolate from my hand. That made me smile.

"Can I be your friend like the rest of them?" I asked and she nodded as she ate the chocolate I had brought for her. This is what made her special. She was quick to forgive others, and she was feisty when needed to be but had a kind heart, unlike me. We were opposites, she was like sunshine while I was a dark cloud who didn’t forgive people.

"Finish and we can start our practice." She nodded at me.

We practiced for a few hours and I could see the improvement in her. Her attacks were increasing their range and she was becoming much faster now. At the end of the practice as we were heading to her dorm I told her: "Serene, I am proud of you." She beamed at my words, her eyes lit up. If only she knew how important she was to me.