Chương 55: The Princess Takes Aim
Princess Alita lay awake in her bed, her mind fixed on a single thought: today, she would learn archery. Determination burned in her chest as she thought of playing with arrows and bows.
The door creaked open and Nadir.entered the room. She stopped short, eyes widening in surprise at the sight of the princess already sitting up. "You are awake," she exclaimed, quickly recovering her composure. "I did not expect you to rise so early."
Alita swung her legs over the side of the bed, her movements brisk. "Quick, help me dress," she instructed.
Nadir hurried to assist her, selecting a simple but elegant riding outfit from the princess's wardrobe. She carefully dressed Alita, securing the leather tunic and lacing up the boots. As Nadir worked, she couldn't help but glance curiously at the princess's expression.
"Is there something on your mind, my princess?" Nadir ventured, fastening the last buckle.
Alita stood, her gaze unwavering. "Yes, Nadir. I want to learn archery. Fetch Bowen for me."
Nadir bowed deeply. "As you wish, my princess." She hurried from the room, leaving Alita to her thoughts.
Alita stood in the courtyard, her anticipation growing as she waited for Bowen. She smiled when she saw Bowen approaching, his long strides bringing him swiftly to her side.
A waist-leveled table nearby was full of bows and arrows, arranged in order. Bowen bowed deeply as he reached her. "My princess," he greeted her respectfully.
Alita cleared her throat, eager to begin. "I saw watch how you handled the arrows given to you and I decided you were going to teach me how to fire an arrow."
Bowen raised an eyebrow, a frown briefly crossing his face. "Now?"
Alita's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Yes, now. Most people are still sleeping. Now is the perfect time to learn."
Bowen gave a slight nod. "As the princess wishes."
He selected a bow that suited Alita's slender hands, its craftsmanship both sturdy and elegant. "Use this," he said, handing the bow to her.
Bowen then picked up another bow and an arrow. With practiced ease, he nocked the arrow, drew the string back, and released it. The arrow flew straight and true, striking the bullseye with a satisfying thud. He gestured for Alita to mimic his actions.
Alita nodded, her confidence unwavering. She tried to position the arrow in the bow as Bowen had demonstrated, but found it awkward and harder than she had expected. Her fingers fumbled with the string, her grip unsure.
Bowen noticed her difficulty and stepped closer. "Allow me," he said gently. He reached out, his hands guiding hers. His touch was firm yet careful, and he leaned in, close enough that Alita could feel his breath on her cheek.
"Position the arrow like this," Bowen instructed, his voice low and calm. He adjusted her grip on the bowstring, his fingers brushing against hers. "Keep your elbow high, and draw the string back smoothly."
Alita's heart began to pound faster, each beat resonating in her chest as Bowen's proximity affected her more than she had anticipated. His scent was an intoxicating mix of masculinity and something sweet. She inhaled deeply, letting the aroma fill her senses.
Bowen, still guiding her hands, noticed the dreamy look that had settled on her face. "My princess," he called softly, his voice breaking through her thoughts.
Alita blinked twice, snapping back to the present. "Yes, do it like this and then like that..." she mumbled, trying to regain her composure.
Bowen's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained cool. "Don't black out on me again."
Alita frowned, her pride prickling. "Are you giving me orders?"
Bowen met her gaze steadily. "If not, I won't bother to teach you archery."
A moment of silence stretched between them. Alita finally relented, her voice softer. "Alright, I won't do that again. It's just that your nearness..." She trailed off, realizing the implications of her words, and felt a blush creep up her cheeks.
Bowen's eyes softened, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. He was glad to know he was not the only one affected by their closeness. 'The princess may not know this," he thought to himself, "but she is falling for me.'
"Remember to keep your focus on the target," Bowen instructed, standing a few paces behind her. "Steady your breathing, and release when you're ready."
Alita took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing as she aimed. With a determined look, she released the arrow. The string snapped forward with a sharp twang, and the force of the release was more than she had anticipated. The face sent her sprawling backward to the ground and she landed on her buttocks with a soft thud.
For a moment, there was silence. Bowen's eyes widened in surprise and then a laugh escaped his lips.
Alita, sitting on the ground with an embarrassed expression, frown when she saw Bowen laughing.
"Are you alright, Princess?" Bowen asked, trying to stifle his laughter as he extended a hand to help her up.
Alita took his hand and stood up, brushing dirt off her clothes. "I think my pride is more bruised than anything else," she said.
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