Chapter 5: TNT

                                    

                                          
Una sat across from Corrin as she sipped her tea. She hadn't seen Leo since their fight, so she decided to have tea with Corrin. He turned out to be very nice and she enjoyed his company. He stared at her as their conversation had died down.
                          
"How come I haven't seen you around before?" He asked.
"I've never left the main castle until till recently." 
"You must have a very good relationship with father, then."
She nodded, " Until a few years ago. He's become distant and harsh in recent years. "
"That's too bad. How old are you?"
"17, I assume you're like 18."
He nodded, "You're older then Leo, but younger then me. That makes you my little sister."
She laughed, "Yes, but you've known them so much longer then me. They are truly your siblings, Elise and I just share a mother."
"I'm like Xander, my mother was a queen. Father's second wife Arete."
"Pleasent."
"Are you married?"
"No, but I have someone."
"Who? "
"I don't want to tell you, we aren't together yet."
"So it's a crush?"
"No, well, yes. More like a relationship, just a small thing really." She blushed, running her fingers around the rim of her cup.
"Who?" He laughed as if dying to know.
"No, you'll make fun of me." She laughed.
"No, I won't. "
"What about you? " She asked, changing the subject.
"Nope, I don't have anyone."
She laughed into her cup, "Do you want to?"
He looked at her, "Maybe one day."
"I hope you have the best."
"Sister?"
She felt her heart stop for a second as he said that and she paused for just a moment, "What is it?"
"Thank you for coming her today."
She hugged him, "Of course, I look forward to doing this again."
He nodded, "Me, too."
                          
She smiled and stood to leave. She exited the room and headed to the library. She opened the door and found Leo, who hadn't noticed her. He was sitting with a book in his lap looking at the shelf in thought. His face looked angry as he was frowning and his eyebrows came together in the middle. His hand was by his mouth and he seemed to be chewing his finger lightly.
                          
She knocked on the door frame and he flinched. He fumbled with his book and pretended to be reading it. She knew he wasn't reading as he was holding his book upside down. She sighed as he didn't acknowledge her presents openly. She went to the shelf, but could feel his eyes on her as she looked at the shelf. She glanced behind her at him as he sunk further behind his book.
                          
She sighed and took his book. He hissed at her and sat up to reach for it. She pulled it further away, forcing him closer to her if he wanted to get it again.
                          
"We should talk over lunch." She said.
"I'm not interested," He said and stood to go for his book again.
                          
This time it forced them face to face. They were close enough to kiss, but just stared at each other. He sighed and went to pull away, but she quickly moved to kiss him. She pulled away and he blushed heavily.
                          
"I'm going into town." She said softly.
He stared at her go a moment before saying, "It's dangerous in town. I'm coming with you."
"Leo..." She said softly, staying close to him.
"Una, I don't want to -"
" I said things before... I'm sorry. "
He looked at her, "Me, too. Please, just forget I said anything."
"I don't want to. Leo, I love you. " She said and pulled him close.
He stared at her, "I love you, too."
"I don't want to fight anymore."
He put his arm around her as she hugged him, "Me, neither."
She sighed softly, "I'm sorry."
"You're fine. Let's go into town."
                          
She nodded and pretty soon they found themselves in the streets of the underground market. She had her arm laced in his as they walked. They attracted the eyes of many people. Leo was known to be fickle and difficult towards people. To see him with another person made the citizens a little happy. 
                          
Even when they interacted with others, the difference between them was quite obvious. She was much gentler than him and a bit naive. He wasn't as gentle with his words and much more blunt. With her beside him he seemed to become more gentle and kind. They walked along the street, coming upon a young orphan girl. She was selling flowers, Leo noticed a change in Una's body language as the girl approached them. Leo stood closer to her as she looked at them.
                          
"A flower for the lady?" She asked, offering the basket.
Leo looked to Una seeing the sad look on her face, "What about two? For both of the lovely ladies."
                          
Una blushed a little and the girls face seemed to light up in happiness. She handed the flowers to Leo in exchange for two coins. Leo placed on in Una's hair and looked at her.
                          
"Do you want to give it to her?" He asked offering the flower to her.
                          
She blushed and took the flower, kneeling down to the girl. She tucked the flower behind the girls ear and smiled softly.
                          
"I hope I grow up to be just like you." She smiled.
Una laughed, "I hope you grow to be better then me. What's your name, dear?"
" I'm Ruth."
Una stood, "May out paths cross again, Ruth."
                          
The girl bowed and ran off. Leo stood and admired the woman beside him. She was so kind to everyone and he couldn't understand why. With all she was, all the fear she held, all the beauty she embodied to him. He didn't understand how she could be so gentle towards people.
                          
"Why?" He asked her softly.
" Why what? " She asked.
"How can you just be so kind? "
"I know what it's like to struggle. I know the fear of not knowing where your next meal comes from, never resting because you can't close your eyes without the guilt of those who may die in the night because you weren't there. I know how much the smallest hint of kindness means to you when the world is cruel."
"Didn't father provide for you?"
"Not when my mother was alive. My brother went to fight in the army and my mother fell ill, it was up to me to provide. Everything my brother earned went to mothers medication and everything I earned in performance went towards food. That didn't leave much time for anything else."
He was quiet for a moment before he landed a soft kiss of her cheek, "I never had that struggle, even when I was young. It's difficult to understand."
She smiled softly, "I hope a day comes when we can help these children. Give them a place to call home, where they have good food and safety. After all, it's not their fault."
He chuckled and smiled, "I hope I can help you in your efforts."
                          
He looked at her again to admire her, tripping over his own feet. She chuckled and helped him up. They walk the rest of the way to a small tavern. It was quiet inside, except for a group of soldiers. Leo and her ate together and after a while he left her alone to go to the bathroom.
                          
As she sat alone, one of the the soldiers approached her. He was a tall, muscular young man. She looked at him, his face seemed familiar and his hair was the same mousey brown color hers was, his eyes a bright green like her mothers. He held a helmet under his arm and his sword sheathed at his side. 
                          
"Lady Una." He said softly and smiled.
She stared at him and stood, "That's me, who are you?"
He tilted his head, "Don't you remember?"
                          
She looked at him for a second and noticed a small scar on his chin, the one she'd left when they were fighting as children.
                          
"Connor!" She smiled and hugged him, "Brother, where have you been? Nevermind, how are you?"
"I'm fine, but conditions are harsh. We should catch up, but a little later."
"Yes! Absolutely!"
"After all," he laughed. "I wouldn't want to interrupt what ever it is you're doing with Prince Leo."
She blushed a little, "We'll met here tonight then?"
He nodded and shook her hand, "Of course."
Leo approached them as he left, "Who was that?"
"My brother, Connor. "
"Really?" He smiled, "That's great."