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WE would meet again three years later, on the day of the junior sword fighting tournament, which I attended in disguise (with royal authorization, of course).
Boys aged ten to twelve could participate in the annual competition. First through third place received a prestigious medal and a guaranteed spot in military prep school once they became thirteen. It was the earliest medal anyone could be awarded, the dream of every aspiring knight.
The boys who enrolled in the prep school at thirteen years old then graduated at fifteen, at which point they were officially considered soldiers. Those who sought to advance to an officer position entered the military academy at sixteen. Only students of the academy could refer to themselves as knights.
I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw Felzen walking beside a blue-haired competitor. That’s the stableboy, I thought immediately. How could I forget his hair, azure like the sky, or his deep blue eyes?
He’s a participant! The thought of crossing swords with him filled me with glee. I had never felt more motivated to win. I steadily fought my way up to the semifinals, in which I would finally face off against none other than the blue-haired stableboy himself.
His midnight blue eyes gleamed underneath his helm. He didn’t seem to recognize me, however, the intensity of his gaze unchanging. In my disappointment, I charged forward.
Our swords locked with a high-pitched clang. He’s good. I pushed, and he pushed back, playfully. He’s enjoying himself. He couldn’t possibly be some random stableboy, not with such elegant movements.
Show me. Show me more. More of yourself! I’d never experienced a match quite so…fun.
His sword went flying.
“Rassemblez! Saluez!”
The crowd erupted. The match was over.
Steadying my breath, I proffered my right hand. He grabbed it with an unmistakable firmness.
“Good luck in the finals!” he said in a near-whisper, smiling.
What a pleasant kid. I want to know—I want to know everything about you. It was the first time I’d ever felt so intrigued by someone.
I faced Felzen in the championship bout. My red-haired friend’s swordsmanship was in a league of its own, and though I gave it my all, I just barely lost at the very end.
The consolation match was still underway. One of the combatants was the blue-haired boy, so I decided to observe it from the stands
His opponent dwarfed him, yet the boy fought relentlessly, refusing to give in. My hands sweated as I watched the contest unfold.
“Rassemblez! Saluez!”
He demurely bowed after the match was called, extended his hand. His former adversary shook it. He was the victor.
“Attaboy, Bern!” Felzen ran into the arena and bundled him into a huge hug in celebration of his performance.
Don’t those two get along. I felt a sting inside my chest. Am I worried he’ll take Felzen away from me? Or am I sad that I can’t be up there, celebrating alongside them? I balled my hand into a tight fist.
The award ceremony began. Standing hidden behind Father, I watched as they approached the podium. The blue-haired boy beamed happily at the bottom step, solemnly ascending the stand when his name was announced. I repeated it to myself so I wouldn’t forget. Where have I heard that last name?
Father and Brother laughed as Felzen leaped onto the first-place platform with a roar.
Two guests of honor waved at the winners: the red-haired marshal and the blue- haired, “shut-in” marquess, as some called him.
That’s where. I took a deep breath. I don’t care how long it takes. No more compromises. I stared at my father’s back. My mind set, I spoke.
Father turned to me, a kind, gentle glow in his eyes.
✦ ✦ ✦
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CUE the following morning. My heart was racing; Father had granted one of my rare requests: “I want to speak with the third placer.” To no one’s surprise but my own, the boy was friends with Felzen and the son of the reclusive Marquess Eisberk.
“That’s it?” my father had laughed.
You make it sound so easy. I sat down in a chair and waited.
“…Go in,” echoed a servant’s voice.
The bulky door opened, revealing a red-haired boy and a blue-haired boy standing side by side. He looked rather small next to Felzen.
His eyes, as blue as a cloudless day, widened when he saw me. “Angel boy?!” he said, and my heart jumped.
He remembered. I wasn’t the only one. A smile crept over my lips.
He turned to Felzen excitedly. Felzen glanced at him in exasperation, kneeling, and he hastily followed suit.
This isn’t what I want. I started toward them. I don’t want to stare at the top of your head.
“Felzen, buddy, lift your head!” I said.
I want to be friends with him, like Felzen.
Felzen looked up, sticking his tongue out. “As you wish, Your Highness.”
“Cut it! We’re in my room. There’s no need for that,” I admonished him.
The blue-haired boy stared at us in confusion. I smiled as our eyes met. “You’re Bernstein von Eisberk, yes? I’m Sternchen. A pleasure to meet you.” I offered him my hand, bare and gloveless.
“Th-The pleasure’s all mine, Your Highness.” He meekly extended his, and I squeezed it. The gesture seemed to put him at ease, since he squeezed back.
“I kept the name Yuki, you know?” I said, bringing a smile to his face in turn.
That was easy.
Bernstein and Felzen were childhood friends, so it didn’t take much to break the ice. Afterward, we held a three-way, no-holds-barred practice sword match in the palace courtyard, which was just large enough to play in. Bernstein’s deep blue eyes mocked me as I marveled at his swordsmanship. I shoved him back, and their cerulean hue darkened in surprise.
This is…fun! As fun as sparring with Felzen!
“Forgive me if I’m wrong, Your Highness, but didn’t we meet at the tournament?” he asked.
“We sure did! I was participating in secret.”
“You’re one naughty prince, aren’t you!” He giggled, causing me to laugh as well.
“Some tea, perhaps?” someone called.
I looked over to the gazebo and saw that the maidservants had prepared refreshments. He and I exchanged a grin.
“Prince Sternchen,” he said, gasping for air in the wake of our bout.
Don’t call me that.
“Drop the ‘-chen’. And while you’re at it, talk like a normal person, will you?” I ordered, gasping for breath much the same. No one’d ever listened to me on the matter, but I had to at least try to break down the invisible wall between us.
“In that case, call me Bern. Okay? Stern.”
I was caught off guard by his suggestion. My heart filled with delight. He has no need for walls.
“Okay, Bern! Now, how about some tea, you two?”
“Aye!” Bern and Felzen exclaimed, and the three of us scampered over to where the tea was set out.
And that was how our relationship began. Bern couldn’t visit the royal capital all too often, but when he did, the three of us rode horses together, sneaked out into the city, shared secrets, and just enjoyed each other’s company.