Tobias had never been good at feelings.
Numbers? Sure.
Sarcasm? Excellent.
Swords? Decent enough to not embarrass himself.
But feelings?
Absolutely not.
Yet, here he was, pacing outside the castle gardens like a madman, trying to figure out how to tell Isolde that he—
Loved her?
No.
Liked her?
Maybe.
Wanted to punch Cedric in the face every time she looked at him?
Absolutely.
He groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "This is stupid."
From beside him, Eva raised a brow. "You're talking to yourself again."
Tobias nearly jumped. "Gods, Eva! Could you not sneak up on me?"
Eva grinned. "You're just unobservant."
He scowled. "What do you want?"
She leaned against the stone wall, arms crossed. "I was going to ask you that, actually. You've been hovering around this garden for twenty minutes, muttering like an idiot."
Tobias sighed. "I need to talk to Isolde."
Eva smirked. "And let me guess—Cedric is involved?"
Tobias clenched his jaw. "When is he not?"
Eva rolled her eyes. "You do realize she's obsessed with him, right?"
He groaned. "Yes, Eva, I'm painfully aware."
She patted his shoulder. "Good luck with that, then."
Tobias exhaled. "Yeah. I'll need it."
---
A Fool in Love
Isolde was exactly where he expected her to be—by the castle fountain, lost in whatever dreamland she disappeared to whenever Cedric was around.
Her eyes sparkled. Her hands were clasped together.
Tobias knew that look.
He hated that look.
His stomach twisted as he stepped closer. "Isolde."
She turned, beaming. "Tobias! You won't believe what just happened."
His heart lifted at the sight of her smile.
Then—
"Lord Cedric complimented me today."
And just like that, his heart plummeted.
Tobias forced a smile. "Oh?"
Isolde nodded eagerly. "He said I was charming."
Tobias resisted the urge to die inside. "Charming."
"Yes! Can you believe it?"
Unfortunately, yes.
Because Cedric was a snake.
And Isolde?
She was completely blind to it.
Tobias sighed. "Isolde, I—"
Before he could finish, a new voice interrupted.
"Lady Isolde."
Tobias turned, immediately scowling.
Speak of the devil.
Lord Cedric stood there, all smug smiles and perfect posture. His royal blue doublet was pristine, his golden hair unfairly perfect.
Tobias hated him.
Isolde, however, lit up like the sun itself.
"My lord," she breathed, curtsying.
Cedric gave her a small smile. "I was just passing by and saw you here. It's always a pleasure to see you."
Tobias clenched his fists.
Isolde practically melted.
"Truly, my lord, the pleasure is mine."
Tobias wanted to scream.
Cedric glanced at him, expression unreadable. "Ah, Tobias. I see you're still… around."
Tobias forced a grin. "And I see you're still breathing."
Cedric chuckled, as if Tobias was adorable and not completely serious.
Then he turned back to Isolde. "Might I steal a moment of your time?"
Isolde blushed. "Of course."
Tobias watched as Cedric offered his arm.
Watched as Isolde took it.
Watched as she walked away with the one person he couldn't stand.
And just like that—
His entire plan to confess?
Gone.
---
The Art of Stealing Moments
Lucian sat across from Eva at the training yard, watching as she polished her bow.
She had been suspiciously quiet for the past five minutes.
Finally, he sighed. "Spit it out."
Eva glanced up. "Huh?"
"You're thinking too much."
She smirked. "Look who's talking."
Lucian rolled his eyes. "Eva."
She stretched her arms. "Fine. I was just wondering…" She met his gaze. "Do you think Tobias will ever do anything about his feelings for Isolde?"
Lucian smirked. "No."
Eva snorted. "You didn't even think about that answer."
"Because I already know it."
Eva twirled an arrow between her fingers. "It's pathetic."
Lucian shrugged. "Love usually is."
She shot him a look. "That sounded bitter."
He leaned back, smirking. "Did it?"
Eva narrowed her eyes. "Lucian."
He chuckled. "Don't overthink it, Princess."
She huffed. "I hate when you're cryptic."
He grinned. "And yet, you always ask for my opinion."
Eva threw her arrow at him.
Lucian caught it.
Easily.
She groaned. "You're infuriating."
He smirked. "I try."
---
A Heart Left Unspoken
Tobias sat alone by the stables, tossing a small rock in his hand.
He had spent years by Isolde's side.
As her best friend.
As her fool.
And yet, Cedric had walked in and taken everything in a matter of months.
Tobias exhaled.
He should say something.
He should fight.
But how do you fight someone who already won?
He looked up at the sky.
"I really hate that guy."