“Geia, is it?” I was standing a couple feet away from the woman, who was still levitating in the air.

The woman nodded, “My full name is Geia Vis.”

I took a deep breath, “My squadron and I would like to accompany you. We understand that you may be suspicious, but like I said before, don’t worry-”

“I’m not worried,” Geia cut in, “Sir Knight, you and your companions can join me!”

I was surprised, but I replied, “Alright. Then we better start talking informally to each other. I’ll start by introducing myself. My name is Kahil Tallohn and I’m the leader of this squadron as well as the crown prince of this kingdom.”

“I’m Boris Hallew! It’s nice to meet you!” Boris grinned from behind me, followed by the introductions of the other members.

Geia seemed a bit startled about our status, but coaxed into relaxing. The squadron and I followed Geia around for a few days, but not much was learned about her. She usually stayed in her cave unless she had to go out to forage for berries. My squadron and I had major difficulties getting any information out of her and only learned a gained a few new pieces of the puzzle.

“Geia, do you ever go outside simply to enjoy a stroll?” I asked after almost a full week of frustrations.

Geia turned from where she was floating in the air and inspecting flower petals, “Well, not really. Is that not normal?”

“You should come with me on a walk then,” I replied, “Getting fresh air is good for you.”

“Okay then. You can lead the way, Kahil.” Geia answered.

I nodded, “Then follow me.”

The other day, Boris had come up with the idea of me personally getting close to Geia to extract more intel. It was working so far as Geia and I walked, well, Geia floated, in the forest.

“Kahil, tell me more about this kingdom please,” Geia said, “How did you become crown prince? You look too young to be the firstborn of the king.”

“Haha, you got me,” I chuckled, “I’m the third child, or the youngest in the family. The firstborn is my elder brother. I defeated him in a battle for the spot of heir and my sister isn’t interested in the affairs of the kingdom at all.”

“That must’ve been tough, huh?” Geia glanced at me, “How old are you, around eighteen? The royal family sure is intense.”

I blinked. There wasn’t a single trance of insincerity in Geia’s voice. Even my own mother had never spoken to me that way before.

I smiled, “It was no big deal.”

Geia often stopped to inspect plants, seemingly either ignorant or unknowing of my suspicions. Every once in a while, she would touch one flower or one vine with a green glowing finger and the flora would blossom. Around midday, Geia was making a peculiar blue tulip grow into full bloom when she caught a glimpse of half-curious expression on my face.

“Are you interested in my abilities?” Geia asked.

I nodded and Geia giggled, “I can control nature.”

“I’ve…never heard of something like that before.” I tried my best to hide my shock and mustered a nervous grin.

“I don’t know of anyone with this type of power either. I’ve had it since birth, but I somehow feel that I’m the first person to be able to wield the power of nature,” Geia’s face seemed to turn somewhat melancholic, “When I was younger, I thought I was a monster. A monster, can you imagine? But lately, I’ve been more at peace with my abilities. They’re just another part of me, you know?”

I was stunned, but replied, “You’re definitely not a monster, Geia. At least, I don’t think so.”

“I’m glad you think that,” Geia beamed, “You’re a really kind person, Kahil.”

I was only saying the words I did out of personal gain and to win Geia’s favor, but the more I thought about it, the more genuine sympathy I felt. Don’t lose yourself, Kahil. I steeled my resolve. I couldn’t let emotions sway me.

That was what I had thought, but as my squadron stayed with Geia, I wavered on my manipulating words more and more. Before I knew it, I actually thought of her as a dear friend. We had toasted fowl together over a bonfire, exchanged stories under the shade of a tree, and shared smiles with each other

“I’ll remember to visit you when I have time,” I told Geia, “But don’t expect me to come in the next few months. I’ll be tied up with matters at the palace.”

“I guess it can’t be helped.” Geia replied sadly.

I tapped her shoulder, “Hey, cheer up. It’s not like it’ll be for forever.”

Geia nodded, “Alright. You guys should get going now.”

I waved and followed by squadron on the trek out of the gorge, where we had stayed for three months. I ended up reporting all my findings of Geia’s power to the Intelligent Corps. I was praised by the officers, but their compliments felt like needles stabbing into my stomach.

That following spring, after I had turned nineteen and six months after my parting with Geia, it was time to pay her a visit as promised. However, it wasn’t on pleasant terms like I had anticipated before.

“Kahil, you’re the only one besides me who can currently hunt that creature down. Take your team and go kill it.” My father’s piercing voice declared.

I was a martial genius. The second strongest in the kingdom by then.

“Father, is this final?” I could only ask.

Father nodded and I dismissed myself. As I summoned my squadron, I could only grimace in bitterness. I would have to murder Geia. With my own hands.