After their restful moment at the hot springs, the morning was radiant across the sun-drenched lands of Kyosval.
The calm, shimmering sea mirrored the endless pale blue sky, and a gentle salty breeze drifted through the air.
Raelia and Sylena had changed outfits to enjoy the beautiful day.
Sylena had chosen her elven form: her long, delicate ears, sun-kissed skin, and emerald green eyes highlighted her natural beauty.
She wore a leaf-green swimsuit that gracefully hugged her curves, adorned with floral patterns. Simple leather sandals completed her look.
Beside her, Nilyna appeared more daring.
She wore a black bikini topped with a light mini skirt.
Her figure, enhanced by the outfit, naturally drew attention.
Her long linen shawl floated behind her as she adjusted her fiery red hair, tied high in a ponytail.
The two young women, ready for a morning at the beach, headed toward the white sand.
"Are you sure the monarch is here?" Sylena asked, scanning the area.
"I saw him earlier, resting on a lounge chair with a drink in hand..." Nilyna replied, frowning as she looked at where Jonady had been.
The chair was now empty, the glass spilled in the sand, still cool.
"Wait… what's that over there?" Sylena asked, pointing at a blurry figure about a hundred meters away, near the rocks bordering the beach.
"Let's go check it out," Nilyna said, suddenly alert.
They approached quietly as they drew closer, the silhouette became clearer.
Then Sylena softly exclaimed:
"Jona—"
But Nilyna quickly covered her mouth.
"Shh. Wait... look. He seems focused. Let's watch for a moment."
Sylena nodded, intrigued, and crouched next to Nilyna.
A few meters away, Jonady was training alone on the hot sand.
Shirtless his body glistening with sweat he performed push-ups, muscles tight with effort.
His eyes were covered by a dark blindfold, and in his right hand he held a wooden sword which he skillfully swung between exercise sets.
Each strike he delivered into the air was swift, sharp, and powerful.
Every movement seemed deliberate. His breathing was controlled—his body and mind in perfect sync.
I still need to refine my style. If I ever face someone on Pryzor's level—or worse—I can't afford the slightest hesitation, he thought.
I must master my body and blade down to the smallest muscle.
He began another set of fifty push-ups, breath ragged.
His arms trembled his muscles screamed, but he refused to give in.
Then finally exhausted, his body gently collapsed onto the sand.
Despite the fatigue, a smile of satisfaction appeared on his face.
Sylena stood up abruptly, about to run to him, concerned. But she stopped when she saw his smile.
"He… he's happy," she whispered.
"He's improving," Nilyna observed softly. "He never stops..."
Jonady, lying on his back, slowly removed his blindfold. He sensed a presence behind him and turned. Standing in the sand, Nilyna and Sylena were watching him.
He sat up with a slight smile.
"You've been watching me train for a while, haven't you?"
"Just a couple of minutes," Sylena replied innocently.
Nilyna looked away briefly. Her gaze had lingered on Jonady's muscular, glistening chest. A light blush appeared on her cheeks—subtle, but visible.
"You look stunning in that outfit, Nilyna," Jonady said sincerely. "I'm so used to seeing you in your servant uniform, I'm almost surprised."
"Th-thank you…" she replied, shyly fiddling with the string of her shawl.
Jonady looked at her tenderly. Even Nilyna can get flustered… That's a rare expression for her.
Amused, Sylena pulled a small handkerchief from her pocket.
"Here, my king. To wipe off your sweat," she said with a laugh.
"Thank you," Jonady replied, accepting it. "Now, shall we enjoy ourselves?"
They spent the next hour playing in the water—swimming, diving, and laughing.
Their cheerful voices carried all the way to the villa, carried by the soft breeze.
Nilyna, usually reserved, allowed herself a few genuine smiles.
Sylena splashed Jonady playfully, and he returned the favor.
The three shared a rare moment of pure joy.
When the sun reached its peak, they moved to the shade of a tall coconut tree.
"I'll grab some coconuts," Sylena said, swiftly climbing the trunk and knocking several down.
Meanwhile, Jonady started a small fire on the sand using dry driftwood he had gathered earlier. The flames crackled quickly.
Soon after, Nilyna returned from the sea carrying an improvised basket.
"Tada!" she said proudly. "I found a few mongooses and two big crabs. We're going to feast!"
"Oh yes!" Sylena exclaimed. "This is going to be delicious."
They placed the catches on a makeshift grill laid over heated stones.
The smell of grilled crab soon filled the air mingling with the scent of the sea.
They ate under the coconut tree's shade legs in the sand gazing out at the infinite ocean.
"Let's enjoy this sunshine," I said, biting into a piece of grilled mongoose.
"I want to see how the locals live here. I'd like to blend in a bit with their daily life."
Sylena's face lit up with a bright smile.
"Great! It'll be fun to visit the markets or talk with people. Kyosval seems so peaceful…"
Nilyna, placing her empty plate aside, asked:
"You wish to go into town, my king?"
"It'll be a good way to better understand Kyosval. You'll escort us, won't you, Nilyna?"
The young woman, always poised but now more relaxed, placed her hand on her forehead in an elegant salute.
"Of course, Your Majesty."
The sun shone bright, their laughter still echoed, and in that simple moment of life—between water, fire, and sea—their bond grew stronger.