Alex stepped into Riven's courtyard, the late afternoon sun casting soft shadows over the manicured hedges and stone pathways. Compared to the sprawling grandeur of the Havana Ducal Estate beyond its gates, this space felt intimate and personal—cozy corners tucked with flowering plants, a small fountain trickling gently in the center, and lanterns strung above that would glow warmly at night. Dark-hued cushions lay on the low stone benches, small statuettes of mythical beasts adorned corners, and a neatly arranged training dummy in the far corner hinted at its owner's dedication. Unlike the formality and polished splendor of the main estate, the courtyard invited comfort, reflection, and quiet moments.
"This is… remarkable," Alex said, eyes sweeping over the arrangements of fragrant blooms, the subtle hints of training tools, and the careful organization that made the space feel lived-in. "You managed to make this courtyard feel less like a royal estate and more like a home."
Riven smiled faintly, leaning against a stone balustrade. "I wanted it to be a place where I feel at ease, somewhere I can relax after my vigorous training without all the expectations weighing down on me."
Alex nodded thoughtfully. "I can see why you spend time here."
"Enough compliments," Riven said, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Care for a game of chess? Winner takes bragging rights."
Alex smirked. "You're on."
As they set the pieces, Alex's gaze fell on Riven's hands, noticing the freshly painted nails glinting subtly in the sunlight. "I must say, I love your aesthetic. Your nail polish—it's… perfect."
Riven's eyes brightened. "You like it? Perhaps I should paint yours next."
Alex tilted his head, amused. "Go on, then."
Minutes passed with quiet concentration as Riven carefully painted Alex's nails, the occasional playful glance and teasing remark breaking the silence. When he finished, he held Alex's hand up for inspection.
"Looks great, Cupcake," Riven said softly, a satisfied smirk tugging at his lips. "Just the way it should be."
Alex's lips curved into a small, delighted giggle. The courtly trappings of their worlds felt distant here, replaced with the quiet companionship and subtle teasing that made this courtyard a sanctuary of its own, one filled with hints of Riven's personality—from his dark-hued cushions to the training dummy in the corner—and now, shared moments that made it feel even more personal.
Author's Note
"Next chapter: Alex arrives at the Mana Bureau Academy—new friends, new rivalries, and an entirely new world of magic awaits."