A few times in the past, he'd be doing just fine with his archery only to mess up the moment he knew anyone was watching. Whether it was Diamant or their parents wanting to cheer him on or the other soldiers and knights muttering criticisms of his performance, even if he'd been shooting nothing but bullseyes prior he'd start missing or even drop his bow once he realized he wasn't alone.

Father had tried many times to help him overcome this, reminding him that a Prince needed to be strong, that his skill didn't depend on what other people thought of him but how hard he tried. Diamant said the same thing, and even though both were too kind to say so out loud Alcryst knew this issue of his would drag everyone else down. It was why he preferred to train alone rather than against other, better fighters. My messing up could throw them off, too, and I wouldn't want to ruin their training.

He'd made sure no one was in even ten feet of the archery range before he started firing, and so far he was doing...okay, he supposed. He wasn't hitting as many bullseyes as he had the day before, which was a problem, but on the other hand at least he hadn't missed the target. All he had to do was focus, straight ahead, no one's here, Alcryst, you can do this.

Almost at the exact moment he let the arrow fly, though, he heard footsteps. It was too late, he'd released the bowstring, whoever was coming was about to see-

Thwack.

The arrow, embedded dead center in the middle of the bullseye. Alcryst blinked, but didn't dare peek over his shoulder. The footsteps stopped, no one said a word, and Alcryst wondered if maybe it had just been his imagination. Or maybe someone was just passing by and hadn't even seen him.

He nocked another arrow, pulled back the string, and this one hit just above the other, right in the center. So did the next two he fired.

I guess they were just passing by. He didn't have enough arrows left to try to break yesterday's record, but maybe he could break even. Concentrating, he kept the target in his sights, breathing deeply, pushing away any other thoughts or concerns. Staying focused on the battlefield is important, after all.

"You've got this!" a voice suddenly called out - familiar, cheerful, one that always managed to wrap itself tightly around his heart. Alcryst froze, his heart thudding in his chest.

But where normally he would lose his focus and his nerve and completely mess up, this time something broke through the wall of doubt and self-deprecation. Slowly drawing the arrow, he twirled it between his fingertips before lining up the shot, eyes narrowing as he drew back the string. Not only can't I miss, I won't.

The final arrow hit dead center, splitting the one already there clean in half. The voice broke out in cheers, followed by a hearty round of applause, and Alcryst didn't know whether he wanted to pass out from embarrassment or feel proud of himself. Technically, what he'd just done was showing off, something he'd never done in all his years of training. Even when he was alone he tried to be modest, knowing someone like him had no right to be otherwise.

When he dared to turn around at last, Fogado was walking towards him with a bright smile, face beaming proudly.

"I'd hoped being here might boost your morale a little, but I didn't expect that!" Alcryst's blush deepened as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I don't know what came over me! I feel like I should apologize, showing off isn't very becoming for a Prince."

"How's it showing off when I've seen you do the same thing on the battlefield fifty times?" Fogado said. "Except on the battlefield there's no time to stop and appreciate your form. I figured it'd be best if you didn't know I was here, but near the end I got a little carried away. So I guess I should apologize!"

"No, it's okay...I don't deserve all that cheering, I know, but...it felt nice. Besides, I'm the one who felt the need to show off for you in the first place," Alcryst murmured. "I know I usually get so nervous around you, but..." But this time it was different, somehow, Fogado had gone out of his way just to be here.

And even if Alcryst had missed the last shot or made mistakes, deep down he knew Fogado wouldn't think less of him. Because even though he didn't deserve it, Fogado liked him.

"I'm glad you were here," he murmured. "And-"

"Don't thank me. Telling you how amazing you are comes naturally, as it should." Fogado tipped his chin up with a grin, and Alcryst's entire body flushed. "In fact, maybe you could give me a few pointers for the next battle."

"Me...?" Alcryst's heart fluttered, their faces were so close and Fogado's eyes shone with utmost sincerity. "I..." I'm the last person you should ask for battle advice, I'm useless, Diamant is a better archer and the bow isn't even his specialty. Or Etie, or anyone else who can use a bow. But those eyes looked so deep into him, dissolving the words on his tongue.

You make me feel like I'm worthy of such adoration. It's scary, but I don't want it to stop.

"Sure...I'd like that." He smiled. "I...like you, Fogado."

"I know." Fogado leaned closer. "I like you, too."

Feeling a surge of confidence alien to him, Alcryst grasped onto it with all his might and closed the distance between their lips.