Soul Behind The Mask

3. After You

The prince was definitely NOT expecting Ashlyn to touch his hand, not even agree to the short walk... date he had planned. Wait, was this even a date?

He remembered previous events, back at the castle, where he had to meet different princesses from other kingdoms as he was in age of getting a wife (and future queen of the Empire). Short meetings and occasional dances, he never really grew closer to anyone, except to his sister obviously, as they shared a deep bond as siblings and royal members of the sacred Feline lineage. Months passed anyway now. He had to make the best out of the situation.

Lewis looked at the girl, who was entertained enjoying the view around her. She was so happy every time he saw her, how was that even possible? He compared his miserable life and hers. She seemed to have a pretty good life overall. He shook his dark thoughts off his mind, turning his attention to Ashlyn's question.

"Are you thinking of going somewhere, Armand?"

God. How much he loved when she mentioned his name. Except that of course, it wasn't truly his. But he couldn't reveal himself to her. The entire empire hated him, and for something he didn't do. Also, he was supposed to be banished. Away from the Empire. Disappeared. Some even wanted his head. If he ever told her who he actually was, she would instantly hate him. He was sure of it.

He smiled. "Any my lady wishes to go to". He bit his lip immediately after processing what he just said. She was going to scold him again. Ashlyn's adorable giggle however, surprised him.

"Mhmmm... Let's see.. Oh! We could go to the inn! They have some really great musicians and singers." Her eyes went to the ground and then back at him nervously. "I also sing sometimes there. It's quite nice there".

"Alright, let's go then".

The door was already open, yet the girl stopped before entering.

"Oh, ladies first".

"Okaaayy" with a soft giggle she entered the room, Lewis following her. The atmosphere was quite lively there. All the tables were set aside, letting people dance freely in the middle.

She turned around to him, inviting him.

Before the tragic incident, the prince would enjoy large crowds of people. But now, it was a completely different story. Lewis couldn't stand so much people around him, all at once. His identity was at risk now, that's why he preferred to go for walks during the late hours of the day. He put his cape hood on, starting to panic but trying his best to not let her see his worry at the same time.

"Oh, no, my apologies Ashlyn, but I-I don't dance".

The girl tilted her head aside, looking at him. She did notice he was suddenly feeling uneasy. She looked one last time at the people and grabbed his hand, dragging him outside.

"H-hey it's okay you didn't have to- I could just sit watching you from afar".

"No no, it's alright, don't worry" She paused for a second, smiling at him. "We all have our places of comfort".

"Places of comfort my ass! If you would even saw me before..! Before all this went to shit and now I'm a fucking pathetic loser."

"I know a place we can go".

Some minutes later they arrived at Ian's manor.

"Heyyy Ashlyn! Oohhh I see you bringing someone?"

"Ah hi, yes! Here's an acquaintance of mine, Armand Destler. Armand, meet Ian, my childhood best friend."

"AcQuAiNtAnCe. Okay. At least I'm something in her life now".

Ian chuckled, instantly recognising the prince and shaking his hand.

"Well, hello monsieur Destler. Pleasure to meet you!" He winked at Lewis.

Lewis caught it but didn't let it show. He simply stared at him dead in the eye as he muttered a short "likewise" so it was hearable enough for the man.

Ashlyn brought her horse.

"Ian, I'm going with him to show him the fields".

"Okay, take care bestie!"

"Will do!"

They mounted the horse, Lewis behind her as he also grabbed the reins of the horse, and galloped towards the wheat fields near her home.

"Is it really okay if I'm behind you, mademoiselle? There might be danger ahead and I won't be able to protect you".

Ashlyn slightly blushed before responding. "I am deeply thankful for your offer, Armand, but I don't need anyone to protect me".

"Is that so?"

"Yeah".

The girl redirected the horse to get away from the main road, finally reaching their destination. The sun was already setting up.

She jumped off and lied down. Ashlyn looked at him, getting off.

"Hey", she softly patted a spot next to her. "Come here".

Lewis sat on the shown place, legs crossed.

"I thought maybe you'd enjoy something more like this. I get overwhelmed in big spaces sometimes too. This helps me to relax and just calm down, connecting with myself, you know."

"Thank you".

"Anytime. It's so beautiful here too anyway". She closed her eyes.

The prince looked at her fair skin and golden blonde curls, shining brighter as the last sun rays of the day caressed her. He smiled.

Ashlyn felt his stare and opened her eyes looking back at him, scrunching her nose. Lewis thought his heart just skipped a beat.

"Aren't you going to lay down too? It feels so soft in here".

"I'm alright this way, don't worry Ashlyn".

The girl closed her eyes for a brief moment only to open them again.

"Shit!" She looked at him and covered her mouth. "Oops I'm sorry! Where are my manners! Hahah I just- omg, I really need to get going. My parents are going to kill me if I arrive after dark".

Lewis smiled and nodded, helping her to stand up. He then took her hand close to him and softly kissed it. "Thank you for this time together, my lady. Will forever cherish this moment".

Ashlyn was battling between her sudden face constantly turning red and trying not to show any visible emotion. She was conscious that her fair skin easily gave her away in similar situations, and that was something she was desperately working on to improve as a member of society. She took a deep breath before continuing.

"So will I Armand". She then looked at the horse and back at him. "I... I need to bring the horse back to my parents though... How are you going to come back home?"

"Oh, that problem is solved already, m'lady. A good walk at night never does harm to anybody."

O-oh, well... Okay then" She sat on the animal's back. "Be safe. Goodbye!"

Lewis watched her hand wave, him doing the same back at her. He smiled as he closed his eyes, his face facing the sky.

"She's so amazing. Wonderful."

He took a deep breath before shapeshifting to his dark blonde beast lion self. Time to run back to the town for a place to sleep.