When Luka awoke the next morning, it took him some time to remember how he ended up here. He sat up carefully, removing his jacket as he made his way towards the kitchen. Mai was already there, dressed in dark leggings and tunic; she didn't have her customary gloves on. He took a minute to look her over, his heart lifting at the sight of her. The box in his pocket weighed heavily against his chest, reminding him why he'd come out here to begin with last night. He approached her, already reaching into his pocket when she turned.
"Oh, good, you're awake." Mai began to pull on her gloves, taking in his appearance with a slow nod. "We'll be leaving for the palace soon. There's some extra porridge in the kitchen you can help yourself to." He hesitated, caught off guard by her desire to get straight to business. She moved to walk past him, pulling a cloak off of a nearby wall hook. He shuffled to get some breakfast, knowing he'd regret it if he didn't get something to eat. He ate quickly, hoping to talk to her this morning. When he finished, he found his way outside. Mai had found his horse, and was brushing him down next to a large vanner horse.
"Mai, are you sure there isn't a way to convince you to stay at the palace with me?" Luka moved up next to her, placing his hand gently on her arm. She turned to give him an amused look, though he could see the stress in her eyes.
"I'm sure. This is for the best, Luka." She sighed, taking his hand on her own. He looked down at her, wondering if this was the best time to ask. She pulled away then, handing him the reins to his horse before swinging up onto her own. He mounted, and turned back towards the palace. They rode in silence together for a short while. When the first village came into view, he saw Mai tense and pull her hood up over her head. As they rode through, he noticed the people pull their children inside and close their shutters, and began to really question the woman protecting him.
Arriving at the palace caused quite a commotion, with courtiers whispering after them and guards coming to meet them. Despite his protests, Mai was searched, and the guards removed a few knives from her person. They had a brief meeting with his parents, though Mai stayed quiet off to one side, and it was agreed that the guard would have to increase. Finally, he was left alone with her, and he pulled her away from any prying eyes they hadn't noticed.
"Mai, there's something I have to ask you." She seemed to deflate a bit, and this time he caught the pain that flashed across her features. It lanced his own heart, and he took a deep breath. "Mai, I do not wish to stay here without you. Once this danger has passed...would you do me the honor..." Just as he pulled the box out, the palace shook with what felt like an explosion. Mai's head whipped in the direction of the sound, and she took off. Guards arrived and tried to escort him away, but he slipped from their grasp and ran after her. He had to help, had to make sure she would still be here when all of this was done.
YOU ARE READING
Paralyzer
Fantasi"You could come back with me." "Be careful who you invite to your home, dear Prince. You may not find it as agreeable as you hope." The strange woman in the wood draws Luka like no one else. He wants nothing more than to be close to her, but she is...
