The Good King

'Leo' 2

It was a warm summer day.

Everyone was preparing for the festival.

Hiram who used to be the one who gets very excited about going outside of the palace's walls was not there.

He said he wanted to stay with his Elmer but I knew that he was just not ready to brightly smile at everyone else.

And he would not want to ruin their own happiness just because he lost his.

Even though he had those two knights right by his side , he could not smile just yet.

And I hated it.

I of course had to replace him that evening.

Everyone's eyes were smiling.

Yes , their eyes.

All we did was send these lanterns flying into the sky after making a wish.

I envied those children who thought their wishes will be granted because I once thought the same.

''Leo''

I remember how Ivor's voice woke me up from my thoughts.

They were all looking at me.

Because I was supposed to be the first one to make a wish.

I sent that Lantern flying and God sorry that I lied.

This time I made no wish.

''Thank you for coming with me''

His presence really made me feel less nervous and I was very grateful.

I am glad I thanked him back then.

Even though there are many things I could not thank him for.

Each lantern becomes a celestial messenger, carrying dreams, hopes, and wishes that I doubted would even come true.

The sky was very beautiful that night.

I was still able to see the one I sent flying a while ago.

It was still not out of reach is what I thought.

''Go''

I wish he did not say a thing back then.

He could have just pretended that my tears were not falling as I watched it leave my sight.

But that Ivor was too kind to ignore my feelings.

He handed me a cape and I was glad that all the eyes were on the sky so that no one could tell that their prince was gone.

I found myself running.

My heart raced as I propelled myself forward , driven by an irresistible longing to grasp it in my eager embrace.

'Let me make this wish , just this time' I thought.

Maybe , just maybe I will one day make it come true.

But sadly that Lantern was far gone , I watched it leave and get mixed up with the other ones.

They looked all the same but I was able to tell which one was mine because it was the only one.

The only one with no wish whispered into it.

I stopped and was out of breath.

''Do you want to share mine ?''

Her sweet voice said as she approached me and handed me her own Lantern.

Maybe because she saw how desperate I looked.

I looked into her eyes and was unable to tell if that was her light or the Lantern's , she shined.

Brighter than any summer day.

I knew it was love.

''Make a wish''

She said.

I was lost in her eyes and did not know what to say.

Funny how speechless you made me back then.

I remember holding into that Lantern with you.

Our hands touched and it felt right.

I wanted to know your wish very badly.

What made you close your eyes and focus on what you wanted.

Since I got my chance to ask for it again.

Even though I said I will find something else.

I was stuck there.

I could not give it up.

'I wish to be the king'

We sent it flying few seconds after you opened those green eyes of yours that looked like an ancient forest filled with secrets and I could not wait to be the one discovering them one by one.

Your emeralds were sparkling at the lights coming from that night's sky while mine watched you.

Maybe I blushed.

I finally realized that I should be going back and asked for her name.

And what a beautiful one you had.

''Emma''

I was really out of words as I ran back to the palace and left my heart with you.

I went on about my life but all I could think of was that night.

I found myself sneaking outside of the palace in the middle of the night running towards a place that I've only been to once just in hopes to see you again.

And you weren't there.

There was no other light than the moon's one, it looked prettier than ever as I wondered around those empty streets.

I should have hurried back to the palace that night but fate has another saying as I saw you watching the moon from your window.

Took you a while to notice me and I did not know if you would recognise me or not so I said nothing.

The room's curtains were suddenly closed, I looked down again and decided to leave yet the house's door was open and you showed up running towards me.

"It's you!"

You said while trying to catch your breath.

"Me?"

I wondered.

"You didn't tell me your name! Even though we shared a wish"

The way you complained about it was really adorable.

"Leo"

I said.

"Do you still remember mine?"

You suddenly asked.

How could I not? I remember all of the small things I saw in you yet your name.

"Emma"

I loved how your eyes shined whenever you smiled.

A breeze of wind made my hood fall and I guess you finally got a good look at my face.

"It's getting cold, you should go back in now Emma"

I found myself saying .

"Come back tomorrow"

Your words made my heart race and caused my soul a harder fall for you.

I promised to come and I did.

We would meet every single night and talk about everything. You would smile at me and with just that my heart was put at ease.

I wonder where did things go wrong...