A Phoenix's Heart

Chapter 7: Alone in Room

Fuegoleon's point of view

The meeting droned on even longer after that. On my way out, I ran into William. They were attacked on their way to the diamond kingdom. I've been running around for hours. I've checked every room, flipped through every book and filing cabinet, and turned over every carpet and piece of furniture. I've scoured every corner of the capital looking for her. Around 3:00 a.m. I gave up and chose to head back to my room at the Crimson Lion King's headquarters. On my way to my room, I hear music coming from the room down the hall from mine. I open the door to find Estelle unconscious on the floor and a magic device playing a song on repeat. The room was a mess with old, dirty, bloody, shredded clothes torn all over the room. Pieces of paper, knick-knacks, and books were scattered all over the room. Against one wall was a big piece of furniture covered in an old tattered tarp and another a broken bookshelf weighed down with boxes. The room was stuffy and dark but there didn't seem to be any structural damage. Estella was dressed in a pair of old gray booty shorts and a low-hanging tank top that clung to her body. She had miscellaneous bandages and bruises here and there all over her body. Her guard uniform was in a pile off to the side, still smoldering and splattered with blood. I rushed to her side and scooped her up in my arms.

Gently her eyelids flutter open. "Hello, Fuggy. How were your meetings?"

"Fine. You're bleeding."

"I'm fine. I've been treated already anyway. Are you okay? You've been working for at least 20 hours a day. We've spent no time together these past few weeks," she whispers softly

breathing in between every word.

"Are you okay? You've been through so much. I'm sorry about my brother's involvement in you losing your ability to fly. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you."

"If I could go back, I wouldn't change a thing. There is nothing I wouldn't sacrifice for you or your family," she says smiling at me. "I can't just stand there, while Leo and Solid stupidly put their lives at risk. If they were affected by that pollen it would have ruined their lives."

"I Love You!" My eyes widened and my own words as they slipped out without me even thinking about it. I've always loved her but I had no intention of telling her so soon. Her beautiful turquoise eyes widen at my words,

"I ... am... I think.... Thank you." Her face flushes red and her body starts to heat up.

I chuckle, shifting my weight and our positions, pulling her into my lap and resting her head on my shoulder. "You don't have to say it back. I'll wait until you're ready." She nuzzles closer to me and kisses my neck. She removes my cloak and outer shirt, leaving me just my undershirt.

"So," I began, "what are you doing here? Cleaning, packing, burning it down?"

"All three, I guess. This is the room I used whenever I visited or was stationed here. I left keepsakes, hobbies, and random trash here over the years. I thought it was about time I took care of it."

"Are the keepsakes why you've been crying? Your face looks pale and your eyes are red."

"No. I felt it. When Julius broke my oath. I. I don't know. Feeling my oath break was like a weight being lifted off my shoulders. But it also made me sad. I've had it for so long. It was like losing a friend."

I say nothing, I simply hold her close. We embraced each other as the song started over and over and over again. After the umpteenth time, I asked why it was repeating.

"Oh. It's called The Lions. It's kind of the only song I own. I like it because it reminds me of you. That one line about eagles reminds me of Nozel.

Smiling brightly, I gently tuck her hair behind her ears. "Speaking of Nozel, he attended the meeting but didn't want you to join the Silver Eagles."

"Did he go just to see what Squad I would join if I joined one at all?"

"His exact words were 'I want to see if your love would reject you. You both agreed to give it a chance, but that doesn't mean it's working out."

She snores and rests her head against my chest. So beautiful

"What assignment will I take in your squad, captain?"

"What makes you think you join my squad," I asked jokingly.

Her eyes widened in shock. "Are you saying you didn't want me?" she asked, pulling away from me and climbing out of my lap. "I should get packing then."

I freeze at her actions and sad demeanor. My mouth hangs open. She sniffles as she pulls out some old boxes. I trip over my feet and struggle to untie my tongue as I rush to her side. "That's...That'snotwhatImeant! I Was Joking! I would never reject you! Of course, you are a member of the Crimson Lions. Through your brother's request, you are to take on more of a support/teacher role. You'll also be a senior magic knight, fifth class."

She doesn't respond to my ramblings, looking down at a box full of pictures. I reach around her arms and pull out 2 or so pictures. The first time was a younger Estella as Nova with a younger Sophia and Sapphire. The three looked like they were cheering at some sort of festival or victory. She was so beautiful. Even if I couldn't see her eyes, her smile was beautiful. She must have been only 20 years old when this was taken. The next picture was of me from a distance. I looked to be about 23 and in the middle of overseeing a mission and younger knights.

A loud thud and the sound of paper scattering across the floor brought my attention back to Estella as she lunged for the photo in my hand. I dodged and gently pushed her onto what I assumed to be a dilapidated mattress and bed frame under the large tarp.

"Give me that photo," she whispered.

"Why?" I asked quietly. "Which one?"

"The one of you."

"Why?"

"Because it is embarrassing," she explained, lunging at me again.

I pinned her against the wall holding her hands above her head with my right hand. I lean down to look her in the eyes. When she tried to turn away from me I gripped her chin and made her face me.

"I...uh. I used to stalk you," She confessed in a voice no louder than a mouse.

"..."

I stared at her blankly waiting for more of an explanation until she broke the silence. "Sapphire, Shopia, and I turned into a game to take pictures of you while getting closer and closer before you noticed. Then we would run away. I missed you."

"Yor," my eyes widen and I feel my face heat up. "I missed you too. I've been in love with you for so long." I release her hands, wrapping my arm around her waist pulling her flush against me, still holding her face close to mine. She slyly slides her hand underneath my shirt exploring my body. No fire I could produce could possibly compare to how hot my body was right now. Our breaths intermingle as we get closer and closer to each other. Before we can kiss a knock comes from my door across the hall and Leopold shouts "Are you in there, Aniue? Are we still on for our 5 a.m. training session?"

I sigh, pulling away from her and slightly opening her door. "Yes, Leo. I'm here. I'll meet you on the training grounds in 15 minutes."

"Okay."

I listened to his footsteps waiting for him to be farther away before turning back to Estella. She had slumped onto the floor when I let go of her. I kneeled down and gently held her face. "If you don't mind me asking this of you, I would like it if you moved into my room. You can keep this room for storage if you want but I want to live with you. Even if we aren't married yet I want to be with you." I smile at her blushing and gently kissing her on her cheek before turning away again. "I'll see you tonight," I call out from behind the door.