Gazing At The Moon

Chapter 7

Amaryllis sits by her glass doors, looking outside. Normally, she enjoys a little time out on the balcony before sleeping. But now her glass doors are locked, and besides, she's not too keen on going outside right now anyway.

Still, it's a shame. The garden is lit up beautifully from the light of the moon, which is almost full. She can't see it properly from here.

Absent-mindedly, she sips her tea.

Tonight, Abel will be guarding her door. He's not here yet, but he should arrive any moment now.

Part of her feels bad. It wasn't her decision, but she doesn't want Abel to lose sleep because of it. She knows how terrible sleepless nights are for your health. Many times she's struggled to make it through the night, and every time she's felt awful in the morning. The only thing that helps a little is the cool night air blowing into her room and the sounds of nature outside.

So, understandably, she's not looking forward to tonight. Maybe Abel's presence will make me feel more comfortable... He did say he didn't see too well in the dark, though. I know he'd still do his best.

There's a little knock on her door.

"Come in."

It's Abel. "Good evening, Lady." He closes the door behind him and takes off his helmet. He's wearing the cloak from before, and it looks even better on him when she can see his face. It makes him look like a true knight, like someone you'd imagine riding your way on a horse. It makes her cheeks a little rosy.

"Hello." She looks at his eyes, which are warm like usual. They do match his cloak very well.

"Is there anything I can do for you before I take watch?" He smiles kindly, holding his helmet under his arm.

"Sit with me a while." She pats the loveseat she's sitting in. He seems hesitant, but joins her. He shifts in his seat until he's comfortable, and this way he's pressed up against her a little bit. She doesn't mind, it's a small seat after all.

There's a comfortable silence that stretches out, as they watch the gardens. Looking at him out of the corner of her eye, she sees him looking somewhat solemnly at the sky. But when he notices her looking he smiles like nothing's wrong.

"Do you think you'll be alright, tonight?" He asks.

"Yes. I know you're here to protect me." She places a hand on his forearm.

"Of course." He puts his other hand on hers. "If you need me at all, during the night, don't hesitate to ask."

"Alright." Amaryllis finishes her tea. "Will you be fine in the darkness?"

"Yeah, I'll manage. Don't worry about me, princess." He glances at the clock in the corner. "I suppose I'll take watch now, if you don't mind?"

She nods.

"Okay. Goodnight, Lady." He bows and returns to the door, about to open it, when Amaryllis speaks.

"What do you think about marriage?" She doesn't turn around to look at him.

Abel audibly sputters. "M-Marriage? What do you mean?"

"Is it something you have to do, or something you choose to do?"

He's silent for a long while.

"Personally, I would want to choose."

"I see."

"Is... there something you want to tell me, Lady?"

"...No. Apologies for keeping you." She glances at him over his shoulder. "Goodnight, Abel."