Gazing At The Moon

Chapter 9

Amaryllis is at a loss for words. So many thoughts are running through her mind.

He's not angry... What did he just say? I thought he'd be disappointed in me, or- Wait, did he just kiss my hand?

Her cheeks are, rather than the rosy colour they normally become, burning. Her entire face feels hot.

His lips are soft...

Slowly, he looks up at her. His expression is unreadable for once.

She feels so many things, she can't help but weep. It's too much all at once. The confusion, the concern, the warm feeling spreading through her chest, the appreciation for him, and so on. "You really aren't... appalled by me?" She whispers, tears leaking out of her eyes.

He stands up and places his gauntleted hands on her shoulders. "Never. I understand how you feel." His eyes are kind. "Feels like having your freedom taken away, right?"

"... In a sense." He's not wrong, though it feels more complicated than that.

Amaryllis looks up at his face, and is surprised when he strokes her cheek with his fingers, wiping the tears away.

He looks sad. "I'm sorry you worried about me. I should have told you something."

She stares at him.

"But unfortunately, something came up before I could."

"So why were you gone?"

"I had to go and see some people out of town."

"In the middle of the night?"

"It's the only time where I can be off duty. It just so happened that it was at an inconvenient time, with the recent breaking in and all." He sighs, shoulders drooping. "I'm sorry. But I promise I'll be here from now on."

Amaryllis looks at the carpet. "Do you... do you mean what you said, Abel?"

He raises a dark brow.

"About... always staying by my side."

"Of course I do." He smiles softly, his voice a little deeper than normal. "I don't want to serve anyone else."

Based on the way he says it, Amaryllis can't help but believe it. She takes his hand and squeezes it.

Abel frowns. "But, Lady... What will you do now? Because you're so unhappy..."

She lets go of him. "... I am not happy to be married, I admit, but I have no other option. I must accept." She glances off to the side, expression sour. "There'll be a ball next week. The suitors will visit and I can get to know them during that time. I made sure you're there with me."

Abel's cheeks darken just a bit. "I am honoured you're letting me attend." He bows.

"You have as much of a right to enjoy the ball as I do," Even if I won't particularly enjoy it... "So feel free to indulge in the festivities. The food and drinks are hand-picked by myself."

Abel nervously bites his lip, which once again makes Amaryllis fidgety. "I don't know about that... Won't they send me away? I'm just a guard."

"You are my guard," She states, "And, no. It is my word, and they cannot go against it. Don't worry."

Abel smiles. "Well... Thank you, Princess. You're very kind."

You make me want to be. I want to see you smile. That realisation makes her cheeks grow rosy, but she can't deny it's true.

There's three knocks on the door, and both of them turn to look.

"Good morning, Lady! We've come to dress you!"