"I'd rather love you, then serve you" (Katemau)

chapter 7 "bandit problem"

3rd POV

The dance was a beautiful experience for the newly arrived group. Nothing but smiles and laughter could be seen and the occasional playful arguments. The sun was now fully asleep while the moon was as awake as ever, making the fairy white lights glow over the party, luminating the event.  The music by now had engulfed the laughter of the children playing which was not a problem to anyone until a little boy ran up to the blue haired guard in urgency.

“M’lady..” Katelyn said, still entertaining Aphmau.

“Katelyn, I told you to just call me Aphmau. I'm not a Lord anymore.” Aphmau responded, giggling at her mistake.

“Oh yes. Aphmau, I think a situation with Dante had occured.” She finally said, looking at Dantes urgency.

Alarming Aphmau, she turned to find him and she saw him taking out his sword as the little one was pointing towards the gates.

“You're right.. come on.” Aphmau ordered, serious about the situation.

Without a second thought, Katelyn swiftly moved and got to Dante who Aphmau did the same, meeting him where he stood uneasily. He didn't realize their presence until he was about to run, which was stopped when Aphmau grabbed his arm.

“What's wrong? You seem angered.” Aphmau asked, letting go of his arm.

“Angered? I'm furious! My little Nekoette just got kidnapped by bandits! I didn't want to mention it to you because I didn't want to worry you..” Dante said, guilt filled his eyes.

Aphmau's body went stiff, shocked by the news. “Bandits? Since when did you have that problem..?”

With a wavy sigh, he looked at the gates. “Ever since the gates were broken down. They get through with the small gaps. They come and steal our supplies sometimes, so we have been guarding the gate ever since. But today was a day of celebration.. and we left it unguarded.”

Aphmau's eyes softened, Katelyn remained quiet and emotionless; she seemed concerned but a calm face visible. Only a person who truly paid attention to her would find the concern in her eyes.

“Dante.. it's okay, go find the others, I'll go see if I can find her.” Aphmau said, wanting to bring comfort or reassurance to him.

“No.. it's too dangerous, we don't know how many there are and if they are armed!” Dante responded, grabbing her arm  gently before she thought of walking away.

“Dante let go.. I promise I can protect myself and don't forget, I have a very highly trained guard right behind me.” Aphmau turned her head, making eye contact with Katelyn in a very confident manner with an eyebrow raised.

Katelyn smirked, finding her playful experission amusing.

“Fine.. just please, come back safe. I don't want to lose you again like last time.” Dante finally let go, yet he still seemed very hesitant with his movements and his eyes screamed concern.

Aphmau gulped, slightly nervous from his reaction, “I'll be fine. I promise.”

Katelyn began walking towards the gates, nudging Aphmau lightly to follow. She smiled and followed, leaving Dante to stand on his own for a moment before rushing to find the other guards and reinforcements.

Aphmau and Katelyn quickly ran towards the abandoned village, wondering where to start. They stood in the worn down path, thinking of a plan quickly, not wanting to waste any time.

“Let's split up. It's the best way to cover more ground.”Aphmau suggested, looking around.

“Are you crazy? What if they find you and kidnap YOU?” Katelyn responded, amazed by the unreasonable idea.