Touched(Sequel to Change of Plans)

Secrets

Sir Leon opened his eyes only after he heard Lady Julianna begin to giggle. At the sight of her lovely smile, a smile appeared on his face as well. Leon realized that Julianna carried a light within her that could light up this cold dark world which they lived in. Just being near her made everything seem better.

"Well?" Julianna asked, "Did you fly?"

Leon shyly nodded and smiled, "Yes, my Lady. I forgot... what it is was like to smile."

The bright and cheerful smile fell from Julianna's lips, her gaze drifted away, and her dark eyes became sad once more. With what Leon said she was reminded of all of the horrible things in which Arthur had just told her. She was reminded of her fight with him, and the things he said about magic. All of this came flooding back to Julianna and weighed down on her shoulders. As if it were physically pulling her down Julianna stepped back away from Sir Leon and sat down on a bale of hay.

Arthur's words playing in her head, Morgana is evil... just like everyone else with magic. Julianna looked down at her hands, her finger tips and began to cry. Part of her had always hoped that Arthur would see things differently than their father had. Julianna always hoped that one day she would be able to share her secret with Arthur. Evil just like everyone else with magic.

Seeing the shift in Julianna's spirit Leon realized he must of have said something to upset her. The light in her eyes had dimmed, and Leon wanted so desperately to reach out to her and bring back her cheery laughter.

"I am sorry if I have upset you, Lady Julianna." Leon knelt down before her as he apologized, "I..." He could see the streaks on her cheeks from the tears she shed. He had to look away from her for fear that he might forget himself and say something he shouldn't, "I only meant to thank you, my Lady." As he finished speaking Sir Leon rose to his feet and turned to leave.

"Wait, please come back." Lady Julianna requested. Leon looked back at her over his shoulder. She tried to smile at the Knight to reassure him that it was not him she was upset with, but the smile was weak and obviously forced. As her smile broke Julianna's head fell. It was as if she were a wall that just came crumbling down.

In a matter of seconds Leon at her side. He did not think about whether or not it was the proper thing to do. He just knew that he had to do it. He swept down on the hay bale beside her, pushing back his long red cape so that he could reach out and wrap his arms around her.

Julianna did not resist or try and stop him. She just leaned in closer to him so that the side of her head was resting against his chest. She could hear the sound of his heart beating. At first it was rapidly pounding but after a moment she felt him take a deep breath, and with it he titled his head down so that his chin was resting ever so lightly on her head. Julianna listened again for the sound of his heart. Now it was beating like a steady drum. It was as if he was a warm blanket that she could just wrap herself in. She felt safe with him.

The two of them sat there in each other's comforting embrace for several long moments before Julianna gently lifted her head to look up at Leon. She could see worry in his eyes as he met her gaze.

"Do you remember when we used to come and play here as children?" Lady Julianna asked.

Leon thought back to the days when he was training to become a Knight with Arthur. He recalled the times he and the other boys would wait in the stables for Lady Morgana, Lady Julianna, and Gwen to join them. As children they did not think about, nor did they care if it was proper to be out riding with the girls unaccompanied. Most of the time the Lady Morgana could out ride all of the boys. She and Arthur always had a playful rivalry. No one knew what that rivalry would eventually turn into.