Element

Element XXXI

Staring out the window, I watched as the army gathered around in the camp below.

We needed more rouges if we stood a chance at destroying the new Elementals.

Letting out a deep breath, I can't believe how I got myself into this situation.

I didn't always envision this for my life. I was happy once. I was full of life and joy but that never lasts.

There was a time when I was loyal to the throne. Having grown up at the palace with the King, I was his best friend and he was mine.

But she had to ruin that, she was my downfall, my Achilles heel.

I remember the first day I saw her, she was dressed in servant clothing feeding sugar cubes to one of the Royal horses. I stood there watching her as she whispered secrets to the chestnut mare.

I remember feeling a smile tug at my face and I had the urge to go up and talk to her. However, I didn't.

Every afternoon I would walk through the garden casually as the Prince and King attended his meetings. Slowly I would make my way over towards the stable to watch her. After days of observation, I finally took a step towards her. The gravel underneath my boot crunched and she turned to look at me.

Such large innocent eyes looked upon my face and in that moment, I knew I loved her. She gave me a small smile and I swore my heart stopped.

I remember thinking how lucky I was to gaze upon such a beautiful creature. So innocent, so pure.

She turned back to the horse in front of her and I couldn't help but to feel disappointment. Closing the gap between us, I put my hand out to the horse to pet her.

"She likes you." I said as my hand traced up the bridge of the horses nose.

"You think?" Turning to look at her, the laughter in her voice sounded like music to my ears.

"I believe so. And I'm not just saying that because you give her sugar cubes everyday." Smiling back at the girl, her smile reached her eyes and the joy bubbled from my chest.

Turning back towards the mare, she continued to pet her as I watched. Enjoying the moment, I didn't want it to end.

"What is her name?" Hearing her question, I came back to the present and turned back towards the horse.

"Phoenix. Her name is Phoenix." I said watching her steady strokes.

"I like that name. A beautiful horse named after a beautiful creature." Staring intently at the horse, she dropped her hand back onto the fence and turned towards me.

"What is your name?" Asking bluntly, it took me a second to realize she was asking me a question.

"Dain." I said turning to look at her.

"Dain..." She seemed the play with the words as she rolled the name around on her tongue.

"I like it." She stated firmly with her mind made up.

Smiling at her. I realized I enjoyed the way my name sounded coming from her.

"So, do you want to tell me why you have been watching me for the past two weeks or am I going to have to figure that out myself?" Turning away from me, she headed inside the barn and I couldn't help but to follow.