The Lost Princess

Chapter 19 || Mo Misneach

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I wake with a blaring headache, and tight muscles, but none of that matters because sprawled across my chest is my red haired beauty. 

I recall the events from last night bit by bit. After I left Arabella, I felt the same spark of annoyance and frustration I had, last time Aiden was with her, so to relax, I wandered into a nearby tavern. I soon lost count of how much I consumed, but at the moment it didn't matter, for I was no longer consumed with the anger towards my friend. I know it's more than that I just have no desire to explore the reasoning yet. I laughed and sang with a few of the locals, who were still celebrating the news of the Princess. Things are a tad hazy, but I soon came upon the inn, Arabella and I were to stay at. I, as her appointed guard, and what a fine job I am doing. I knocked on her door simply to check on her, but the sight of her, brought back my earlier feelings, and I didn't want to leave. I was soon lying on her bed facing her. 

I remember the feel of her angel soft hair between my fingertips, and the way the moon hit her emerald eyes in a way that made them dance. Her eyes closed, and her sweet lips gently puckered as if awaiting a secret promise only I could deliver. How I wanted to take her in my arms and give her everything her heart desired, but not in this state. I want our first to be when I am a man, not a stumbling mess of one. She deserves a night of love, not liquor and lust. So, I turned from her, and tried to sleep, allowing my thoughts to easily avoid the shock she must have felt. Before too long, the darkness took me to a place I did not wish to visit. Every demon that lurks within the confines of my mind, every fear decided to come out tonight.

With all the bad, here laid an angel. Mo misneach, I thought smiling down at her. I hear her sleeping patterns shift, but being the selfish man I am. I gently caress her cheek and memorize the peaceful look that rests on her face, before my time is up, and reality takes place. She subtly leans into my hand, before her eyes flutter open, and I am privy to a front row seat of her emeralds. She lets out an easy sigh. I continue to gaze upon her. Suddenly, she freezes and her eyes become wide, as she takes in her position on my chest. 

"Oh, um," she stumbles, getting off of me with ease. "I apologize. I don't know how that," she gestures to the bed, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

'Tis another day, the night is over, and we are back to princess and soldier. Two people who could never be. I harden my expression. "We leave in ten minutes. I'll meet you with the men." I pick up my boots and leave swiftly not wanting to stay in her presence longer than necessary. She will not accept me, and I am not enough for her. I have already accepted this. I must stay true to it, and proceed with the mission at hand.

"Thomas," I call when I get close enough to make him out, "Tell the men to ready the horses. We leave as soon as the Princess is ready." He nods before running over to relay the message to the others. I made way to find Aiden, who was no doubt already wandering the town and conversing with the locals before we left. He is a man of few wants and loves, but next to his wife comes travel. I find him at the blacksmiths chatting up an older man working on crafting a sword. "We leave soon."

"Ah, Lea, good morn to you!" He smiles brightly.

"Yes, yes good morn to you as well," I reply stoic, but somehow a smile manages to appear on my face. It's simply the magic of Aiden.

"What is heavy on you, lad?" Asks the older man. I do not wish to converse with the man and receive his advice. 

"A bonnie," I reply.

The old man chuckles deeply. "That is always the reason, isn't it. Well, I'm sure you lads have someplace to be, no need staying around an old man. Here is your sword son," he motions to Aiden, handing off the weapon. Aiden pats the man on the back, before taking his leave, and I follow suit.

"Last I saw you were stumbling into the inn, anything to speak of?" he asks. Gossiping feen. 

"Nothing. Now, we have a mission to continue with," I say, diverting the conversation.

"Right. Of course. Nothing. What was I thinking? You went to your room and stayed in your room all night," he said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"I don't like what you are implying, Aiden. That is our future Queen you are talking about."

"Exactly, Lea, remember that," he adds, patting me on the back.

I turn on him then, "Do you honestly believe that is a fact I have let slip my mind. For the past eighteen years she as consumed my every thought and driven my every action, and now, she is here, and she is," I stop loss for words to describe Arabella.

"Arabella," he suggests. 

"Exactly," I nod with a sigh, annoyance slipping into my voice, as the weight of my words and feelings swarm towards me. I finally realize something I had a tried to avoid.  

He leaves after, but I hear him groan in frustration, "I can't do this. Sorry, Ella."

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