Livianna

2.

Mariam unpinned my hair from the knot and  tucked the soft waves behind my ears.

"How was the audience?" She asked.

"It was different." It truly had been. "There's a magician, or jester, whatever you want to call him."

"Oh what fun." Mariam commented.

"Although he's a bit mysterious. I mean a man with a talent such as his should be known to the people." I added.

"Well what if this is his big break?" She looked at me from the mirror.

It could be, but what were the odds. "Hm, maybe." I shot her a half smile, "but I will uncover the truth."

A wave of worry and slight fear crossed her gentle features. "Oh Liv. Please be careful."

"I will Mariam." I placed one of my hands over one of hers.

"I don't know Liv. Every time you go on one of your adventurous sprees, something  radical happens." I could see all my adventures playing in her mind.

"You know what?" I stood from the baroque vanity.  "I'm going to start listening to Damian. I'm going to liven up a little."

"Oh!" She exclaimed. "You've really lost your mind!"

Me and her joined in careless laughter.

"Alright. I must go, I have a pending walk to the gardens." I wiggled my eyebrows and mariam smirked in understanding.

"I'm guessing you'll need a look out?" She asked.

"Let's not call it look out but rather a companion."  I suggested.

She thought for a moment. "But wouldn't Cassian be your companjon?"

"No silly!" I walked happily to the door. "He'll be our escort. You know the drill." I smiled knowingly.

Right then there was a knock on my door. "You re highness?" The deep voiced asked.

I opened the door. "Well good day, Sir Cassian."

"I shall repeat, I am not a sir, you're Highness. " He replied.

"Well, we shall fix that." I looked over to Mariam who was fidgeting with the hem of her shawl.

"Good luck, my lady." He gave me a gorgeous half smile. "Shall we?"

"We shall." I motioned to Mariam to hurry up.

Cassian walked behind us the entire way to the gardens, and it wasn't until we were a few turns into the royal maze that Mariam traded places with him.

His hand gently brushed mine. "How was your day, my lady?"

"Same as always." This time I brushed my hand against his. "Except the,"

"Magician." He completed my sentence.

"Yes, the magician, made it a little more exciting." He finally took the courage and laced his fingers with mine. "Although he makes me a bit wary."

"And why is that?" Upon entering the center of the maze, his body relaxed, his talk Fran becoming more welcoming.

"I don't know, the mystery of him. Like where he came from? How come no one announced his presence? Is he from around here?"  Endless questions buzzed through my mind.

"He's from a neighbouring country." We sat on the marble bench.

I turned to face him.

"I asked him as I led him to my room."

"He's staying with you?"  His fingers mindlessly caressed mine.

"Yes. The vacant room on the second floor is mine. It was vacant because I wasn't sharing with anyone." He moved a lose strand from my face.

"Oh. That makes things much easier." He chuckled at my statement. "What?" I shoved his shoulder playfully.

"You're into something clandestine, aren't you Liv."

"Well obviously. Why else would I mention the magician being your roommate making things easier for me." I replied matter of factly.

"What are you up to exactly?" His black eyes studied my face.

"Well I'm determined to find out why he decided to come and offer his 'services.'"

He chuckled once more. "You're too much Liv."

"Are you saying you can't handle me?" I taunted.

"No, I'm saying you live the life many women wish and lust for, yet you wish to do things that are out of your status." He stopped stroking my hand. "You're always wanting more. And that's a good thing. You never let your mind idle. And you always achieve what you set your mind too."

"What's the problem Cassian?" The mood had changed.

He sighed and looked to the tall hedges. "The problem is, that I don't known if I'm enough for you."

I laughed at his answer. "Cassian!" He looked at me sheepishly. "I've told you countless times, I'd rather have you for as long as I can, than have countless of idiot prince's court me with their unoriginal poems and decor." I Leaned closer and stroke his cheek. "You're more than enough Cassian. You're more than what I deserve. And I'm awed that out of all the court ladies you chose me."

He smiled and leaned in to my touch.

"After all, I am the royal princess, what's not to like." I smirked.

He chuckled. "I love those arrogant lips of yours."

His lips met my smiling ones, enveloping me in a sweet kiss that smelt of lemon and rosemary. He kept me In a warm embrace as a light breeze swept past us. His heart beated steadily while mine paced faster as the kiss carried on.

"Livianna!" I heard Mariam's voice call.

We broke apart. I tried to fix my hair as best as I could and he straightened his uniform.

"Liv," Mariam came running, trying to catch her breath. "The. The. The Magi. Magician." She tried to erect herself.

Cassian stood from the bench, trying to compose himself. I tucked the few loose strands from my hair as I rose and took Mariam by the arm,.

"Remember," I spoke in a low voice in case the magician was near, "You didn't see anything, Mariam."

"Of course, Liv." she responded, her breathing back to normal.

Eventually, Cassian's footsteps began to echo behind us. we walked a few steps until i head another set of footsteps.

"Cassian!" a voice called. Mariam and I stopped and turn to see who it was. "Cassian, hold--" His statement was cut off when he saw me. "Pardon me, your Majesty." The magician dropped in a deep bow.

"You may rise." I stated automatically. And he did, and stood awkwardly afterwards. "You were looking for Cassian." I stated

"Uh, yes." He ran a hand through his hair. "Um, I was told Cassian was in the laberynth."

"Well. Hes my escort." I replied. "Do you need anything?"

"I am deeply sorry to intrude, but i was wondering if Cassian could show me around the city after his shift." His gaze unwavering.

"Well? Cassian?" I turned to him. We had plans to have a twilight picknick today.

"If it is alright with you, Yout Majesty." He replied.

"And what do you wish, Cassian?" A small ray of sadness glinted in his eyes.

"I-" I did not let him finish.

"You may go." I picked at an invisble line on my dress. "Actually, you may retire now if you wish. I wont have need of you anymore." I could see pain cross over cassians features. "Cardozo." He bowed at my leave. "Lets go Mariam. We have far more important things to attend to." I glanced one last time at Cassian. I could tell he want to say more, but the uninvited party reatrained him.