Unconditionally - DanRos FanFic

Chapter 9

Danaya stood at the balcony of Lireo's palace, looking at Encantadia's sky, with its two moons shining softly over them all.  They had succeeded in reclaiming Lireo and driving Hagorn back to Hathoria.  But their triumph was also tinged with sadness.  They had paid a steep price for their victory, losing many from their side including Alira, whom Aquil had mourned deeply. 

Muros had been wounded at the battle as he was protecting Lira.  Even while wounded, he had run after Lira who was being chased by Kahlil.  She liked that about him though it made her worry.  Fortunately, she had been able to find Muros quickly and heal him.  Kahlil, though, really had been Alena's son and she had unknowingly killed him, just as Alena, whom they thought dead, had returned.  Alena could not forgive her.  Danaya sighed unhappily.

Loud marching footsteps behind her made her turn.  A group of their soldiers was filing into two lines, one on either side of her, and in the midst of them, Aquil was walking towards her, carrying flowers.

Minutes later, Danaya walked back to her room, her heart lighter.  Aquil had presented the flowers to her and had even kissed her hand.  She felt happier than she had in days.

She was brought out of her reverie when she realized Muros was standing in the hallway ahead with two soldiers behind him.  He seemed to be pacing back and forth.  She watched him pause distractedly and then draw a deep breath.

He saw her then, smiled hesitantly and greeted her as she drew closer, "Sang'gre Danaya.  Please accept my gift."

He motioned to the two soldiers, who laid a couple of sacks of fruit at her feet and then left.

She looked up at Muros surprised, "This is quite a lot, Muros."

He glanced away, "I could hardly give you flowers."

So he had seen her and Aquil... And he had thought of giving her flowers, too... The thought sent a pleasant tingle through her.  How was that possible when it was Aquil she had always liked?  She seemed to be a jumble of emotions now.  She took a few steps forward to clear her head and he went to her side.

"I'm pleased with all that you do for me, Muros, but..." She broke off, anguished.

"But someone already owns your heart. Mashna Aquil."  He finished for her.  He dropped his gaze and exhaled a long breath.

She watched him anxiously, "I hope you're not upset with me."

He made an effort to smile, "That will never happen."

She looked into his eyes and felt her heart beating fast, her pulse sounded loud in her own ears.  The sad look in Muros' eyes evoked more feelings in her than Aquil's smile had.  Was this regret she was feeling? No, it couldn't be.  She couldn't explain it but she knew she couldn't bear to see him this way.

Confused, she turned to leave.  "I have to go."

He caught her hand and held it fast. "Danaya."

She faced him hesitantly and he covered her hand with both of his.

"If ever the time comes that our mashna would let you down in any way, I'm always here... for you."

His eyes were still sad but he smiled tenderly at her.

She stared up at him, lost for words, and nodded.