The Family

The Music...

"HALT! We have our winner...Ms Russo..." the referee exclaimed. We removed our helmets and I was met with the face of defeat on Léon Chientruils face.

Nicolas came over to pat his father on the back. "Well Ms Russo...if you can beat me at fencing then I have no doubt of your skills." He stated with a fond look on his face.

"No Way! I'll take Valentine on!" Nicolas said with obvious overconfidence.

He stepped into the ring and had a look of arrogance on his face before he covered it with his mask.

I wiped a drop of sweat off my brow and put my helmet back on.

"And....FENCE" bellowed the referee.

The first few minutes were easy as I parried his attacks and dodged his thrusts. He gave a sigh of irritation and spoke," it's getting kinda old to just dodge my attacks." He grumbled.

I nodded at his words and a smirk appeared on my face as I moved out of his line of vision and with lightning speed, thrust my sword at him, slightly stumbling his stance.

I took this as an opportunity to stretch my leg out and trip him. He fell to the ground with a loud thud. A satisfied smirk appeared on my face as I looked at his defeated expression,"You hesitate in a fight you die in this town, remember that." I said as I walked away.

I thoughtfully grinned as Léon had a look of astonishment on his face.

"Alright...so I wanna go to library." He said as he finished getting ready. I sat on the other side of the door, allowing him to change.

I leaned against the door as I could hear a series of thuds and curses emanating from behind the closed door.

I Relaxed my head against the door and began humming. The smooth tunes escaped my mouth as I closed my eyes and escaped from this horrid world, escaping in my own bubble.

The tunes left my mouth and resonated through the marble walls as I was transported 14 years prior. A time when the world's sinful reality didn't affect me and I remained in ignorant bliss. In my mother's arms as she hummed a tune all too familiar. A time when I could close my eyes without worrying about what lied the next day.

A time when I was innocent....but that time was long gone and all I was left with...is distant...memories.

Those times were long gone and there was nothing I could do...nothing...except live...live for my mother...

I was snapped out of my daze by none other then the prince himself. I immediately growled at his presence.

"Gee! I know I'm the most handsome prince you've ever since and all but come on! We just met and your already fantasizing about me. That has to be a record." He exclaimed while a mischievous smirk played on his lips.

I sighed at his antics and saw no point in responding. "You ready to go?" I grumbled as he chuckled at my irritation.

"Yes" he replied with a small bow before leaving the room and me following close behind.

We arrived at the bookstore in the early afternoon. I stood guard, looking for any suspicious occurrences.

The afternoon was fairly quiet as people strolled along the dull gray concrete and people lazed around shops. The gentle raindrops had not stopped people from going on with their casual strolls.

All the while, Nicolas was looking through various bookshelves in an attempt to find something of interest.

I gave up my search and began browsing the shelves as well. The shelves were lined up with dull and boring books that had leather covers.