The Red Princess

Part 11

Natalia woke up, and found herself wrapped in a sheet, all naked, with Steven's arms around her. She sat up, and adjusted herself, covering her body as much as she could.

The previous night was a blur, but she still remembered.

I love you Natalia. He had told her, before she entered slumber. He hadn't done anything further, she was still the same, except.. She was shocked.

She saw him shift in his sleep, and then open his eyes slowly.

"Oh.. Princess.. I am sorry " he wrapped the towel around his legs. She smiled, and looked away.

"Our clothes must have dried by by now" she said.

"Yes, of course" he said, embarrassed. Getting up, he fetched both of their clothes and putting his on, he rushed out to give her privacy.

She put her dress on, and was lost in thoughts. How could she be so oblivious before? Why couldn't she see it when it was right before her eyes?

He returned back and started avoiding eye contact with her shifting haystacks here and there.

Pure like a prayer. Natasha thought. He had the opportunity to take her and she wouldn't have even been able to blame him later, because she allowed it all. But he didn't, he only comforted her.

"Steven! " she spoke in a low voice. He turned to look at her, and she smiled.

"Yes, my dear princess" he asked lowering his eyes, he didn't want her to see the desire, the love he had for her, but now she had. Now there was no hiding it.

"I feel thirsty, and hungry" she said, though she didn't care, she just wanted to see his reaction.

"Yes, I am sorry my dear princess, I'll just go.. But.. I cannot leave you alone here" he said. She smiled, and stood up, taking his hand.

"We can go together " she said, looking into his blue eyes. He nodded, hesitant.

They walked out of the cottage, and she kept staring at him.

He helped her sit on a rock, and then plucked some berries and other fruits from the trees, washing them with the river water, he brought it to her.
He had hurt himself here and there in the process.

"Steven! You got hurt" she said.

"Its nothing princess. I would take a hundred arrows to my chest for you, this is nothing " he replied, offering her the food.

Her heart fill up, she took the berries and started eating, and then offered him.

"No, my dear princess, I am fine" he said.

"I insist" she said.

He took some, from her hand and ate. Natalia was staring at him, she was in awe of him. He was so innocent, so pure, so sweet.

"Steven, if you couldn't have saved me. What would you do! " she asked.

"Princess! Please, I live to protect you, and I would die if anything happens to you" he said.

"No! " she put a hand on his mouth, "don't say that ever"

His eyes brightened, and her heart relaxed. She had been so stupid, she could feel something so strong. Like being pulled by a magnet. The force was so strong.

"Come, we shouldn't stay in one place for long princess " he said, standing up and offering his hand. She took it and stood up, tripping and falling in his arms. He held her by her waist, strongly in his arms. She was lost in his eyes, drowning in the sea of his love, concern, and endless devotion towards her.

"Careful my dear princess" he said straightening her.

My dear princess. Only he called her that. And she never even realized the difference. He brought flowers from so far, he remembered everything she liked when she herself forgot. All these thoughts were filling her brain.

She had no slippers on, so she stepped onto some small stick, and hurt her foot.

"Ah! " she winced in pain.

"Let me see! " he rushed, and took her foot in his hands to inspect, he pulled the thing out, but it was bleeding. He put his lips on it, and sucked.

"Steven you don't have to do that" she said

"Its okay my dear princess " he said, "does it feel better? " he asked.

She nodded, with tears in her eyes. Who loved  someone that way? His devotion was just out if the world.

She remembered the kiss, after he confessed. It was not long, it wasn't passionate. It was only full of love. He had kissed her and withdrawn himself quickly, and Natalia had fallen asleep, due to the effect of the drug.

"You can walk? " he asked, "or shall I carry you? "

Natalia could walk, but she raised her arms, and he picked her up in his arms, cradling her to his chest. She loved it, more then any ride in the world. She felt loved, she felt safe, she felt like she was floating, in the ocean of his pure, selfless love.

They saw the king's men from a far.

"Princess, see, they are coming for us" Steven said happily. But Natalia didn't like it she wanted to be with him. Stay with him, wander in these woods forever.

He landed her on her feet, as they approached close. And they found Logan leading them.

He unmounted his horse and rushed to Natalia. And Natalia recalled the mistake she had made. 

"Are you alright? " he asked cupping her face.

She nodded. "Thank you" Logan turned to Steven, "thanks for saving her, I owe you" he said.

He only saved his own life. Natasha thought with a smile.

True love can be harsh, it can either give immense happiness or endless pain. Natalia understood what he had meant. He loved  her so much, and in return he had only received endless pain. Because she never even noticed him. Never knew what he felt. Never cared.

"Come let's go Natalia, everyone is worried" Logan said, taking her hand.

She walked away with him, but then turned to look at Steven, who was standing there still, heartbroken.

"Howlett, I'lk be back" she said and he nidded. As Logan went to the horses, Natalia rushed back to Steven.

She looked around, to see if anyone was paying attention, but the horses were at a distance, nothing could be seen from there clearly.

She smiled heavily, and pulling Steven behind a tree, she gave him a peck on the lips.

"I remember what you said Steven" she said with her heartbeat raced, "I know you love me" saying this, she ran away.

And Steven stood there shocked for life. He looked back at her and found her smiling with a blush as she mounted a horse and left, while the soldiers awaited him.

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Oh Natalia, thank goodness you realized it. Its going to be so much fun now.  do give your reviews