A Prophecy Fulfilled

Chapter Six

"Where did you go last night? After the royal family was introduced, you disappeared. Did you meet the girl?" Lorenzo asked as soon as he and Vincent were out of earshot the next morning.

"Andromeda? Yes, I met with her." Vincent answered, a little annoyed that Lorenzo referred to Andromeda as if she were an object.

"So, what happened?" There was the tiniest glint of conspiracy in his eyes.

"If you must know, we just walked and talked. In truth, my friend, it's none of your business. How would you feel if I asked you something like that?"

Lorenzo had a sarcastic look on his face. "You seriously think I would mind? Ah, come on. What's a dirty secret between friends?"

"I'm telling you, nothing else happened." Vincent kept his face as natural as possible. He wasn't willing to discuss his first kiss, even with Lorenzo. But his friend kept looking at him expectantly, knowing there was more.

He knows me too well. Vincent thought to himself.

Vincent heaved a deep sigh.

"We kissed, and before I left we made plans to meet this morning. Is that enough for you?" Vincent asked, rather frustrated.

"Ha! I knew you were holding something back! No wonder you're dressed to beat the band."

Vincent quietly grinned to himself. He knew Lorenzo's mind as well as Lorenzo knew his, and if he wanted to make more of it than there actually was, let him. He just hoped that Lorenzo wouldn't voice whatever was going through his head. He'd had a hard enough time keeping his mind quiet as it was.

"When are you leaving?" Was all Lorenzo asked.

"As soon as I'm ready." Vincent was unsure of what would happen at the rendezvous, and was unsure whether to bring anything. He tied a black velvet cloak around his neck, almost ready to suggest to Lorenzo that he needed to leave. And to take his questions and assumptions with him.

"Well, who am I to postpone an errand of love?" Lorenzo teased.

"Will you be quiet?" Vincent rebuked, smirking in spite of himself. Lorenzo whisked into the hall without another word. Vincent peered out the door. Once sure that no one was around, he climbed slowly out the window, careful not to lose his balance as he scaled the stone walls.

Andromeda hadn't slept a wink. Her fears for the last two weeks had been for naught. The evening had confirmed that Vincent liked her as much as she liked him. She intended to keep their secret meeting, but wasn't sure when Vincent would arrive. Excitement had plagued her through the night. But she felt wide awake. Andromeda had written about her walk with Vincent and her excitement for the morning's meeting in her journal. She left early, her dagger hidden in her sleeve, out the bedchamber window. At least she would have something to help pass the time while she waited for him if nothing else.

Vincent arrived at the clearing to find Andromeda target practicing with her dagger again.

"Are you stressed again?" he asked as he walked up behind her.

"No, just amusing myself while I was waiting for you. Don't sneak up on me like that. I could have hurt you." Andromeda answered, turning to greet Vincent properly. She walked into his arms and embraced him, feeling overjoyed and safe in his closeness and warmth. Just as she had thought she would feel the night before. Vincent gently kissed the top of her head. Since they had kissed the night before, he doubted that she would mind. She didn't. He could feel the way her head laid against his shoulder, and was surprised at how natural it seemed. As if they had held each other for years instead of only two days.