The Princess and the Rogue

Once upon a time, there lived a princess named Serenity. She ruled over a small kingdom called Midfantasy, here the flowers grew from the concrete and trees grew out of the sky. It was a world filled with wonder and beauty beyond imagination, and the people varied in colors and talents.

In the center of this world, hidden behind exotic vegetation and twinkling lights, lied a castle. Compared to the rest of the world the castle appeared ordinary. It was large and made out if aging stone, yet well maintained. If you were to look directly above it you'd spy a large tower where the her majesty resided.

The princess had also been nicknamed the "Lone princess" after being locked away in her tower for so long. She was rarely allowed to leave her room let alone the palace. Serenity was kept under high security in fear that she may be targeted by the jesters. As a result, no one really knew anything about her or who she was. No visitors ever came, leaving her all alone.

While sitting in her room the princess would spend most of her days doing paperwork at her desk or looking out the window. There wasn't a day that went by where she didn't entertain the thought of running away.

Oh how I wish I could leave this place.... I want to go and see the world, spend the day simply walking around the kingdom, getting to really know my people!....If only there was someway I could just stop being a princess for only a little while... Despite her wanting to leave, the princess also understood that she could never abandon her position. She understood exactly what her responsibilities were and the oath she had taken to serve and protect her people.

One day, as she stared out her window a guard entered her room with important news. "Your highness, please pardon my interruption but I am inclined to tell you about a rogue that has been caught wondering about the kingdom."

The princess thought to herself then answered, "Is he the man I saw wandering around while wearing all black?"

The guard nodded and said, "Correct, we are unsure of what his motives are or why he is chosen to enter the kingdom but we will be on the lookout."

She sighed softly and replied, "Very well, I trust you'll keep everyone safe from this new stranger."

With a simple nod, he turned and left the room, leaving Serenity alone to her thoughts. Hmmm.... I wonder if he's a kind rogue.... A traveler perhaps?.... why of all places... Would he ever wander here?.... A dreary, little kingdom.... With one window...

The next day, Serenity was up to her usual duties in her room, signing paperwork, trying to keep herself busy as she heard a hard knock on her door. "Enter," she called tiredly.

A guard quickly ran up to her, his face pale with fear, taking back the unexpecting princess. "Your highness!... Th-The rogue!... He... He... requested an audience with you at once! We tried to stop him b-but he was too striong! The man single handedly took out twenty of our strongest men with just a few hits of his sword! We have to get you to safety immediatly!"

It took a few moments for the story to process through Serenity's mind. The entire sitaution sounded off, leaving her to take a quick analysis of the events that had gone on since the first sighting of this new rogue. "Since he was spotted have any crimes been reported surrounding this rogue?"

"I...... well.... Now that I think of it... No."

"Are there any reports stating that he's stolen from the people or tried to break into the castle?"

"The castle is comepletely secured. There aren't any signs of an attempt to break in or possesions stolen"

"So this man simply came up to you through the palace doors and asked for an audience with me?"

"Yes my lady"

"Then why on Earth would you deny him?!" The princess got to her feet and smothed out her dress. "Rogue or not, this man is a guest of our kingdom and I will not have anyone attack an honest man simply seeking out an audience with me. I will see him now."

The guard stared down at the princess, bewildered at her order. "But your highness! I-"

She raised her hand, signaling him to stay silent. "At the end of the day this is still my kingdiom. Though lately it feels more as a cage. I'm not allowed to leave my room, let alone the tower. I rule my people from inside these stone walls and rarely speak with them face to face. I will speak with the Rogue that you all so clearly fear and protect my people at whatever cost. Now please, get me my sword and escort me down to the throne room. I expect him to be awaiting me there."

Unable to refuse her request, the guard simply nods and walks out of the room without another word.

Serenity then makes her way to the throne room, taking more of the stranger. He was tall, wearing all black while carrying a sword on either side of his waist. His face was half covered by mask leaving only his eyes. Staring into the the princess was suddenly mesmerized. Even though his skin and attire were so dark, his eyes were a pale blue. It stood out so much from the rest of his appearance that it stopped.

Serenity in her tracks.

The rogue looked to her, his eyes soft, speaking softly, "Your highness.... It is an honor to finally meet you"

Her mouth hung open slightly, at the smooth tone. His words flowed with a certain depth and delicacy that could only be compared to silk. It took her a moment to force herself to utter a response, replying, "Th-The... Pleasure sir... Is all m-mine...." A soft blush crept along her fair skin, making her look away.

He slowly made his way toward her, watching as her guard clutched onto his sword. The rogue took the princess' delicate hand into his and kneeled down on one knee.

Serenity's blush deepened and she looked down at him. Her body felt frozen, unable to pull away.

Before allowing her to speak, the Rogue went on, "I have come from very far, just to meet with you. Indeed I am a rogue but here and now I wish to pledge my undying loyalty to you, Princess Serenity. My name is Raio and it is you who I've chosen to swear my allegiance and protect with my life." With that said, Raio pulled down him mask, revealing the rest of his face and gave her hand a soft kiss.

The princess, completely taken off guard, began to away uneasily. Looking into the eyes of her rogue, her heart beating against her chest, making it difficult to breath. "R....aio....."

The rogue gave a genuine smile, revealing a perfect set of white teeth, contrasting his dark skin. "Until next time my princess."

He slowly began to disappear from sight. The temperature rose as if it were nearly two hundred degrees. Everything faded to black, and suddenly the princess became weightless.

To be continued~