Short Stories: Love

Hurt Me, Hurt Me Not

Love and War often go hand-in-hand in tales sung by bards. There are stories of how love between two people can end wars and save lives, simply by being in love. I don't believe them. I never had because this war has been going on since I was a little girl. My parents though had wanted a son instead of a daughter. They always have, they prayed for a son that would be able to lift the family into prosperity and got me instead. They weren't deterred however by my born gender and instead raised me as their son.

They gave me the name Orion Layla Millen. I have a male name and a female second name. They raised me to be stronger than any boy and when I was of age, sent me to become a knight on the battlefield. That was when I had begun climbing through the ranks. People still think me male even when I wore my hair long and took to the long general coats without complaints of me 'looking feminine'.

My favoured weapon, a lovely glaive I nicknamed the 'Green Dragon' for the poisonous green dragon designed on the side of it, leaned against the wall as I changed into my armour. Underneath the long general coats, we wore chainmail and padding for protection underneath my legs had similar protection and the boots I wore were good enough.

Soon, I took a horse and began leading my army. I am General Orion Millen, known for my taunting long gold hair and unquestionable speed, wit and flexibility.

As I rode my horse into combat, my glaive slicing through men as I cutting through the enemy lines. I announced for my men to proceed. That was when someone aimed for the legs of my steed and I was forced to dismount. My glaive is ready to taste another person's blood.

"Hello, General Orion," my opponent grinned at me. Judging by his clothes, he's either a member of the royal family or a general connected to them. The opposing king

"I would love to return the greetings but I'm afraid I don't know you," I smiled sweetly as I aimed for his weapon hand.

He blocked it with a sword and took out a knife and aimed for my neck. I bent backwards and moved my glaive to cut the stomach. In return, my opponent hastily used his momentum to move away from the glaive. I stood and thrusted at him, intent on aiming for the shoulder.

He lunged at me with as he blocked my attack with a sword. Using his knife, he stabbed my hand... Only for the knife to bounce back as if my skin were made of the strongest armour.

My eyes widened and so did he. I looked up to truly glance at him and not as an opponent. He has black hair as dark as night with light brown eyes that were wide with confusion and wonder. I'm sure he realized I was staring as he stared into my own hazel eyes. He gave me his hand and I understood what he was trying to do.

I grabbed his hand and took the knife from it. My glaive set down beside me as I tried to cut his hand. The knife passed through him and no marking could be found.

"I see..." My opponent muttered, dropping his weapon and grabbing me by the waist. Shell shocked, I blushed as I realized how close I am to the man I was destined to be with.

A soldier from his side of the battle entered. He has a sword in hand with confusion written all over his face. "My king... May I inquire what is going on?"

Well. I expected a man related to the royal family, not the man in charge of the Royal family! Then again, I re-examined him, King Uther typically preferred to avoid having his face known. The only one who has seen his face would be King Damas, my predecessor (May his soul rest in everlasting peace) and General Percival.

"I found my soul mate, as simple as that." He pulled me closer and hugged me. Though I was tall, I was not as tall as the king. I rested my hands on his shoulders put my forehead on it. Now how would I tell King Damas about this new predicament?