Midnight Mates

Veritas

AN: I'm late, I'm late! For a very important

CHAPTER UPDATE! :o

~~~

It was like a bubble.

I was a princess in a kingdom trapped inside a bubble. Only my mother and father could allow people inside the bubble.

I could only read about the world outside the bubble.

And then... it popped. And I could go anywhere I wanted. Be with anyone I wanted. And I wanted to be with Phantom.

I was the eldest and my parents expected me to marry first. But I didn't want the weight of a kingdom on my shoulders, I wanted the weight of his hand in my hand.

Phantom cleared his throat behind me and I jumped out of my thoughts. He looked confused.

"What's the matter? I hardly ever surprise you anymore." I sighed, walking over to him. I grabbed his hand that was already reaching for my cheek and placed it there, reveling in the comfort even if it wasn't warm. Cold tears fell down my cheeks as I met his eyes. He knew. I didn't have to speak the words out loud, because he knew.

"Am I a monster? For hiding the truth for so long? For not protecting her?" Phantom shook his head.

"My lady, you've done all you could do. You've played your part." I released his hand and wiped at my face.

"Stop doing that..."

"Doing what?" I turned away from him, leaning over the edge of the balcony.

"I... am not a royal. Not anymore, at least. I don't want you to address me as such." I felt him move to my side. "Your status is above mine--"

"There is no such thing as status among us," his voice cut through.

"But still. You were here long, long before I was."

"But I am your--"

"I know. I don't want that anymore. I want you to continue by my side," I finally matched his gaze. "I want us to be equals."

Nothing was spoken for what seemed to be a long time, then Phantom cracked a grin and nodded.

"As you wish, Tranquility." I smiled, feeling warmth for the first time in a long time. The wind picked up and the thoughts of my sisters returned. Picking up on my indecisive thoughts, Phantom tilted my chin up to face him.

"If this is really weighing on you, then we should go back. Tell Serenity the truth."

"Is it the right thing to do?" I asked, my panicked eyes flitting back and forth between his. He smiled.

"If it's right for you, it's right for me." I chuckled, pushing his arm playfully.

"You know that's not what I meant." His demeanor became serious.

"My dear, I've been around for even longer than you can imagine. I stopped asking questions about morality a long time ago." I nodded thoughtfully and rested my head on his shoulder.

"Let's go visit Serenity."

~~~

"Serenity!" Tranquility called out, unaware of the small giggling girls hiding under the table. Trinity laughed loudly as Serenity made a face behind her oblivious sister's back. Tranquility whipped her head around and glared at them before her eyes widened in panic. She gripped them both by the wrist.

"Sisters come on, we have to leave now! You know mother and father are preparing for a ball! A rather important one, at that." Serenity chuckled and shrugged and Trinity pouted.