Prince and his Knight

chapter 1 nightmare birthday

(Marth's view)

Ike picked up the pitcher and filled it with water before gently pouring it onto my head. I close my eyes as I feel the water and soap run down my face and neck. I sat criss-cross in my bath tub, my hands on my lap and my head leaned forward. Ike was kneeling next to me, washing my hair. I am capable of washing myself, but I know he likes to do it. If I recall, he said something about it bringing us closer. 

My name is Marth, and I am prince of Altea. Altea has to be one of the most green and beautiful places for miles, filled with fruits and healthy people and a loving king and queen. My mother has always had a heart of gold.

Ike is my knight and he always comes with me whenever I go into battle. But for the past couple months, he has not only been my solider, but my lover. 

"You are turning 18 tomorrow, little bird." He whispers in his normal deep voice. "What do you wish for?"

"I have all I could ask for." I say, lifting my legs out of the water so he can wash them. He choice a soap that smiles like flowers; I remember him telling me it smells nice on me. 

"You must want something." He presses. "Maybe the moon? Or perhaps the sun, or all the stars in the sky?"

I laugh at his poetic words. "I am fine, thank you. You and everyone here makes me very happy."

We don't speak again until I am out of the water and dressed in a navy blue tunic and tan trousers. I turn to him. 

"Why do you always call me little bird?" I ask. He shrugs, and looks out the window.

"You are built like a bird, Marth." He says. "Small, beautiful. When you sing, it sounds like a bird as well. Do you not like me calling you that?"

"No, I love it." I say, grabbing my sword. "I was just asking. When I sing, I sound like something died in my throat. Don't lie."

He chuckles and shakes his head, and we head off to the throne room. It was late afternoon, the sun was going to set in a few hours. I've always liked night better than day, mostly because I can lock my door and Ike and I can lay in my bed, and he can hold me until I fall sleep. I have always liked that. He makes me feel safe. I know my parents wouldn't be happy that we are lovers, and that makes me sad; they don't understand the love we feel for each other.

Several other soldiers were already in the throne room, and I could see some of it was set up for my party already. The grand stair case had flowers and jewels, the walls were covered in navy blue- my favorite color- and gold. The tables were set up as well, and I look at Ike.

"You will be here tomorrow, right?" I ask. I see him smile a little.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." He says. I smile.

"Your birthday is coming up in a few months." I say. "We will have a party for that, too. And I will make sure it is far more grandiose than mine. There will be cake and presents and we will hold in not only here but in the long hall. That is just how big it will be."

"Marth, I am only a knight." He says chucking. "The fact that we make eye contact is a gift to me everyday."

"I will still get you something." I say. "Just wait and see."

Ike takes me back to my room after that and I shut the door. Looking at my pocket watch, I frown and sign. It was already 6 o'clock, only a peek of the sun was left over the hills. Ike walks up to me and holds me in his strong arms, and I nuzzle my face into his chest. I wanted to tell him I love him, but I was to scared to. I've never told anyone that, not even my parents. The words are very strong, very deep. I just want Ike to feel the same.