Got A Secret, Can You Keep It?(Ff/kh)

Chapter 20

Prince Rufus didn’t look so well, in fact, he looked as if he hadn’t slept in days. There were dark circles under his eyes, and he looked thinner as if he also lost weight. You didn’t have to ask what was wrong since it was quite obvious. He went through a lot of stress with everything that must have happened.

But, whatever you both needed to talk about had to really be important if Prince Rufus was allowing you to stay in one of the guest room in his castle. “Take a seat,” once inside, he motioned for you to sit, which was on the bed.

Without saying anything, you sat down and waited for him to sit down or just start talking but he just rubbed his face. After a moment, he walked forward and took a seat at your side.

“What I am going to te you will not be easy to process,” again, he rubbed his face obviously aggravated. “You were exposed to Mako energy, or at least that was what I intended.”

“Intended?” Frowning, you questioned him, already dreading what was about to be said.

The blond Prince hesitated for a few moments before he continued. “My father and HoJo had been running experiments for many years. None of them had any good results until they found a witch, they named her Jenova. They kept her corpse to run experiments, and eventually they obtained the results they desired. That’s how First Class Soldier was created.”

Just to think about it brought an unpleasant taste to your mouth, and from the expression on Prince Rufus’ face he felt the same way.

“Everyone was told about Mako energy, and although some opposed it at the beginning, with time they accepted it. But my father knew that if Genova was involved, it would never be accepted nor soldiers would be willing to accept the process. That’s why he hid it…”

“And why he never told you, he knew you’ll oppose it as well.” You added, at some extent it made you feel relieved that the Prince was different than his father.

Said Prince nodded. “Yes, that’s why I only found out about it a few days ago. Everything will be destroyed, I know I am not in a position to ask of you to do this…”

Why though? Why ask you when they could lied to you and never told you the truth? Maybe that’s why you found yourself nodding. “I appreciate your honesty, even when you could have hidden that from me.”

Standing up, Prince Rufus shook his head. “I understand they deserve to know, but I am not sure if they’ll be able to cope with the truth.” He crossed his arms across his chest as he gazed down at you. “And you can, even as I am telling you about the experiment you’re calmed.”

“As disturbing as it is, it was done and I’ll earn nothing from dealing out. But I assure you that I will not tell anyone about this.”
“Thank you, if they ever ask you just tell them that you woke up on a bed, and that’s all you remember. For now, it’s quite late. I’ll send someone to prepare you a bath, and to bring you clothing.” With that, he started to move towards the door.

“Your coat,” you tried to grab the bed sheets and cover yourself with it.

“That’s no necessary, you can keep it.” And he resumed his way to the door. Leaving you alone and to ponder about the information given to you.

After the bath and with a new set of clothing, you couldn’t sleep no matter how much you tried. You did plenty of sleeping for three weeks, so walking would be great.

The clothing that was given to you, for one, fit you like a glove. Something that seemed to have been made for you. Though you felt a bit uncomfortable? You’ve bandaged your breasts for four years and you were used to it. It just felt so odd.

Shaking your head, you continued to walk around but the only options you had at the moment were probably the castle gardens. And as you arrived there, which you had a bit of trouble, you were right. It was way too dark, probably very late so it would have been a lot more difficult to leave and then enter the castle again.

As expected, the garden was beyond beautiful. Even at night you could still appreciate its beauty. And right now, perhaps it was the best place where you could be.

It was calming and relaxing, just what you needed. Since it’s a rather large garden, there were around three benches so you used one to sit down.

There was a lot that you had to think about, but most of it was about the information that Prince Rufus offered. To be honest, you could handle what had happened to you…But part of you didn’t feel right. It wasn’t right that you had to hide it from Sophiroth and the others, they had the right to know. But, maybe it was best not to tell them?

If they found out about the experiments and that they had been used….There was a probability that they wouldn’t take it well. Or there was the possibility that they could understand.

And if you hid that information and if they found out about it in the future, they probably wouldn’t forgive you for not telling them.

“By those deep lines across your forehead, I am assuming you have much to think about.” Maybe it was training, but as soon as you heard the unfamiliar voice, you rose to your feet and your hand reached for your sword. But there was no sword.

The male standing in front of you smiled, as he noticed your movement. Though despite the smile, he seemed rather impressed. “Old habits die hard.” He referred to your attempt to grab your sword. The blond male walked forward and offered his hand. “I have heard so much about you Miss [Name], I am Ravus, pleasure to finally meet you.”

It took you a few seconds to grasp his hand in a firm shake. It wasn’t surprising that he knew your name and well, probably your whole story. By now a lot has been told about you, some lies and some truths.

Without a word, he took a seat leaving you no choice but either go back to your room or stay. The last thing you wanted was to go back, so you dicided to take your previous seat. “I understand it is none of my business, but why are you here?”

The man smiled as he turned to face you, that’s when you noticed the two different color eyes. One being blue and the other purple, his eyes were just so different and hypnotizing that you caught yourself loosing yourself in those eyes.

When you snapped out of it, it was because he started to speak. Though by the way he smiled, he caught you gazing. And the blushing was inevitable, so the only thing you did was to look away in embarrassment.

Finally he looked away. “Prince Rufus’ coronation will take place in a couple days, that’s why I am here.”

For a couple of hours the two of you spoke, but no matter how much you asked about him, he only revealed that his parents were dead, and the only living relative that he had was his sister.
Finally you he stood up, “I had a very pleasant time talking with you but I am afraid it is time for me to leave. Tomorrow I will have quite the busy day, however, I do home to see you again. Good night.” Out of nowhere, he reached for your hand and kissed it.

Internally you cursed as a blush covered your cheeks, and you let out a long sigh of relief when he walked away and disappeared. Maybe it was the fact that you hadn’t been treated like that, and you hadn’t taken the moment to talk to someone like you did today since you left your home.

Shaking your head, you decided to leave as well. If you staid here the only thing you’ll get was just even more questions.

Perhaps it was time sleep, and tomorrow you can think all you want. Though as you walked back you couldn’t get rid of the thought that now that people knew you were a woman, things were bound to be different. When you were known as [M\N], men treated you like that, as a man, but now…Meeting Ravus made you realize that it didn’t matter that you were a soldier, he treated you like a woman.

With time you’ll see.