The Dragon Rider: Season 1

Episode 4: The Past and Present Relationship

People crowded around the door where blood-curdling screams were coming from. That mixed with screams of 'get out of my head' told Lee that most likely Atalanta was in that room. Atalanta was a normal person. Lee had always know that she had a mysterious illness that the king would rarely speak about. The king always claimed it was a human illness passed through her biological mother's line but it would end with one of Atalanta's siblings helping her for a few hours and her being fine. Lee had learned what 'condition' she had.
———————
(One year previous, Atlas City)

Atalanta walked with Lee as he showed her around. The two had made it to the gardens. He was tall, and muscular. She'd remembered when they were kids and all of the noble girls at gatherings would giggle and stare when he walked in. She was always told to be polite and say hello. Lee was an acquaintance and nothing more up till now. "You alright Your Highness?"
"Yes quite," Atalanta felt weird, "Thank you for showing me around."
"No problem," He found a suitable bench and sat, patting the area next to him, "I must ask you a question."
Atalanta sat next to him, "Yes?"
"What's you're nickname?" Lee asked
Atalanta thought for a moment. Aurora and Nick called her Lanta, but other than that everyone called her Atalanta. "I don't really have one."
"Well let's make one," Lee proposed, "I think Tia would be good."
"I don't like that one very much."
"Good point, plus you have no 'i' in your name," Lee joked, "What about—"
"I like Lanta."
Lee smiled a looked into her eyes. Warmth spread through her body, "I like that too Lanta."
————————
(Present day, Simonin)

Lee made it to the room with Sophia. Atalanta was crying on the floor, telling the entity to stop talking. Lee fell to his knees and pulled her into his arms. She continued to yell. "Stop it you bastard, just get out of my head."
Lee ran his fingers through her hair, "Lanta? Can you hear me?"
Atalanta looked up, tears streaming down her face, "Lee?"
"I'm here, you're ok," Lee watched as Sophia injected her with magic. A yellow aura floated around her.
"I love you Lee Ren," Atalanta slowly closed her eyes.
Lee smiled, "I love you Atalanta DeMorgan."
—————————
Kora had a rough day. Coming home to her bar in slight disorder made her pissed. Kora sat across Prince Lee Ren of the Eastern Kingdom. She'd offered him tea, which he'd accepted. He sat in the seat with his legs in the seat like a child. He looked both refined and uncomfortable at the same time. "Mrs. Winter, I excuse me and Sophia's rather rude intrusion in your lovely home."
Kora sighed, "I'm sorry for my sorry state of my guild."
He sipped his tea, "It appears as though we are in a very sorry state."
"Appears that way," Kora sighed, "Prince Lee may I ask about what happened?"
"I'm not sure I can answer that without her present," Lee set his glass down, "It is a very big secret."
————————
(9 months previous, Atlas City)

The engagement had gone well for the three months the two had been engaged. Atalanta still felt awkward around the Prince. The two were touring Atlas City together. Aurora and Sophia had stayed behind so it was the two of them and Lee's bodyguard who maintained a solid two-three block distance. Lee had on a red mask and Atalanta wore a blue one. The two were sat awkwardly across each other at a cafe, drinking hot tea and eating fruit. "Princess are you afraid me?" Lee asked
"Why do you ask?" in all honesty she did, but didn't want him to know it.
"Well we've been walking twelve block and you've only said three words to me," Lee ate another piece of fruit, "I know the two of us don't know each other all well anymore but I thought we could learn about one another."
"Well um— Whats your favorite fruit?" Atalanta decided on small talk.
"That's tough, I rather enjoy honey apple and dragon berry," Lee looked more at ease, "but when I was old enough to go to the winter ball I had eaten this incredible winterberry parfait. So I would answer winterberry. Your turn."
"Cherry," she said back, "It's more juicy and crisp."
"See now we know one fact about each other." Lee sipped his tea.
Atalanta paused. "We know two facts about each other. You prefer Lee over Lee Ren."
"Ah yes and your family calls you Lanta."
The two giggled. For the first time, Atalanta saw Prince Lee Ren laugh in years.