Before the Last Snow

Chapter 13: Quien es Ella (Who is she)

Although the absence of any sound made it harder for the introverts to talk, Lurnara found enough courage to start a conversation.

"So, Hedwig, isn't it?"

Hedwig shook his head in agreement.

"What is King Lexon like? I have heard many tales about him. A proper gentleman, perhaps?"

Had this been under normal circumstances, Hedwig would have replied with vast amounts of compliments for the King, talking about his valor, kindness, respect, but nothing was normal anymore. So, compliments for Lexon were hard to come out of his mouth.

"Well, he is a responsible leader."

"Is that all? Are you sure you're his High Knight?"

"Why I am!"

"Then, why won't you say higher of the King?"

He swallowed, making sure she could not look at his reluctance. It wouldn't be unjust for him to hide his face, considering how Lurnara had not shown hers.

"How can I trust you? You don't expect me to just tell you about my King, having no evidence of your legitimacy"

She broke into a wild giggle, her hood slowly slipping off her head, her infectious smile barely showing. Her medium-length hair was braided into dutch style, her eyes shimmering with glee, her freckles now sparkling in the golden sunshine. She was a Cherean, Hedwig was sure, for her eyes were of similar color to his own. He had probably seen nothing so pure before. She was the embodiment of radiance.

Snap.

"Are you all right, Hedwig?"

"Huh? Yes, I am fine."

"Okay, you zoned out there, I guess?"

"Yeah, just a lot running on my mind."

"One lesson I have gained is whenever a Cherean says he's been thinking or has a lot running on his mind, he is often wondering about a girl. So, who is the unfortunate soul?" She said in a sarcastic tone.

"How did you know- Ah, my eye color?"

"You forget eye colors make us stand out. I mean, those deep green eyes are worth dying for."

He cleared his throat, causing Lurnara to shift a little.

"You didn't answer. Who is the unlucky lady?"

"Unlucky? Do you not have any manners, Lurnara? And there is no one. No girl."

"I have etiquettes. I can be as noble as I prefer and as reckless as I choose to be. Anyways, I cannot believe you haven't found love yet."

"Getting personal now, are we?"

"We are not reaching till an hour or so, we might as well talk to each other."

"Well, there is someone."

"Why do you sound so hopeless? Be a man and ask for her hand, already!"

"For one, I am not sure of her reciprocality of my feelings. Secondly, things have been...complicated between us."

'Complicated' was not enough to describe the tension and unexplainable attraction between Hedwig and Crystal. Both were aware of it, yet they chose to not address the issue. Why did they always find each other? Why did Crystal feel so comfortable around a man she had only met a couple of days ago? And the biggest question of all, how was Hedwig able to touch her?

"Boy, have you two kissed?"

He felt his cheeks warm slightly and he stammered, "Ki-Kiss? Why is that the first thing that comes in your mind?"

"I am quite an expert at relations, I believe. Now, did you?"

"Well, we did, but-"

"But, what? That should be proof enough!"

"Ah, forget it. You won't understand it."

"All right, then."

The rest of the journey, although only thirty minutes long, was filled with uneasiness, so when they finally arrived at the Castle, they were relieved.

The humongous white building was covered with vines, and had lavender colored pillars. Murals of sea creatures and beachy islands were artistically painted upon the outer walls. The gates, plated with real silver, would open to the Royal Gardens where Hedwig had first met Crystal. He smiled a little upon remembering their unusual meeting, he had begun falling for her, for real. But, fate likes to toy with lives, and their happy ending was not yet confirmed. The overwhelming thoughts were brought to a halt when Hedwig realized he must thank the lady and part their ways. He was a little downhearted for Lurnara had been a remarkable companion, but he knew her presence was threatening to his true emotions.

"Thank you, Lurnara. I really appreciate your help in bringing me to the castle. Come inside and I will be sure to grant you some assistance if you wish?"

"No worries, lad. But, I don't need your invitation to enter the Castle."

Hedwig thought that she was humoring him, at first. However, when the guards greeted her and welcomed her in, he was shocked, to say the least.

"Oh, Lurnara! You have come!" Nebula spoke with excitement reflecting in her voice.

"I had to! I am so sorry about the delay, Neb. Is everything all right?"

"We will talk more about this later, don't you worry. Now go and meet Crystal, she has been eagerly waiting for you!"

"I will, you take care. Also, I found Hedwig on my way," she winked at Nebula and was attacked by Crystal's shrieks.

"Lurnara! My dear friend, you have come! You read my letter, did you not?"

"Of course I did. How have you been, Crystal?" she said, with concern.

"Oh, you know how they always are."

"Anyways, do you know this man, Hedwig? I found him on my way, he claims to be Lexon's High Knight or something?"

"Oh, yes, I do. He is the one who can touch me."

"What were you doing there, Hedwig?"

"I got lost, running after someone."

"Well, you should be glad Lurnara found you. The woods are quite scary at night, do be more careful!"

"You know her?" Hedwig questioned Crystal.

"Know her? We grew up together, practically. She is the Cherean Princess and our parent's favorite, too. Did you not tell him, Lurnara?"

Lurnara chuckled, "I might have left one tiny-teeny detail."

"I have been tricked!" Hedwig exaggerated.

"Fine, fine. I am Lurnara, the eldest born of the Cherean Royals, and a sister-like figure to Princesses Nebula and Crystal. I am honored to meet you, Hedwig," she said, in a magisterial tone.

"As am I," he bowed, the only thought in his mind was his growing likeness of her and how he might mess things up, more than ever.

A/N

Heya lovelies! Next chapter will be about Lexon and his journey, in case you were missing him ;)