The Missing Princess

37

Chapter 37: Accepting Love

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~(Y/N)~

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping due to having the windows open. Probably not a good idea. Sitting up I felt a cold breeze sweep against my exposed skin. Rubbing my sore puffy eyes I remembered last night's events that took place. Levi had confessed and also turned me down due to his fears. I had cried myself to sleep because of it.

Looking around the room it seemed lifeless and dull, leaning forward I look out the large windows finding that it was cloudy this morning. Slowly turning in my bed my feet dangled off the bed before I slowly slid out.

My feet hit the cold floor as I slowly make my way to my closet. Opening the door I enter and grab a simple pair of pants and a shirt. Changing out of my pajamas I look at the clock finding I was up an hour earlier meaning my maid wouldn't be bringing me breakfast anytime soon.

Walking out of the closet I head for the door to leave my bedroom. I needed some air and decided to make my way down to the courtyard to sit and relax. He's leaving today. As I walked down the hall I kept my eyes glued to the floor.

Descending the grand stairs I step into the entrance room. Turning to the right I head down the hall and make my way to the courtyard. The castle was still quiet from everyone being asleep. Knowing within a few minutes the maids would wake and start their daily chores.

Stepping down onto the grass of the courtyard I go to the place I usually sit to think. By the fountain. Walking over to the rustic fountain I sit on the ledge. Looking down at the water I find coins at the bottom from the countless times I threw them in wishing for ridiculous things.

Letting out a overdrawn sigh I hear a little splash due to something being thrown into the water. Looking in the direction I find Levi standing there with his hand over the fountain. He had just made a wish. "Morning." I say.

"Morning." he greets.

Looking in his hands were a small stack of papers. Coming to sit next to me I looked down at the papers that were actually photos. "Nanaba find you more suitable women?" I ask.

Nodding his head he flipped through the pages one by one, with my help I informed him of the different woman and what they were like. Deep down I felt hurt that he would be marrying someone else while loving another.

For most of the morning we sat there talking and looking at pictures. Is this going to be the last time I see him? How I hated that thought running over and over in my head, I never wanted to be away from him.

Looking up at the sky I saw that the clouds were getting a bit darker. "It looks like it's going to rain." I say.

This made Levi tense up as he looked up as well. Grabbing my hand he stood up, pulling me along he led me back inside just before it started to rain. As we walked into the entrance room we both saw Kenny bidding my mother a goodbye. I felt my heart drop knowing that it was time.

A soft rumble of thunder resonated from outside. Falling into a slight panic I stood there tensing up. Levi looked at me slightly worried as he took me over to my mother who held me close. "Are you sure you don't want to wait until the storm passes?" my mother asks.

Kenny slightly bowed. "I'm afraid my nephew and I need to get back, it's been a pleasure." Kenny says. Turning to me he gave me a slight smile then darted his eyes to Levi.

Walking away I watched him head for the door. Levi stood there looking down at me still concerned. "It was lovely finally getting to meet you Levi." my mother says.

Giving my mother a slight smile he kissed her knuckles and nodded. "Likewise, I'll be sure to visit often your grace." he says. Turning he prepared to head for the door. His eyes still locked on mine.

"See you brat." he says.

Watching as he started to walk away another rumble of thunder resonated from outside. Seeing through the opened door that it was pouring I watched him disappear. Feeling my heart already aching I contemplated on whether or not I should run after him.

Turning to my mother she caught me in a meaningful hug. "Don't worry dear, you'll see him soon." she says. Will I?

Standing there I felt like my heart was in my throat. I may not be able to completely rid of Levi's fear but I sure as hell could try. Pulling back I look up at my mother. Turning to the door I stared at it for a moment while still tangled in my mother's arms. If I don't go to him now he'll be gone forever.

Pulling away from my mother's grasp I slowly head for the door. As I got closer I started to run, swinging the doors open I watch the carriage drive off. Sprinting down the steps I attempt to catch up with them and have them stop, but the horses were too fast. "Wait!" I scream.

I was standing there in the pouring rain, overcoming my fear to be with the man I loved. After trying to catch up I had grown tired and stood there in the middle of the road. I'm too late. A rumble of thunder roared across the sky as I stood there.

Watching as the carriage continued to drive away, turning away I look to the ground. Dammit! As I start walking up the steps I heard something. Turning my head I find the carriage stopped. "(Y/N)?!" I hear Levi call.

Turning myself around I descend the few stairs and dash towards Levi. Running as fast as I could through the pouring rain I didn't care if I was drenched. As I got closer the more my heart pounded. "What are you doing out here-

Before he could finish I leaped into his arms, catching me he held up, crashing my lips into his, I kissed him hard. With my legs wrapped around his waist he held me in place as he slowly kissed me back. Placing both hands on his face I keep him from pulling away. The kiss was perfect, a perfect cliche in the rain kiss.

Showering his lips with soft kisses I felt his hands slide up my back. I didn't care for the storm as long as I was beside Levi. Wrapping my arms around his neck I pushed myself closer to him. After breaking the kiss he looked up at me shocked. "I won't leave you, not now not ever." I say.

Staring at me he seemed confused. "I thought I made it clear?" he asks. Grabbing his face again I pull him close until our foreheads were pressed together.

"I love you, and I don't care if you're scared, I'm not going to leave you." I say.

"You promise?" he asks.

Smiling down at him I nod. "Cross my heart." I say. Giving me a playful smirk he leaned up and pressed his lips into mine once again in a soft loving kiss. I felt like my heart was going to explode from the pure happiness I had felt.

Breaking the kiss short he pulled his head back. "Come with me." he says. His expression was serious although his face was completely flushed.

"Back to Aubern?" I ask. Slowly setting me down on the ground he nodded his head.

"You'll be protected, Kenny, and I will help your mother with this situation as well." he says. Standing there for a moment I considered it. I would be able to be by his side and deal with this issue.

Looking up at him I nodded my head. "Tell the driver to turn the carriage around, I'm going to pack." I tell him.

Nodding his head he turned away and headed for the carriage. Turning away from him I head back inside and packed my bags. I had explained everything to my mother as I was packing.

Overjoyed with the news she helped me pack before sending me off to the carriage. Getting in I waved goodbye before sitting down next to Levi, I felt overjoyed to be returning to Aubern, it was like a second home to me now but it only felt like home because of Levi. 

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