#ikevemp

They walked together around a garden that the public passed by. Flowers of all colors were everywhere, all perfectly manicured, just like her.

She turned to him, her smile full of regret. “Arthur, I… we…. Can’t. I can’t see you any longer.”

“Lily, what’s wrong? Why? What did I do? Whatever it is I’ll change it, I promise! Just please, let me see you!” Arthur was on his knees, his expensive suit dirtying.

She looked down at him, placing her hand on his cheek, “No, you did nothing wrong. You see, I’m a lady of the night. I don’t own myself.”

He got up, still holding her hand to his cheek, “Whatever it costs, I’ll pay. I want you to have your freedom.”

“Arthur, it’s more money than you could ever afford.” She sighed.

“What if we….”

And so, a plan was hatched, though if they were caught, they would both suffer greatly.

……

That night, they found one another and made a break for it.

Hiding behind some pots at a store, they both held their breaths till the guard left.

“Ready?” Arthur squeezed her hand.

“Yes” She squeezed back and they took off. Feet thudded against the stone road as they ran as fast as they could.

“There they are!” A guard yelled and took off after them.

“Bollocks! Go, go! I’ll hold him off!” Arthur took a fighting stance and balled up his fists.

She took off as quickly as she could while in a kimono.

Thwack. Crack. Thud. Down the guard went with one hit to the jaw, it now shattered with the guard groaning on the pavement.

Arthur took off and caught up to her. They were almost there. But just as they were about to reach the boat, she was grabbed from behind with a yelp.

Arthur stopped dead in his tracks. The man had a knife to her throat.

“Give me all your money or I’ll just kill her here. There’s no telling what awaits her at the brothel.”

Arthur tensed. Sure he could use his increased strength or speed, but it may not be fast enough.

The next thing he knew the man grunted and fell over, releasing her. Arthur blinked in confusion as Lily produced a reddened blade from her now spotted kimono.

“Let’s go, we don’t have time!” Lily emphasized. “I’ll explain later.”

“Alright.” He took her hand and they at long last, made it to the ship. They were quickly ushered on and shown to one of the finest rooms.

……

The room was full of opulent furniture, the finest money could buy. It even had a bed, fit for two people to sleep in.

Neither of them said anything till the ship departed and they were a long way from Japan.

“Darling, come here, you’re safe now.” Arthur motioned for her to come sit with him on the bed.

She hesitated at first, looking at her blood stained kimono. Just how many lives had she taken over the years? How many had she killed in the name of earning her freedom?

“Arthur, there’s so much I need to tell you.”

“Not now. Now you need to be in my arms relaxing.”

She went to him and she felt every bit of tension drain out of her.

Their eyes met and electricity frizzled. Their lips met and time stood still.

Their love may not have been a conventional one, but it was true all the same.