Confused Octopus

Cool crisp wind rustled the autumn leaves, as bright rays of the morning sun broke through the branches. The thundering sound of many hoofs grew louder and louder.

A single horse burst through the trees, his rider's scarlet cape blowing behind as they finally left the deep forest behind, now unhindered by branches and bushes, he urged his horse to a swift gallop.

The crown prince ignored the calls of his subordinates behind him, he had given them their orders and refused to accept any more delay's, he could no longer hold back the single wish burning in his heart.

Soon, soon he would see her, only a little longer and he could hold her in his arms again. He couldn't count how many nights he had dreamed of this day; the months had seemed like years, every day had seemed to drag on, his mind consumed by thoughts of her.

The clear memory of her had seemed as his only beacon of light in the dark bloodiness of battle, as if she warded away the nightmares that tried to lay hold of his mind, to give him strength when he felt weakness or fear.

Amidst his heart's yearning for her; a sharp pang of guilt gripped him, he knew his duty as heir to the throne and would not shirk his responsibility, but he knew the months alone would be difficult for her, she would put on a brave face and smile not wishing to burden him, she sent letters full of reassurance and insisting all was well.

Her strength was one of the many things he had fallen in love with but also worried him, he wished to share her pains and burdens to assure her that she did not need to be strong alone. He was by her side.

The rolling hills that passed under him had slowed his journey and allowed his company to catch up to their leader, and almost force him to eat and rest, before riding on.

At last riding to the top of a steep ridge that dipped into a deep valley, he could see the glinting towers that shone in the now evening sun.

A feeling of renewed excitement and joy rushed through him, as he quickly cleared the distance of the valley, horns sounded announcing his return as the company passed under the gates.

Cheers of celebration and welcome seemed to come from all sides as he rode through the city, but he could not focus on any of them. His commanders and soldiers had slowed to a walk once in the city, but he was unable to remain patient any longer and rode ahead.

Reaching to castle steps and leaping from his horse, there he saw her, at long last there she was. The crisp wind blowing her hair and reddening her cheeks, she seemed to be out of breath as if she had been running but a dazzling smile was on her face.

Nearly bounding up the stairs he reached for her as he came to the top, he pulling her into a tight embrace, nuzzling into her neck, taking in her scent.

He felt her had so much to say, yet all he could whisper was.

"Do you have any idea, how much I longed for you?"

Feeling her arms tighten around his neck, she whispered back.

"Only if it's as much as I yearned for you."

Losing his grip enough to pull away and gaze into her eyes, his fingers traced the outline of her face gently, as if she were a treasured piece of art.

Then sliding his hand to the nape of her neck, gently pulled her closer then paused briefly and studied her face, her hand slide to the back of his head into his hair, as their lips finally met in a passionate kiss.

They melted into each-other so naturally, as if they had never been apart.

In that moment all seemed right again with the world and they both knew this would be the last time they would ever be parted again.

The lady inhaled deeply enjoying the fresh night air as she leaned against the railing of the balcony; the ballroom had begun to feel hot and stuffy. After greeting numerous nobles at her father's side and idle chatter of ladies, she felt an immediate need hide away for a moment.

As she began to feel relaxed enough to rejoin to the party; she noticed a figure walking through the garden not far below, the dark made it hard to see the figure clearly but she noted his dark attire and cape that bore a silver crest that glimmered in the moonlight, that he must be a northern knight. Attempting to get a better look she started to the other end of the balcony but before she could, she stopped suddenly seeing him quickly turn and look directly at her.

A chill went down her spine, as the moonlight lit his face. Sir Asahi...the many rumors she had heard about him flashed through her mind "Bloodthirsty" "Cruel" and that he hired mercenaries to cover his tracks, she only held his intense gaze for a moment before backing away; heart pounding wildly, hurriedly she went back to her father's side in the ballroom.

Trying to focus on the conversation, she tired her best shake off the brief encounter but found she couldn't forget the look of his eyes; they had seemed so gentle yet sad, how could the eyes of the bloodthirsty knight strike her as so?

At last, she could not fight her curiosity any longer; she excused herself and headed to the garden, she couldn't say what she hoped for more, that she would find him there still standing in the moonlight? or to find that he had left.

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Unable to handle the piercing stares and hushed whispering around him Sir Asahi fled from the ballroom; feeling thoroughly dejected. It seemed no matter how he tried it was always difficult to converse with other nobles, especially on his own, they would hurriedly end the conversation and move away. Why? he got along with his men well enough and when he friend Noya was with him, it went fine?

As he aimlessly wandered through the palace garden, a thought struck him; he had heard there was a magnificent fountain in the imperial garden that was well worth seeing if you ever got the chance, though he didn't know the way since the gardens were extensive.

Halting as he felt something watching him then out of the corner of his eye he caught a flash of movement, quickly he turned and was stunned at the enchanting sight before him.

Her hair blowing gently away from her face, the moonlight bathed her silhouette, as her gentle eyes widened like a child caught doing something mischievous.

Then just as sudden as she appeared she disappeared from view, he stood staring at the spot where she had stood, for a long moment. Had he really seen her? feeling as though he had strayed into a brief dream, he started walking again. Who was she? she had seemed familiar yet other worldly.

When he finally came out his daze, he realized he had come upon the fountain, the carved stone and marble was indeed impressive but the beauty of it seemed dim compared to her. He didn't know how long he sat on a near stone bench staring at the flowing water, when soft rustle behind him and he stood up alert.

The beautiful lady from the balcony walking toward him; stopped with a start at his sudden movement, they stood watching each other intently, then her soft voice broke the silence.

"Please forgive me for intruding, I-" she paused a moment "I saw you walking in the garden and it seemed refreshing"

Sir Asahi wracked his mind to think of a reply but to no avail, any words he thought to say seemed unfit in her presence.

"Also, I am fond of this fountain." her voice quickened "I didn't mean to follow you, I wished to see you again and-" She paled covering her mouth as if to silently scold herself

"Why would you want to see me? We have never met." He questioned not meaning to sound so blunt but this was such an odd situation to him, he forgets to pay attention to his speech.

She stepped away as if to leave then stopped, took a few deep breaths then look directly at him. "May I speak plainly sir?" The serious was so charming he answered immediately.

"Ah, yes of course" He could not imagine what she would say next.

"I am aware we have never officially met, but I know who you are and have heard many unpleasant rumors about you."

His heart fell.

"However, when I saw you in person the rumors seemed unfitting and I wished to meet you myself." Ending with self-affirming nod she seemed pleased. "So, I greet you Sir Asahi, I am daughter of the *** and my name is, ~~~," Then with a traditional curtsy she smiled at him.

The poor knight was felt such a whirl of mixed emotion but could not hide a small smile back then remember his manners.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady." With slight bow he motioned to benches nearer the fountain "would you like to sit a moment to view the water?"

"That sounds very pleasant!" She smiled and took his arm as he offered it to guide her.

After she was seated, he stepped away, then a frown formed on her brow. "Will you not sit with me? You aren't a guard." He flushed than joined her on the bench.

Their conversation seemed to flow so naturally as if they were old friends, he was amazed at her curiosity, she seemed to have endless questions about the north, himself, and his battles.

They didn't notice the long passage of time until her father servants found her bidding her to go as it was time to return home, as she rose to leave, she felt Sir Asahi grab her hand.

"Wait lady, before for you leave, I must ask, may I be permitted to see you again?" She blushed at his words and the warmth of his hand.

"Yes, please do! Farewell for now then." Her voice was musical and she curtsied again before leaving.

"How is it possible for such an enchanting lady to exist?" He wondered to himself, as he stood looking after her as she walked away.

"Please don't be in love with someone else, don't have someone waiting on you, I will surely see you again."