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Part 22

I wasn't exactly sure what had come over me, but I knew that I could never take it back. This dark-haired stranger that I lay ontop of, was breathing hard, and very heavy. Absent-mindly I ran my fingers through his hair, feeling every strand slide between my now trembling fingers. I looked up at him.

His eyes were dark, under his slanted eyelids, and his nose perfectly straight. His lips were more lucious then I had ever seen on a man, and his cheeks tinted a soft rose. His hands were large, and calloused - the hands of a hardworking stableboy, I assumed. Soon I felt myself looking the boy up and down, and I realised I wanted to know more. I wanted to know him - so I could repay him for letting me let go of my world, for just this once.

"You seem fascinated. Why?" His mouth almost formed a smirk.

"Well, it is rather ironically improper about the situation that we stand in now, don't you think?" I was avoiding the question, as best I could. He took my hand into his own, and squeezed it.

"May I tell my lady a secret? Or is she too full of her own to add another?" I nodded as he said this, not understanding the joke until later. He continued, still smiling. "My secret, is that I think I've fallen for a woman I've only known for a little while...and still I don't know why or who or where you've come from?"

"First...what is your name?"

"Nikolas." He looked away from me, and closed his eyes. "I wish I could put a title infront of my name, ma'am. A 'Sir' or perhaps 'Lord'...but I am sorry if that I dissapoint you."

"Your name is no matter to me."

I told Nikolas where I had come running from, and of the happenings of earlier. I told him of my kingdom, Isabel and Ann, Miss Oriana and the whippings, the theives and the waterfall and my love and death of Alexander. I left out most detail, but I figured he understood. He looked down at me with kind eyes, nodding his head throughout my whole speech. It was strange, opening these wounds to a stranger, of whom I just met. But also comforting, in a way.

After I was done, I wiped my eyes with the hem of my gown, and looked at him. He didn't seem shocked, or afraid, or the least bit nervous. I'm sure I startled him at first, giving myself over to him. 'He probably thinks I'm a tramp.' I thought to myself.

I felt Nikolas's hand under my chin, and his lips pressed against mine. His tounge danced inside my mouth, spreading warmness down my chest, and to my toes. It was now, I realised, that I needed to open my eyes. Adventures would come and go. New worlds awaiting, new dangers that lay ahead. Throughout my battles, I had learnt so many things. Things I know I wouldn't give up for the world. Lessons and pains I knew I would understand the reasons to, in better time.

He smiled on my lips, and I looked up at him, without saying a word.

The End.