Destiny

By angellwings

He had to remind himself to breathe. There she was. More beautiful than he thought possible. The pain of feeling her slipping from his grasp was still with him, and yet there she was giving him that condescending stare. He also had to remind himself that she didn't know him. He knew her. He knew every line of her face, and he'd seen that same face express every emotion known to man. He knew her, but she had no idea who he was. No, that wasn't true. She did know who he was.

She knew he was "The Lion of Persia." He really hated that nickname. Espescially since he earned it fighting a battle against an innocent city. Her innocent city. She thought he was a cocky, battle hungry, jackass, and he didn't blame her for thinking that at all.

The thoughts of how little she knew of him were the only things that kept him from leaping the gap between them. He desperately wanted to race up to her throne and kiss her senseless, but he couldn't do that. For multiple reasons.

His brother stepped forward to offer a "union" as an apology. Dastan held his breath and waited for his brother's inevitable proposal. His brother would propose, Tamina would refuse, and then Tus would make him promise to kill her (again). This time Dastan would refuse, and his brother would be angry with him. He closed his eyes and anticipated what he knew would come.

"…Dastan."

What? Tamina was looking at him in shock and his brothers were grinning at him. Tus had asked for a union on his behalf. Why hadn't he been warned about this? He didn't even have the customary gift. He shifted and the dagger poked his side.

Or did he?

"Get up there or I'll take your place."

Dastan grinned at his brother, Garsiv, in response and sheepishly stepped forward. He began talking before he really realized what was happening.

"…all I have to offer you is what is already yours."

And he didn't just mean the dagger. He reached behind him and pulled the dagger out. He placed it gently in her hands. That little action must have earned some respect from her.

"Take a walk with me, Prince Dastan."

Gladly, he thought as he followed her out of her throne room. He knew then that he would do whatever it took to prove to Tamina that he was trustworthy. He'd never been convinced that he had a destiny, but if he had one Tamina was a part of it. For all he knew she was his entire destiny. They'd already defeated time and the gods according to her religion.

They were two souls connected across time. Destiny.

Whether he believed in it or not, it could very well be true.

And he didn't mind one bit.