Mulan
I kneel across from Aurora and pull her heart out from my bag. I can actually feel it beating in my hand. She takes in a sharp breath.
"Have you done this before?" she asks. I wince.
"No," I answer truthfully. I hold her heart carefully in my hand and line it up with where it should go. Then I push it into her chest.
It slips in easily. I pull my hand out and panic. She's stopped breathing. I'm about to call for her but then she suddenly starts again.
"Thank you," she gasps. I smile.
"Let's get out of here," I say. I untie her hands and she stands up.
"No really, thank you," she says, taking my hand. I flush scarlet. "You saved my life. I can't do that for you."
"I promised Philip I'd protect you," I remind her. "I'm just doing my job." And I pull my hand away.
Aurora lies asleep by the fire, the flames bathing her in a warm glow. She looks so beautiful and peaceful, just lying there
I sigh.
She's in love with Philip, I remind myself. I won't even get a look in. It hurts me, harder than any sword or knife would. But Philip is gone now, killed by the wraith, and she will be forever heartbroken.
I touch her cheek with my hand and she doesn't stir. I'm a warrior. I shouldn't be like this. I will protect her to the best of my ability. But still, I lost her once. I could do it a second time.
She doesn't seem to be waking so I lean down. Our faces are inches away from each other and I can feel her breath against my lips. I take a deep breath then do it.
Our lips meet, a soft brush. It's wonderful, even though it's one sided. But I had to do this. Just once in my life time.
But then her eyes flutter open. I instantly pull back and away from her. Oh no. Shit. This wasn't meant to happen.
"Mulan?" she says, confused. She sits up, her beautiful eyes landing on me. My armour clangs as I stand up quickly.
"I'm sorry, Aurora," I say desperately. "I'm sorry. I was just... I... I don't know..." My cheeks burn with embarrassment.
Aurora stands up too, smiling softly. I look away from her, not wanting her to look at me. I feel shame rush through me. She's a princess and I'm just her guard. I've no right to do any such thing.
"Mulan?" she says again. I don't say anything, keeping my gaze to the floor. I feel her hand against my cheek and she lifts my face to look at her.
"It's okay," she says, softly. "Mulan, it's okay."
Then her lips touch mine. I stiffen instantly. What is she doing? She's kissing me?
Her hands cup my face and slowly I relax into it. It's all lips and soft skin for now. But that's okay. Because, I never thought I'd actually make it this far.
Then she pulls away. I feel disappointment stir in my chest. I enjoyed that and now what going to happen.
"You'll always protect me, won't you?" she whispers.
"Always," I say. She smiles, leaning in closer to me.
"Always," she repeats and our lips meet again.