The Most Powerful Thing
"It's not working!" Edward yelled desperately as he glanced round the room for anyone who could help him.
He rested his gaze on the clock that was chiming, signalling midnight was coming fast. Narissa chuckled to herself, everything was going exactly to plan. Even if Nathaniel had a sword draw to her neck, she could easily overcome that.
"You'll never save her now. When the clock strikes twelve…" she looked over at her step son, "…she'll be dead," she whispered.
Edward looked back down at Giselle, thinking as hard as he could.
"Unless…" his eyes widened slightly as an idea struck him.
"Unless?" Robert found himself asking, eager to hear anything that would save Giselle.
Edward turned and looked at him. Robert stared back for a small while, then figured what he was thinking.
"That's not possible," he shook his head, "It couldn't be me."
"Don't you see?" Edward stood and walked over to him.
"I barely know her," Robert protested.
Surely her true love wasn't him, they only met a couple of days ago. Nothing happened between them, there wasn't a spark. Was there?
"Just kiss her Robert," Nancy insisted from the sidelines, "it's okay."
Robert sighed, it looked like he really had no choice. If it saved Giselle he'd do anything. He took an approving nod off of Edward then approached the sleeping maiden and knelt beside her. He caressed her pale face, the clock now chiming louder than ever.
"Please," he whispered, "Don't leave me."
He slowly lifted her head and leant towards her. He felt scared, what if she didn't wake up? He then felt suddenly sad, the few days with Giselle had been the most confusing, yet wonderful days he had ever experienced. He couldn't put that behind him. He closed his eyes and ever so lightly kissed her lips. As he pulled away the last chime chimed and a loud clap of thunder sounded midnight. He slowly lowered her still limp body. He felt sick, she was dead. The one he truly loved, he now finally admitted to himself, was gone. Suddenly, her head moved backwards slightly and she took a breath. Vast relief flooded his body as she put a hand to his chest. He smiled as she gazed up at him.
"I knew it was you," she said so softly only he could hear.
She leant upwards and returned his kiss, then threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. At then moment Robert felt giddy, it had to be a dream. In a few moments he'd wake to a normal day in New York, Giselle only a fragment of his imagination. Applause filled the room, but neither of them wanted to let go.
"NOOOOO!"
Narissa's sudden scream broke their embrace. Giselle scrambled to get behind him. Narissa held the sword Nathaniel had used to keep her away pointed at them. Strangely Robert felt more confident than he would usually be. He had to protect his princess.