Chapter two
The journey was filled with light conversations about their families. Neither asked the other about their family riches, land or breeding. Just about character, which was a relief.
Amanita was slowly finding herself being drawn to the dark, silent, masked man. He was gentle and kind with her. He had a bit of a dangerous, mysterious side and she couldn't help but wonder what he really was like.
All too soon, they reached the edge of the forest and the castle was in sight. He halted, helped her down and dismounted himself.
"Here we are Amanita," he said. "now that we depart, I hope God blesses you as you continue the rest of your life. I hope that it may be a life that is full of joy and fruitful."
"and may he bless you and watch over you. I'd like to say something to you before we depart. A confession actually." She inhaled and spoke. "I'm…actually princess amanita."
He held her gaze, not blinking. "I know." At her surprise, he replied. "You speak much to eloquently for a servant girl."
"I shall make a note of that next time I find myself in this situation." She cleared her throat and rubbed her hands on the front of her bodice. "Might I be to bold to make a request of you?"
"It depends on the request. However, ask it and it shall be done."
"I give you my word, that if you wish to remove the mask in my presence, I shall not reveal your identity to anyone." His dark eyes narrowed. "That is my request Erik, I wish to see your face."
"many people request that." He wasn't surprised. "However, I don't reveal my face to anyone out of principle. I was born disfigured."
"I desire to know the face of the man who saved me."
"Princess, it is not a pretty sight."
She nodded. "I see. I still wish to see your face.
He sighed and closed his eyes. She suspected she not been a princess, he would have refused her. "As you wish," with shaky hands, he undid the mask. "I don't refuse a request from a princess. But I did warn you your highness."
He immediately closed his eyes, as if the mere sight of her face if she screamed would pain him. Her heart tightened at the sight of his face, but it wasn't as bad as she'd expected. His skin was covered with scars. She reached up and gently traced his cheek with her hand. His eyes opened in surprise at the feel of her hand.
She smiled. "Don't judge yourself so harshly."
"Princess." He said struggling with words.
She smiled, encouraging him. "yes?"
"no…wonder people love you and call you beautiful. For you are, in and out." She heated at his compliment and words left her. "and tell me," he asked tilting up her chin and she froze under his gaze. "May I make as bold a request of you as you have made of me?"
she nodded. " If it is within reason and my power, yes."
He exhaled and said. "Might…one as unworthy as I…claim a kiss from your lips?"
She stared at him in amazement. "That…is an…extraordinary request Erik."
"As was yours asking me to remove my mask." He stepped forward. "Your reaction was one I've been dreaming up. Please, I beg you," his deep voice was near her ear. "one kiss. I promise…I will not be like the one who kissed you."
She looked up at him as his voice flowed over her. "Erik."
"My kiss will be different than his." He gently touched her face with his hand. "You won't remember it…but it will be something I will remember eternally. It is the only reward I ask for. A kiss…from someone who doesn't scream at the sight of me."
Amanita closed her eyes and exhaled. She looked up and into those blue eyes. and the emotions she read from within his eyes tore at her. desperation and longing. She nodded and spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Erik…claim your reward. It is well deserved."
He exhaled and cupped her face in his hands. "Thank you."
She tilted her face up as he leaned forward and kissed her on the mouth. It was light and gentle, but the touch of his lips caused her to burn for more. He drew back with and looked into her eyes seeking encouragement from her.
She nodded and whispered as she clutched him. "please."
Those lips captured hers and she found herself locked in a strong embrace that threatened never to let her go again. Those hands, caressed her body, pulling her against his strong muscular body. the kiss had grown into something desperate, something that she hadn't counted on. Her body heated as he pressed her against the tree and she ran her hands through his hair hands up through his thick black hair.
To her surprise, he was the first to break the kiss. He was breathing heavily as he drew a knife and took her left hand.
"What are you-"
"this will hurt, but it will ensure that sir basil will not touch you." He took the knife and cut a small cross in her palm. She winced at the sting. He pressed a cloth against her hand. "Forgive me."
she stammered. "I-I don't understand."
"You will." He pressed a kiss against her palm. "Tell him, that I regard you as mine and if I hear of him acting unseemly towards you, he will regret it. Don't reveal my name, for I am known by another and when they see the cross, they will know."
"Erik." She said, her legs weak from the moment that had just passed."
He cupped her face in his hand. "You're mine." He kissed her lips again, hard, before pulling back. "remember that."
That said, he mounted thunder and rode away quickly; leaving her alone loneliness descended upon her once again. However, loneliness wasn't alone, it had longing and desire to keep it company.
Then, his words sank into her mind.
I regard you as mine. You're mine!
Amanita stumbled back towards the castle, running her across her tingling lips. What had she done? She'd given him a kiss as a reward, but he'd taken more than that.
He'd taken her heart with him.
Erik exhaled as he pushed his disguise under the trap door in the floor. He took the money that he'd looted from Sir Basil's treasury earlier. He'd have to carefully distribute the money among his neighbors in this dirty village that the world had turned it's back on.
Erik patted Thunder's neck as he let out a nicker. He laughed as Thunder let out a snort. "No, I don't think she has a friend for you. But don't worry," he pushed the barn door open and looked up at the dark sky. "we will see her again."
He had to see her again. Who'd ever believe that Erik, the poor, disfigured blacksmith, would have gotten kissed by the princess Amanita. Not only that, she'd given into the kiss and she hadn't let out a single sound when she saw his face. The whole kingdom loved her, but no one...no one, loved her as much as he did.
He was tired of being alone. He wanted someone to hold, even if it was only for a short time.
