Their Forbidden Love
"Ah, my legs!" Cagalli groaned.
"Would you like to turn back?" Athrun chuckled.
"No! We just got here and it's a beautiful night."
Cagalli got down from Famous and tied his reigns to a tree branch. She turned and looked up at the magnificent red mood in the dark sky. This was simply a view she could not miss on. Cagalli opened a wool bag on Famous' saddle and took out a thick blanket. She spread it over a soft area of grass and put another one over it. She sat down wearily as Athrun started a fire for them. Although she was sore, the night was gorgeous.
Before long, Athrun was back and had a warm fire. Cagalli brought out some wine and bread to eat. Athrun sat beside her and wrapped his arm around her. She smiled and placed her head back in the crook of his neck. He was warm, just as he always was. She reached up and touched his blue hair. His features made him so unique and a wonderful thing to look at. His emerald eyes shined brightly every time she gazed up at him. Cagalli loved every part of the one beside her. He had started off as a knight, yet he became her everything.
"Shall we stay here the night or continue on? We are not very far from the city," he said calmly.
"I just want to rest," she sighed.
"Alright, fine by me," Athrun replied.
Cagalli sipped some wine with the bread and cooled down even more. Athrun draped her blanket over her shoulders and looked up at the sky. Cagalli pushed everything else aside and sat up on her knees in front of him. She easily captured his vision and held onto the blanket while placing her hands on his shoulders. She sank her body into his and kissed him. She lowered him onto his back and continued kissing his soft lips.
"What's all this for?" he asked minutes later.
"Just to make you happy."
"I was already happy," he said.
"Happier," Cagalli giggled.
"Well, do what you will with me," he grinned.
Cagalli smiled and placed her hands on the sides of his face. She wanted him to feel special, to not have to think about working or anything along those lines. She put her lips against his neck and soothed it with her touch. She felt his body loosen beneath her and a quiet breath escaped past his own lips. Athrun wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled. Cagalli found his lips once more and gently touched his lip with her tongue. Just as she was about to go on in, the two heard the sound of gunshots.
"What was that?!" Cagalli demanded.
"Must be from the Western Army," Athrun replied.
"Should we be worried?" she asked.
"We should continue to the city, or go home."
"We'll keep going," Cagalli said.
She jumped up quickly and immediately folded the blanket. Athrun folded the other one and helped her to put everything up. Cagalli undid Famous' reigns and eagerly climbed up onto him. She hadn't expected to have her plans ruined by an army. She didn't know the king from the West lived so close, although she should have been more aware. There were many kingdoms spread across the country, of course it was natural to run into royal power. And hopefully sounds from an army wouldn't be reason for fear.
"Ready?" Athrun asked.
"Yes, let's hurry," Cagalli said.
Savior bursted off with speed and Famous trailed closely behind him. The darkness was a disadvantage, but the moon guided their path. Cagalli had gotten used to a life where she didn't have to worry about always being watched. Athrun, however, was always careful to remember. He knew the military power and how armies of men operated. Being a knight had taught him plenty. Now that Cagalli had disappeared and left her life at court, it was important to keep her out of sight of any men of rank that might be able to identify her. Athrun knew that King Attha would not have given up so easily. That knowledge put him on edge every time it came to mind.
"Athrun!" Cagalli yelled.
"What is it?!" he asked over his shoulder.
"Why are you going so fast?!"
Athrun suddenly pulled his reigns back and slowed down. Cagalli appeared next to him and he smiled apologetically at her. He looked on ahead and saw lights from the city. He sighed thankfully, ready to find an inn to stay at. It took hardly any time to find a place, they had luckily gotten into the last room available. Once the horses were secure, Athrun helped Cagalli into the room.
"I'm exhausted..."
"Are you ready for bed?" Athrun asked.
Cagalli sighed and nodded. She turned her back to him and let him unlace her dress. He gently took the dress and pulled it over her head. Next, he untied her corset and removed it from her body, revealing her smooth skin. She turned back around and smiled up at him. He picked her up in his arms and lifted her to the bed. Cagalli breathed out deeply and shut her eyes. Athrun pulled the blanket over her and then took his own shoes and shirt off before getting into bed. Cagalli curled up against him, fitting into him comfortably.
"Today was nice," Cagalli said.
"How so?" Athrun asked.
"I love riding," she replied.
"What a princess you are," he teased.
"Ha, yeah right. I'd never be able to do what we did today, or what we do other times."
"No regrets right?" Athrun asked.
"Of course not."
"Good 'cause you're all mine now," Athrun said.
Cagalli giggled and snuggled into him even more. Athrun put his arms around her tightly and closed his yes. He meant what he said, she was his for the keeping. He never believed that love could take him so far. To fall in love with a princess was even crazier. Yet, he had her with him. With the help of Lady Ruri, Cagalli had been able to reach him. Athrun hadn't even considered Cagalli leaving court, he knew the things that could happen because of her running away. Still, it had ended up being worth the risk.
In the morning, the couple cleaned up and redressed in clean clothes. Cagalli looked out the window curiously and smiled at the kids running around. Athrun came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Cagalli leaned back into him and continued to watch the local people. What she really wanted was to have a baby girl or boy. She had always loved children and having one of her very own would bring her the biggest delight.
"Do you think we can go see them?" Cagalli asked.
"See who?" Athrun questioned.
"Those children," Cagalli asked.
"What for?" he asked confusedly.
"Because they look so cute," she replied.
"Look, they're going on home."
"Aw... I really want a child."
"Well, we can get back into bed and go make one."
Cagalli giggled and faced Athrun. As much as she'd like to, she wanted to see the city and how the people going to set up the carnival. She took him by the hand and led him down from their room and out to the horses. She immediately wanted to check on Famous since he had been in a saddle for the first time in awhile. She pet him and glanced back at Athrun. He was busy eying the city. Cagalli gazed at Famous, but she decided to leave him.
"Ready to go?" Cagalli asked.
Athrun turned and nodded. Cagalli took his arm and began walking away from the inn. This city was much more active and energetic than the small town they had settled in. Cagalli spotted workers putting together a stage and pointed at them excitedly. Athrun saw them, not particularly interested. As long as Cagalli was happy, nothing else mattered.
He followed her as she walked around, going to small shops for trading and buying. She admired beautiful pieces of clothing and jewelry, two of the things she had always been able to have. Athrun crossed his arms tightly over his chest and gazed at her as she chatted with the owner. She was lively as she conversed, just as she always was. She was quite sociable when not under any pressure. She could charm anyone that met her. Her beauty could capture the eyes, but her mind captured anyones heart. She was a wonderfully passionate person to be with.
By nightfall, the city was transformed. There were lights at every door and people were dancing in the streets to the sound of music. There were endless amounts of stunts and performances. Cagalli dragged Athrun through the crowds, anxious to see all that she could. Athrun was grateful for the chance to sit down when Cagalli found a play to watch. She found spots for them in the first row and waited for it to start.
"Wish this would hurry up," Athrun mumbled.
"You don't like plays?" Cagalli asked.
"I've never seen one."
"OH, well they're very interesting. Just watch."
From behind the closed curtain, firelight flared up and the curtain opened. The stage was set as a meadow with two small castles on each side. A boy and girl were the main characters, standing in the middle of the two kingdoms. The girl was Catherine and the boy was Alexander. It was a simple love story divided by bickering families. Of course the two started off hating each other, but they grew to like one another. Every day they would meet, then hurry back home.
Half way through the play, Catherine and Alexander were both traced by their parents. And their love for each other was suddenly torn apart. The next scene showed Catherine sitting in her room. She held a book in her lap and was alone, just as she had been for nearly seven days. At her window, she heard the sound of knocking. Catherine stood up cautiously and turned to see Alexander staring in at her. Quietly but quickly, Catherine opened the window. Alexander jumped in her room and greeted her with a kiss.
"What are you doing here?" Catherine demanded.
"I had to see you," Alexander replied.
"You'll get caught," she whispered worriedly.
"No I won't," he grinned confidently.
"Ah, you are so reckless..."
"I love you, I don't want to be without you."
"I love you too," Catherine smiled.
Cagalli watched the performance intensely, recalling some events from her own memories. When she had been younger, she had started her own enchanting love story. The play of these two lovers reminded her so much of her and Athrun when they were back at her father's kingdom. The same passion, heart, and dramatics. It was all a part of young love. Even the pain that went along with it. And maybe parental involvement was a part of all adolescent love. Could that possibly be true?
"You know what I feel," Alexander assured.
"Yes, I do."
"Do not fear, I'll come back for you."
"But, Alex-"
"Don't worry. I won't get found."
"Just... be careful."
"I always am," he smiled.
Love was always dangerous. The next scene unfolded as a constant struggle. Alexander was trying to find a way to be with Catherine, but it didn't seem possible. He was frustrated by the family rivalry. He finally wrote a letter, proposing that they run away together. When Catherine read it, she was thrilled by the thought. They wouldn't miss her. She was useless to her family anyway.
"Do you mean it?" Alexander asked eagerly.
"Yes! We can leave and never return!"
Alexander took Catherin in his arms and held her tightly. He spoke into her ear and kissed her before rushing out of her window once more. Catherine stood alone for a moment and as she was about to sit down, her room was ambushed by a number of guards. She screamed, but she was grabbed and held by four men. Her father suddenly walked in and all was silent. Fear was in Catherine's eyes while hostility was in her fathers.
"You are a very foolish girl," he stated.
"Father, I-"
"Do not speak. I know you've been seeing that boy. This will end now. You are leaving tonight and will never see him again."
"Why?! Why do you hate his family?!"
"You are of no use to me, Catherine. You have shamed this family."
"I have done nothing," Catherine said strongly.
Cagalli stared, almost horrified, as the love story began to die. The stage dimmed as Catherine's head was covered and her arms were bound behind her back. As the figures disappeared behind the second curtain, the stage was quickly transformed back into the scene of the meadow. Alexander was waiting, just as he said he would. And it was only plainly obvious that he didn't know what had happened. It was only one day later, yet he had no idea.
Cagalli's fist tightened and she was on her feet, rushing away from the play. It wasn't supposed to have a sad ending! It was a story so close to her own that she couldn't bare to see anything bad happen. She couldn't help thinking that she might have ended up with a fate similar to the girl's. Through all the sounds of the festivities, Cagalli could only hear her pained thoughts.
"Cagalli!" Athrun called.
He struggled to keep her in his sight, having to push through the crowds of people. Why had she reacted so strangely? What had happened to her? He had seen her expressions when watching the play, but it was only a show. It didn't mean anything. It wasn't even real. Athrun continued following her until he finally saw her standing under a tree. She looked up at him and sighed sadly.
"They should have had a happy ending..."
Sorry it took me so long to update, I've been really busy with school and stressing out. But, I'm going to try and have one chapter submitted every weekend. Hope you liked ) R & R
