"But life is a battle: may we all be enabled to fight it well!" ― Charlotte Brontë
The moment he laid his eyes on her, Arthur was speechless – what could he possibly say to a woman who had tried to hurt (or kill) him. For a decade he had not spoken properly to someone of the fairer sex – with the exception of the female servants, but they never interacted with the master of the house. All the women he had ever had a decent conversation with were members of royal households, gentry or royalty. When the hunter had remained a stranger to him, he would not have such problematic thoughts. Arthur silently asked himself why this had occurred as an unsettling feeling took over his body. Awkwardness dominated the atmosphere . . . He certainly needed to choose his words wisely around the wounded huntress.
Her blinking eyes and confused expression worsened the situation for him – how should he begin any kind of conversation with to her? Before Arthur could consider his attempt in talking or inquiring after her wellbeing, the woman in his arms struggled against his hold, freeing herself a second later.
Despite her injury, Sakura decided to distance herself from him; she would run as fast as she could. Sadly, the hunter had not thought of her magical surroundings as she turned around – a wall of roses that suddenly appeared prevented her from proceeding in her escape. Once again her way was blocked by the magical plant.
It was evident that Sakura was confused by the outcome of that absurd occurrence – she had been saved by the man who wanted to kill her hours ago. Should she thank him? Was it mere coincidence that he was outside his sanctuary or had he sensed that she had fled from the cell?
"I won't allow you to escape," Arthur spoke again, the words echoing through the gardens. It was a repetition from before.
"I see," she replied tiredly; the energy that had always pushed her forward was lost – the exhaustion took over her body, knowing that she stood no chance against a magician. Her hand touched the hilt of the knife she had taken back after Ludwig had entered her cell. It had been a matter of chance that she had successfully defeated him in seconds before escaping through the window.
"But I won't fight against you." These words suddenly caught her attention and she lifted her head towards the beast. Surprisingly, the dangerous tone in his voice had changed; it sounded softer.
"Why?"
His gloved hand reached out as he watched it absentmindedly. The man was caught in a memory, "You are lost, just like me . . . I know how it feels to fight and to survive every day."
Sakura remained silent, observing him as she tried to analyse his words – or rather his demeanour. The question what his plans for her were when she would decide to stay, was plaguing her greatly.
"But what about Eliza?" Sakura asked softly, worry dominating her tone, as she studied her opponent's appearance.
"She will be taken care of," Arthur mentioned, seeing how Sakura's features hid her fears – she had misunderstood the context of his sentence.
"I mean, she will not be hurt in any kind . . . When Gilbert will return . . . The two of you will stay here and we will negotiate a deal."
"A deal? Why do you think we will accept?"
"Because you have no other choice . . ."
"What if we do?"
As if Sakura had provoked a question Arthur did not like, rain started to pour down – in a most unforgiven manner. The once clear sky turned into a cloudy mess; the water came down in streams, forcing the two to enter the magical mansion.
The black-haired hunter needed longer than anticipated. After all, she had to drag herself with one healthy foot to the hall – Arthur had offered her help, which she had declined immediately; his behaviour was too suspicious for her and she felt uncertain in accepting his sudden change in character. The choice to stay could no longer be discussed on Sakura's behalf, seeing that she could neither escape Arthur's magical powers nor the weather.
"A storm . . .," she whispered to herself at the entry of the great hall; the door was still open, demonstrating the wrath of nature upon mankind's creations. Sakura was too fascinated by the sight in front of her to notice the staring of beast. He stood a small distance away from her but near enough to be able to observe her features.
Only the sudden appearance of a stressful Ludwig interrupted their state of thinking.
Ludwig's pace decreased as his bright blue eyes fell on his master and the bounty hunter next to him. He wanted to explain the criminal's successful attempt of escaping but realised that he did not need to do so. Although his lips parted to form some words, Ludwig was uncertain of what to say and decided to stay quiet. The entire incident appeared absolutely absurd.
"Your royal Highness . . .?" He asked or rather stated, hoping to receive an answer from his master.
"Everything is under control," Arthur replied with a strong voice. "Miss –" He stopped abruptly, not knowing the female's name that stood beside him. Her eyes held the look of wariness as she waited several seconds to end the Prince's sentence.
"Kura," she slowly spoke, not giving them her full name.
"Miss Kura and Miss Eliza will stay here to negotiate a deal."
Ludwig understood the meaning behind the order: preparing a room for both the women. It was not the first time that a deal had to be discussed.
Although he shot the huntress a warning glare before fulfilling the task he had been given. His master was strong enough to fight against her; his magic was his greatest weapon . . . A bless and a curse.
"I never said I will remain behind these walls," Sakura suddenly mentioned, her form facing the magical Prince.
"The weather can be powerful." A flash lightened the sky, followed by a loud thunder that echoed through the area. "Gilbert will arrive with your friend and I do not believe that you would try to escape the mansion without her," Arthur stated, knowing that his arguments were reasonable. "You have gained too much knowledge."
The female pursed her lips, not liking where this discussion was going. "You will silence me?"
Arthur shook his head. ". . . Even if you keep silent about this, others will ask you, using force or money . . . I cannot take that risk."
"Risking your life?" She questioned more than he preferred to; his eyes focussed on the opened door, waiting for Gilbert to finally return.
"You think me ignorant and selfish . . . you have no idea whose life is in danger if any information leaks."
Sakura was unsure if she wanted to deepen the conversation. His voice was fiercer indicating that the situation was more complicated than she had thought. Before the woman could consider her words, a quick movement caught her attention.
It was Gilbert, who had finally arrived at the gates, holding an unconscious Eliza his arms.
His clothes were completely drenched, but the barmaid was protected from the rain: A thick cloth warmed her.
"I-I … finally," Gilbert murmured, exhausted from running through the woods. He was distracted from his own panting and his master's strong presence that he failed to notice the huntress who was observing him with an accusing look.
