-Chapter 9-
Meliodas awoke to the warm sunlight streaming in from the window. So bright he thought as he slowly opened his eyes. He blinked repeatedly in an effort to adjust his eyes to the light. Once he could see clearly, he turned to see if the princess was still lying asleep next to him. He smiled when he saw that she was. But he didn't really need to see her to know she was there. Even without seeing her, he could feel the warmth emanating from her body and he could hear her quiet breaths. She was sleeping on her side, facing towards him. She was breathing softly and the blanket would rise and fall slightly with each breath she took. He sat up on his elbows and stared at her peaceful expression.
He felt a tug in his chest. There it was again. The same feeling that overtook him whenever he saw Elizabeth. He knew what it was; it was a yearning to stay with her. As soon as he felt the beginning traces of those feelings arising within him, he hurriedly removed himself from the bed to separate himself from her. Meliodas frowned and bit his lower lip. He felt frustrated and clenched his hands into a fist. Tch, These feelings…it's best not to have them. He silently left the room and went downstairs, leaving Elizabeth in the bed, still sound asleep.
…
Elizabeth woke up a while later. She rubbed her eyes as she yawned to relieve some of her drowsiness. Meliodas, is he here? She expectantly looked beside her but when she saw the space was empty she frowned. She looked around the room but she was the only one there. Once again, she had woken up to find she was alone. Elizabeth, disappointed, got up and went downstairs to see if he was there. Instead, she found Hawk eating some scraps on the floor.
"Oh Elizabeth?! When did you get here?" he asked once he looked up from his meal.
"Good Morning Hawk," she said cheerfully, "I came late last night and I slept over. It seems you had already fallen asleep."
"Oh really? That damn Meliodas. He didn't tell me you were here when he left."
"Huh? Meliodas isn't here now?"
"No. He didn't say where he was going. He just left without saying a word. That damn bastard."
"I see…" Elizabeth said. Where could he have gone?
"Oh yeah Elizabeth, did you ever get that thing you were looking for in the town?" Hmm, the thing I was looking for? OH! That's right! I had almost forgotten! I went into town yesterday to get something for Lord Meliodas! Elizabeth scolded herself for forgetting.
Then she ran out the door calling, "I'll come back later Hawk!" Hawk went back to eating his scraps. Jeez, both of them just take off without telling me anything thought Hawk.
…
Elizabeth ran through the streets of Liones. She was more cautious about her surroundings after almost being crushed the previous day. She kept turning her head side to side to maneuver herself safely through the construction still being done in streets. I wonder if the streets will be clear for the festival tomorrow…there still seems to be a lot of work everywhere.
At last she reached her destination. Elizabeth stood exhausted in front of a tailor that was well known in Liones. One could easily tell from the outside of the store that it wasn't any ol' retail store. The shop had elegant hats and suits exhibited in the window display. There were hats with lacy ribbon; suits tailored using silk, exquisite design on dresses using pearls and bows and so much more. Elizabeth had heard that her family often requested the tailor of this store to make their clothing. She was about to enter when two people came out just as she opened the door. It was King and Diane!
"Oh Diane! King!" Elizabeth exclaimed with a mix of both delight and surprise.
"Ah! Elizabeth!" cheered Diane. She was still human sized and King floated beside her. King smiled and waved at the princess. "Hello princess. What a surprise to find you here."
"We just bought an outfit for Ban. It's for the festival tomorrow. I don't like those clothes he always wears. This outfit will definitely make him look slightly better," said Diane. She held up the bag that contained the newly bought outfit.
"Heh heh, that's sweet of both of you. I'm sure Ban will appreciate it," giggled Elizabeth. "Are the two of you going to the festival together tomorrow?" asked Elizabeth. Diane and King looked at one another. They quickly looked away and Elizabeth noticed the two of them blushing.
"W-Well…it seems that way," said King while trying to hide his rosy cheeks by looking down.
"That's right! I asked King to accompany me," smiled Diane. She was practically glowing. "Are you going to go with captain, Elizabeth?" Elizabeth blushed. She hadn't asked Meliodas. He hadn't mentioned the festival to her either
"I certainly would like to," she said shyly.
"Captain will definitely go with you!" Diane said encouragingly with a sincere smile. Elizabeth was surprised to hear such words from Diane; after all, wasn't Diane in love with Meliodas? King also seemed taken aback by Diane's encouragement. "Well, we'll see you tomorrow Elizabeth!" Diane held King's hand and started to lead him away. She was smiling and King turned scarlet in the face.
"B-Bye Princess!" called King. Elizabeth waved good-bye until they were gone from view. Then she entered the store.
…
After a while, Elizabeth left the store holding her newly bought present packaged neatly in a bag. I hope Meliodas likes this gift she thought as she envisioned him opening it. She swooned when she imagined the happy expression she hoped he would show. Her excitement to give Meliodas the gift as soon as possible led her to quicken her pace as she maneuvered through the streets.
…
Meanwhile, Meliodas was in the kingdom with King Bartra, the eleventh King of Liones and Elizabeth's father. Bartra was watering some plants Margaret had placed inside the room. His back was toward Meliodas and Meliodas stood close behind him. Meliodas' hands were in his pockets and he had on the usual expression that never revealed what he was thinking.
Bartra was looking down at an Aloe plant when he cleared his throat and said, "So I heard from Margaret that Elizabeth spent the night at your bar last night."
"Seems that way," Meliodas answered. He turned his gaze away from the king.
"I take it that everything went well, nothing happened?" He asked casually.
"Hmm?" mumbled Meliodas, still looking away. "What was that?"
Bartra released a heavy sigh. "It's nothing. I was surprised you came here so quickly when I summoned you. In the past, you always arrived an hour later."
"That's because you always called for me when I was drinking. So what is it Bartra? What do you need me for?"
Bartra put down the watering can and turned to face Meliodas, which made Meliodas, also face him. "I have to thank you Meliodas. Not just for saving the kingdom but also for protecting Elizabeth during your journey. "
"No problem," Meliodas answered with a boyish grin. "It's a knight's duty to protect the kingdom and the royal family after all." "Besides," he said with a pervy smile, "It's not like I didn't have my own share of fun with the princess."
With slight irritation, Bartra cleared his throat again. "Anyways, these recent events have shown me that Elizabeth is most safe in your care than in the actual kingdom. That is why, now that the seven deadly sins have returned to the Kingdom, I'd like to ask you to continue watching over Elizabeth." Bartra walked over to a nearby window and looked out at the city. He glanced down endearingly at his people who were working hard to rebuild the kingdom. The caring King was filled with compassion for them. "I fear that this is not the end. I need to be sure that Elizabeth will be safe," he said solemnly.
"Heh heh heh, safe with me?" Hawk would probably argue that Elizabeth is at a greater risk when she's alone with me he thought. Memories of Hawk tying him up before bed and scolding him came to mind.
"Please Meliodas. The hardest thing is for a father to admit he cannot protect his daughter from harm." The desperation in his voice was a clear sign that he was serious in his request. "What's your answer Meliodas?"
