Hearts' Connection

Flashback

Sapphyre walked down the hall to Julius's room. She hadn't really talked to him in days after their first kiss. She was torn and confused. She took a deep breath and sighed before knocking on his door.

"Julius ...it's Sapphyre."

He slowly opened the door. They stared at each other for a moment.

"We need to talk about what happened the other day."

He moved aside letting her come into his room. He closed the door and locked it.

"You've been different and a bit distant. I didn't mean to put you in an awkward position with what I said and what I did."

"No, I was just taken by surprise."

"A good surprise, right?"

"In a way. But I respect your parents and your family traditions, Julius. You must find a suitable wife, which I am not."

"Yes you are." He took her hand.

"We shouldn't act upon what happened the other day."

"Why not? You feel the same as I do. I can see it in your eyes."

She shook her head slightly. "I should go."

"No, please, Sapphyre. I want you to stay. I need you to stay. Even if it's just for tonight."

"Julius... I..."

He moved closer and wrapped his arms around her.

"I don't want us to move too fast. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I can't stop these feeling I have for you."

"We're not. I don't think we are. But your parents..."

"This will be for us then."

"I do want to stay," she whispered.

"Then stay."

Their lips met in a passionate kiss. She loved the way he made her feel, and this felt right to her... to both of them. Julius was so gentle with her pulling her closer to him and she wrapped her arms around his neck. As they continued to kiss.

As they broke their kiss, Julius untied the back of her dress, letting it fall to the floor. He stepped back a bit looking at her in awe. She stood there in nothing but her undergarments, innocent and a little nervous.

"You are exquisite, Sapphyre."

He picked her up bridal style and walked over to the bed, laying her down. He takes off his shirt and laid on top of her.

They shed the rest of their clothes and Julius ran his hand slowly up and down her thigh. He places a soft kiss on her lips.

He looked up at her staring into her eyes, wanting more assurance to continue.

"Neither of us has done this before."

"I wouldn't want this with anyone else."

Sapphyre wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him down into a kiss. It didn't take him long to respond back.

He kisses her cheek, and they interlock fingers as he pushes into her slowly. She tries her best not to make any loud noise. She gasp and squeezes his hands tighter. Julius stays still letting her adjust to this new feeling. He looked at her and she nodded.

They were going in perfect rhythm. Sapphyre let out a low cry. She closed her eyes feeling something building up throughout her body.

The feeling shot out in waves of pleasure for both of them. After they caught their breath, they kissed once more.

He held her in his arms tightly and kissed the top of her head. Sapphyre laid her head on his chest.

"I love you. What we did has a lot of meaning behind it. Don't ever think that the love I have for you is untrue."

"I love you, too. I know. My heart belongs to you Julius."

"And mine belongs to you."

Flashback End

Palace Library

"Sapphyre, there are so many books!" Diana was so mesmerized flipping through a pile.

"Yes, I used to sit in here for many hours, as a girl, reading as many as I can."

"You've been here, in the palace, your whole life?"

"Yes, my mother was the caretaker of the second Queen."

Diana picked up a book with an odd symbol on it. She couldn't really tell what it was, seemingly a bit faded. "What's this?"

Sapphyre looked up and just stared at the book.

"Sapphyre?"

"Oh, um…I…" she sighed and smiled. "I'm sorry. There are so many I can't remember that one specifically. I'm sure you will find it interesting."

Diana looked at the book and flipped through the pages. The words actually looked hand written.

"It's very old"

"Oh yes, probably belongs with the first generation of books."

"Oh…"

It was still quite strange.

Walking down the hall with Xander and Goral following, Kal deep breathed annoyed with them. He still hadn't brought up what he saw happened with them.

He was about to walk pass the library until he saw Diana and Sapphyre. He smiled.

"You two stay here," he ordered.

They bowed.

"Diana…Sapphyre…Hi," he said as he walked in.

Diana looked up and smiled. "Hi."

"King Kal."

"Sapphyre, as I've said, just call me Kal, please."

She was a bit hesitant but nodded.

"I wanted to thank you for the new vest."

"My pleasure, Kal."

"And I wanted to thank you, Diana."

"For what?"

"Helping me recover."

"I wasn't going to leave you and well you risk your life for mine."

Kal smiled. "I would do it again if I had to."

Diana smiled back. She didn't know what to say.

Kal looked down at the book she had. "So what are you reading?" Kal moved closer to her.

"The book just has this odd symbol on it. I'll start reading it later today."

"How about you tell me about it when you are done?"

"I'm not sure you will be actually interested."

"I'm interested in anything you have to say."

Diana tried not to blush. "Alright. If it's worth it I'll let you know."

Marcella walked down the hall seeing Xander and Goral. "What are you two doing? Where is my King?"

"Queen Marcella." Xander bowed. "King Kal is in the library."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"He ordered us to stay here. Sapphyre and Diana are in there as well."

Marcella glared. "Oh, really?" Marcella walked in quietly. She saw Kal and Diana laughing and smiling at each other. Their closeness made her cringe.

"My King! There you are!" Marcella she called out walking in. She went over to him latching onto his arm.

"Mistress…" Sapphyre bowed.

"Sapphyre what a mess, this is. Try to hurry and clean this up. Also, that brother of mine is still sulking be sure to have his new gift ready. Seems even Angelique is not enough."

"Yes, Mistress."

"I also have a gift for My King. Follow me to the courtyard. That means you, Sapphyre and Diana."

Kal and Diana glanced at each other.

In the courtyard, there was a target stand set up.

"Bring King Kal's gift."

A guard brought a large box.

"Here, Dear, open it," Marcella smiled.

Kal was a bit hesitant, slowing opening the box. He frowned a bit. It was a steel bow.

"Let Sapphyre and Diana see your lovely gift."

Kal took it out the box.

Diana was confused, didn't exactly know how to react. Diana looked at Sapphyre, she had a disturbed look on her face.

"Sapphyre …" Marcella called with a wicked smiled. "Why don't you give a demonstration?"

Sapphyre was hesitant.

"My patience..."

She let out a low sigh. "Yes, Mistress."

Diana frowned. She was really confused with Sapphyre's demeanor lately.

Taking the bow and the guard handing her an arrow, Sapphyre closed her eyes and just stood there for a moment.

"What are you waiting for?" Marcella asked impatiently.

Sapphyre opened her eyes and shot the arrow hitting dead center of the target.

"That was impressive." Kal said. "Sapphyre will be giving the lessons with this."

Sapphyre smiled. "I-"

Marcella cut her off. "No, Sapphyre has much more important things that need attending."

"Yes, Mistress."

Kal gave Sapphyre a look of sympathy. He didn't understand why Marcella was so harsh to her.

"My King, I have royal dealings and once I have completed those...maybe we can have some alone time."

Kal didn't respond as Marcella kissed his cheek.

"Sapphyre, I expect everything to be in order as always. Diana's dress should be complete."

"Yes, Mistress."

"Diana, I have to go over your responsibilities regarding being the wife of a general. There are certain rules you must abide. We will get to all of that later. For now, continue on as you were. Make sure Sapphyre has those books in order."

There was an awkward silence as Marcella walked back to the palace.

"Um…hey, Sapphyre, if you don't mind me asking…but how did you learn that?"

"I'm was observant, watching our previous king train." Before Kal could ask anything else she bowed. "We must go, Kal. Diana?"

"Oh, alright." Kal looked at Diana and smiled. "Remember to tell me about the book when you are done."

"I'm sure you will remind me again." Diana smiled back.

Kal watched Diana as she walked away. He was so mesmerized by her.

That Night

Marcella laid in her bed, naked as Xander was rubbing her feet. As Marcella had her eyes closed, Xander rolled his eyes and gave her a disgusted look.

"How was my King while I was gone?"

"We had a hard time keeping the King entertained. He left the courtyard."

"He was alone? You let him be alone?!"

"Well no. We were following and watching him without him noticing. He stayed in the garden with Sapphyre and Diana for a long time."

"So he has been left alone with those two more than once."

"It seemed he would rather help pick flowers or read stories," Xander laughed slightly but quickly fell silent.

Marcella wasn't amused. "Get out!"

"Marcella?"

She glared.

"I mean... my Queen."

"GET OUT!"

Xander sighed and left out her room.

"You can come out now you, old witch!"

"Queen Marcella." Xhanaliese appeared bowing.

"I am not amused."

"Their memories are still tainted."

"Why did he go to her?"

"Their emotional connection."

"Connection? No more. I will have to change that."

The next morning after another awkward breakfast, Marcella called Sapphyre and Diana to the library.

"You see, Diana, I want to change this room. Get rid of all this unnecessary clutter. Doesn't look like Sapphyre has gotten much done. Such a disappointment."

"The children would love these," Diana suggested.

"Children? The little ones in town. Oh no, no, no. These books are for the children of the palace."

"I don't understand. There are no children here. It wouldn't be beneficial to keep them here any longer."

"Oh dear, not yet. But in a couple of months there will be," Marcella smiled.

Diana frowned confused. She glances at Sapphyre, who had no expression at all.

"I haven't told my King yet, but I figured to wait a while. I'm not sure. We have the dinner party tonight. Maybe afterwards."

"Oh...well congratulations to the both of you."

"You know, this is your time, my lovely Diana. You will be married to my beloved brother soon and I suspect he would want off springs." She smiled again.

The thought of being married to Octavian and much worse, him being close to touching her made her sick. Though, the thought that Kal may have been lying to her even worse having a child with Marcella made her sicker.

Later

"Sapphyre, what is on your mind. You've been very quiet and sad lately."

"My apologies, Diana. I have been thinking of the past, which is something I should not do."

"What happened to you, Sapphyre?"

"The irony of being a Royal caretaker and I failed at my duties, you and a Kal have lost your memories, some of the towns citizens have lost things and people they cherish. I am truly sorry, Diana."

Diana sat next to her on the bed. "Sapphyre, you have been so kind and helpful. I may not agree with the engagement to Octavian, but I am getting somewhat used to how things are now. From what Marcella said, no one could've prevented this. We just have to move forward."

"You are very wise, Diana." Sapphyre smiled.

Diana smiled back. "You not just my caretaker, Sapphyre. You are my friend."

"Thank you." Sapphyre hugged her.

Diana was surprised but hugged her back.

"Ok. I have to get you ready for tonight's dinner party."

"Dinner party? For what?"

"It's the Queen's more impulsive decisions. Come now. I have the perfect dress for this evening."

Later: The Dinner Party

Kal kept staring at Diana from across the room. With Marcella watching him like a hawk, so he couldn't get near Diana like he wanted to.

Marcella smirked. She knew he wanted Diana. But as of now she had nothing to worry about thanks to the conversation with Diana earlier.

"My dear, I'm too tired to mingle. Why don't you for the both of us." She kissed his cheek. "Go on, my dearest King."

Kal took the opportunity and walked straight to Diana, who was standing near a wall alone.

"Hi, Diana."

She looked up. "Hello, Kal."

"You look beautiful."

"Thank you."

"Would you dance with me?"

Diana was hesitant.

Kal held out his hand for her to take and smiled.

"I don't think we should."

"Come on, Diana. Just one dance."

She stared at him.

"Come on."

She sighed and took his hand.

Leading her to the dance floor, Kal places his left hand on her waist and still held her left hand in his right as she placed her right on his shoulder.

They swayed to the music slowly. Kal pulled her closer and held her tighter.

Diana tried not to make eye contact with him.

"What's wrong? Are you not feeling well again? Is it the crowd?"

"No, I'm just thinking about a lot."

"What is it? About the other night? We won't go again. Not risking you getting hurt."

"Your wife is full of surprises."

"I told you…" Kal sighed. "What do you mean?"

Diana shook her head. "No, just... just stop." She pulled away from him. "Congratulations, Kal."

"For what?"

Diana started walking away.

"Wait a minute." He took her hand pulling her back to him.

Diana stopped and turned. "Kal, I just want to be left alone. You have priorities and I am not nor should not be one of them."

Diana walked away with Sapphyre not too far behind.

Kal stood there shocked not understanding what just happened.

Once in Diana's room, Sapphyre closed the door but stood silently, watching as Diana pace around.

"I'm not sure," Diana said out loud.

"May I say something, Diana?"

"You don't need my permission."

"The...I mean Kal, he is a good man. You know that."

"I'm not sure what to believe."

"Speak with him."

"Sapphyre, it's not that simple."

"Speak with him," she repeated.

Flashback

"Happy Birthday, Julius!" Reuben, Jenaveve, and Sapphyre said in unison.

Julius blew out all 21 candles on his cake.

"Did you make a wish?" Sapphyre asked smiling.

"Sort of but I really didn't have to because of you."

Sapphyre blushed nervously and embarrassed with Reuben and Jenaveve being there to hear him.

Reuben and Jenaveve looked at each other smiling.

"Sapphyre, didn't you have a present for Julius?" Jenaveve asked.

"Oh...well... yes," she said nervously.

One of the guards brought a large box and placed it on the table.

Julius smiled and opened the box. It was a steel bow with his name engraved.

"This is amazing, Sapphyre. Thank you!" He gave her a quick kiss and embraced her.

Sapphyre laughed. "You're welcome, Julius."

Later that Night

Julius and Sapphyre were sitting on Sapphyre's bedroom, laying on the bed.

"Julius, I can't believe how you acted and what you said in front of your parents."

He laughed. "What?"

She glared, "you know what." She sat up and sighed.

"Alright, I'm sorry but they know already how we feel about each other."

"They probably think it's just a crush. Once you find your bride, you..."

"I already have." He sat up as well.

"I'm serious, Julius."

"I am too."

"It still feels wrong keeping our secret."

"I told you, what happened between us meant a lot. If you want me to, I will tell my parents the truth. I want you by my side as my wife, as my Queen."

Sapphyre stared at him.

"What is it?"

Without a word, she kissed him, holding on to his arm. Julius deepened the kiss. He moved his hands to her waist and she moved her hand to his upper arm. She started to kiss him more forcefully and he was so shocked by it that he fell back on her bed.

Sapphyre broke the kiss and smiled. "We can't keep doing things like this."

"Yes we can. You will be my Queen and we can do any and every thing we want."

"We well see about that," Sapphyre said teasingly."

Flashback End

Diana walked through the secret garden with Embry. She had ignored Kal for a day or so. Trying to avoid any contact with him.

"I just don't know what to do, Embry. When I look into his eyes, it feels like I do know him. But I just..."

She gasped and turned quickly hearing the bushes rustling.

"Who's there?"

Kal appeared. "It's just me. We need to talk."

"Why are you here?"

"You've been avoiding me."

"I don't want to talk."

"Why not? What did I say or do?"

"You lied to me."

"What?!"

"Your act of concern and kindness is just a facade. You just want me to be just like these other women around the palace."

"What?! No!"

"You are following me around when your wife is with child! Like I said congratulations!"

"Wait wait what?!"

Diana rolled her eyes and started walking off.

"Damn it, don't walk away from me!"

"Leave me alone!"

"Diana!" He took her hand but she yanked away. "Diana, would you stop!" He grabbed her arm. "Listen to me! I don't know what she told you but none of it is true. I have been honest with you and I have not touched her."

"She is having someone's child." Diana sighed. "It doesn't matter either way. You are married to her; you will have to go along with it. As I with Octavian."

"I want the truth. I will not let you marry a man you don't know nor love."

"I don't know you either. With everything that has happened, I don't know who to trust."

"Yes, you do. It's something that keeps us drawn to each other. You know you can trust me."

Kal pulled her closer and cupped her face with both hands. Without hesitation he kissed her. Diana's eyes went wide with shock, and then closed as she let herself sink into the kiss. It was like her whole body was on fire. She felt heat and...

Diana pushed him away and slapped him.

"What was that for?!"

She shook her head. "You shouldn't have done that."

"Why not? You kissed me back, right?"

Diana glared at him and walked away again.

Kal sighed. "Stop that. We kissed before."

"That was an accident."

"That wasn't an accident."

"So you bumped into me on purpose."

"No. That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying we have a connection and you can't keep denying it. We are drawn to each other."

"That's just what you want, Kal." She sighed. "Stop following me and go back to the palace. I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"I'm not going back. Not until you hear me out. So stop walking away and look at me."

Diana started walking faster. "You don't tell me what to do."

"Diana."

She started running.

"Diana!" Kal chased after her.

Diana didn't know where she would end up but she just needed to get away from him. Though, Kal wasn't going to give up.

Chasing her, He actually started to find this amusing. Diana did as well...

She continued running until she saw a tree to hide behind and catch her breath.

She exhaled, leaning against the tree with her eyes closed.

"Can we talk now?"

Diana turned her head to see Kal leaning against the tree as well with his arms folded.

"I have nothing else to say to you." She took off running again.

Though, she stopped abruptly at the edge of a water fall. She looked back to see Kal coming closer then he stopped, knowing exactly what she was thinking about doing. He shook his head. She couldn't be serious.

Diana turned back and jumped. Kal immediately followed jumping as well. Neither knew what was at the bottom.

Diana went into the water with a splash and no longer than a few seconds later Kal. Coming up for air, Diana pushed her wet hair out of her face. Kal came up in front of her.

"Why did you do that? You could've gotten hurt or worse!" Kal yelled with so much concern in his voice.

"As you can see, I'm fine. It was my choice. Now leave me alone!" Diana yelled back.

"No, I'm not chasing you again!"

"I'm not telling you to! Stay here for all I care. I'm leaving!"

"No you aren't."

Diana tried ignoring his close proximity, she said, "I don't want to argue with you."

"I don't want to either."

Kal came closer but Diana tried to move away but backed up against a large boulder near the waterfall. He was directly in front of her, with both his arms now on either side of her.

Diana was barely able to ignore how fast her heart was beating and she hoped he didn't notice how short of breath she was.

Kal leaned closer, his lips only centimeters apart from hers. Their lips lightly touched.

He lowered his head to her ear.

"I know you feel the same as I do," he whispered.

"It doesn't matter," Diana whispered back.

"Yes it does. I'm not going to deny it and you shouldn't either."

Diana knew there was an undeniable connection between them and it was more than physical attraction.

Kal grabbed her by her waist pulling her closer until they were pressed against each other. He crashed his lips upon hers. His kiss was forced with passionate demand.

Diana pulled away.

"Stop fighting it."

They kissed again.

"We need to get back."

"Not yet, we don't."

Diana couldn't help it. She kissed back and instinctively, wrapped her arms around his neck.

Kal pulled back momentarily to speak. "That wasn't difficult, was it?"

Diana yanked his head to hers and kissed him again. Feeling his tongue thrust against hers, encouraged her to run her hand into his hair. Kal broke the kiss and started kissing down her neck.

Diana bit her lip and moaned softly.

They weren't sure how long they were floating in the lake, kissing, but they strangely...even honestly didn't care.

"Kal…." Diana moaned breathlessly.

It was something familiar about their touch, the way Diana moaned his name, the way Kal's lips felt against her skin, the reaction her body made.

Kal pushed her harder against the boulder. Diana tightened her grip around his neck and Kal lifted her legs around his waist.

He continued to kiss her neck then he went back up to her lips.

They pulled away just looking into each other's eyes. Both of them were out of breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly.

Kal held her closer; slowly rubbing up and down her back as Diana slowly rubbed the nape of his neck.

"Now can I go?"

"Do you really want to?"

"I should."

He smirked. "One more and I'll let you go."

Kal placed a soft gentle kiss on her lips; gradually the kiss becomes more passionate.

Just before he could try to go any farther again, Diana pulled away.

"You said one more."

Kal smirked again, letting her go. He watched as Diana got out of the water. She turned to him biting her lower lip.

Her now drenched dress was sticking to her body and practically left nothing to the imagination.

Diana couldn't help but pause a moment and appreciate the view of Kal. Water running down his perfectly chiseled chest and defined abs.

"Second thoughts?" he asked.

Diana forced her eyes to remain on his face. "Bye, Kal." She quickly turned around and smiled.

"So the two lovers finally reconnected. That didn't take long."

"Evolyn, there is one thing to remember, their memories have been taken but what is in their hearts haven't. Their connection is stronger than any of us realized."

"Does Marcella know, Xhanaliese?"

"I've told her in a way but she is blinded by so much hatred and jealousy. Her heart is blackened."

"Our true Queen was right, her plan is going accordingly."