(Sorry it's been so long. I've been busy falling in love with Keith Kogane from Voltron and taking too many naps this week. I'm gonna miss spring break so much! Anyways, here's chapter 10!
Warning: it's a little fluffy angst...)
(Duncan's POV)
Can't believe Erin hasn't died yet, being in that crappy place; filled with order and rules… I'm glad to be free here, with my friends, semi-family and my Princess. Anyways, right now we're in that carriage on our way to that winery in Purgatory Province. "I miss her Duncan." Courtney confesses; reaching her hand out to mine. I take it, sometimes we magically understand each other. It's freaky, "Me too Princess. That got me thinking...Maybe she might come here to try to get you back there?" "I hope not. I do want to see her and all, but leaving you behind would change everything. We've got this… special bond, err, connection that I couldn't let go of over anything." "Mmm." I nod; massaging her soft, smooth wrist. "Thanks for everything. It means a lot. After my parents, I haven't had as much fun as I have since I met you." "You...you've changed me."
Seriously! That's all I could say! Ugh… "In a good or ba-" I think she knows the answer. But just to be sure, I wrap my arms around her waist, pull her closer to me, and graze on her soft lips. "What are you doing?" I hear her ask me during the kiss. "Relax babydoll. Just giving you the answer to that question of yours." I release my grip. "Oh." Princess is getting flustered and it's really cute. "Are we there yet?" "Just a few more minutes." She declares. "You said that an hour ago, princess." "Did not!" "Did too!" "Did not!" "Did I mention you turn me on even more when you're pissed?" she sighs and turns away from me. "Hey, did I do anything wrong?" "No Duncan, I just feel a little homesick right now…" "You could go back if you want." "Wait, are you kicking me out?" "Hell no! I'm just allowing you to leave if you want." I retort reasonably. She gives me a peck on the cheek and talks back with, "Dunky, that's really sweet. I'd never leave regardless and I hope you know that. I love you." "I AM NOT SWEET! But love you too, Princess." "That's not true, but whatever." Courtney pulls me closer to her.
I hope this doesn't make her mad, but I'm curious to know, "What happened to your parents?" "Uh…" Her face blanks out as if she's been hit with a sleepy-dart and I'm getting pretty concerned over here. "You don't need to tell me if it hurts or makes you feel uncomfortable." "No Duncan, it's fine. It's just a sensitive topic. No one ever brings it up in the castle as a sign of respect." "I'm not making you mad?" "No." She holds my hand "Are you sure?" "You're starting to." "Okay, I'll stop now." "Good." "Go on." "What do you mean- oh the story." "No durrr." I roll my eyes when she's not looking at me. "Well on my 16th birthday, a big banquet was being held in my honor. All of the kingdom and Provincial residents was invited to the castle and my parents took charge of the arrangements. Anyways, a demon arrived at the party and everyone was horrified beyond reason. The Royal Guard led the people to safety and I was unexpectedly left behind. It was heading straight toward me to eat my soul, but my parents sprinted in front of me and got attacked instead. Their- I watched them die with my-my…" I can see her eyes water as she starts to weep. "Hey, hey. It's okay. We're going to have fun today. You said so yourself." "I-I need to finish the story." "No you don't. You need to stop crying." "Oh-okay." Princess leans her head into my lap; wetting her hair in tears. "I'm here for you and I always will be. Boop?" I try booping her nose, but it clearly fails. Her weeping gets louder and I don't know what to do. "I love you, Princess. No one's gonna do that to you as long as I'm around." I hold her close and gaze into her eyes; feeling butterflies or whatever… A smile plants itself onto Courtney's face, even though there are still tears dripping from her eyes. "Thank you, Dunky." I nod at her and look out the ride window. The carriage stops and I hear those weird pegasi neighing. I think we're here.