Bonus Side Story: "Lying Lips"

I'd gone on a short trip related to my duties as the princess, and Leo had accompanied me. He'd suggested we take a short detour, and so we left the carriage behind us and walked instead. I breathed deeply as we slowly walked through the forest. (It's been ages since we walked anywhere together.) I glanced over at Leo, walking just ahead of me. He was silent as he led us a different way than usual, but his expression was unusually thoughtful. (Leo looks like he wants to talk to me about something— but I wonder what?) I glanced up at the sky as I was thinking. (Hmm, those clouds don't look good.) The clouds overhead had turned dark and moody, and I started to feel a little worried. We'd been walking for some time when Leo suddenly spoke, his voice quiet.

"Maya, I don't think you should be involved in this anymore."

"What?" My voice squeaked in surprise, and Leo looked back and met my gaze.

"I don't know if you've realized this yet, but right now you're in a very unstable position—you haven't got anyone to support you, really." Leo sighed and then tilted his head to one side as he gazed at me. "You haven't won over the nobles, nor chosen a prince consort—I'm sure you're aware of what could happen if this matter gets out." I caught my breath. His words seemed to ring loudly in my head. The rising wind shook the trees around us, and sent my hair flying every which way.

"But Leo, I know—" I started to speak, but right at that moment, large raindrops began to fall from the sky, pelting down on both of us. But the rain only distracted me for a moment, and I ignored it as I finished speaking. "I already know what I'm doing is risky. But something bad is happening, and I can't just pretend I don't know about it." Leo stared at me, ignoring the rain trickling into his eyes from his hair. When he spoke, his voice was so soft I could barely hear it over the rain.

"You're an idiot, Maya. You're sense of justice is only going to get you—" Right then a loud clap of thunder rang through the air. The storm was only getting worse, and we were a long way from anywhere or anyone.

We had no choice but to take shelter from the rain in a nearby vacant house. I'd bought new shoes and a new umbrella at a nearby store on our way home, but I left them near the door soaking wet. (My clothes are completely saturated.) The wind outside howled like a gale.

"I don't think we're gonna make it home today." Leo sighed softly as he lit a fire in the fireplace.

"I guess not." (But what are we going to do? Spend the night here?) I suddenly sneezed, the sound echoing loudly in the quiet room. (I'm a bit cold too.) Leo turned to look at me, his expression concerned. Then he stood up and came around in front of me. He reached out and began to slide my dress off my shoulders. "Leo what are you—?!" My voice was hoarse as I grabbed his hands to stop them. I stared up at him, and he gave me a faint smile.

"C'mon if you stay in these wet clothes you're just gonna catch a cold. You should strip."

"S-Strip?" I blushed bright red at the word. Leo gave me a mischievous smile.

"Aww c'mon, I'm not gonna do anything."

"B-But—" (He didn't have to just suddenly start trying to take my clothes off!) "I can do it myself."

"Oh, really?" My cheeks were still red, and I turned my face away. Leo began to strip off his own clothes as well, right in front of me.

"Gah!"

"I know, I know— now hurry up." In spite of my reaction, I knew he was right and I reached for the ribbon ties on my dress. I turned my back on him as I undressed down to my corset and chemise. But once that was done, there was nowhere to hide. Leo managed to find a single blanket in the room, so he wrapped us both in it. I could feel his warmth against my back. (I have to admit—Even though this is embarrassing, he's so nice and warm.) Leo's arms wrapped around me from behind, gentle and reassuring. I sat quietly in his embrace, staring at the fire and listening to the storm outside. After a while, I broke the silence with a question.

"Leo—are you hiding something from me?" I could feel Leo tense for a moment against me. Then he gave a soft laugh that was half sigh.

"What brought that on? No I'm not." I turned my head to see his gentle smile. A moment later, his warm lips met mine, just briefly. "I hope you'll forgive me for this, at least." He gave me another smile as he spoke. The he closed his eyes and kissed me again.

"Nnnn—" His mouth moved gently against mine, pushing my lips apart. His tongue slipped into my mouth, twining with mine. I moaned softly at the intensity of his kiss. The blanket slipped off my bare skin and began to fall to the floor. (Oh, Leo—)

All I could hear was the soft crackling of the fire, and the panting of our breath.

I woke up suddenly in the middle of the night to find myself still held tight in Leo's arms. I lay there quietly and listened to the stillness. It sounded as if the storm had passed on—there was only quiet outside now. I sat up slowly, and Leo stirred a little in his sleep, but didn't wake up. (He doesn't seem to be having any nightmares tonight—thank goodness.) I sat there thinking in the dim quiet as I stared down at his sleeping face. (Leo, are you ever going to talk to me about it?) I drew my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them.