The princess of Seyruun and her chimeric friend arrived at the castle after
a mad dash. Zelgadis had used his cape to help shield them from the rain,
but they were both drenched. They entered the castle, and Zelgadis removed
his cape to allow it to dry. They went into one of the reading rooms and
started a fire. One of the servants spread blankets onto the cushioned
chairs in order to keep them dry. Amelia, shivering profusely, quickly sat
in one of the chairs and wrapped the blanket around her. Zelgadis sat down
in another chair and stared into the flames. There was a long silence.
Amelia was wondering if she had made a mistake or not, Zelgadis wondered
what he could say. This was it. He had to go now. He couldn=t stand this
any longer.
AI...I=m going to be leaving tomorrow.@ Amelia quickly looked over at him.
AAlready? Bu...but why?@
AI have to keep looking for my cure.@
ABut can=t you stay...just a little longer?@ Her voice began to quiver.
AI don=t think that=s such a good idea. I think it bothers people to see
me around you. I should go before I cause trouble.@
AYou=re not causing trouble. Please...stay for a little longer...@ His
next words were the hardest for the both of them. He stood up slowly.
AI=ve made my decision.@ His voice hollow, and emotionless. The flood of
emotion inside Amelia couldn=t be held back anymore. She burst into tears
and dropped her head into her hands. Zelgadis was startled by this. All
he could do was stare at her. Suddenly, he found his own eyes begin to
water, but he held the tears fast. Like lightning, Amelia stood up, threw
the blanket off of her, and wrapped her arms around him. She pressed her
face into his chest to suppress her cries. He couldn=t react. If he
comforted her, he would only end up causing more pain. Before he could
have time to decide what to do, she wrapped her arms around his neck and
pulled him into a tender kiss. Zel=s insides burst. His heart melted, his
mind evaporated, and he closed his eyes and returned her kiss. He wrapped
his arms around her waist, and they stood there for a minute, losing
themselves in what they had waited so long for. But then, reality returned
to Zelgadis. He realized what he was doing and pushed Amelia away. She
was confused now. Had she destroyed any chance that she had. She felt the
tears returning.
AW...why?@ She managed to say.
AAmelia....this can=t happen...you=re the princess, and you may not think
I=m a monster but I am a chimera. No one would allow us to be together.@
He turned slowly and began to walk out of the room. He was stopped when he
felt Amelia=s arms wrap around his waist from behind.
She spoke softly in between sobs.
AZelgadis...I...I need you. Please...don=t go like this...@ She held him
tighter and began to speak more forcibly. AYou left me alone for a year
and a half. And now you=re going to go look for your cure. Why is it so
important to you? What if I never see you again? You could die searching
for it. You abandoned me once, if you walk out now...then...then I don=t
know if I=ll be able to forgive you!@ She rested her head on his back and
began to cry louder.
AAmelia...@ He turned around and held her. They sat on one of the chairs
and he held her in his arms while she cried herself to sleep. And that=s
where they remained for that night.
