Arthur went back to his room with a quick haste to his step. He was tired, frustrated, and desperately craved Lucy's intimacy. Her presence alone washed the rest of the world and its problems away. He could get lost in her forever and never think twice about it.
He entered to find Lucy already there which caused a smile to spread across his face. By some miracle, she had listened and outdone herself. She had already cleaned up. Not a spec of residual dirt was left behind, she had changed her clothes, and brushed her hair. He liked that she was rugged, tough, and not afraid to get her hands a little dirty, yet when she cleaned up she was beautiful enough to look like that of royalty. He was sure the people would love her. Once she was sure of who she was and was ready to share that with them, they would come to admire her in the same ways he has.
"You came." He said with a quaint smile.
"I did." She nodded in return.
"I admit, I'm a bit surprised." His smile broadened.
"There have been a lot of surprises lately." She shrugged.
"Yes, but not all of them are bad. I get you out of it."
"You're too sweet." She giggled helplessly.
"I'm just speaking the truth."
"It's not fair you know, you being all sweet and romantic."
"Because it makes you sound so sure that it's all going to work out. That my evil sister won't win. That good will prevail. "
"It will. We will."
"But how do you know?"
"I believe. I believe in us. I believe that the Gods have bigger plans for us."
"Tell me, have you always been this romantic or am I the first to see this side of you."
"I've always been protective of those I cared about because they are the closest thing to family I've got. It doesn't matter that I was born royalty, I grew up as an orphaned peasant. I take care of those I love, but my feelings for you are more. With you, by my side, I can see a brighter future on the horizon."
"Arthur."
"Lucy."
"Be real." Lucy sighed.
"I am, this is real. We are real."
"Now, you tell me, have you always been this beautiful?" He asked, his eyes eating her up. He couldn't get enough of her, she was perfect in every way he needed her to be. He wouldn't ever ask for anything more, he just wanted her.
"I wouldn't know. I never thought I was beautiful before I met you." Lucy shrugged shyly and looked away. Talking about her appearance was something she never did because in her mind she was bland and boring. That wasn't something to brag about.
"Why?" He approached her with genuine curiosity and sadness lacing his voice. He couldn't comprehend how she couldn't see what he saw.
"I never had a reason to." She laughed nervously, her fingers combing through her damp hair before she started unconsciously braiding it.
"Well, I will give you every reason to think that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever come to know." He said as his hands cupped her face and his thumb gently brushed over her cheek. He stared into her eyes, memorizing their depths before leaning in the rest of the way and kissing her gently. She kissed him back, her lips parting just enough to give him more access to her. They fell back on the bed and his tongue darted out to taste her and he groaned in pleasure. He wanted to know every part of her. But not tonight. No, those plans had already been reserved, so he kissed her for a moment longer, indulging in the moment before pulling away and cradling her in his arms, up against his chest.
"I love you, Lucy." He whispered to her, then kissed her temple before settling in behind her and falling asleep in the candlelit room.
He heard the banging on the door, but he couldn't seem to muster up the understanding as to where the noise was coming from. He looked down to see a woman in his arms. He thought it was Lucy, his beautiful soon-to-be wife. He was determined to marry her and make her is queen, they just needed to get through this battle then he could have everything he needed. He bent his head down to kiss her forehead only to realize her once bright and beautiful blonde hair was now so dark it looked black. He backed away, his hands pushing her away. What in the hell? What was going on? His heart raced in his chest, beating so fast he thought he was going to have a heart attack. The girl looked up at him with black-ashy makeup running down her tear stricken face. It wasn't Lucy, that was for sure.
The girl stretched out her arms, looking for the comfort that only Arthur could provide. He hesitated, unsure of what was going on. This girl was crying and he had to do something about it. He reached out to touch her and when their fingers connected he was suddenly taken over by a dark, consuming energy. His world went black and he was lost to the void.