Secretly a Prince

Chapter 21

Word Count: 400


"My lord, I have offended you. Please, forgive me." Her voice was small, but it was confident. She was of nobility, of that he could tell. Her hair was dark, her skin milky white, her beauty was overwhelming.

…for a human.

"Get up. This ground is filthy. You mustn't ruin such fine silks." His arm extended, he studied her features more intensely. She had grace; she was quite refined despite her species. He was thoroughly impressed.

"Forgive me, sire. I was unaware whom I was speaking with." She was submissive. She knew how to approach such a situation.

"How could you have known? You are only a human; you do not possess the ability to sense such a presence as my own. Yet, here we are; only it seems… I have come to you." He spoke with such passion in his voice; a faint blush appeared on her fair skin.

"If I may speak out of line, my lord…" She smiled, daring to raise her other hand and reach towards his cheek, "This is not the first time you have sought me out."

He could not suppress the smile that touched his lips, or how he leaned into her touch. No, he could not deny the feelings his heart had developed for such a lovely human girl.

"No, I suppose it is not. You make it impossible to stay away, Izayoi." He sighed, encompassing his arms to pull her into his embrace. She almost fell, but the strong hold of his arms kept her steady.

"Takeo… Please, tell me you'll stay?" She whispered against his chest, her arms tightening around his build.

"How bizarre, how you may utter a single breath, and I would follow the ends of the Earth to catch it, only to give it back to you."

"It is love that compels you, Takeo… as my love for you allows me to wait in eagerness to be reunited once more, with you. You will return, on the New Moon?" Her voice was trembling, for fear she may not see him again.

"I will always come for you, in this life, or the next." His lips were firm against hers as passion took him, into the arms of the woman who loved him.

Amaya could not have known… and if she did, would it matter? Takeo sighed, thinking of his son, and the fate they both shared.