A Rose in the Snow

Chung woke up early in the morning as the winter sun shone its rays upon the city of Hamel. Nowhere in the world of Elrios looked quite as such as the city of water during the dead of winter. The moats filled to the brim with solid ice, providing materials for sculptures and ice skaters. Before getting dressed, Chung walked out onto his balcony, which was slumbering beneath a blanket of snow. He looked down at the courtyard and saw his best friends having a snow ball fight down below. Elesis, member of the royal guard, and Aisha, royal magician. Aisha was using her magic to pelt Elesis, who was hiding behind the fountain, with an endless barrage. Chung carefully crafted a snowball on his balcony, and estimated the trajectory, acting as if he was throwing one of his grenades. He hurled the ball and watched it fall through the air before smacking Aisha on the head. She looked around in confusion and Elesis noticed a pause, taking it and hurling a snowball at Aisha's face. She rushed the blinded mage and tackled her to the floor. Chung sighed. I can't wait till this afternoon. Chung turned back inside and got dressed. He heard a knock on the door.

"Yes?" Chung replied swiftly, not wanting whoever it was to barge in whilst he was without pants on.

"Oh, you're awake." It was Ara. A close save, as a sight like that would be worse for her than him, "Your mother was wondering if you were still asleep."

"I'll be down for breakfast soon."

"Alright." He heard Ara walk down the stairs, and finished getting ready. Chung went through his door and headed down the stairs. As he reached the bottom, like usual his two body guards waited for him. Rena and Raven, married for ten years and loyal to the crown, they were a true menace in a fight.

"Good morning your highness." Raven said stiffly.

"Raven please, don't address me like that."

"Chung please, you know Raven is too stuck up to do otherwise." Rena said with a chuckle as her husband shot a glance at her, "Sleep well?"

"Quite well."

"It's the big day isn't it?" Rena asked wickedly, making Chung blush slightly.

"Y-Yeah. I'm finally going to do it."

"Well, good luck." Rena said with a reassuring smile and a pat on the shoulder. They had reached the dining hall and Rena adorned a mirror of Raven's attitude whenever they were in Delilah's presence. Chung ate as soon as he sat down, eager to have some time to himself.

"Well, someone's hungry." Delilah observed suspiciously, "One should not let their manners collapse as such."

"Sorry mom. Just really hungry." Delilah smiled.

"Then go on. I have to leave today on a weeklong trip to Velder. I have been invited by the king for a visit. Would you like to come?"

"I think I'll stay here. Watch over the castle. Besides, you won't always be here to guide me."

"True. I know you'll be safe but..."

"Mom, don't worry. Worse thing that will happen is I get nailed with a snowball." Chung said jokingly.

"True. Well, I must depart. Please just relax my dear." Delilah kissed Chung on the cheek, "I love you."

"Love you too mom, have a nice trip."

"I certainly will. You take care."

"I will." Chung said and continued to eat until his mother had left the room. He leaned back and sunk down into his chair, "This is better than I could have hoped for."

"Why don't you head out now?" Chung looked at Rena, "Give her a show of dedication and wait for her." Chung stood up.

"Okay. I'll see you later."

"Good luck Chung." Rena wrapped Chung in a tight hug, making Chung blush as her large breasts pressed against his chest.

"O-O-Okay." Rena giggled as Chung ran out of the dining hall, red as a cherry.

Chung walked through the snow blanketed field, his hands in his pocket. How long had it been? Since he had first come here to this now snow covered field of lilies? Nearly two years now.

Two years ago, he had come here and found this field. He ran through the flowers, feeling the wind in his face before he saw a glimmer of red in the distance. A rose among the lilies, unusual. He drew closer, and the rose stood up, revealing a long silk dress. It turned to look at him, and he realized it was not a rose, but a young girl about his age. She was obviously of noble blood, and she walked towards him. He quickly noticed the small patch of black over her forehead amidst her blood red hair, its long tail trailing down to the back of her knees.

"Hello, what's your name?" She asked curiously.

"Chung, Chung Seiker."

"The prince?" Chung nodded, "Cool."

"What's your name?"

"Elsword Seighart. I live at the base of the mountain."

"Seighart? Daughter of Duke Seighart?"

"Yup!"

"That explains your clothes." Elsword pouted, crossing her arms over her abundant chest.

"What, does it make me look fat?" Chung was flustered, feeling like he insulted her.

"Of course not. I think it makes you look pretty." Now Elsword blushed, the color fitting her crimson hair. She jumped forward, only her legs changing position while her arms stayed behind her back, landing just in front of him. She leaned forward and stared into his eyes.

"I like you!" She said with a grin, making Chung blush, "We should hang out here more! I can only get out of the house on Thursdays."

"How convenient, I can only get time to myself on Thursday afternoons."

"Then it's settled!" Elsword was nearly bouncing with joy to have a friend for once. She leaned forward again and ran her fingers through Chung's hair, "You're cute."

Those words created the spark that quickly grew into a burning fire. And now was the day to preserve that fire forever. He reached the top of the hill, where they always met, and sat down. He wondered when she would arrive, and soon heard his name.

"Chungy!" He got up and turned around as Elsword reached him and jumped at him, wrapping her arms around him and sending them tumbling down the hill. They stopped with Chung tightly pressed against the floor and Elsword resting her head on his chest.

"Hey Ely." They didn't get up, but stayed on the cold floor for a few minutes, resting as they always did when they met up, just happy to be together once more. But then Chung placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Chung?" She was confused as he pushed her off him and brought them to their feet. He took a deep breath and got onto one knee, holding her hands tightly.

"Elsword, my dedication, my love for you knows no end. At first it drove me mad not being with you. But now, it's unbearable. I now ask you this, a chance to make me the happiest person in the world." Chung slowly pulled a small box from his pocket, and opened it. Elsword gasped as she saw the golden wedding ring with a small ruby detail in the box, "Will you be my wife?" Elsword felt the tears stream down her face as she got down low and held his hands.

"Yes. How I've dreamt of this moment." She wiped her eye as Elsword took her hand and slid the ring on, "It's just how I imagined it. There's just one thing left." Elsword stared at him as snow began to fall slowly but in large quantity.

"And that is?" Elsword came closer to him and placed her hand on his shoulder, holding her free hand out to the side. Chung took her free hand and placed his other on her hip. After a silent count, they began to sway from side to side, the falling snow sticking to their hair. Elsword's crimson hair, dotted with white specks, seemed to call Chung closer. As he drew their faces closer together, they slowed until they stopped, and gently pressed their lips together. Elsword held him tightly, as he did her, as they relished a new brand of kiss. One of true love and dedication. Their marriage was certain; both parents had been searching for the perfect partner for their heir, and would honor their children's wishes. They laid down on the floor, Elsword pressing herself tightly to Chung as she lay on top of him, and they drifted to sleep.