She had called him.
It is his greatest desire to see her again. He had spent several moons with her and that should have been enough for someone unworthy. But it isn't.
Now that he has the chance, he finds his feet nailed to the ground, fused and heavy.
He wanted this. He needs this. Her.
He turns the knob to the other room, but was afraid to push forward.
Vaughn stands there like the fool he is, until he hears footsteps from within. The door was yanked forward and he was pulled in.
And there in all her glory is Lunar Princess Ranni. More beautiful and resplendent than the last he saw her.
She pulls him down by the back of his neck. His arms mechanically wound up on the small of her back. He adjusts his footing from keeping the both of them from toppling over on the floor.
There's a quick nip on the bottom of his lips, then a shy press of soft lips on his. It did not register immediately that Lady Ranni is kissing him. Him of all people.
This is not what he'd expected, this is more of a dream. An impossibility. But he wanted more.
The princess pulls away, instinctively Vaughn follows the escaping lips. A resounding slap stops him, bringing him back to reality.
"Thou left me." She whispers, her hands curled into fists, trembling. "With just a letter to go by."
Vaughn's on impulse, starts to kneel but Ranni stops him, "Don't even start with the pretentious cowardice. Was it all some game to thou?!"
"I…" He starts. His hand itches to caress the reddening cheeks, "I don't understand."
"Don't toy with me! D'ost thou think me a fool?"
He could only stare at her with concern and confusion.
"The curious woodsman I met, a hoax. A twofaced lie." She says with gritted teeth, "The person I spent time with, ate with, shared stories with. The person I lo-" Ranni stops, and bit her lower lip.
Ranni composes herself, her hands folded neatly, though her eyes are red rimmed and near to tears, "In the end, you are just like my father. Thou left me for her."
"I would never, my Lady." He says so earnestly, Ranni might've believed him.
"And yet thou' s here. In the Golden City, where she resides." She could almost laugh at how worried sick she was when he left, "I found thou coddling with the Queen."
"A misunderstanding I assure you. If you'd let me, I can-"
"Save it and leave." She says, "I've imagined many times how we'd meet again; I did not expect it to be here."
"So she is the lover?"
Vaughn says nothing. Marika fixes her hood, making sure that her hair stays inside. He is accompanying her again to the shunning grounds.
He needs to knot the ropes on the hoist again. The previous ones are already worn and thin. Vaughn hands the torch to Marika so he can get to work.
Something catches Marika's eye, and he feels a presence other than theirs approaching.
"Did you know Carians always choose strong warriors as their lovers? They know a fighter when they see one."
Vaughn puts down the ropes and eyes the intruder holding a golden greatsword.