Nami casted eyes at her one and only friend. He sat just beside her in the grass on the river bed with a small smile caressing his face. Only a year younger, he had proved himself wise beyond his years. She could stare at him all day.
She had something on her chest, something she had to tell him. Upon meeting him that day, Nami had merely forgotten the anxiety of the news that had her fearing the days ahead. As time would have it, she acknowledged the peace and happiness he brought to her. It only meant one thing. She loved him and could not possibly go on without letting him know.
Soon Luffy was nodding off, eventually snuggling into the crook of his arm. As much as Nami wanted to allow him chance to rest, it was almost time to go so she panicked. This might be the last time they would see each other again.
"Luffy," Nami said. She shook his shoulder. "Luffy, wake up."
Luffy rubbed his eyes and sat up. A slight warm pressure came in contact with his lips and his eyes popped wide open. His friend was mere inches away from his nose.
"Did you just...?"
Luffy's mouth hung open. No more words could find him. His tanned cheeks coloured red.
"I love you. If I return home now, I will not be able to see you again... for I am to be married. My parents arranged it. I have not met him as yet; if you feel the same, please run away with me and make me your wife."
"Parents?" Luffy questioned. Last thing he remembered her saying was that she was an orphan.
"I'm sorry for lying to you."
There were a lot of things she hid from him. He need not know of her background. He barely cared.
"I've lied too."
They exchanged looks and chose not to think of the past but only of now and both their futures.
Luffy never spoke much of himself. She only knew of his hopes and dreams. He spoke much of a country of freedom and peace with plenty to eat. Never spoke of who he was or where he came from. He knew, to her surprise, right away that she was not from these lands.
"Things really are changing. Soon this country will welcome a new king and I am to lose my best friend."
"Run away with me, Luffy. If you love me, run away with me. Please."
"I do love you."
Nami's heart gladdened.
"But not enough to run away with you."
Luffy stood and Nami scrambled for his hand, holding it fast with both hands. She was now on her knees.
Luffy pulled her up and stared into her eyes. The last thing he expected her to do was beg. Nami was not planning to.
He wiped her tears and brought her close. To her face, he placed a kiss and her hands gripped his shirt.
Nami wept.
In those times, life was not very kind to women. Like children, they were expected to do as told and to follow orders and duties. Running away was not the only means of escape but she valued her life.
Meeting Luffy and getting to know him in the short space of time she did was a blessing. Those memories, she would press and keep close to her heart forever.
"You're stronger than this, Nami."
Nami dabbed at the last bit of tears and smiled.
"I know."
Luffy smiled too.
"He will be lucky to have you. I hope he grows to appreciate you not only for your radiance but for all that you are. You are smart, caring, and kind. You are my muse."
Nami searched his face. Her body warmed and she kissed him again, taking delight in his little yelp and shy demeanor. As a man of only 17, he did not appear to have much experience with women.
"Save those for your husband."
"What if he is a tyrant?"
"I'll kick his ass."
Nami laughed.
"Promise?"
"You know where to find me."
Goodbye was upon them and Nami grew desperate.
"Why will you not have me, Luffy? Do you have a lover?"
Luffy cocked a brow. "What made you think that?"
Nami shrugged. She had accepted his rejection but her pride needed to know why.
"I do not deserve you."
Before Nami could protest, before she could say that he was the finest and greatest of men she had ever met, he went on to say, "My loyalty lies elsewhere."
His answer was a lot heavier than she expected but it was enough. It gave her peace.
Their goodbye was cordial. And although Nami knew it was the last time she would ever see him again, she was glad she met him.
"Princess Nami," came the call of Nami's maidservant, Nojiko.
Nami groaned out of her sleep. It had been a 7 day since her goodbye and getting out of bed since then had been a battlefield and a half. She was going through heartbreak and was barely granted time to heal.
"The day has come. Today you are to wed your future husband."
"I will not love him."
"Kings seldom care for love. Future heirs lie in your womb. And if he allows it, you may even become a part of his court."
Nami's stomach curdled at the thought of being bred like a prized horse.
"I am not well," she lied, "I will marry him tomorrow."
"You look fine to me. Besides, what woman would not want to be queen? Think of it. Your family has been hidden all these years, exiled and living in fear. This marriage will grant safety and security. You cannot be selfish. You are the sole heir."
Nami had to face reality. She kicked the covers away and stood. Her maid helped her get dressed.
Luffy had his loyalty and so did she. They were adults, no longer children. Life was no longer about them. It was about those they cared about and considered dear.
It mattered not what she wanted. It mattered what she had to do.
Nami knew her privileges in life. She had all she needed and wanted but due to her position, she was extremely limited.
She had not the freedom to do all she wanted. Even now, what brought her great sadness was not having the chance to marry freely. It was a shame the only man she ever loved was not ready to risk it all like she was. But she respected him enough to let go, to move on.
She was to be married without delay.
Her dress was immaculate and blue. Her skin was perfumed with the finest oils.
They entered the church- she along with her parents and their court and her maidservants. There were scores of people in and about the grounds. All eyes were on her and Nami placed a foot ahead of her towards the alter where her future king stood beside the priest.
Her mind suddenly flickered to her beloved friend on the river bed and her posture loosened, only to straighten once her father gave her arm a squeeze. He sent her a nod and Nami pressed forward. She looked at her toes, however, not daring to look at the man who will soon seal her fate forever.
The gold crown on her head suddenly felt heavy. Her long hair along with her veil poorly curtained her face and shoulders.
Her father released her and she stood opposite the prince. Eyes still low, she bowed. The music and singing died and amid the silence, Nami could hear her breathing.
She missed the moment the prince straightened and relaxed. Missed the moment he smiled.
The priest's voice became everyone's distraction but not the prince's.
"You look very pretty."
"Thank you."
His bride still refused to look at him, so he tried again.
"You don't want to marry me, do you?"
Someone shushed him but he did not care.
"What gave it away?"
It was then he laughed and the bride suddenly looked at him and nearly dropped her bouquet.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Princess Nameerah."
Nami gaped at Prince Lufred.
The congregation went quiet. The prince so enarmoured with his future wife did not hear a word the priest said. He was skinning teeth, shocking most of the front row where sat mostly his family and friends. He had been a miserable case all until now.
"Luffy..."
The prince rose brows in confusion and snapped out of his stupor when Nami pointed her head in the priest's direction.
Just like she, he could hardly believe his luck.
He repeated the vows. Arms firm behind his back, resisting the urge to embrace her. Ever since they met as strangers that fateful day near a concealed river bed, they had not gone a day without spending it in each other's company. A week was the longest he had been away from her side. The seconds that ticked by staring into the eyes of his bride could not drag on any longer.
Now neither she could contain her smiles.
"I promise to have and to hold you, wherever we find ourselves in life, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, to death do us depart."
The rings were blessed and exchanged by trembling fingers and hands.
The priest went on and on but neither paid attention.
When the time came, the canopy overhead was removed. Nami's veil was next to go and she smiled bright the moment Luffy gained closer.
"Did you save them?"
"Of course."
And with the seal of a kiss, they became husband and wife; future king and queen.
-The end-