Wondering through the vast oak trees surrounding the borders to my kingdom, I look out for my knight.

We’ve been sneaking out at the dead of might to see each other for the past 3 years. Ever since we saw each other during the Sanctuary Gala hosted on Midsummer’s Eve at the border between both our realms, we couldn’t resist tempting fate by meeting each other.

I hear a snap and some footstes behind me.

Before I can turn around, I feel two hands encircle my waist. “It’s just me darling, shh.” He whispers into my ear.

I sigh and lean back into his touch.

His arms tighten around me as I turn towards him and bury my face in his leather armoured chest. “God of Sanctuary I’ve missed you so much.” I mumble into his chest as his hands stroke my auburn hair.

“I’m here now darling, don’t worry.” He reassures me as he kisses my forehead softly.

“Why didn’t you write back to me?” U ask sadly, looking up at your knight with tears in your eyes—referring to the dove that you had sent with an enchanted locked message attached to its leg.

“It was too risky love.” He says while stepping baxk and walking towards the base of a tree. “As soon as I got the letter, I wanted to write back straight away, but we were preparing to quench a rebellion breaking out on the opposing border and I couldn’t risk the letter being intercepted by the guardsmen.”

He sits down against the tree and looks at you expectantly to sit between his legs like you always do.

“Darling?” He asks, loosening his neck guard slightly.

You step back and shake your head slightly.

“I’m sorry for what I have done.” You tell him. “I’m sorry I’m putting you in even more danger every single day. And I’m sorry for being upset over this.

He gets up and walks towards you. You take another step back.

“Darling, come here. Please.” He begs.

You shake your head. “No. No I can’t. We can’t.” You say while slowly turning towards walk away. “I’m done endangering lives with my silly hopes.”

You start to walk away but then you feel him pull you back towards him. You tell him to let you go but he just shakes his head and pulls you into a hug.

“I’m not letting you leave me darling. You’re the one thing that is keeping me going in this realm.” You start to sob silently and your knees give way.

You collapse onto the floor and he goes down with you. Holding you up by his arms as he whispers sweet nothings of reassurance into your ear.

“Don’t cry because of me darling. I’m not worth it.” He whispers while slowly kissing away both of your tears.

Your tears slowly start to recide and you end up laying on the soft grass with your head resting on his leather clad chest and his arms wrapped around your waist as you both watch as the sun sets past the tree line.

“I’m sorry for getting upset earlier.” You whisper as your fingers slowly trace the pattern of the worn leather acrosshis chest.

“It’s okay darling. I promise that I won’t leave you. Hell, I’ll leave my kingdom defenceless just to spend a second longer with you.” He says while slowly turning to face you.

He moves to lean over you, your head between his forearms as his fingers move your hair out of your face.

“God I love you.” He whispers as he slowly starts to kiss all over your freckled face. “I love you so fricking much.” He keeps repeating as you giggle with every kiss.

“Stop!” You laughingly shout, “you’re tickling me!” He laughs and carried on.

You wrap your arms around his neck and tour legs around his waist.

You bring your lips to his and kiss him hardly and passionately.

One of your hands roams the side of his face and hair while the other slides behind your back and under your shirt.

He deepens and slows the kiss and you pull yourself closer to him.

“Love?” You say while pulling away slightly.

“Yes my darling?” He asks while nuzzling your neck.

“Never choose your kingdom over love.” You say while stabbing him in the stomach with the dagger he gave you all those years ago for protection.

“Love dies but loyalty never does.” You whisper before pushing his body off yourself.

He looks at you with broken eyes as he gasps for air.

“I thought you loved me…?” He sputters out.

“Oh I do love you darling.” You say, placing both hands on his face. “But I love my people more. And now that you’re gone, my people willbe able to reclaim their land and combine the kingdoms without their best warrior in the way.”

He stops sputtering and wheezes one last time before closing his eyes.

“Goodbye my love, I’ll see you in hell.”