The morning after the Royal Ball, Nar came to kneel before his father the King. Nar bowed his head low.
“Father,” Nar said. The King sat up straighter in his throne.
“Rise.” The King waved his hand. Nar rose, standing before him.
“What is it, my son?” the King boomed.
“I wish to marry Simina Gorchev, father,” Nar told him honestly. The King inhaled.
“The peasant girl? The young maiden?” The King's eyes narrowed. Nar tensed.
“Yes.” His voice was tight. Despite his composed demeanor, Nar actually felt like a tight, coiled spring.
“Do you love her, my son?” Nar met his father's gaze with determined eyes.
“Yes father.”
“Does she love you?” The King stroked his beard thoughtfully. Nar dropped his gaze.
“Yes. She confessed her love for me last night,” Nar whispered, a gentle blush rising in his cheeks. The King smiled at his son's bashfulness.
“Then you have my blessing,” the King bellowed merrily. Nar looked back up, surprised.
“What?” He wasn't expecting this. The King chuckled.
“You have my blessing. Go. Get married.” He smiled at Nar. Nar blinked.
“I don't care if she's a peasant,” the King continued, “love is love.”
Nar smiled so big that his face split in two. He bowed low in front of his father, a grateful feeling filling his stomach.
“Thank you father, thank you so much, father,” Nar gushed, almost put to tears, feeling so thankful for his father's blessing. The King waved him away.
“Stop thanking me already, and go to her. Rise.” His voice rose above everything else with authority. Without another word, Nar turned on his heel and left.
* * *
Simina waited for Nar in his bedroom, since she was too shy and scared to go with him to see the King. The anxiety was clear on her face. She felt like a huge, tight ball of anxiety. Simina tapped her feet impatiently on the floor. Even though the King had previously told her that she'd be a good Queen, she wondered if he would approve of her and Nar getting married. Simina was only a peasant after all, and thought that the King wouldn't approve of Nar marrying someone who didn't have royal blood.
Simina squirmed, twiddling her thumbs. She hoped everything would go okay with the King. Trying to ease away her anxiety, she grabbed fistfuls of her dress and knotted it all up. Ooh! She couldn't take this anymore. Simina wished Nar would hurry up. Staring down at her feet, Simina clacked her heels together. Finally, after what felt like the longest time, the door opened. Simina's head snapped up. Nar stepped through the door. Upon seeing him, Simina beamed. She jumped to her feet.
“My love!” Simina exclaimed. She flung her arms around his neck and Nar caught her by the waist. He embraced her as she pressed a sweet kiss to his lips, holding her chin in his thumb and forefinger. Nar held her kiss for a few seconds until pulling back to gaze into her lovely eyes. Nar smiled, happy to see her, and stroked a finger down her cheek. Simina blushed at the affection she saw in his eyes.
“Hello,” Nar greeted her.
“Hi.” Simina giggled like a schoolgirl and bit her lip. She brushed her fingers through his hair.
“How did it go?” she asked him, fearing the worst. Nar beamed at her. He leaned down and stroked his nose along hers.
“My father gave us his blessing,” Nar whispered. Simina smiled and pulled him closer.
“Nar that's great.” Simina's face fell as a sudden thought occurred to her. “Now we just gotta tell my father.” Simina sighed hopelessly. He'd never let them marry. Especially since he was the Dark Prince. Nar pulled away to look at her, feeling her worry. He tilted up her chin with his hand and looked into her eyes. His brow creased.
“What's wrong, my Lady?” Nar asked her, voice filled with concern. Simina shook her head.
“My father. What about my father? He's gonna have to know, and he's probably going to say no,” Simina pouted. Her lower lip quivered. She felt tears threaten the backs of her eyes. Nar put a finger to her lips.
“Hush. Don't cry, my love. I'll figure this out,” Nar assured her. A tear leaked from Simina's eye. She sniffed.
“How?” She gazed pitifully up at Nar. He offered a small smile.
“I'll go to him personally and ask for your hand,” Nar told her. He kissed her hair.
“Really?” Her eyes brightened. Nar nodded.
“Mm-hm. When do you want to go?” He stroked her hair, raising a questionable eyebrow. Simina hugged him.
“Tomorrow,” she whispered.
“Okay. You'll come with me, won't you?” Nar held her close.
“Of course,” she promised. Simina closed her eyes and nuzzled into his shirt.
“I wanna be with you,” she murmured. Nar placed a hand atop her head.
“And you shall,” Nar promised her.
* * *
The next day, Nar and Simina departed for the Left of Lazera. Nar couldn't transport there instantly because he's never physically been there, so he wouldn't know where to go. So Nar boarded the carriage with Simina and rode there.
Considering that Nar's castle was in the middle of Right and Left Lazera, the time it would take to get to the Left would be the same if you were heading to the Right. Nar had never physically been, or seen where she previously lived, so he had no idea how to get there via teleportation. Simina squirmed next to Nar, unable to sit still. She was very nervous about going to see her father. She did want to see her father after all of this time, but that's not what worried her. Simina worried that her father Gregory would not allow them to get married because of who Nar was, the Dark Prince.
Simina was mainly worried about his reaction. Would he hate her? Shun her? Nar was doing this the proper, traditional way by going to ask her father for permission to marry her. It was right, it was legit. Why should he deny it? Next to her, Nar sat leisurely in a relaxed way, staring out of the window at the lovely snowy landscape smoothly rolling by.
Simina reached her hand out and grasped Nar's. Alerted by her action, Nar turned and glanced over at her. He was met with two big, desperate worried eyes, filled with pleading. Nar offered a small, reassuring smile to her and stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.
“Don't worry, Simina. It'll all turn out just fine. Trust me,” Nar tried to assure her. Simina squeezed his hand. Nar weaved his fingers through hers and squeezed back.
“Okay Nar. But I'm just worried. I'm scared.” Simina's voice wavered down to a whimper.
“Why?” Nar wondered. Simina peered up at him.
“Because. My father...well...” Simina gulped, and swallowed. She continued after taking a short breath.
“He doesn't really like the whole thing about...the Dark Prince. He thinks you don't exist and that you're something evil. He got mad when he found out that I was reading a book about you,” Simina explained to him.
Nar understood why she was troubled. But the rumors about him in the Left just weren't true. He licked his lips, feeling slightly troubled now himself. Hm, how was this going to work? Nar sighed. This is what being a King means, he thought. Diplomacy. Nar figured he'd have to negotiate with her father for her hand, just like a King would have to negotiate. Just think of it as a negotiation, he told himself.
“Well, it seems I'll have to explain to your father that I'm real and not evil. I promise, my Lady, we will be married. Leave it to me.” Simina saw Nar's eyes swell with determination. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
“Let me worry about this. I hate to see you worried, my love. Rest. You are tired,” Nar soothed, stroking her face with the back of his fingers. Simina stifled a yawn. Despite her best efforts, Simina was tired from all of the stress of marriage. She laid her head on Nar's shoulder and let her eyelids droop. Soon, Simina fell into a deep, worrisome sleep.
* * *
By the time of arrival, Simina was curled up asleep on Nar's lap, head resting on his chest. Nar held her in his arms, absentmindedly stroking her hair. The carriage had stopped in front of Simina's old house, coming to a halt. Nar did not want to wake her; she looked so lovely and sweet as she slept. Her face looked so serene with her pink cheeks and her parted, rosy lips.
Nar smiled. He wanted to wake up to this beautiful sight every morning, and before he fell asleep every night for the rest of his life. Leaning down, he nuzzled his nose into her hair. He nudged her.
“Simina,” Nar murmured softly, trying to wake her up. She stirred, moaning softly. He nudged her again.
“Simina. Wake up,” he urged. Her eyelids fluttered. They opened and she stretched. Simina yawned. Her sleepy, lazy eyes met Nar's and she smiled.
“Hi,” Nar greeted her warmly.
“Hi.” She yawned again. Simina glanced out of the window to see her old house. She hadn't been here in so long that she wasn't sure if it was her old house. Simina couldn't believe that she was back here after all of this time.
“We're here,” Nar informed her. Simina crawled out of Nar's lap. She fixed her hair, then felt her stomach turn. This was it. The moment that would decide everything. Simina remembered sending a letter to her father telling about Prince Nar. He'd never responded to it. Right now, that deeply worried her. The coach quickly got out and opened the door for her while Nar got out on his own. He would have opened the door for her, but the coach beat him to it.
Simina stepped out and walked to Nar's side. Without further delay, the carriage rode away. Simina looked around at the familiar little town. Of course it didn't look as rich as the Right, but it was nonetheless her home. Looking at it made her want to cry. She never realized how much she missed the place until now.
Simina took Nar's hand and stared at the front door to her old house. She swallowed. Nar squeezed her hand reassuringly. Simina hadn't seen her dad in a while. She wanted to, but was scared he would have a bad reaction. Gathering her courage, Simina walked up to the door, pulling Nar along with her. Tentatively, she raised a fist. She knocked on the door.
Simina waited in anticipation. She heard the sound of tromping footsteps coming to the door. Simina recognized that sound as the sound of her father's tromping big boots. The sound greatly calmed her and reminded Simina of those peaceful, happy days. The door opened. Simina held her breath. Gregory, her father, stepped out into the threshold. Gregory's eyes widened when he caught sight of Simina. He blinked a few times, thinking perhaps that it was just him hallucinating or something. But she looked too real, she couldn't be a hallucination.
“Simina.” Gregory choked. Simina felt tears spring to her eyes.
“Hi daddy.” Simina sniffled. With great emotion, Simina ran to him and gave her father a great big hug. He hugged her back tightly, tears overflowing his eyes. He hadn't seen her in so long, it was so good to see her. He squeezed her tight, sniffling, trying to dry up his tears. Gregory kissed her head.
“So good to see you again, Simina,” Gregory rasped. He pulled back and held her at arm's length to look at her. He placed a hand under her chin and tilted Simina's head all around, inspecting her.
“You've grown since I've last seen you.” He beamed. “You're growing up to be quite a woman, Simina.” Simina smiled at him.
“Thank you, father. I'm glad to see you too.” Simina pulled back out of her father's embrace. Nar felt awkward and out of place as he stood back behind them and watched their happy reunion. What also added to his anxiety was the constant weird stares people were giving him and Simina. He noticed that these citizens looked rather poorer than the citizens on the Right. They were also staring at them because they'd never seen people here wearing such nice clothes before.
Taking notice of the man standing behind Simina, Gregory gestured to him.
“Who is this young man you've brought with you, Simina?” His brow furrowed with curiosity. Simina looked over her shoulder at Nar. Nar offered her a shy, awkward smile in return. To Simina, he looked like a lost puppy and she gave him a pitying smile. Oh my poor sweet prince, thought Simina. She held her hand out for him to take it.
“Father, I'd like for you to meet someone,” Simina whispered. Nar took her hand. Nar stepped up to her father. Gregory felt a little wary of this handsome man standing next to Simina. Nar, gathering his courage, bowed to Simina's father.
“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gorchev. I am Prince Nar of Lazera, at your service,” Nar wisped in his low, respectful, authoritative voice. Gregory's eyes narrowed suspiciously at his title. A prince? His daughter had brought a prince with her? What in the world could a prince want with Lazera of the Left? He held his hand out to Nar.
“Nice to meet you, your Highness. Please call me Gregory,” he said respectfully. Nar took his hand and shook it.
“Father, there's something we'd like to tell you,” Simina murmured, twiddling her fingers. Gregory raised a wary eyebrow.
“Oh? And what's that?” he asked. Nar held a hand up, halting the conversation.
“Perhaps we should take this inside,” Nar suggested. Gregory stepped aside, allowing Simina entrance and Nar after her. This made Gregory more suspicious.
“Alright then. Come in and take a seat,” Gregory said. The three of them gathered and sat at the small kitchen table. It felt familiar to Simina, yet also foreign at the same time. Simina shifted in her seat uncomfortably. She hoped this went well. Gregory crossed his arms.
“What's this about?” He stared pointedly at Nar. Nar looked at Simina. She caught his eyes. He quirked an eyebrow at her, silently asking, “Are you sure about this? Are you ready?” Simina nodded. Nar looked back at her father.
“I've come to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage,” Nar answered in a respectful manner. Simina's heart flipped and she glanced quickly at her father for a reaction. His face blanched, but other than that, he looked stone-faced. Simina felt her stomach turn. Gregory sat up straighter and squared his shoulders. He set his jaw, then set his powerful glare on Prince Nar. Simina shivered. Uh-oh. She knew that look.
“You want to marry my daughter?” he asked Nar, voice loud and booming, much louder than it should be. Nar, however, seemed to be unperturbed. He answered sincerely and respectfully.
“Yes, Mr. Gorchev,” Nar replied sincerely. Gregory looked at Simina harshly.
“Simina, outside,” he ordered snappishly. Simina immediately stood.
“Yes father.” She obeyed, and went outside. It was really that serious? Simina walked around her house to the stables to see if Winona was still there. To her liking, Winona was still there where she'd always been. Simina smiled and stroked Winona's mane. Winona neighed and nuzzled into her hand.
“Long time no see, huh Winona?” Simina spoke to the horse. She hugged it for a bit, enjoying her reunion, and then fed it some hay and water. Afterwords, Simina saddled her up for a short ride.
“You wanna go for a ride, girl? Let's go for a ride and stretch those legs,” Simina muttered. She swung herself up on Winona's back and steered her gently out of the stables. Simina whipped the reins.
“Ha!” she cried and trotted Winona out into town. Simina was slowly bouncing and trotting her way through town, enjoying the sight of her old home town. It may not have been as rich and glorious as the Right, but it was still her home and she still loved it. Everything looked and felt familiar to her, but it just seemed so different now. Maybe it's because she'd gotten used to the Right. Or perhaps Simina had actually grown up a little in the past year. Simina felt like a different person and also nostalgic. Simina reflected on her previous behavior that she now considered childish. That's how she saw it now. Childish. The games. Ernest. So childish.
Simina reflected on those days, and missed them, but did not yearn for them in vain like she'd done before. Such things were trivial. Simina had grown quite a lot since she'd moved away to the Right, since she'd met Nar. But Simina couldn't focus on the past. She had to focus on the here and now. Nar was asking her father permission to marry her. Something serious was about to go down.
Simina took a breath and tried not to think about it. Think about something else, think about something else, she thought. Should I go to the forest? It was certainly a good place to frolic. Simina wanted to take her horse Winona for a nice ride. So Simina headed in the direction of the forest, once again feeling nostalgic. Once Simina hit the trail that led out of town and into the forest, she surged Winona forward.
“Hi-ya!” Simina cried. Winona neighed and charged down the trail with great speed. The wind billowed through her hair, billowing up her dress. As Simina ran, exhilaration breezed through her, making her feel alive. The forest looked as beautiful as ever today. The air smelled sweet with the aroma of wildflowers. The grass was so green with summertime, leaves a crispy shade of jade. Everything looked so vibrant and alive.
Simina kept riding and riding and riding, jumping over logs and other things until she got to the stream where her and Ernest used to play. It felt so long ago, but it was only a year ago. So much had happened in a year, so much had changed. But Simina didn't regret it. She didn't regret anything.
Upon arriving at the stream, she dismounted Winona. Simina stood at the streams edge. Holding up her skirts, she removed her shoes. Inching towards the rushing water, Simina gingerly put her toe into the cool water.
Simina waded out into the rushing, cool water until it was up to her ankles. Simina sighed with relaxation. She stretched her toes. The cool water running over them felt great. Simina tilted her head back into the breeze. Her hair wisped about her face and she closed her eyes. That breeze just felt so good. Simina enjoyed the steady flow of nature flowing all around her. The lovely chirps of the birds. The buzzing cicadas. The soothing rushing of the stream's water. Simina loved nature. But she was slowly eased out of her reverie when she heard the clip-clopping of a horse drawing near. Simina opened her eyes, blinking them against the bright sun. She looked towards where she heard the sound. Simina watched as a lovely, luscious brown horse came trudging through the woods with a young man riding atop its back.
Simina couldn't believe her eyes. She actually recognized the young man. He had a light mop of red hair sitting atop his head and light peach fuzz. His facial features were a little boyish still even though Simina could tell he'd grown up a bit. She recognized him. The boy saw Simina and before she could say anything, he did.
“Simina?” His voice was filled with shock. Simina widened her eyes and smiled.
“Ernest?” Simina's voice rose with excitement and surprise. Recognizing each other, they smiled. Ernest leapt off of his horse and Simina splashed vigorously to get out of the stream to make it to him. They ran to each other and embraced in a big hug. Simina threw her arms around his neck and Ernest hugged her tightly, pulling her close to him. Simina felt so glad to see him after so long. She'd missed Ernest, her best friend.
“Simina, it's so good to see you. I haven't seen you in so long,” Ernest breathed with a sigh. Simina pulled back to look at him.
“It's great to see you too,” Simina said with a smile. Ernest smiled back and observed her. She had gotten lovelier than before. She really had grown.
“So, what have you been up to? What made you come back?” Ernest asked curiously. Simina blushed.
“Well, nothing much...” Simina explained to him in a short summary what she's been doing in the past year since she'd left. Ernest listened and focused intently on her every word.
Afterwords, he nodded in understanding. “Ah. I see.” Ernest stroked his chin. “So what are you doing here?”
“Well, Prince Nar is currently asking my father for permission to marry me,” Simina told him. Ernest smiled and scratched the back of his neck. He couldn't believe that she was getting married.
“Wow, congratulations, Simina! I'm happy for you!” Ernest said happily. Simina beamed.
“Thank you so much!” She kissed his cheek.
“I actually am getting married soon too,” Ernest said shyly and blushed. He scratched the back of his neck. Simina grinned at him and squealed.
“Oh my gosh! Congratulations Ernest!” she gushed. Ernest's blush deepened.
“Yeah...” he muttered and glanced away from her. Simina giggled at Ernest's shyness.
“Well, I'm happy for you. If father agrees to my marriage, you can come to the wedding,” Simina offered Ernest. Ernest nodded and offered a small smile in return.
“Thanks. You can come to my wedding too. I'll send you a letter notifying you of the date and time,” Ernest said. He looked up at the sky as the breeze picked up. The wind tousled his floppy auburn locks. He inhaled the scent of the air.
“Nice day, huh?” Ernest whispered. Simina nodded, watching him. “It is.” She noticed the faraway, distant look etched across his face. Ernest closed his eyes for a moment and then blinked them open.
“Hey, Simina. What do you say we...play a game?” She barely heard him because his whisper was almost softer than the breeze. Simina's eyes widened.
“Huh?” Her brow rose. “You mean...like we used to?” Simina felt her heart skip with excitement at the promise of a fun thrilled game. Ernest tilted his head back down and set his eyes on her.
“Yes. Just like we used to. How bout it?” Ernest smirked boyishly, the way he always used to do when he'd challenge Simina to a bet, when they were much younger.
“For old time's sake,” Ernest added. Simina smiled, feeling slightly nostalgic. She agreed. Once again, they played their game of the Princess and the Witch just one last time, reliving the old days. Simina ran through the woods, tearing her dress like she used to, the wind flowing through her hair, splashing through water and mud puddles. They played for a long time, until the games ended how they always ended, with Ernest catching and tackling Simina. Simina squealed with laughter and pushed Ernest off, then they both rolled around on the ground, laughing, laughing until their chests hurt.
For a while, they just laid there on the ground, panting, trying to catch their breath while staring up at the blue sky filled with white, puffy clouds. Simina liked looking at the sky and the clouds. It relaxed her. Once they'd both caught their breath, Ernest got up. He climbed a tree, picked two apples, and tossed one down to her. She caught it and took a nice chomp. It was perfect and crispy and made a satisfying crunch. Juice dribbled down her lips.
Ernest jumped down from the tree, landing on his feet. As Simina stared up at the sky, she wondered how Nar's talk with her father was going. Her stomach clenched and swirled nervously. She hoped everything went well. But deep down inside of her, Simina had a bad feeling. Ernest noticed the troubled expression creasing up Simina's face.
“Hey, whatchu look like that for?” Ernest asked her, crunching his apple. Simina took another bite of hers, swallowed, and sighed.
“Oh. I'm just worried that...father will say no to Nar's proposal. Then I won't get to marry him if father won't allow it,” Simina pouted. Ernest shrugged.
“And that's gonna stop you from marrying him?” Surprised, Simina looked up at him.
“If you love him, then...you love him. You should marry him even if your father says no,” Ernest told her, finishing off his apple. He tossed the core off to the side. Simina finished hers and dropped it to the ground.
“Thanks Ernest.” Simina stood up. Ernest stood up as well.
“I should get back. It's been a while,” Simina said and started walking towards Winona. Her and Ernest said their goodbyes, and then Simina rode away on Winona.
In no time Simina got back to her house and put Winona into the stables. She fed her some hay, gave her water, and then brushed her fur. Just then, Simina heard shouting coming from within her house. It didn't sound like Nar shouting. She knew that shout. It was her father. The next think she heard was her father's heavy footsteps thudding towards the door. Her heart jumped with fear. Simina knew what was going to happen next.
Her father Gregory busted out of the house, face contorted with rage. Nar was quickly striding towards him, emergence in his steps, alarm flashing in his eyes. Gregory's eyes were blazing.
“Simina!” Gregory roared her name. Simina jumped and shrank away behind Winona. Gregory caught sight of her. He gestured for her to come to him.
“Come here!” he shouted at her. With shaking legs, Simina slowly walked towards her angry looking father, swallowing hard. Simina stopped a foot in front of him and maintained that distance, scared that he might strike her. Though he'd never struck her before, she still feared that he might, if angered enough, and that he was. But he did not strike his daughter. But he was angry at her, angry at her for falling in love with this Dark Prince, for getting involved with someone Gregory considered to be foul and distasteful. How dare she bring him to my house? Gregory thought, furious.
“Yes father?” Simina's voice sounded so little and soft that he almost took some strange kind of pity on her. But no, instead, Gregory blew up.
“No! I won't allow it! I refuse to let you marry this man!” Gregory yelled, shaking his head. Simina's heart sank. She knew it. She knew this would happen. She saw Nar behind Gregory attempt to go to her because he saw that Simina was about to break down, but Gregory stopped him.
“Don't you dare go near my daughter, you...you...” Gregory flailed for the words. “You fiend!” He spat the words out at him like daggers. Nar took a step back, bewildered, wearing a disgruntled expression on his face.
“Father please!” Simina begged. He glanced at her for a moment.
“No!” Then he rounded on Nar, eyes blazing.
“Did you deflower her?” Such an inappropriate question made Simina blush. Nar's eyes bulged wide in astonishment.
“No, of course not. I have done no such thing, Mr. Gorchev,” Nar answered respectfully. Gregory's eyes now blazed with triumph.
“I won't allow you to defile my daughter!” He grabbed Nar by the shoulders. Tears started welling in Simina's eyes.
“Please father, I love him!” she cried. Gregory stopped a moment, the action of shaking Nar halted. His eyes narrowed.
“You what?” he spat through gritted teeth. Simina gulped, now unable to speak.
“I refuse to let you marry him! You cannot!” Gregory yelled to Simina. Simina's body shook and tears flowed down her cheeks. Nar felt a pang of pain in his chest at the sight of her crying. It hurt him.
“My Lady.” Nar outstretched his hand to her. He yearned to go to Simina to comfort her, but Gregory would not allow him. Gregory balled up a fist and punched Nar in the jaw. The blow sent Nar spiraling to the ground, his vision blurring around him. He winced, hearing Simina's wailing cries.
“Nar! No!” Simina screamed. “Stop it father, please!” Nar tasted the metallic tang of blood on his tongue. He felt the sharp pieces of gravel dig into his cheek and the dirt clump up underneath his fingers. Nar's head spun, the world spun, the ground below him felt to be shaking like if an earthquake were happening. He stayed down for a moment or two to gather his composure. Nar also didn't want to fight back against Simina's father.
Simina tried to go to him to comfort him, but her efforts were in vain. Her father wouldn't let her go to him. Gregory held her back, held back her struggling, flailing body from Nar. She wanted to hold him, to cradle his face in her hands and tend carefully to his wound. Simina wanted to hold his head to her chest. Simina fell to her knees and started to plead with her father.
“Please don't hurt him! Please father don't hurt him! I love him!” Simina's voice cracked, tears streaming down her lovely, pained face. Gregory's face boiled hot and red with rage as he glared at her.
“No! I don't care! Take this filth away from me! I don't want him in my house! And I can't bear to look at you right now! Get out of my sight!” Gregory roared at Simina. Simina flinched, hurt as Gregory stormed away and disappeared into the house. She waited a few moments until Simina felt that he wasn't going to come back. She scurried over to him on her hands and knees as he sat up from the ground. A string of blood ran from the corner of his lip and his cheek was swollen and red. Dirt was caked up all on the other cheek. He pressed a hand to his cheek with a grimace, eyes laced with pain and distaste.
“Nar! Nar, are you alright, my love?” Simina cooed, taking his face gently in her hands. He blinked as if dazed.
“I'm fine, my Lady,” he groaned and pushed her hands away. Nar noticed the townspeople walking past were stopping and some stared at them. He placed his hands on her shoulders.
“Let's go somewhere a little more private,” Nar mumbled to her. Before Simina could react, Nar had already disappeared with Simina and reappeared in the middle of the woods. They were finally alone, both crouched on the ground next to a light flowing stream. Nar finally allowed himself to collapse. He fell against Simina, laying his head on her chest. Simina hugged his head to her chest, cradling him like a baby. She ran her fingers through his hair, brushing through each strand, gently massaging his scalp. Nar moaned in contentment, enjoying the feel of Simina's fingers in his hair. She kissed the top of his head and laid her head on top of his.
“My Nar,” she murmured, sniffling. Nar let his eyes flutter closed and buried his face in her neck, trying to dull the throbbing pain he felt in his head. He took comfort in her loving embrace, letting her warmth and care surround him. The blow from her father caused Nar a great headache. Nar appreciated the cushion on Simina's chest. It really helped.
“I'm sorry about my father,” Simina whispered, voice on the verge of cracking. Nar mumbled incoherently. “He'll come around.” That statement felt like empty words to both Simina and Nar, and Simina realized that as soon as she said them. Nar lifted his head only partially to see Simina's face.
“It's not your fault,” Nar rasped, voice a mangy croak. His eyes drooped sleepily at her. Her sad eyes looked all puffy and red from crying and tear stains marred her cheeks. Nar gave her a solemn, little smile.
“Oh Simina, I hate it when you cry,” he cooed sweetly to her and pressed a soft kiss to her jawline. Simina pulled back from Nar to inspect his face. She frowned at the bruise forming on his left cheek and his cut lip that leaked blood.
“You're hurt.” Simina softly caressed his bruised cheek and skimmed across the cut on his lip. Nar winced and flinched away from her touch. Simina felt her eyes start brimming with fresh tears. Her bottom lip began to quiver. Nar's eyes narrowed. He grasped her chin fiercely, tugging her face towards him.
“No. Don't cry,” Nar demanded, voice stern. He kissed her nose, each of her eyes, and then softly kissed her lips. Simina sucked up her tears until they were dry. Simina fiddled with her skirts and tore a piece of the fabric off.
“Let me heal your wounds,” Simina murmured, not looking at him. She crawled over to the stream and dipped the torn, ragged piece of cloth into the water. She went over to him and dabbed the cool, wet cloth on his cut lip. He flinched at first, but then tried to keep very still. Simina wiped away all the blood until it was clean and left the soggy cloth on the ground. Simina leaned forward, taking his face in her hands, and kissed his nose, each eye, and then finally his lips. When he winced, Simina pulled away.
“Sorry,” she mumbled. Somehow Simina felt like this was all her fault. Guilt consumed her. Nar stared at her and watched the look of guilt flit across her face. He frowned and shook his head. Simina saw the look of disapproval on his face, and she opened her mouth to speak, but Nar put a finger to her lips.
“No. Stop. Don't say anything.” He stroked his fingers across her cheek and then trailed them along her jawline.
“Let me be quite clear, my love. This is not in any way your fault. It's no one's. All we want is to be married. What's the fault in that?” Nar snapped curtly with a fierce tone. He removed his finger from her lips.
“But we can't get married,” Simina whimpered, pain filling her chest. Nar puckered his lips thoughtfully.
“Hmm, why can't we?” He quirked an eyebrow at her.
“Because my father won't allow us to, he said no,” Simina answered, exasperated. She was getting irritated with Nar. He was there, he heard her father's answer.
“Are you still living under his household, under his rules? Have you been living there for the past year?” Nar asked skeptically. Simina shook her head.
“No.”
“Alright then. That's not going to stop me. I'm still going to marry you,” Nar said with conviction. He leaned forward and nuzzled his nose into her hair. “I actually should be asking your aunt.” His voice sounded like a hot whisper in her hair.
“Nar, my father said we can't,” Simina pouted sadly. Nar glared at her.
“I don't give a damn,” he growled through gritted teeth. Nar pushed her down gently until she was lying flat on her back on the ground, him on top of her in a very provocative position. Startled, Simina tried to say something, but Nar cut her off with a fierce kiss. Simina responded quickly as Nar put his tongue in her mouth. Her face heated and it felt so good that a pleasurable moan slipped out of her. Nar enjoyed the aroused feeling that raced through him at the sound of her pleasure. The taste of her lips and saliva intoxicated him and when he pulled away, Nar licked his lips deliciously, licking her spit from his lips. His kiss aroused Simina and she now stared up at him with a seductive lust filling her eyes.
“I love you.” He leaned down close to her, and Nar trailed his lips along her jawline, smirking when she shuddered, and a shaky sigh whittled out of her. “You are mine, aren't you?” Nar licked her neck and felt her body tense in response. Her skin tingled with the sensation of his tongue on her skin.
“Yes yours,” Simina breathed, sighing out her response. Nar smirked, triumphant. He trailed soft, feather kisses all over her neck. Her breathing increased and her pulse quickened.
“That's right. All mine. And I will marry you,” Nar whispered possessively, voice a low, growly snarl. He gave her neck one last little nip until he pushed and rolled off of her and pulled her into his lap. He stroked his fingers slowly through her hair, smiling, enjoying her warmth. Nar kissed her forehead.
“Anyways,” he began softly, “I just think that maybe your father overreacted just a bit.” Simina looked up at him.
“What do you mean?” Simina allowed herself to feel a little hopeful. Nar shrugged.
“I don't know. Maybe...he was just angry and overwhelmed. Maybe he just needed some time to cool off and think it over,” Nar suggested, casually playing with Simina's hair. He started dividing her hair up into three sections and attempted to braid her brown locks. Simina thought a moment.
“Maybe,” she mumbled, thinking as Nar braided her hair with crafty, deft fingers. Realizing this, Simina turned around, or at least attempted to, but Nar gently tugged on her hair.
“Hey, Nar, what are you-” Nar shushed her softly.
“Keep still. I'm trying to braid your hair,” Nar murmured, voice straining with fixed concentration. Blushing, Simina attempted to keep very still while Nar braided her hair. She felt her face heat up. As Nar finished, he observed the braid with triumph, face glowing with pride. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a simple hair tie. Then he tied off her hair, finishing the braid. Smiling, Nar flicked it over her shoulder.
“There. All done,” he said proudly. Simina looked at the braid, observing its perfection. She felt a swell of appeal for Nar now knowing that he could braid hair. Simina smiled, satisfied with it, and turned to face him. She met his eyes, his deep, enticing purple eyes that shimmered and rippled with a smoldering intensity. Looking amused, Nar tilted her chin up with a finger, tilting her head slowly from side to side, checking her over. Her face was lovely, and her big, innocent coffee-colored eyes stared shyly back at him. Nar dropped her chin and poked her on the nose.
“You're so cute,” he teased and Simina blushed. He gave her a soft peck on the lips.
“Are you ready? It's been a while, we should go talk to your father again,” Nar suggested. Simina shivered, thinking about his previous reaction. Gulping, she nodded nervously.
“Okay,” she muttered, and took Nar's hands. Simina closed her eyes. Nar and Simina disappeared out of the woods in a swirl of dark purple mist, and reappeared sitting in Simina's yard in front of the house. They stood up, Nar pulling Simina to her feet. Everything was quiet, except for the dull buzz of the townspeople walking by on the streets and the peddlers at their stands urging people to buy their items.
Holding Nar's hand, Simina walked up to the front door. She raised a fist to knock, but hesitated. Once more, guilt filled her. Simina couldn't help but feel that she'd somehow betrayed her father by falling in love with and wanting to marry Nar, the Dark Prince. Simina was scared that he'd lose his mind again, like before. She was unsure. Nar squeezed her hand in reassurance.
“It's alright, Simina. I'm right here, I'm with you. You can do it,” he encouraged her. Simina nodded and took a deep breath. She rapped her knuckles softly three times on the door. They waited and Simina lowered her hand. They heard a noise come from the inside, and tromping boots or feet walking across a wooden floor, approaching the door. Simina's throat tightened. The doorknob turned slowly, and the door was furiously yanked open. Her father Gregory towered tall and fiercely in the doorway. Nar stood bravely next to her on the front porch, holding her hand. Gregory glared down at them.
“Hi daddy,” Simina squealed, unable to meet his glowering gaze. “May I please speak with you?” She gulped and stared at her feet, waiting expectantly. Gregory flicked his eyes over to Nar.
“I wish to speak to my daughter privately,” he informed Nar calmly and respectfully. Nar bowed out of respect.
“Of course. I'll wait outside,” Nar obliged and stepped off the porch. Gregory stepped aside to let Simina enter, and she walked in. Gregory closed the door behind them as Simina took a seat at the table. He sat as well. For a moment, they both sat in awkward silence, Simina picking at her nails, feeling nervous and unsure.
“I'm sorry,” Gregory apologized, feeling ashamed of himself. “I...I may have overreacted just a little bit.”
Simina looked up, surprised.
“Really? You really mean that?” she asked, perking up just a bit. Gregory even had the decency to look ashamed. He nodded.
“Yes. I'm so sorry, Simina. It was just...hard for me to fathom the fact that you wanted to get married,” he told her. Gregory looked at her and offered a small smile. He took her hand.
“Oh Simina, how you've grown. I never thought this day would come,” Gregory said with a sad sigh. Tears started welling in his eyes.
“Daddy, please don't cry,” Simina whispered. He sniffled.
“Is he good to you? Does he treat you right?” Gregory asked, voice shaking.
“Of course, father. He's always good to me,” she assured him.
“Do you love him?” he inquired, voice extremely serious. Simina nodded.
“Yes. I love him,” Simina murmured. Gregory sighed, defeated.
“Well, you are of age. Go ahead and marry him. I'm not going to stop you,” Gregory muttered and looked away. Excited, Simina jumped to her feet.
“Really? Thank you father, thank you!" Simina ran up to him and hugged him tightly. She kissed his cheek. Gregory nodded and stood. Simina pulled away from him. She followed him to the door, skipping happily. When they exited, Simina found Nar in the stables, sitting on an upturned bucket with Winona. Nar saw them and stood with a grand flourish. Simina went to him and hugged Nar. She squealed happily.
Gregory went up to Nar and clapped him on the shoulder.
“You treat her right. Take care of my daughter. Understand?” Gregory's gruff voice came back and he glared seriously at Nar with narrowed, stern eyes. Nar bowed his head and placed a hand over his heart.
“I will, Mr. Gorchev sir. It's an honor. Thank you,” Nar quipped diplomatically and respectfully. He looked towards Simina.
“Ready to go now?” he asked her. They'd been here long enough. Simina nodded.
“Yes.” She gave a quick goodbye to her father and then her and Nar took their leave. They took the carriage back, but Nar took Simina home first, back to her aunt's. Nar explained to Aunt Lyda where they'd been and that they were getting married. Gloria heard the news and was extremely jealous. She wanted Simina dead so badly that her hatred flared to even greater extents.
However, when Nar was getting ready to leave Simina's house, he received terrible news from a Royal Courier. The courier stopped him and saluted.
“Your highness. I have a letter for you, from your father. I'm afraid I have some disturbing news for you.” The courier looked pale and grave as he handed the letter to Nar. Nar took it.
“What is this bad news?” Nar started to open the envelope. The courier cleared his throat.
“I'm afraid that...while you were away, your father, the King...passed. He's died, sir,” the courier explained, a very solemn expression on his face. Nar's eyes widened. He looked up at the courier.
“What?” He must be dreaming. He couldn't believe his ears.
“I'm sorry sir,” the courier said. “He died from a mysterious illness. That letter is the King's Will.” The courier pointed at the letter in Nar's hands. Cursing, Nar opened the envelope and took out the letter. He read it.
Dear young Nar, my son,
If you are reading this, my son, then that means I am now deceased. But please, do not fear. Do not mourn me. I am in a much better place. It is without further ado that I make you King. You must take my place on the throne as soon as possible. Your Uncle Julian will stop at nothing to take it from you. Tomorrow, after my funeral, your coronation ceremony will be held to make you King. But please be careful, I suspect sabotage from Julian during the ceremony, he'll try to kill you. Be careful. I hope you'll become a greater King than I. I'm so proud of you, my son.
Your loving father,
The King.
For some reason, the letter infuriated him, but he did not ball it up, even though he wanted to. Instead of being sad, he was instead rather angry. Nar looked up and pointed at the courier.
“Make an announcement about the King's funeral and my coronation. Get it out to everyone that my coronation is tomorrow and make sure everyone is there,” Nar ordered. The courier saluted and clicked his heels.
“Yes sir,” he said. With that, Nar disappeared in a dark cloud of purple smoke.