The Lost Princess

He made his way to the stables quickly while he watched over his surroundings.

His heart pumping and short of breath, he took wide steps as he grabbed the door handle and flung it open.

Reaching his horse with the saddle in hand he readied her for a quick trip to town.

He stroked her neck gently before he mounted and as he walked her out of the stable he noticed a figure standing in his path blocking him from passing through.

"Where are you headed off to, Vestin?"

"I have an important matter to attend to in the Inner City, why do you ask, Lo?"

"Will you be gone long?"

He leaned up on his horse and a smug grin crossed his face.

"I ȧssure you that I will make a hasty return to your side, Lo. Are you that scared to lose me?"

Loraz frowned and folded her arms across her stomach as if to cradle her ċhėst. She looked away as she became teary eyed and said,

"Well, yes. You are my last link to a life I almost forgot. To the true me that no one else, but my childhood friends would know. I thought that I would never get to see any of you again. So, when I wake up to get ready for my morning class it is a great comfort when I open my door to see that you are there waiting to escort me."

Vestin hopped down from his horse and rush over to her. He took her in his arms and let her bury her face into his ċhėst to shield it as she cried. Hugging her tightly he whispered,

"My dear little Lo, you cannot get rid of me so easily. I promise you I am just going to see off a friend that I traveled with on my way to you then I will be back by your side and fulfilling all your need and listening to all your troubles."

She peeked up at him her eyes moist, brows frowed, and lip slightly poked out.

He whipped at her cheek to catch a lonely tear. Her pout face was so strong and use to control his every move back when they were children. With one look into her eyes he gave up trying to do it his way. He smiled at her softly and leaned into her.

As he watched her reaction he felt his heart pumping. He had wanted to hold her in his arms like that since forever. The only thing missing was the passionate kiss. Only my

inches from her lips he stopped. He released her from their hug and backed away.

Loraz blinked as she stared at him. What just happened and why did he stop,? Was it because of her? A number of questions flooded her thoughts as she stood there. There was an awkward silence for a brief moment then Loraz cleared her throat.

"Just make sure you come back without the bruises this time." She said.

Vestin looked at her and smiled. Same old Loraz, to understand the situation and pretend like it didn't happen until the other is ready to speak on it. She was good with reading her surroundings.

"I told you that was just a friendly chat between men. I forgot to visit my friend on time as promised and we tussled a bit. Nothing major." He replied.

Loraz shot him a look and he instantly knew she didn't buy his story.

"Well, it seems pretty major when you have a black eye and three bruised ribs. You only just got better so don't overdo it, please. I don't like seeing you hurt, Vestin." She said.

Vestin chuckled a bit and reminded her,

"Well as the one I trust most and someone who knows the land best I'd be a fool to choose otherwise. I dare the king to lay a finger on you and he will see how it feels to look at the world with his eyelids closed."

Vestin walked back over to his horse and mounted her.

"Listen if you want I'll take you with me." He said.

Loraz eyes widened and she rushed over to him.

"Really? I haven't been outside in so long." She said clapping her hand softly. Then she rolled her eyes as she heard the voice of reason floating through her head. "Robert would be furious with me though if I went out without an escort."

"And what am I? I can be your royal escort through town. Come you put my hood on and make sure to keep your identity to yourself." Vestin scoffed as he untied his hooded cape and handed it to her.

"Wouldn't it be better if I changed out of this dress." Loraz suggested.

"I can't wait any longer, Lo. If you wish to come with me then put on the hood and climb up."

Loraz reached for the hood and when someone came and grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

They both looked at Robert as he stood between them hand on hip and one holding Loraz's hand.

Robert stared coldly at Vestin who sat on his horse and laughed through his smile.

"Ah the infamous babysitting prince has shown his face."Vestin uttered

"Watch your tongue, soldier." snapped Robert.

"The two of you behave. You both promised." Loraz said as she pulled her hand away from Robert.

"Well anyway I have to go now. I can ȧssume you will be able to take care of Lo while I'm gone." Vestin said.

"Don't think that just because I'm a prince I don't know how to defend myself or others." Robert replied.

"Good. Well, Lo, maybe we can have that ride through town another time." Vestin said as he winked at her.

Loraz cheeks flushed and she turned her head away from his gaze and replied,

"Don't blame me. Blame your royal bodyguard."

He chuckled a bit as she moved out of his way a bit more and he motioned his horse to take off.

As he picked up speed he heard her yell out to him,

"You better come back unharmed!"

He waved a hand to let her know he heard her.

She turned over to Robert and sighed at him then walked off.

Robert followed after her worried if he had made her upset.