Neither you nor I'm to blame [closed] [tba]
[[It hadn't quite been two weeks since Rue and Mytho had come to the kingdom in the story.  In that short time, a rather astounding amount had happened.  Mytho taking his place at court again and starting to get things in order again, Rue's introduction as the Princess-to-be, an overwhelming flurry of wedding planning--the weeks felt more like days, with how quickly they went.

And Rue was still on a cloud of happiness softer and higher than anything she'd ever felt in her life.  Mytho loved her, loved her the most, in spite of everything.

There was something of a shadow on her happiness, though, in her longing for Ahiru, the dear friend she'd left behind before she could really be a friend to her.  But Mytho was her love, and she couldn't have chosen anything different than to come here with him.

As it was, she contented herself with making society with the people at court.  It was only proper that she do so, of course; and though they would certainly respect Mytho's decision for a wife, Rue preferred to win them over on her own.

Some of them were dull, some unpleasant, but there were some whose company and conversation she found she did enjoy.  As one who'd had so few friends (though copious admirers) in the past, Rue was interested in forming such connections, now that she had a better understanding of them.

In particular, she favored one of the knights.  He was rather impertinent at times, though his manners were good enough that he could get away with it when speaking to someone less sensitive to such things.  He had been one of the first to extend an offer of something akin to friendship, and Rue had found herself liking the conversations she had with him.  He wasn't afraid to tease and argue a bit, and though Rue would always admonish him for the former, she mostly didn't mind it.  It was refreshing, in a way.

It was after one such conversation with him that she made her way out of the castle gardens, one afternoon, a small amused smile still on her face.]]

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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-17 03:20 am UTC (link)
[[...Rue had shared quite a few conversations with that knight, yes.

Truly, at first, he had been pleased that Rue was settling in quite well. It was as if she belonged there. It was as if she was meant to be beside him as his princess. His support and his rock. In every way, Prince Siegfried--Mytho--couldn't be happier. Even the shock of returning to a life of responsibility and courts and planning had been an easy transition with Rue by his side.

Yes, he had missed Fakir and Princess Tutu. Yes, he did still remember those memories of his life in the academy, despite missing his emotions for the majority of that time. All the same, those memories would always be close to his now-completed heart, and he was more than willing to move on with his princess.

He expected that adapting would take time, but it was easier to return to this life than he anticipated.

What he hadn't expected to experience was...seeing Rue become acquainted with other men.

Emotions were an adventure for Mytho. Every day, his feelings made him experience something new. Amazement at how beautiful Rue was when she greeted him in the morning. Excitement for the wedding. A small bit of dread when duties pulled him away from his wife. Melancholy for those they'd left behind in Kinkan...

...Jealousy.

He had begun to feel this irritating little itch in his chest when Rue began to speak with one of the knights in particular. He had seen them throughout the castle grounds. He made her laugh. He teased her often, and he could tell Rue's moods improved upon seeing the man.

It took a long week before Mytho could place what emotion it was. Research and introspection. And he finally realized that this itchy feeling occurred whenever he saw the two conversing with one another.

Unable to cope with it, Mytho fell into doubt. The wedding wasn't far, but she had plenty of time to call it off and...marry another. And that doubt turned into a desperate fear of losing his princess. That feeling festered and grew until today.

Outside the gardens, Mytho's head was bowed, and he clutched at his chest.

Now that his security with Rue had been shaken just a bit, his rock and his support, the dormant taint in his heart began to stir once more...

He struggled, not noticing Rue's presence.]]
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odiles_love
2011-03-17 03:57 am UTC (link)
[[Unsuspecting and cheerful, Rue had exited the gardens, leaving the tall rose bushes that created the walls separating them from the rest of the castle grounds.

It had been a pleasant afternoon, so much more carefree than many in her life had been, and she'd enjoyed having a bit of lively conversation with the knight in question. What she wanted, now, was to find her prince again. He'd been busy when she'd last seen him, and decided to leave him to his duties. Truth be told, she would have liked to be able to help him more with such things ... but anyway, she would have more of a hand in royal tasks once they were married. She could only wait, for now, and see him when he was free. And he should be, by now, surely. It was nearly dinner time.

Upon seeing the prince just outside the gardens, however, Rue halted in surprise. Though she had set out to look for him, she hadn't expected to find him so quickly.

And ... something was wrong. She knew, even from behind him. She could see it in his posture, and almost sense it.

... Mytho?

[[Approaching, she reached for his shoulder.]]

Edited at 2011-03-17 04:09 am UTC
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-17 04:21 am UTC (link)
[[Mytho felt...too unstable. He wanted to run and hide away from everyone--especially his princess--until this passed. His pride wouldn't allow him to give in. Not after how far they'd come.

All the same, as much as his emotions aided him, they hindered him as well. After so long without a heart, suddenly being put through tainted emotions and a full heart put him off-balance. His pride and devotion battled harshly with fear and regret, and all he could do was struggle as the taint in his heart--love--overcame everything else.

Yes. It had to be jealousy. Because Mytho was the Prince Who Loves Everyone. And yet, there he was, feeling such negativity toward another person. That knight.

It frightened him. And yet, it spurred him on.

What was happening?

His body began to tremble and he hunched forward, eyes flickering dangerously.

No, no, no, no...

He needed to hide away--!

Then, the sounds of footsteps, and everything was still.]]
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odiles_love
2011-03-17 04:44 am UTC (link)
[[Rue's hand met her prince's shoulder, and she followed up by placing her other palm against his back.]]

Mytho? You--

[[Something felt off about him. Off, and ... familiar.

Rue's eyes narrowed, her brow creasing worriedly. This ... couldn't be. All of that was over.]]

Mytho, what's the matter? Tell me!
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-17 04:55 am UTC (link)
[[Rue's voice should've been the one to bring him back. It should've saved him again. But the concern and the worry dripping from her tone pushed him all the way in the other direction.

...That knight didn't make her worry like he did...

So, Mytho stopped shaking as he felt her hand against his back.

Slowly, he turned, smiling that sickly sweet smile of his as the usually golden orbs flashed a light pink.]]

Ah...my princess...

[[Yes, his princess. She belonged to him.

He was the only one who could love her. She belonged to him. That was her role.]]
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odiles_love
2011-03-17 05:06 am UTC (link)
[[When Mytho turned to look at her, a sense of unease rushed through her, cold enough to almost make her shiver.

His eyes ... her own locked on them, wide and full of apprehension. She had seen that tint to his eyes before. She had seen that smile before.

But this couldn't be happening!

Alarmed, she drew back, just staring, dumbstruck.

Was this some dream? Some nightmare?]]
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-17 05:14 am UTC (link)
[[At the princess's reaction, Mytho only laughed lightly.

Was she afraid?]]

Tsk, tsk, Kraehe, you aren't running away again, are you? You belong to me, after all~.

[[He stood up to face her.]]
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odiles_love
2011-03-17 05:18 am UTC (link)
[[Kraehe. Kraehe.

She was rigid for a moment, her jaw tight, staring at him with a look of betrayal, anger, hurt.

After a moment, she managed to speak in a low voice.]]

... Why would you call me by such a name?
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-17 05:23 am UTC (link)
That is who you are.

[[He was screaming.

Inside, he was screaming and clawing, emotions swirling and wrestling for dominance with one another, heart pounding furiously.

And the look on her face had his fingers twitching.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, forgive me...

Mytho smiled, pleasantly and frighteningly.]]

Princess of the Ravens. I'm disappointed in you! You shouldn't deny what you are, Kraehe.

...But I suppose I should expect that from you, hm? If you cannot be faithful to yourself, then how could you possibly be faithful to your prince?
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odiles_love
2011-03-17 05:31 am UTC (link)
[[It was undeniable. The prince before her was the not simply her Mytho, but the Raven Prince, the one she herself had created at the Raven's bidding. His blood had overtaken him.

What could have caused this? He had been fine, as pure and loving as a story could be, ever since she had called him back to himself in Kinkan.

She didn't understand.

And it hurt. He kept hurting her, just like before, and she knew he wouldn't want to hurt her, but she couldn't stop the pain!]]

I--I am not. Stop saying that name! What's wrong with you?!
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-17 05:44 am UTC (link)
[[Mytho just shook his head, before reaching out to tenderly brush his fingers through her lovely hair.]]

Why should I stop? That is your name, Kraehe.

Or are you denying it due to your failures before? Unable to find just one heart? Tsk, tsk, running away? That's quite cowardly of you.

But there are hearts you can find now. I'm certain you will find someone here.

[[His eyebrow twitched.]]
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odiles_love
2011-03-17 05:54 am UTC (link)
My name ....

[[She shivered slightly at his touch. Blood was pounding in her ears, making it hard to think, but his words still filtered through. It was as though he could speak directly to her soul, piercing right through everything else.]]

My name ... is Rue.

[[Was he so far gone to even speak of taking hearts?

The reminder of her failure struck hard, hard enough that she felt herself waver, felt the line constructed between Rue and Kraehe give--a line? But Kraehe shouldn't be there at all, there should be no Kraehe, she didn't want Kraehe--

Rue bit her lip. Her voice came out strained.]]

What ... other hearts could I seek?
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-17 06:03 am UTC (link)
Rue?

[[He chuckled again, leaning in close to nuzzle her hair as his hand trailed over the sleeve of her gown.]]

...Why would you call yourself Rue? Rue is unfaithful.

[[His heart clenched at his own words, as if in protest.

Wrong, so wrong, that isn't true, that's wrong.]]

As if you don't know, Kraehe. You have charmed this kingdom. Your father would be overjoyed to know how many hearts you could attain...

[[And the knight's heart. She could have his. She probably all ready did, he thought bitterly.]]
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odiles_love
2011-03-17 06:15 am UTC (link)
[[... "Unfaithful?"

Something hot came to life in Rue, something stronger than the Raven's blood. Her pride--once it might have given strength to that dark influence, but that wasn't the case anymore. Now, her pride was wholly her own, as it should be.

Rue stiffened, and stood up straight, truly glaring at her prince for once.]]

Don't say that! I am Rue, and I've never loved anyone but Mytho!
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-17 03:09 pm UTC (link)
[[This time, the laugh was bitter.

She's right, she's right, stop this, Rue, forgive me...]]

Why, of course you will never love anyone but the prince. That is your role. You belong to me~.

But one can love and still stray, don't you agree, Kraehe?

[[He let his hand lift up to brush through her hair again, before turning away.]]

Won't you join me for a leisurely stroll? You seem to be fond of the gardens.
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odiles_love
2011-03-17 07:36 pm UTC (link)
Why are you saying these things?

[[When he turned away from her, she grabbed his arm around the elbow.]]

Mytho, stop! Why has this happened to you?

[[Her lip almost trembled, but she looked down and firmed her mouth. Her voice came out more subdued.]]

What ... what caused your pain?

[[Because, Rue knew, the root of the Raven's blood was the way it caused pain, or latched onto it and made it worse, made every wound fester. How had she allowed this to happen to her prince?]]
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-17 11:31 pm UTC (link)
[[Even as Mytho outwardly scoffed, inside, he cried out for her.

And perhaps the tiniest flicker of gold shimmered in his eyes.]]

Pain? Just because you suffer, does not mean I let myself suffer as well as you do.

[[He retaliated to her grasp on his arm by yanking back and taking her wrist into a stronghold, roughly pulling her closer.]]

Now, join me for a stroll, Kraehe.
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odiles_love
2011-03-17 11:53 pm UTC (link)
Ow!

[[She couldn't hold back the gasp of pain in time, at the way Mytho yanked her. It reminded her of the time she'd hesitated to take his hand when they danced, and he'd been so angry.

He was gone, it was clear; she only wondered how far. And how was she to bring him back?

She stumbled towards him, having little other choice.]]

I'll ... go with you.

[[She had to stay with him. And it was better if they went somewhere they wouldn't be seen.

She would save her prince.]]
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 12:19 am UTC (link)
[[Mytho should've battled harder against this. He could've lasted longer. Buried away the pain. Remember the positive emotions that came with seeing Rue's face and her smile...

But he had been holding it back for far too long, and he...had succumb to it.

He shook his head. His princess was coming with him now. That was all he needed.

Mytho pulled her along with him, walking quietly, but with a slight slouch in his shoulders.]]

Of course you will. You can do little more than follow me, after all. Otherwise, you're useless on your own, aren't you, Kraehe~?
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odiles_love
2011-03-18 12:33 am UTC (link)
[[Useless. Rue stiffened again.

She spoke, softly but with an underlying strength. She might still have crows' blood, but she would be the master of it. For Mytho's sake, and her own, she would not succumb.]]

Kraehe was useless alone, but I am not.

[[She twisted her arm in his grip, attempting to hold onto his arm, the way she usually did when they walked together.]]

I follow you because it's what I wish.

Edited at 2011-03-18 12:34 am UTC
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 01:36 am UTC (link)
[[He finally allowed her to hold onto him...only because he was aware his hands were beginning to shake.]]

You are Kraehe. Why deny it?

[[He shrugged a bit, not meeting her gaze.]]

And you wish it because you belong to me.

Oh, but do not feel obligated, Kraehe. You follow others as well.
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odiles_love
2011-03-18 02:06 am UTC (link)
Why do you want me to be her?

[[She didn't look at him, either, speaking calmly.]]

I wish it because I love you.

[[The last remark drew her glance. It was the "unfaithful" thing again. What was he going on about? How could he even think that of her?]]

I certainly do not. What "others" do you even mean?
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 02:21 am UTC (link)
[[Why? Because...

Rue was precious. Rue was the one he loved most. Rue was his everything and he needed her and Rue would never hurt him...!

...because she was Kraehe. And he knew that he could control Kraehe. Rue was useless to him.

Lies.

He chose not to answer her question.]]

Of course you love me. You are fated to. There is no one else for you.

[[Another bitter laugh.]]

Even now, you deny what I all ready know?

[[He stepped away from her, ripping his arm from her grasp.]]
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odiles_love
2011-03-18 02:36 am UTC (link)
[[Bristling, Rue clenched her fists when he stepped away from her.]]

Mytho ....

[[Following him, she tried to latch onto him again, grabbing the back of his shirt.]]

What do you think you know? Tell me!



prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 01:10 am (local) (link)
[[He whirled around, stepping back away from her with another laugh.

He just didn't want her to grab onto him like that. He couldn't take it.]]

Oh, Kraehe, Kraehe. As if you didn't know.

Perhaps I've taken it too seriously, though, hm? Maybe you're simply luring him in for his heart! I wonder at your progress!
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odiles_love
2011-03-18 01:18 am (local) (link)
[[She stepped right up after him, frustration written on her face. He wouldn't break her down like he used to. She couldn't let him. He needed her.

... But she was still angry.]]

And just who am I luring?
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 02:05 am (local) (link)
[[His laugh only grew more crazed and his eyes wild.]]

Must you ask? How could anyone not notice the teasing glances and playful conversations, Kraehe! Truly, perhaps you will end up successful after all!
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odiles_love
2011-03-18 02:16 am (local) (link)
[[She fell silent for a moment, staring, slowly working out what he must be talking about. When she thought about it, yes, there was one person she was more animated with than the others at court. But was it so much to make Mytho draw that conclusion?]]

My prince ....

[[She stepped toward him again, reaching out a hand toward his heart.]]

You're ... jealous, aren't you?

[[She hadn't ever thought he could be, before.]]
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 02:27 am (local) (link)
[[It was as if her confirmation triggered something else in his heart.

Shame. Embarrassment. Anger...

Suddenly, he felt as if he had to defend himself. One part of him felt as if he had done Rue wrong by feeling this way. The other part--the tainted side--insisted that he wasn't weak enough for that.

No. No.]]

Jealous?! What a joke! How could I be jealous? Silly Kraehe, you belong to me! You love only me!

I am the Prince Who Loves Everyone. And I do not feel jealous~

[[Despite his laughter, he violently slapped her hand away from his heart.

But once again, there was a flicker of pained gold in his eyes.]]
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odiles_love
2011-03-18 02:36 am (local) (link)
[[She withdrew her hand when he slapped it, the skin stinging a bit, and held it close to her own chest. Her frown now was more concerned than angry.

His denial of the emotion only seemed to make it more clear that he was jealous. And Rue had to wonder at the fact that she had caused it.

... Did he not want her to have friends?

But the most important thing was that Mytho was hurting. He needed her. They would deal with the rest when he had mastered the Raven's blood again--and she was determined that he would.

So she stepped toward him again, reaching this time to caress his cheek.]]

You're right. You have nothing to envy, for I love only you.
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 11:28 am (local) (link)
[[Mytho almost flinched away at the cool press of her fingers against his cheek.

But her words affected him even more.

I love only you.

But...he all ready knew that. She had to love him. He was the only one who would love her!

That was her role!

But...

He stepped away from her, clutching at his chest and turning away.]]
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odiles_love
2011-03-18 03:54 pm (local) (link)
[[She followed him, attempting to wrap her arms around his waist from behind.]]

I loved you for years and years, even while you couldn't love anyone at all, ever since I was a child. I loved you when I was sure you would never love me.

[[She leaned her head against his shoulder.]]

I will never stop loving you, Prince.
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 07:53 pm (local) (link)
[[...Kraehe's--Rue's--Kraehe's arms were warm around him.

And the more she brought him back, the more it hurt. But it was a pain he deserved. For hurting her like this.

Mytho fell to his knees, shaking violently and clutching at his chest.

He needed to...for her. And for his own pride. He was a prideful prince, and he needed to return to his princess...!]]

...I...only me...I--
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odiles_love
2011-03-18 08:01 pm (local) (link)
[[When he fell to his knees, she let him, but she walked around to stand before him. She reached down to brush her fingers through his fair hair and caress his cheek again.]]

... It hurts, doesn't it?

[[She extended her other hand to him.]]

Won't you dance with me?
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 08:22 pm (local) (link)
...It hurts...

[[Despite himself, he leaned into her comforting touch.

...Yes, he wanted to protect her. Yes, he wanted to love her the most out of everyone.

And now, he had come to realize that he needed her. Without her, he'd never be able to handle this...

He truly feared losing her.

He gripped her hand tightly, struggling to his feet as his other hand continued to grab at his chest.]]
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odiles_love
2011-03-18 09:06 pm (local) (link)
[[Standing up straighter, she helped him do the same, stepping back and raising her arm above her in a graceful curve.

He'd said it when he was a crow, that he felt lonely when he wasn't dancing with someone. And loneliness ... that was the worst.]]

... I gave you this pain.

[[Her voice was thick with remorse.]]
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 09:29 pm (local) (link)
[[Slowly, he straightened as well, easily slipping back to support her.

It was natural to dance with Rue. He'd been dancing with Rue her whole life.

And though his heart still throbbed and clawed and ached, and his expression was twisted with sharp pain, his eyes were gold.

Slowly and smoothly, he stepped forward and reached for her waist with his other hand, trying to draw her closer.

He needed her to be closer.]]

......I-I...deserve this pain. For every feeling I've felt...these past few days...
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odiles_love
2011-03-18 10:59 pm (local) (link)
[[She let him draw her closer, let him lead, stepping smoothly towards him. Her hand lowered to rest over his heart.]]

What have you felt, my prince?

[[His heart was still so newly put together after he had been without emotions for so long. And it was different now, as well; not the pure thing it was before, since she tainted his love.]]
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 11:28 pm (local) (link)
[[The prince held her around her waist gently, pausing to lean in and breathe in the scent of her hair.

Then, he made to support her in a twirl, keeping her as close as possible.

What he felt...

Now that the pain had begun to recede with Rue's dance and Rue's declaration of love, he could only feel the shame and the regret of his actions.

...and the remnants of those negative emotions that he desperately wished he did not have.]]

...Selfish fear and doubt...Even now, it hurts.
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odiles_love
2011-03-18 11:36 pm (local) (link)
What do you fear?

[[She went through the turn, with his support, so familiar and warm. Her prince had returned to her, hurt, but hers. It was only for her to ease his pain, now.

... And then deal with the anger burning softly, that he would suspect her, and why. But not yet.

The turn done, she fell back into his arms, fully expecting his support to continue.]]

What in me do you doubt?
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-18 11:55 pm (local) (link)
[[Of course his support would continue. No matter what, he would always be there to save his princess, to protect her and keep her safe and love her the most.

So he let her fall into a dip, eyes falling shut as he enjoyed the familiar feel of her body relying on his.]]

...I fear losing you.

And I only doubted myself. I doubted my ability to keep you happy.

...To see you smile so fondly for another...I didn't...expect it...
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odiles_love
2011-03-19 12:05 am (local) (link)
[[She leaned into his support, reveling in the strength of his gentle hands.]]

You have no reason to fear such a thing, or to doubt yourself.

[[From her place in his arms, she reached up to caress his cheek again, looking up into his eyes.]]

I didn't smile before I met you.
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-19 01:00 am (local) (link)
[[Mytho held her there, unwavering and steadfast as he finally had the strength to meet her gaze.]]

...Forgive me.
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odiles_love
2011-03-19 02:00 am (local) (link)
[[She cupped his cheek in her palm, looking at him tenderly.]]

No. Not just yet.
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-19 02:12 am (local) (link)
[[That...certainly wasn't the reaction Mytho was expecting. And instantly, the itching sensation in his chest and the sense of dread that he felt whenever he was apart from her made him pause before he lifted her back up, never releasing her waist.]]

...Not yet?
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odiles_love
2011-03-19 02:19 am (local) (link)
[[As he lifted her back up, she draped an arm around his shoulders, pulling herself closer to him. She spoke softly.]]

Because I've taken it upon myself to make friends among those of your court, you fear losing the love that never wavered in all my life? Is this something I should forgive right away?
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prince_ofhearts
2011-03-19 02:32 am (local) (link)
[[Mytho welcomed the closeness. In fact, he thrived off of it. Especially now when he needed to ensure to himself that he was not alone. His princess was there for him, just as he was there for her.

But at her words, his expression moved from concerned and bewildered, to...flushed and embarrassed.

Emotions were such a strange thing. He should never have let them overcome what he all ready knew about Rue's love. He admired Rue's love. And he wanted to cherish and protect that love forever.

This wasn't a battle against an evil adversary like the raven. This wasn't confronting his court and making decisions for the sake of his kingdom.

This was...getting used to feelings, and facing his princess. Somehow, it was so much harder than anything else.]]

I--no, I certainly do not deserve immediate forgiveness. Considering how selfish I have been...

[[...But even now, could he truly say he would stop feeling these strange negative feelings whenever she spoke with that knight?

Perhaps...he should just...

Mytho's frown deepened just a bit.]]

...He seems quite fond of you, though.

[[A silly notion, but...the Prince Who Loved Everyone had never loved someone the Most before Rue.

He felt...as if he had to make it clear to other men.

How things had changed so drastically. Rue probably thought him silly.]]