That morning in the castle was dreadful to say the least. I awoke knowing I was going to be shipped to another land to fulfill someone else's wish. The feeling left my stomach in knots; however, I was pleased to know I wouldn't be too far. A few days' ride isn't too long.
And I am pleased knowing I can see him before I leave. Nero, I have missed you. I am forever grateful uncle is lenient.
If he finds out, he will definitely forgive me. Nero is a dear friend who rescued me, although for lecherous reasons I can forgive it. He has a good heart, and sometimes he looks handsome…sometimes. In one of those moments, I just happened to kiss him.
Before then, I just thought of him as an odd-looking, perverted, commoner who was bold enough to approach, but that isn't too uncommon in that place. Still, the way he did it, he isn't okay upstairs.
Although he was very impressive, to think he has skill and ability. I felt so many things that night, I could feel my impression of him changing. He was very cool, especially his eyes. The way they shine a fierce red left me speechless. He has beautiful eyes.
And the elder dragon, I swear, my heart could've stopped at any moment when that creature was there.
Every time it looked at me. What did Nero call it, 'bella'? Bella, she wanted to kill me. I could feel her menacing gaze constantly. Nero….you are different.
That day, I went to the faction base a few hours after sunrise. I know Nero isn't the type to be active early in the morning, so this time is best for both of us. With escorts by my side, I made my way to him.
I knocked, and shortly after, the girl answered. Yuna…I believe it's her name. She has crazy bed hair. I know that feeling. Waking up for noble matters always left my hair in shambles.
With a beaming smile, I greeted her, "Good morning, Yuna."
Mm? Why is her face like that? Yuna's eyes were wide open, shaking ever so slightly. Like she'd seen a ghost.
"Sorry if I'm intruding at this hour, but I just wanted to see Nero."
Yuna's eyes fell.
What is this feeling?
Placing my hand to my chest, I continued, "As you know, I am going to fulfill my duties elsewhere so–"
"He left earlier. To go see you off," Yuna muttered.
For a moment, I paused. Processing her words. Then a small smile formed on my lips. "Of course he did, that idiot, well, I can wait."
"Lady, you can't–" one of my escorts exclaimed.
I didn't look or give her any response. I've already decided what I'd do; I don't need anyone telling me how to live my life, especially before it's taken from me.
"You might find him at the Great Lakes rivers bridge," Yuna said with a softness in her voice.
"I see. However, I can't go looking for him. We are leaving through the riverside, you see, and even staying here is grounds for punishment."
As magnanimous as the king is, he is very strict with me. He wouldn't take this well, especially after my travel has been set in stone. Oh well, these people in Uno are just like that.
Yuna stared at me, her face shaking.
"It's okay, Yuna."
Knowing him, he might have gotten distracted chasing skirts. He did grab my butt very hard. That's how easy commoners can move and get around, lucky.
So with my mind made up, I waited.
Maybe he is on the way. Maybe he's just late. Maybe I should go to him…no, that isn't possible. If I go i know I will be caught. Every guard on the path there knows I need to leave.
You can't go there without passing by the king's quarters. Which makes it even worse.
I sat. walked in circles. Lying on the grass. It was unbecoming of a noble lady, but that didn't matter. I wanted to pass the time, so anyway I did it, it really doesn't matter.
I waited. "I want to see him again."
The time we spent was so much fun. It felt so nice just being myself with no shackles. My mind refused to think about all the death, so I really only needed a distraction at the time. I knew escaping was fruitless, and I knew if I did, eventually I'd either die or get brought back. Usually, it would be Steph or Anna to bring me back.
So when Nero was sent to bring me back, I was conflicted. He saved me and was cool doing it, but he is a pervert, but he doesn't want to court. Only sex? an animal. I'm cool with him now, but men like that are the worst. There are lots in Neon Republic.
At the end of the day i had no choice, so I decided to do what I wanted. And surprisingly, he went with it. Even though he didn't care for it, he still did it. He is too humble.
How cruel is this life? Taking everything dear to my heart.
Time passed. "No…no, he's just late."
As the sun began to fall. My escorts, one by one, lined up in front of me. They stood there diligently. As I crouched on the grass floor, head buried in my knees. They looked at me longingly. These strangers gave me this warm look, even though they are only here to serve me.
Even though they can be punished for letting me have my way like this. How kind. Everyone always puts my needs before theirs…I must be blessed.
Eventually, "Lady Maya, we must depart."
I ignored them.
The sky darkened. The air grew colder. Still, I waited; my escorts brought me covers to keep myself warm.
"Lady Maya, we must depart."
"…Just a little longer."
More time passed. Every footstep I heard—I turned. Every shadow—I hoped. But it was never him. In the first place, we are in the middle of a forest, people aren't gonna be around.
"…Nero."
I laughed softly.
"Of course…"
Of course, he wouldn't come. Why would he? I'm just someone he wanted to bed…' let me help you be free' weren't those your words?
My lips quivered as I forced a smile. "Let's go."
I stepped into the carriage. As it began to move, I looked back. Just in case. Just once more.
But he wasn't there. I knew you for a short while, but it was fun.
"…Goodbye, Nero."
The city of Uno faded behind me. And with that, I was gone.
DECISIONS:
Maya waited many hours to no avail. Yuna watched her through everything, conflicted. Her heart turned in two, but after Maya left, she chose to bury it and head off to do her duties.
until–
"First, you decide to send Nero to a dead end, now you decide to play the hero and try to make up for it," Remen, perched at the top of the staircase, spoke in a condescending tone.
Yuna said nothing. She only glanced at him and kept walking.
"I wonder what went through your head this time. Oh, wise leader."
Remen said, giving Yuna a menacing glare.
Still, she kept walking and left.
Yuna thought her actions were good. She thought having Nero not see her would hit home the agenda that getting close means getting hurt. She thought that was the best, but it seems she didn't think it through.
"Nero still isn't back…."