Formalities? Who needs 'em?

The sun had crept over the hills many hours ago and yet the prince still slept. It was his maid’s duty to wake him but she never woke him until the last possible moments. She knew the mischief he had committed last night at the darkest hours but they had developed a trust over the years and she told no one. She knew him better than many of his advisors as well as, she thought, even his own father.
She was sure that soon, judging by the situation of the sun directly above the castle, the prince’s advisors and teachers would begin to wonder where he was. Actually, she was always surprised that he could sleep this long as it was but she thought it might have been because he slept in like this quite often.
She could hear the faintest of footsteps strolling down the hallway and, the prince’s room being the only place any person should come upon inside the west wing of the castle, she knew that now would be the last possible moments that she had to wake him.
Quickly, she opened the door and ran to the prince’s bed. He was still sound asleep but she shook him and he sprang awake.
“Your Highness, you must wake up now. Someone’s coming.” The prince’s head felt of slight vertigo, obviously still asleep, but he knew that he must awaken quickly. He sprang up, his silk nightclothes sliding effortlessly across his royal sheets. The maid turned around, as she was accustomed to doing so often by now. He quickly strode to his closet and ripped out his attire for the day. He changed swiftly.
“Mayleena, I thought I told you to call me Hawkeye from now on.” He was still changing but both talked to each other from behind turned backs, as usual. He pulled a nice doublet over his wild, brown hair, not even unbuttoning it
“You Highness, it is not right for a maid and a prince to become as close as we are and I’d prefer we didn’t make it any worse than it already is.” She said this with an endearing smile, knowing that indeed they had become quite close. Hawkeye smiled as well, preparing to do something foolish but fun. He turned back around, his clothed on fully.
“You know,” he walked to her and placed his hands on her cheeks,” you really need to brighten just a tad.” He kissed her on the cheek. Mayleena flushed heavily, averting her eyes from his.
“Hawkeye, er, I mean you High—“
“You’re really cute when you’re embarrassed, you know that? Relax.” And with that he left, the door closing extra softly behind him.
“Why do you have to be so—“ she left it hanging, her blush subsiding. She sighed and cleaned up after her lord.
Hawkeye chuckled to himself as soon as he was sure that the door was closed. He knew that what she said was true, that they were too close, but he cared little, his exact feelings reflected for his position in the world. A lazy, reckless, young man trapped in a prince’s body. He saw that the person coming for him earlier had been Councilman Gregory, his most trusted.
“Ah, there you are my lord. Perhaps you have been in your room this entire morn, my lord?” Gregory smiled, his youthful face showing true. Hawkeye smiled. Gregory knew that he slept this late this often but he did nothing to tell the others.
“What am I to do today Gregory? History lessons, fencing class?” He smiled as Gregory slowed his pace and turned around to continue down the hall beside Hawkeye.
“Actually, we have something quite interesting to discuss with you today Hawk. I might actually keep your attention. Doubt it, but I can dream, right?” Gregory was one of the few he could count on to treat him like an actual human being, not a piece of property. Granted, he didn’t do so in front of the other Councilmen, but he was a good friend.
They moved to the council room, Hawkeye now more or less awake.
“Ah, the young prince has decided to join us. We are honored.” The one speaking was Councilman League, a very pretentious Councilman if there ever was one. Hawk knew this was sarcasm to a certain degree but put on a respectable face and sat at his designated spot beside his father.
“Well, to refresh our young prince, you are aware of our position in the world relative to DeNninca, correct?” They laughed and Hawkeye smiled and nodded. He wasn’t dumb but they all knew his dislike of politics and geography.
“Well, just recently, they’ve amassed patrols on both our and Feylen’s borders, to the north. They have yet to move in any direction but scouts report that much of they’re population in armed.” Hawkeye listened intently for once. DeNninca was a large country to their west and bordered them on the west side. Feylen bordered them from the north and there was ocean from east to south. However, DeNninca was known for its agriculture, not military. Then again, it did have ten times as large of a population of either Feylen or their country.
“In hope of gaining allies against this numerable threat, they have offered a proposal.” Chattering began at this but Hawkeye’s father silenced them and motioned for them to continue.
“You Majesty, King Saynfurth of Feylen has offered a wedding proposal to your son, his Highness Lord Hawkeye to marry the princess of Feyland, her Grace, Princess Fayeful.”
“I will not! I will not marry some foreign prince!” Not only have I never met him but also this is purely political. Surely, father, you jest. I wish to marry to a man that I love.” Faye was pacing back and forth furiously, her slender body moving as quickly as her mouth. Her hands were seemingly tearing out her blonde hair but she cared not.
“Please, Faye, you must listen to reason. Prince Hawkeye is of marrying age, as are you. Both our country and his are surely to benefit from a treaty such as this. And besides, he may be a very nice guy. You said so yourself, you’ve never met him.” Faye continued to pace frantically, her arms waving wildly.
“Father, why though? Why can’t we just agree on another treaty, one involving trade or something? Why does it have to involve me?” She had stopped pacing, her eyes boring deep holes into her father’s.
“My dear Fayeful, you know that both your mother and I have nothing but the best at heart for you. And besides all that, from what the wind has told us,” he winked,” this Hawk is actually a lot like you.” She winced, not sure if she could stand to argue with herself. She sighed, knowing now that she could do little about this. She bowed without another word and left the room, the door slamming behind her.
“Nice display out there.” A deep voice came from behind her.
“Slash, the shadows really don’t suit you. Come out and let’s talk.”
“I have little interest in your frivolous talking but if I must.” A tall boy emerged from the shades, his choppy black hair and silent demeanor exiting with him. He wore a thief’s garments, clashing opposites with Faye’s bright blue dress.
“Oh c’mon Slash, you know that you can relax in my presence.”
“I never relax.” His eyes were closed, his arms crossed.
“Oh whatever, just c’mon, I got lots of news.”
“I heard; have fun getting married.” Slash was known for his blunt remarks and candid statements. Fayeful had gotten used to them by now however.
“All right, so you know. But what do you think of it?” She stopped and looked at him, her interest in his answer noticeably apparent. He neither stopped nor opened his eyes but just continued down the hallway.
“Hey! Just a small answer, please?”
“You’ll do what the treaty asks; you’ll get married. That’s the end.” More with the blunt remarks, she thought.
“But what do you think? Tell me more please. Is it a good idea?”
“I doesn’t matter what I think; you’ll do it anyway. But it’s not like anything can harm you, you being kind of a key point in this whole treaty, an agreement both countries need dreadfully. And if that weren’t enough, I’ll be with you whether you know it or not.” He flipped a dagger out and tested it on his finger and continued to walk. Faye smiled as she took her strides faster for a bit to catch up. She knew that he was a good friend. He had a few entrusting problems, but a good friend nonetheless.
That night, Fayeful made a promise to herself. She wouldn’t marry this man against her will. She wanted to marry someone she loved. And she vowed to do so.
Hawkeye remained calm as they read the marriage proposal out loud. He smiled but inside, he screamed. He didn’t want to marry right now. But he let none know this.
Many of the Councilmen, however, were against this. They claimed they needed no help from any foreign country and for a moment Hawkeye saw a glimmer of hope. However, only a small portion of them said so, and therefore, the other councilmen and Hawk’s father overruled them.
After the meeting was adjourned, he sprinted back to his room, Mayleena was lying on his bed, sleeping. She had a bundle of clothes in her arms, having obviously fell asleep while doing her job.
Hawk smiled and took a moment to remove the clothes from her lap and cover her with a blanket. He started towards his closet but stopped for a moment. He went back to her and kissed her on the forehead and smiled.
“I’ve told you to stop it,” her mouth moved despite her tranquility and Hawkeye jumped in surprise. She opened her eyes and sat up.
“You faker!” yelled Hawkeye.
“You tramp!’ yelled Mayleena.
“You can’t call me that, I’m a prince!”
“You can’t kiss me like that, I’m a maid!”
“You—I—“ Hawkeye stopped and whirled around, remembering his predicament. Mayleena giggled. She seemed puzzled after a moment, however, since he showed no more interest in their short argument.
“What are you packing for?” she asked. He was hurriedly shoving clothes into a bag, breathing deeply all the while.
“You haven’t heard the terrible news? I am affianced to some princess from Feylen!”
“Feylen? So you mean Princess Fayeful? I’ve heard that she is… well, actually, I’ve heard that she’s like you… exactly.”
“Yeah, yeah, sure. Help me pack!” She raised an eyebrow for a moment.
“You aren’t… you aren’t going to run away, are you?” He turned around and practically exploded, his arms coming down and going rigid in an expression shouting “DUH!”
“No. No, I won’t allow it.” She stood in front of the door.
“You can’t stop me.” He didn’t even turn around but continued to pack rapidly.
“Aye, I can and I will. I’ll tell everyone about your escapades out of the castle.” He stopped and whirled around, advancing on her. Should he have been any other man in that fit of despair, she would have been quite frightened.
“You wouldn’t…” He seemed dark in his words.
“Would and will. This may seem very un-maid-like of me but I’m not about to see a perfectly good opportunity to tame your reckless nature pass both you and me by.”
“Fine. You win!” He threw his hands up and jumped face first onto his bed. She smiled, knowing fully that this was not the end of this argument but just a suspension on the argument. She sighed nonetheless and left the room, a brilliantly golden hue emitting from the mixture of sun clouds. Once more, she sighed. She sighed for she wished that she had been born a princess.
Fayeful’s parents wasted practically no time in making arrangements for their daughter’s wedding after they had received notice that the treaty was in agreement. Days later, a ship carrying the princess of Feylen south was moving swiftly down the DeNninca River. Aboard, her most trusted friend Slash, at her bidding, of course, and a handful of royal guardsmen should disaster strike. Besides that, there were the men running the boat and helping navigate it down the erratically swerving river.
“so here’s the plan. You make a distraction among the guards. I’ll jump the boat and swim to shore. Ready?” The princess seemed quite serious but Slash knew better.
“One. You see that guard standing over there? If you were to go missing, he would be the first to know and the first to tell the entirety of the crew. Two. The river is infested with who knows what. You jump, not only will it delay the trip, and believe me, I hate boats, but you might and probably will drown or be attacked by whatever.” His eyes were closed the entire time, not a hint of emotion coming through his mouth save perhaps a twinge of annoyance. He opened his eyes to see she was gone. He looked around, seeing her leaning over the edge.
He still thought she wouldn’t do it but he wasn’t sure now. Not only had stuff about the things in the river been partially untrue, he was wasn’t sure if the crew would realize that she was gone. As he walked over to the guards to tell them of the potentially dangerous situation, he heard a man on the boat scream ‘Man Overboard!’
Slash ran to the side, disbelief showing. A smile crept to his face; something interesting had finally happened. The tide was strong but it was swim able. Probably.
He took off his shoes and then his shirt, leaving a darker pair of baggy pants remaining. He stood up on the deck, took a deep breath, dove.
The crewmen threw a rope to him and, after surfacing, he grabbed it and saw to the princess, still swimming strongly.
“Faye. Stop this and come back to the ship.” He said this more to himself but was sure that if she wanted to, she could have heard it. Slash, being much stronger and a particularly good swimmer, he caught up with her and wrapped his arm around her. She struggled but he held her, the rope going taut as they were drug back.
Suddenly, the rope snapped but not because of wear and tear. Slash gasped as he saw a pointed tail; the culprit. He drew a dagger, not knowing how much help it would be. He spun around wildly, sound seemingly stopping as he readied himself for an attack. Fayeful was now tired, despite her obvious determination.
Snap! Twisting claws wrapped around Slash’s ankle and drug him under, his grasp of Faye freeing. The underwater world was deeper than he had believed it could be but it was brighter as well. He caught sight of the beast, its lashing claws but tentacles connecting to it. Slash cut at the tentacle but it was like cutting at metal. He put his dagger away and concentrated on swimming up and away from it’s grasp. Faye held onto the end of the looped rope and was pulled up aboard by the crew.
“What were you thinking princess? You could have drowned!” Fayeful coughed vigorously and she sat up uneasily on deck.
“Where… Slash…” She had trouble talking as she breathed heavily.
“He disappeared after reaching you under the waves. Please, relax. It was because of him we were able to save you.”
“No, he… he has to be…” Her head felt heavy as it dropped to the deck and her mind blackened. A few of the men carried her to her room but a few remaining ones saw that the crystal water of the river bled and a lone body floated. The ship was directed closer as it floated by and it was intercepted and brought aboard.
Faye awoke to see Slash sitting in a chair in the corner, eyes closed as always.
“I’m hoping that now you’ll have enough sense to stay onboard.” Faye saw that his left ankle was bound in a white, bloodstained cloth.
“I’m glad to see you’re all right too. And I would’ve made it if you hadn’t stopped me.”
“I don’t think so. I barely got away from whatever dragged me under and if it had chosen you instead, you wouldn’t be here. And thanks to you, I had to find that out the hard way.” He stood up, no pain even appearing as he put his weight equally on both feet. He bowed, as if to leave.
“Slash, a moment, please.” Slash stood back up, his eyes open but looking down. He held no expression.
“What do you want? If you’re going to complain about your marriage-to-be, forget it.”
“I—I just wanted to say… Thanks. If you weren’t there, I would’ve died.” She was near tears but Slash could only grimace.
“As we covered moments ago. Is that all?” He bowed once more and walked towards the door. He stopped for a second, as if to add something.
“Stay in bed.” He left silently and Faye smiled weakly. Although he was quite callous, Faye knew he meant well. Perhaps Hawkeye would be like that, she thought. No, no one could be better than her Slash.
On the morning of Faye’s arrival, Hawkeye awoke much earlier than usual, or even earlier than he was actually even supposed to. He had to think of a plan to escape now. He was sure Mayleena would be right outside in the hall and that if he were to make a break for it, he would have to go through her.
He chose his clothes carefully. Although he had no intention of getting caught, he chose clothes that he would wear to meet the princess but also loose and stealthy enough to avoid getting caught. He just didn’t have a way to get past his maid. Oh well, he thought. We’ll just wing it.
“What are you doing up? You usually don’t wake up for a few more hours.” Mayleena was in literal shock as he opened his door to the hallway, dressed perfectly and clean.
“Ah, I couldn’t sleep. I’m supposed to meet the princess anyway and I thought it might be a tad rude to show up late or not at all.”
“Yes, it would be. So why do you intend to take off and escape so soon? Wouldn’t it be more polite to at least meet her, speaking of etiquette.” Man, she knew him too well, he thought.
“Nah, I intend to meet her. I already told you, you win. I won’t run, don’t worry.”
“Sure, that’s right, you don’t run and I’ll drop dead. Believe me, before this is all, you will try to run. I know that wasn’t the end yesterday.”
“Okay, fine, I am going to escape. And I won’t be stopped!” He grinned defiantly.
“I’ll make sure you attend.” Mayleena stamped her foot down and looked him square in the eyes.
“Mm, okay, how about you come with me? We’ll run away together and neither of us will have to listen to anybody.” Mayleena’s heart wrenched; out of all the questions he could have asked, he asked that one, she thought. She fought back the tears but was unsuccessful as her composure was lost completely. She turned from him, tears flooding her vision, and dashed down the hall, crying audibly.
“That was… interesting.” Hawkeye stood there for a moment, dumbstruck. He then cracked a smile, as the coast was now clear. He snuck down the hallway, creeping ever to softly.
“We present her Highness, Princess Fayeful Feylen.” A mass of guardsmen created ranks around her miniature body, Slash by her side to an extent. He never walked in public, but she could have him to her in a matter of seconds. They strode off the boat, a crowd of most of the people in the kingdom there to receive her. But to Faye’s amusement, a prince was not among them. She smiled, remembering that Hawkeye was supposed to be a lot like her. Perhaps he had fled, as she had tried to do.
They continued their march to the palace in the center of the city. Faye wasn’t sure yet, however, if he was actually supposed to receive her at the dock. Maybe he would be waiting respectfully in the palace. Or perhaps he would be there in his pajamas, just waking up. Faye giggled, wondering if he would even be there at all.
The door was thrown open to a large throne room and once more Faye was announced. Inside, an elderly king sat atop the throne in the middle. However, the lesser throne next to it, the prince’s throne, was empty. She smiled, realizing now that this was where he was supposed to meet her. They approached the throne, Faye curtsying gracefully.
“Greetings Princess Fayeful Feylen. I am in disappointment to announce that my son, Prince Hawkeye, is nowhere to be found. However, once we find him, we will—“ He was cut off as a door leading to the throne room from the left was thrown open and Hawkeye was half pushed, half thrown in. Behind him stood Slash, his eyes closed as always and his arms crossed.
“I found him fleeing. This is the prince, right?” Hawkeye picked himself up and brushed himself off. He sighed, knowing he had been caught. How, though, he didn’t know. He was successfully evading everyone when this guy had come out of nowhere. His strength was unbelievable considering his lankiness but Hawkeye was easily forced into submission and led back to the throne room where he had been more or less tossed.
“May I present my son, Prince Hawkeye.” He chuckled slightly when he said it and seemed to be more amused then angry. Hawkeye waved at everyone but realized that that might be just a bit too casual and bowed instead. He saw the princess, almost a full foot shorter than him but she was actually quite beautiful. He walked over to her and outstretched his hand.
“Hello. You must be Princess Fayeful. Nice to meet you.” He smiled as he stood in front of her.
“Um, hi. You’re… Hawkeye, right?” She forgot her manners momentarily and bumbled slightly. She smiled inside, knowing that if she had to marry him, she would at least be content. Maybe.
Talking continued, arrangements were made and it was decided the sooner the two countries were allied, the better. Hawk and Faye had no say in this, as they had retreated to a far wall, away from the politics. Both knew that this wasn’t the way things were done; neither cared. They both had so much fun talking to each other and getting their minds off the marriage, they cared little for etiquette.
“And so Prince Hawkeye and Princess Fayeful shall be wed tomorrow at midday. It has been decided.” Hawkeye and Fayeful both winced at this but smiled weakly. They continued to talk until they were the last ones in the room. Finally, with a few parting words, they broke apart. Faye turned and walked east, instantly accompanied by “Hawkeye’s assailant” and he went west to his room.
“Well, it definitely went better than I had expected. Although, she was pretty fun to talk with, that’s for sure.” Hawk had described his encounter since he had gotten back and every time Faye’s name had cropped up in his words, Mayleena felt small pangs of jealousy. She chose not to show them.
“You know,” smiled Hawk,” you need someone too. Next chance I get, I’m going match-making for you.
“Um, that’s alright. I really don’t need anyone like that right now, thank you.”
“Really? But after I am married, who will kiss you?” He kissed her on the forehead, her height allowing this easily.
“Please. You can’t do that. I’ve already told you so many times; I’m but a maid. You’re a prince.”
“Fine but even after I’m married, I’ll still love you.” Mayleena could feel her heart cracking. She wanted so much to run to him, to wrap her arms around him and bury her face in his chest. But it was not her place. He was a prince and betrothed nonetheless. But she couldn’t keep herself from blurting those cataclysmic words.
“If—if you could… would you marry me?” She looked down while saying thi, her eyes touched with tears. Hawkeye stopped pacing and faced her, a calm coming over him. He walked to her and placed her soft hands in his.
“If I could, if my father would allow it I would marry you and love you until the day I die.” He bowed his head, so as to not let her see his sincerity.
“Earlier, you mentioned eloping. If I had said yes—“ she left it hanging.
“We would have ran away together.” She couldn’t help herself; the words just came out.
“Would you now?” She looked into his eyes as her words lifted his head in astonishment.
“Yes.” He didn’t care what this might result in. He knew he loved her. She looked down, her moralities catching up with her heart. Hawkeye’s heart was still ahead of his reasoning. He lifted her face, placing his gentle fingertips upon her cheek. He kissed her, not on the forehead but on the lips. She knew it wasn’t acceptable but she couldn’t stop. She deepened the kiss, her arms wrapping around his back.
“Ahem, Hawk,” Gregory was standing in the doorway. Hawkeye and Mayleena both hated him this moment, but they could do little as they threw themselves away from each other.
“Um, yes, what, uh, did you need something Gregory?” said Hawkeye, stammering slightly.
“Besides to tell you that you have a princess waiting at the dinner table for you, my lord? No, nothing else You Highness.” Gregory exited and Hawk shared a glance with Mayleena. She smiled, having gotten to share a kiss with the man she loved. She nodded and Hawkeye left to dine. I got what I’ve wanted for so long, she thought. But what will happen the next time we’re alone. She wasn’t sure if she could just be his maid anymore.
Directly after parting with Hawkeye, Faye had been led to a large room with a bed residing there that was big enough for half a dozen people.
“So, what should we do now?” She knew Slash was around somewhere.
“We wait and see if their intentions are true.” Slash came out from behind her. He sat beside her, his arms crossed and his eyes closed, as always.
“I don’t think that Prince Hawkeye was being false. He seemed quite sincere.”
“Perhaps. But he might not be as truthful as he may seem. Stay alert when you see him next.” He stood up and walked back to the shadows. Upon reaching them, there was a knock on the door.
“You Grace, your presence is requested in the dining hall.” He seemed to have an honest face and Faye nodded in acknowledgement to him.
“Dinner’s pretty early here, huh?” No answer. “Are you really gone that quickly? Oh well, guess I’ll get ready.”
Slash had snuck out in the brief moments that Fayeful had opened the door. He had a sneaking suspicion that something was wrong with Hawkeye. Before, when he had caught him, had seen franticness about him. He had some reason to run and Slash was curious as to what it was.
He snuck down the hallway, knowing that the prince’s room was in thw est wing of the castle. He walked calmly but he knew that no one would notice him even if he were to yell and scream in plain sight. Upon reaching the hallway, he saw the prince leaving his room. He silently hid behind a curtain until the prince had passed. Upon reaching the door, he opened it slightly and snuck in. A small girl met him, his own age.
“Who—“ She started but Slash moved swiftly, covering her mouth.
“You can see me? Why?” He let her go and kept his distance.
“Well, you are just standing there…” She was shocked that anyone would do this.
“Ah, I see. You are special.” He close dhis eyes.
“What? Who are you?”
My name is unimportant. However, I am the aide of your future queen.”
“Then I am the same as you. I’m Hawkeye’s maid.” He seemed almost to relax but only slightly, if at all.
“Then perhaps you can tell me something. Before he tried to escape, did he do something to do something to hurt you or someone else?”
“No, I don’t—“ She stopped. “Yes, he did actually.”
What?”
“I… can’t say; it’s personal.” She remembered she had ached afterwards.
“He hurt you? You heart?”
“How can you see my feelings as if I say them?” She placed her hand on her chest defensively.
“You love him, right?”
“You didn’t answer my question…” He opened his eyes and walked towards the door.
“If you know what’s good for Hawkeye and this monarchy, you won’t.” He left noiselessly. She shook her head in disbelief. Even though she knew those words to be true, she could never stop loving him.
Hawkeye was relieved to find that they had not begun to eat. He was also quite tickled that they had left him a seat right next to his bride-to-be. He took his seat beside her, her eyes closed in a trancelike state. He shrugged, his stomach empty and his eyes darting for any food.
Dinner was served and Faye came through, finding Hawkeye next to her. She had been litening to Slash through the air. He had told her of a maid that he had met. Apparently, her heart had been broken earlier. She thought it was interesting but would speak to him about it later.
“I’ve been meaning to try these delacicies.” Faye reached for some sort of meat and placed it on her plate. Hawkeye smiled a bit.
“Perhaps but they get old after you’ve had them everyday your whole life.” He picked up a piece of bread and took a bite. “What were you doing before, when you had your eyes closed?”
Hmm? Oh, I was just relaxing.” No one except for Slash and herself knew about their little secret.
“So,” Faye started,” who is this maid I am hearing about?” Hawkeye almost choked on the food he was eating but regained his composure quickly. Apparently Gregory had been quick at work with his rumors. They had to talk later, Hawk thought.
“Well, she’s been my maid for, uh, a little while and we’ve been friends as well.” That was a lie. Mayleena had been his maid ever since her mother had died and his friend since the time they had first met.
“Just friends?” Hawkeye gulped but kept his cool.
“I’m sure that she loves me but I’m a prince, as she would say. However, if this union of our countries hadn’t happened when it did,” he stopped to sigh,” I’m sure that we would’ve ended up together, I have no doubt.”
“You are a prince and yet you feel the same way for her, yes?”
Hmm. Yes, I suppose I love her but… I guess I’m betrothed now so it won’t matter. What about you? Do you feel love for anyone that this wedlock interrupted?” Hawk was glad that the spotlight was off him.
“A long time ago, I think maybe five or six years ago, I thought I loved someone. But he is something different from any other man. I know I love him but more as a brother as he loves me as a sister. But I would hazard a guess to say that that isn’t the way it is for your love, correct?” Hawkeye looked down, not sure if he could bring himself to answer that. He loved Mayleena with the entirety of his heart but he was betrothed now. And he knew that it couldn’t work.
“No, it’s… it’s the same. I love her… as a sister.” It pained him to say this, perhaps because it was a lie or maybe because he realized that his love for Mayleena would have to end.
“Mm. Then maybe your sister and my brother could get together and know each other.”
“Perhaps. Who is your brother?” Hawkeye had a sneaking suspicion he had met him.
“You’ve met him. He stopped your escape earlier.
“Ah… him…” Hawkeye rubbed his shoulder; it was still sore from hitting the ground.
“I don’t think that Mayleena will ever be able to forget about me though.”
“You haven’t, well, you know—“ she left it hanging.
“We’ve kissed. That’s it.”
“Oh.” Silence from both of them.
“Did you try and run before this?”
“Run might not be my choice word. Swim would be closer but yes, I did try to escape.”
Dinner continued as planned, and quite a party it was, but Hawkeye chose not to speak. After that conversation, he wasn’t sure he could stand any more questions about Mayleena. He was sure that Faye understood this and so she left him alone as well.
Hawkeye stood up and said his goodbyes to Faye for the night. She nodded, still eating and enjoying herself. He sighed and exiting the dining hall, the party still roaring without him. To his room he headed, not sure if Mayleena would be there to greet him.
He opened his door and found her in his bed, fast asleep. His room was spotless as always, not a speck of dust in sight. He could only stare at her, her face perfect in every way, her breathing in perfect pattern. He left her however, and walked to another room farther down the hall. He climbed into the significantly smaller bed and attempted to sleep. And no one saw the tears that he cried.
The night was misery. Over and over, he tossed. Nothing could sate his torture and send him to sleep; all he could do was try not to think about tomorrow. When morning finally did come, he found that he was still very tired. He went to his room, Mayleena gone, and got dressed in his nicest clothes. He then left to go and roam the castle.
He wanted more than anything to clear his mind but there was no way it was going to happen. Outside, he could see men finishing the site at which he was going to be married. It was on prairie land right beside the eastern coast. He could only feel soberness as he passed each window, the same loathed location in each one’s view. And without breakfast or any food at all, he prepared himself for the day, both physically and mentally.
The ceremony began once everyone was awake but overall, it seemed rushed. Or perhaps it was just because he was totally against it. Either way, he still stood on the stage next to Faye as the bishop read lines that he neither heard nor wanted to hear. This wasn’t the way things were done, Hawk noticed, but he had so much on his mind right now that he wanted to scream.
Defiance and sorrow, regret and madness; these thoughts swam in his head angrily but he felt bound to his path. Even as the vows were rounding the home turn, Hawkeye felt like running into the sea and drowning. He wished for something, anything to save him from this fate. He found himself asking even the gods for an escape. Always before had he had a back route out of things but now it seemed all too real.
His head hurt and his face was flushed and even as the bishop asked them to take each other’s hands, his face was wet with silent tears of remorse. Faye felt much the same way but to a much lesser of a degree.
“And now, Prince Hawkeye and Princess Fayeful, I—“ The bishop was stopped by a man in the distance running quickly from the castle. He reached the ceremony site and caught his breath.
“The hordes of DeNninca have retreated! The wedding is off! The wedding is off!” Hawkeye’s mind exploded. He could hardly contain himself. Faye smiled as well, though she looked quite embarrassed when seeing Hawkeye jump up and down. He stopped soon however, and a feeling of urgency replaced his pure bliss.
“Well Princess Fayeful, it seems as though our marriage is as of now over.”
“It seems that way yes. What will we do now?”
“Stay for awhile, enjoy the show.”
“Show?”
“You’ll see. Be back in a bit.”
“Very well Hawk. May you find a love worthy of you.”
“I already have.” And he took off, towards the castle.
He entered his own room and found Mayleena on his bed, face down and audibly crying. He went to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. She turned around and a look of pure surprise came over her, followed by a look of pure disgust.
“So, you’re married now aren’t you?” Her eyes were visibly wet with tears, her face red as though she had been crying all morning. She had been. “Why aren’t you with your wife?”
“The marriage never happened. It’s off. And as for the wife thing…” Hawkeye walked to her slowly and he kneeled in front of her. Her red face changed instantly to a pale blush.
“Mayleena, we’ve known each other our whole lives. Throughout all of it, you’ve been at my side; through all the jokes and the occasional escape. And you’ve never told anyone that it was I.” Hawkeye smiled even as he kept her eyes locked with his. Mayleena’s eyes were now teary again, but not in sorrow.
“I know of all the pain you’ve been through. You would always say that I am the prince, that you are the maid, that we are two different types of people. Now, I offer this: take my hand Mayleena, and be, for now and always, my princess. For even if all the stars and the suns were to be gone from the night sky, for you, now and always, my love will never die. So what do you say; will you be mine?
“Hawkeye—I—“
“No speech is needed to prove your love, just a simple yes or no will suffice.”
“Hawkeye, my prince now and always, a simple ‘yes’ will never be adequate when speaking of my love for you. There are no words that can describe it well enough so just know that I accept your proposal and would love with all my heart to be your princess.” And she placed her hands in his.
“Then let’s go.” And he took her hand and pulled her up, flying with all haste to the ceremony site.
As they arrived, all saw Hawkeye, hand in hand with his maid. Many were in awe, their speech leaving them completely. Others were vehement, their voices quite able to be heard. Only Gregory, it seemed, had a smile on his face, as the two walked down the aisle. Hawkeye approached the bishop and after a convincing word or two, he agreed to marry them. The crowd was silenced and the ceremony started over.
Before, these vows made Hawkeye seem so distant so distracted. Now, with all his heart, he focused on all the words. And even Mayleena, who knew none of the rituals, was full-hearted. And finally, it came to the end. The bishops asked each to take the other’s hands in their own and as they did, he declared them married. They looked deeply into each other’s eyes and, with the bishop’s blessings, Hawkeye wrapped his arms around her and she did so to him. And for the longest time he just stared into her bright green eyes. Finally, after grinning for a moment, he kissed her. The crowd cheered and even the angrier ones seemed at least content to say the least.
They released each other and laughed. How the world had such fortune on them, Hawkeye knew not. But he was thankful. They stepped off the stage and ran down the aisle together, once more hand in hand.
Faye looked next to her, Slash for once seated in public. She smiled and took his hands in hers, his eyes opening.
“So, what did you think of it?”
“They’ll be fine together. What else is there to say?”
“Mm, perhaps. Do you remember back when you said that you would do anything for me? I think it was about five or six years ago.”
“I can see where this is going…” Slash had closed his eyes once more.
“Then why can’t you just accept… or decline, I suppose.”
“And ruin your fun of asking it? Never.”
“Fine then.” She got down on one knee. “Slash, will you be my prince?” For once, Faye could have sworn she saw a slight smile touch his face, perhaps even a small blush. But if it was ever there, it was gone just as quickly.
“Will it make you happy if I say yes?” Faye smiled bigger and nodded. “I don’t think so, but we’ll see.” He stood up from his seat, pulling Faye up with him. “I’m not one for big ceremonies like those two.
However,” he looked, for the first time ever, or as Faye could tell, into her eyes,” I do love you.” And with that he closed his eyes, crossed his arms, and walked away from her. Faye wasn’t sure if she should be happy or sad but for both feelings, a tear fell from both of her eyes.
“He said ‘We’ll see’. Good odds,” she said smiling to no one in particular but dashed after him.
Afterwards, a party was held and Hawkeye and Mayleena could easily be seen from anywhere, as they seemed to radiate a glow that electrified their presences. Hawkeye wore a loose shirt of brilliant blue silk and pants the same. Mayleena, wore, for the first time, a dress suited for a princess. She danced gracefully and, having spent so much time around royalty, she was elegant and genius as she talked to everyone with Hawkeye by her side, of course. Even Fayeful and Slash danced and all who saw them were in awe at how perfectly they danced with each other.
The music was fast at first but soon grew slower as they were left alone in the field to dance. The crowd was drawn into a large bend around them, and as they danced, the sun started to draw behind the horizon. Hawkeye stopped and both of them looked towards the coast, the true brilliance that was witnessed only being seen by those two in love. They looked back at each other and smiled, the pure silence surrounding them just as wonderful. Their eyes met and their lips locked.