A gust of wind whipped through the stone corridor, chilly and sinister. Stepping into a shadowy alcove, the couple vanished from sight. The knight leaned back against a wall as he looked down at the young maiden. The lady clutched his tunic, peering up into his face as if searching for answers in his dark eyes.
A squad of three men passed by the alcove, their armor clinking as they marched down the hallway. Turning the corner, they vanished from sight and sound. The world hushed for a moment, waiting for the next revolution. The maiden looked out into the corridor, checking before turning back to the man. She took a deep breath and leaned closer to him.
After a moment the lady spoke, her voice a broken whisper, “You don’t have to go, stay here. Who cares about what other thinks? It is meant to be, I know it is.”
The man rested his hand upon the hilt of his sword, looking away. He looked back at her, and his heart gave a small jerk at the thought of what he was about to do. The knight stared into her tear-filled, emerald eyes, and his own filled with sorrow. He brushed his finger against her cheek, and caught a diamond tear.
“It is what must be done, my love. You are worthy of so much more than I. A wandering knight, who destroys and slaughters those whom are mine enemies, I have killed too many sons to deserve any of my own. You deserve a man who can give you what you want, without regret,” the knight whispered. He pressed his lips to her forehead before pushing her away.
The lady grabbed his tunic harder, pulling him close, “Even if you leave me, I cannot move on. I know it in my very soul that you are the only one for me. Can’t you see, we are two halves of a whole? Don’t you feel it in your heart, or do you believe that is lost as well.”
The knight shook his head sadly. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to him before releasing her. The lady leaned up, kissing him fiercely, her fingers lacing into his hair. The man returned the kiss passionately, lifting her up slightly. He shoved her away after a time, his breathing ragged. He dashed away down the hall prior to another word spoken.
The lady collapsed, tears streaming freely down her face, “No one but you…”
