Chapter 8

ALEX

"You kissed her" Clint said more like a statement. "It was expected soon enough. I knew something would come out of the intimate relationship you built with her" He smiled

I couldn't get my head to stop roaming in my thoughts. Her lips. A smile was fixed on my face. So this is what it felt like to love someone. I leaned closer to the balcony of the hallway and inhaled deeply. I felt very happy within but yet bothered.

"You haven't told her yet, have you" Clint reminded

"No I haven't. But I will....after the war" I sighed

Telling Mia who I am requires a lot of boldness. With the way she had spoken earlier I wonder if she would still accept me.

"Let's have some sword practise" He said as he patted my shoulder and walked ahead.

A war was happening soon and the only thing I could hope for now was that we come out of it victorious.

MIA

Memories of what had happened never left my head. How he kissed me, his soft lips, the way he held me. A smile found its way on my face. Part of me being happy we came to this and another part sad about the war he would be going for. One of the reasons I never wanted to marry was not to end up like my mother; losing the one you love. Hopefully he comes back.

"Mia" a voice called releasing me from my thoughts

I noticed the milk I was pouring into a jar had overflown.

"Oh my" I hurried to clean the spilled milk

I looked at mother, feeling a little embarrassed and she had a smile on her face. Why's she smiling?

"What has this young man done to my daughter?" she chuckled

I blushed. She had read my thoughts. "Oh stop it mother." I tried to act firm

I picked up the jar and placed it on the shelf in the kitchen.

"I saw how you were smiling to yourself" she added

Still facing the shelf, I smiled to myself. I sighed and finally turned to face mother.

"Mother...I love Alex" I said

She smiled. "I know" she said

"But then..." I sighed "He's going for war"

I saw the look on her face...the same look she had on when we had lost father. She replaced it quickly with a comforting smile

"Don't worry dear, he'll be back" she said and hugged me

****

ALEX

"Ready the men, we leave for the battlefield in few minutes" Cornelius told Clint

The time approached faster than expected. My heart dropped as my thoughts were of Mia. I had earlier checked on her from afar and the sadness on her face was as though an arrow had been burrowed into my chest. I left silently without her noticing my presence.

I'll be back. I promise.

"The men are ready" Clint said

"Your Majesty, we're set" Cornelius faced father.

He sighed. "Let's go" He spoke firmly.

With all the soldiers behind, we marched out of the palace. And as we passed through the village square, the people wished us well. I could read sadness in the faces of people. These are times we know to prepare to mourn, for some people won't be coming back.

"Son, if we win this war, I have plans for you" Father said

"What Plans?" I asked

"When we win, I'll let you know" he said firmly.

My head wondered what he was talking about but I discarded it quickly and focused on the problem we had lurking ahead.

MIA

I watched as the soldiers marched out of the palace and tears fell from my eyes. I really hoped for him to return safely. Why did he have to tell me how he felt? Why did we even have to be friends? Thoughts ran through my head and all I wanted and prayed for was that he returned safely.