CHAPTER 14

Sage followed Rioghnan through the dark passageways. Trying to keep her eyes off his particularly nice behind, she tried to figure out what to do.  She had to keep Saira safe.

"Wait!" Sage shouted and stopped "What about Vappu? We can't leave her here."

Rioghnan looked irritated and muttered something about why not let her rot her, but Sage couldn't make out what he said.

"You Highness, you and Lady Saira are my priority. I will send guards to find her. But I have to get you to safety at once!" Rioghnan practically ordered.

He led them to the basement where they kept all the artillery and body armour.  The Elf armed services were busy putting on their armour and gathering weapons.

"Donene, give me a sword for Lady Sage. And a dagger for Lady Saira."

"But Rioghnan, I have no intention of hurting anyone. I do not fight.  The only reason I took defence classes, was to please my father."

Rioghnan took Sage gently by the arm and walked a few feet away where they could have some privacy.  The moonlight shone through the top windows and onto Sage's face.  Rioghnan had to catch his breath. He has never seen anyone so stunning as Sage at that moment.  His eyes softened and he cupped her tiny face in his strong hand. He tipped her chin up so she had to look him in the eyes. 

Sage couldn't breath.  Her kingdom was on the verge of being destroyed and here she was with Rioghnan.  She had never felt so safe before.

"Sage" Rioghnan could hardly speak "I need you to listen to me.  Take the sword.  I will be with you the entire time.  I promise."

"But why do I need it then" Sage was still shocked by his boldness.

"Because I need to know if something happens to me, you can at least defend yourself." He simply answered.

"No, no, nothing will happen to you.  Nothing can happen to you.  I will not allow it.  I want you too m..." Sage shut her mouth the moment she realized what she was about to say.  It was inappropriate for the Crown Princess of Ikriam to have a relationship with her protector.  Her father would never approve. If he was alive.

Rioghnan frowned.  Could she possibly have feelings for me? he wondered.

The soldier moved closer to Sage and put his arm around her tiny waist.  Ever so gently he pulled her closer until her lips were against his chest.  Sage could feel his heart galloping like hundreds of horses.  Could it beat for me?

Once again he tipped her face towards him and slowly moved down so his lips could meet hers. Sage was feeling dizzy and there was a buzzing sound in her ears.  She had to put both her hands against Rioghnan's chest for support.  

"Sage!" Saira tugged at her sister's robe, unaware of what she just interrupted. "The noise is louder.  They are coming closer.  What is going to happen to us, Sis?" Saira cried.

Before Sage could answer, Rioghnan got on his knees and held Saira's hands in his.

"Lady Saira, we will make it. I will fight and die for you." Saira only cried more. Rioghnan wiped the silver tears from her soft cheeks and held her tight.

Rioghnan got up, softly touched Sage's face and turned around.  He walked to where the rest of the soldiers were and started putting on his armour.  He glanced back at Sage and saw her sitting with Saira on her lap.  She was looking at him.  Intently.

The moment their eyes met each other, Sage knew.

She knew she found her Prince.