Lana grabbed Avianna's hands. Her eyes were dear like always, her dress swiveling ever so slightly. “I know you have it under control. You are stronger than your past, even though it may torment you.” She whispered slowly, giving a smile of appreciation. If only Leon would be stronger than his past that tormented him in a curse to this day. He would still be the young goofy boy she used to know if he just didn’t...have a curse. She turned to Amon when Avianna rushed off. She almost had a smug look on her face “Told you,” She smiled when Amon gave an interesting look as he watched her rush off. Yet, he felt as though it was his job to set Leon straight. Amon’s time will come.

Leon felt even more ill than before. Well, maybe not even more than before but he still felt insanely sick. He placed his hands on each side of him, pressed against the bed. No matter how much he squeezed onto the bed he couldn’t maintain his balance. His head hung low, his hair slumping in his face. He was too weak to even hold his own head up. It was only a matter of time until the dizziness passed. This sickness was never-ending and it was only getting worse. He lifted his eyes up at the door as it swung open and the once hurt Avianna was now storming in with rage. Leon should have expected it but his sickness caused him not to. He didn’t know what was worse, the pain he was struggling with or the constant torment of this fiery lady. It was like she was always desperate to get her point across. It reminded him of himself, always desperate for approval. His eyes were drained and saddened as he listened to her, though it wasn’t necessarily the fact of her past.

A minor hum lifted from his lips when she finished. It wasn’t really a response. He almost didn’t know how to respond. He wasn’t just going to bluntly say he was sorry for her past when he couldn’t say that to himself for his past, which he couldn’t remember at the moment. He closed his eyes for a long moment before reopening them. If only she knew what he felt every day. If only she knew….the torture he is living. Sure, he had minor pity on her for what happened but now wasn’t the time to burden him with more unneeded emotions. “I can’t tell if you are demanding or begging,” He finally shot at her, his eyes mild and composed. He was compelled to say more but he decided not to right away. His eyes glimpsed to the light that faded into the room peacefully. If only he could be that peaceful. He paused quietly, running a slick tired hand through his hair. “No I don’t understand you nor do you understand me. So I reckon that you will not come at me with hasty accusations. Have you ever looked outside of yourself for once? Have you?” He pressured her. “It isn’t worth the battle. You shouldn’t even say such strong words hoping I’d take pity on you while you are trembling just at the sight of me,” He finally shrugged before managing to stand on his feet. He took a step towards her, lifting a hand like he did in the bathroom. He hesitated suddenly. He never touched her but just stared deeply into her eyes for a long moment. “Leo….why are you so upset all of the time?” That memory of his mother speaking in his mind again. The only memory he had...it tormented him just as much. He grimaced as he let his hand fall to his side. He had no choice but to shift his eyes away from her, almost out of pure shame. “If you don’t want to be backed into a corner then don’t force me to back you into a corner,” He stumbled away, picking up the sheets that were still strewn about from the first time she came in here. His hands twisted awkwardly as he wrinkled them out onto his bed.

“Tell me, what do you so desperately want from me?” He managed to sit back down on his bed, a minor grunt escaping his lips from irritation and pain. Leon’s breathing was stiff. It was like his emotions were suffocating him. No matter how much he breathed, his body never felt satisfied, but he wasn’t suffocating either. “Respect?” He huffed, wiping a hand over his face. “You ask for so many things yet you are never satisfied. No wonder why your father sold you,” He finally blurted. He was too sick to keep this lasting. His legs slipped under the covers to obviously show that he was finished with this conversation. “What are you going to do? Kill me because you don’t like my words? You’ll only be doing me a favor,” He finally murmured before he coughed suddenly. Leon grimaced in pain. He held a tight hand against his chest. For a moment there, there were tears glistening in his eyes. He was so tired….so tired of this hell. “Leave.” He finally spoke again but this time he sounded exhausted but he knew she wouldn’t. Leon gently rested his head on the pillow, pulling the covers over his legs and chest. His face was barely flushed now. His eyes widened with that gold glaze over it that had happened many times before. Each time that happens he swears it is the curse taking another year of his life. It causes him minor pain when he isn’t focused on other things. He barely notices it when he is angry but now he could feel the torment of the curse. He just wants someone to take the pain away.

It was odd… she felt nothing but contempt for this man yet she kept going back to him expecting something different then his stubbornness to leave his lips, was she expecting him to be any different after one day? Realistically… no of course not… it’d surely take months for him to change his ways... but she believed everyone could… if they truly wanted to, it was up to them to decide though not her. The only thing she could do was try and show him that changing… even so late in his life would make a big difference he just had to be willing to change.

Her expression hardened more hiding her begging eyes “I’m simply trying to give you the information you were lacking.” She retorted “And letting you know that you can’t chase me off that easily.” She told him “Weather you listen to me or not at the very least you’re hearing me.” She said sharply. When he spoke of them not understanding one another she came around the side of the bed “That is the point I was trying to make before…” she retorted “You don’t know me and I don’t know you… and frankly right now I don’t know if I do want to know you as anything else but what you are in my head.” She said her eyes narrowed. When he asked her if she ever looked outside herself the question seemed to offend her but instead of a harsh retort she simply asked him a question “Have you?” she asked curtly tipping her head to the side raising a brow at him. “I’m not looking for your pity.” She snapped at him “That’s far from what I’m looking for.” She retorted “I don’t need your pity.” She retorted standing her ground as he stepped toward her, standing even firmer when he raised his hand as she locked eyes with him.

“You act as if you didn’t have a choice… you could have handled that in a number of ways… there’s always more than one way to handle things.” She retorted as she watched him returning to her place at the end of his bed. His question gave her pause when he asked what she wanted from him. When he said the word respect she gave a small nod “Mutual respect.” She corrected “Between you and all of your servants.” She said “It’s nothing you can’t do… even in your sickly state… you just have to be willing to give it without instilling fear.” He replied. When he said that she asked for so many things and was never satisfied and that was the reason that her father had sold her she sat on the end of the bed and looked at him “I ask for so little… all I ask Is for your respect, to work in the kitchen and for you to see for yourself that you are incredibly lucky… nothing more.” She said “Small favors when you have a home as big as a village and servants to wait on you hand and foot… to be able to have the luxury of staying in bed whenever and however long you want meanwhile the people at your feet barely sleep because they’re struggling to survive and provide for their families.” She told him “Most of the time all we want is to be able to eat more than scraps left behind by other wealthier families.” She replied.

She let his words sink in for a moment as she stared at him seeming to ignore his command to leave, when she noticed him grimace and hold a hand to his chest and she stepped forward. When she saw the gold glow last a little longer she squinted her eyes in curiosity but then it faded once more. She gave a sigh “I have no desire to take your life…” she said as she moved a hand to feel his forehead before she covered him up satisfied that his fever had come down. She didn’t leave him just yet, instead she sat beside him in a chair and spoke softly to him “I don’t believe that your life is invaluable…” she replied gently as she pulled the covers gently over him “I just think you’re blind to how fortunate you are because you’ve taken all of this for granted… you’ve wanted for little your entire life.” she said “Instead of asking me if I’ve ever thought about someone then myself… you should ask yourself that question… because I doubt you ever have.” She said softly. With that, she got up from the chair blowing out the candle on the table beside her before she went to the other side and blew the other out before she headed for the door “Goodnight.” She said gently before she pulled the door closed behind her leaving it partially open before she headed off up to her room. When she got upstairs to her room she undressed and bathed before slipping into a nightgown and laying in bed after she twisted her damp hair into a braid removing her necklace and holding it above her head watching as it swung back and forth for a while before she put it aside staring at it as she fell asleep.

"Fortunate?" He questioned her, his voice a mere murmur. He had no integrity within himself to raise his voice to her even though he desired to. He instead kept his eyes wandering like he was searching for something to stare at other than her. Leon didn’t want to look at that pissed look in her eyes at the moment knowing it would just make the situation worse. “You somehow insult me with such a word,” He added, his eyes shutting closed before shooting open once again. He had no desire to rest until this topic was over. He gritted his teeth for a long minute, finally placing his amber eyes on her. His eyes thirsted for attention and understanding but deep down he knew he would always be deprived. “You are just as blind as me to seeing what is fortunate.” He belatedly said. At least he confirmed that he was somewhat blind to seeing what was fortunate but she wasn’t any better than him. “Listen to me closely, Avianna.” Leon was genuinely surprised when he felt tears coming to his eyes. His throat grew stiff and scratchy as he gulped hard. What was this? What compelled him to feel such saddened feelings. It had been a long time since he unconsciously began to cry. He felt tears dripping down his face, falling onto the pillowcase. He closed his eyes tightly to shove away the last of his tears. If only they went away quicker. He took a moment to refocus his mind but he ultimately turned away from her to hide the tears. There was no way he was going to allow her to see him like this.

His back now faced away from her, still shirtless like before. He wasn’t surprised to feel Avianna pull the covers over him. Was that her means of comforting him? Leon gulped another hard time. It didn’t take him long to find the right words to explain to her. “Being tormented by a clinging thorny rose is something unlike you’ve ever felt,” It was clearly a sentence for her to think on this night. It was spoken specifically to make her not understand unless she looks outside of herself. The clingy thorn rose was about the curse. It shows that no matter how much he tried to escape, it always grew tighter, almost like a snake restricting its prey. No matter what he did it still tormented him with those thorns, suffocating his breathing, making him lose faith in even himself. It was truly something she would never understand unless she experienced it herself. Boy...would he love to see her face when she found out.

It wasn’t long until she gave up herself on the conversation. He listened to her as she left. Finally, he would be able to fall asleep without the torment of her words. It took him a while but he finally drifted to sleep. He was lucky to not be drowned in the agony of a nightmare that usually haunted him almost every night.

His eyes flickered to the early morning. Lana must have already entered and opened the curtains for the sunlight to come in. What a drag. He truly didn’t want to be bothered today. Like every other day, he wanted to nestle in his sheets for the whole day, rarely eating what was served to him. Leon knew today wasn’t one of those days. Lana had knocked on the door and entered. “I see you had already entered my room,” Leon murmured under his lips. He was too tired to open his eyes or even peer at her. Lana chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. Her dress glistened with fine fabrics that were sure to catch his attention. “Yes, I thought that you could use the sunlight,” She beamed with a smile causing Leon to jerk his head towards her. He finally took in the sight of her. Something was obviously off. “Why are you so dressed up?” He asked bluntly. His eyes were tense with rare thought. “You really lost track of time haven’t you, my prince. Today is your birthday,” She flicked her hands to make what she said more exciting than what she made it sound to be. “What?!” Leon jerked himself into a sitting position, nearly losing his balance for just simply sitting up. His eyes were bewildered as he shot a glare at Lana. Maybe it was a joke? No, Lana was never one to joke about this. The thing was….Leon absolutely hated his birthday. Ever since he became cursed he found his birthday to be a tainted event. “Be happier about your day, my prince.” She took a few hasty steps over to his bed, helping him out of his sheets. She guided him to the bathroom and turned on the bath. “Have a good soak before getting dressed. Try not to overthink today.” She ushered him.

The bath felt nice but it truly didn’t help. He bit his lip with pure rage. Every year the workers would host some sort of celebration for his birthday. It would piss him off every time especially when they say his age. It reminded him of his limited days to live, days of which he wasted and didn’t cherish. Not only that but it drowned him in the fact that he had major suppressed memories where he couldn’t remember any of his childhood. Yet, no matter how much he ushered them to not host such a stupid celebration they still did it every year. Before the curse, he would absolutely love an event hosted for him but he wasn’t his old self anymore. He knew this time, however, he would never be able to escape the occasion with Avianna in the palace. She was the type of person to not be afraid to set him straight in front of everyone. She would also somehow contribute to it in some way he could only assume. It just made his headache even worse. Why does today have to be torture for him?

Avi had woken up during the night and couldn’t fall back to sleep so, she grabbed her small carving knife and a hunk of wood from the corner of her room and sat on her bed used her knife to shape it… it was her way of dealing with not being able to sleep… usually after a few hours she’d fall back to sleep but tonight with everything that had been brought up from her past… she simply couldn’t find sleep so that night she lit the candle by her bed once more and began carving with no specific intention in mind, she simply let her thoughts drift… she thought back to the events of the last two days reliving all the emotions as her hands work on the wood. As her hands worked she considered his words, was she really blind? She wondered examining every aspect of her life… she didn’t feel she was blind to anyone in the village… she knew what it was like to suffer… so what was she so blind to? She wondered a thought crossing her mind as she remembered how upset Leon had been that night… he’d actually cried… real genuine tears, she thought… the pain in his eyes was genuine… and it wasn’t just physical pain… there was another kind of pain there, but what could he possibly be hurting that way about? She wondered.

By the time morning arrived she’d sculpted the rough shape of a dragon, it wasn’t perfect by no means but it was more than enough to tell what it was. She sighed and put it aside on the table by her bed blowing out the candle before she went to work cleaning the wood off and out of her bed before she went to bathe and prepare for the day, not knowing of course that it was Leon’s birthday today she didn’t make a fuss, she just put on a dress, braided her hair and headed off only to meet Amon on the way back “Oh! I was just coming to see you… Its Prince Villa’s birthday today.” He informed “I see.” Avianna said before brushing past him her softness puzzled him, had Leon done something to her again? He wondered. He couldn’t discern what was going on with her today but he was certain Leon had something to do with it… after all that was the last place he knew of that she’d been before she went to bed the night before.

Once she reached the dining hall she noticed the servants were busy putting up decorations, beautiful flowers and other decorations were dotted through the room in an effort of celebration. Avianna just shrugged and headed off to the kitchen heading off to prepare a meal for the servants and of course the soup for Leon not realizing that Lana was already with him she brought in his meal. She pushed open the door not realizing Lana was in there with him she sat the trey with his bowl on it on the table by his bed “Sir… I brought you your breakfast.” She informed her voice sounded distant… like she was distracted, and to be truthful part of her was as she wondered what she was missing as far as Leon that caused him much more than just physical pain… he was used to that by now she was certain of it, he wouldn’t shed a tear for any physical pain… even if he hadn’t experienced it before but he did cry last night, she knew that much.

( Sorry it’s a little short lol had a busy day today hopefully that’s enough for you to reply to if not just let me know :) I had a bit of trouble replying in general this time too but like I said I’ve also had a busy day today lol hopefully this is enough though, if not I will try to add on :) )

(You are all good! I completely understand what it is like to be busy lol. Your response is great as usual, so no need to worry xD)

Lana smiled when she saw Avianna enter the room. She chuckled tenderly seeing that look in her eye, though it seemed less enthusiastic than usual. “Good Morning,” She said cheerfully. It was obvious that she was more excited about Leon’s birthday than he actually was. Her bright eyes glimpsed towards the tray of food she had carefully brought for Leon. “Thank you Avianna,” Lana said her eyes closing in appreciation ever so slightly. It wasn’t her place to thank Avianna for Leon but she felt obliged to. “I didn’t expect you to still be considerate for the grumpy prince,” She teased but it was merely to lighten the moment. She peered over to the bathroom door that was currently closed. “He is getting washed up right now but I am sure he will enjoy what you brought right after he is finished.” She gestured towards the bathroom door but she had this pondering look in her eyes. “You know...I was thinking,” She said rather quickly. It was as if she was rushing to say something that she shouldn’t be. Lana hesitated but she finally placed a hand on Avianna’s arm. “The prince truly despises his birthday but it made me think of his past when he was a young boy.” She paused.

--

“Welcome miss--” The king questioned, with a curious smile on his lips. “Lana,” Lana had said with that cheerful smile on her face. She was a young teenager from the town, a mere teenage peasant. She needed the extra income for her family and she graciously took the position as a servant. At first, she was to scrub the floors. It was her main job to clean. She put all of her efforts into each task that was given to her until her hands were clustered with red painful blemishes. Every day she did the same tasks...over and over again. That was until one day…

“Prince Villa get back here!” Someone boomed making Lana jerk her head up. There in front of her was a young brown-haired boy running her way. He had a mischievous grin as he glanced back at the person calling after him. Without looking where he was going he hit the washing bucket fill with soap and water making him slip. The liquid washed over Lana’s dress and all over the once clean floor. Was this really the prince? This mischievous teen who acted like a naive child? The one who slipped and was now soaked in water? A laugh spilled from the prince’s throat as he locked eyes with Lana. There was this demeanor about him that was unlike any other. Just his laugh made Lana laugh as well. She couldn’t remember who exactly came rushing after Leon but she was sure it was the person who called after him a moment ago. “My prince! If you wouldn’t have runoff you wouldn’t have made this mess!” They called as they made their way across the room. Leon stuck out his tongue blowing raspberries. All of a sudden he snatched up Lana’s hand and they both ran together escaping those who were after them laughing on the way.

It didn’t end there for that was only the beginning of his troublemaking tendencies. “Lana!” Leon called, making his way over to her. His brown hair bounced as he cruised in a non-princely manner. “My prince,” Lana cheered as he came over to her. Leon perched down on the floor, leaning against the wall as he watched her finish her tasks. “I was thinking we could pull a prank on my father!” He suddenly said, ushering Lana to sit next to him. Lana pulled herself away from her tasks and found a seat next to him, her legs crossing underneath herself. “The king? Really! We can’t do that, my prince,” She protested but Leon continued on. “Oh please, like you have never caused trouble before. I am sure you at least pulled something on your own father before! What’s the difference?!” Leon chuckled. Lana’s face grew blank and she nervously scratched her cheek. “My father left when I was too young to remember,” She murmured under her lips. “My family sent me here to make them money and I haven’t seen them ever since. They won’t even answer my letters,” She said, her eyes widening when Leon gave her a saddened look. “Ahh don’t get bummed out! You have me. Aren’t I like a brother to you?” He nudged her to make her smile again. “Of course you are like a brother, Leon,” It was the first time she ever spoke his name. Her lips slammed shut when the cheerful look on his face slipped away. Tears glistened in his eyes almost immediately. She couldn’t tell whether he was crying over the fact that she called him her brother or if it was because she spoke his name. There was something there that was completely different than the troublesome Leon. All she could remember after that was a smile on his face as tears glistened down his cheeks. But sadly, he changed as he got older….why did he have to change?

--

“He truly was a troublemaker….but there was something that stood out to me.” She chuckled softly, skimming over the thoughts of how much trouble he got into in his teens before the curse occurred. “I know what he needs. It always made a different side of himself show. I guess what my point is….is that he needs that today, something that makes him feel normal again,” Lana had a hard time explaining it. She glanced back at the bathroom to make sure Leon didn’t come out at the wrong time. “I called him it when he was younger but now that he is older I’ve never had the guts to do it again. But maybe you have the guts.” A suspenseful pause fell upon Lana’s lips. “Call him by his name. Call him Leon. He gets called Prince Villa all the time that I am sure it has been years since he has heard anyone call him by his first name. No prince in front of it, just his name. It doesn’t seem like much but trust me. I wish you could have seen his face when he was called by his name as a troublesome teen,” She chuckled softly under her lips. She went to leave but she halted. “Oh, and try and pick out a nice outfit for Prince Villa.” Lana slipped away from Avianna to help with the rest of the decorating. She closed the door behind her with a gentle click.

Leon grimaced as he managed to slip out of the bath. If only he felt refreshed after it. He seized a towel which was placed neatly beside the tub by Lana wrapping it around his waist. He had no strength to dry his dripping hair, not caring for the water to continue to drip down his chin. It wasn’t long until he opened the bathroom door, staggering out, but he halted at the door frame. An irritated hum escaped his lips as he locked eyes with Avianna. “I guess Lana left,” He murmured under his bitter lips. He felt like walking back in the bathroom, locking the door behind him so he didn’t have to be in her presence. “Why are you here? Was it just to bring me food? Or did you come here because you have a bone to pick with me once again?” His voice sounded gruffer than usually like he had no sleep last night. He approached her, not caring that his only attire was a towel around his waist. His hair continued to drip of water but it didn’t take away that cruel in his eyes. He huffed.

Avianna gave her a warm smile “Good morning Lana” she said dipping her head respectfully “I just brought him something to eat.” She said gently a curious light in her eyes as she tipped her head to the side wondering what she was so excited about though she figured eventually that Lana would inform her. She gave a nod “You’re welcome.” She replied gently giving a small chuckle “It’s not so much being considerate believe me it’s more like… I know what it’s like to go hungry… nobody not even a rotten man like him… though he sort of deserves it… should ever feel hunger like I did…” she said. She seemed a little softer today… partially because something was on her mind… partially because she hadn’t slept well last night. She nodded to Lana and put the cover back on his food so it would stay at a decent temperature for him before she turned to Lana once more a little surprised at the words that tumbled from her mouth. It was his birthday today? She thought well that certainly explained the decorating and why she was dressed in a fancier dress. As she told the story Avianna couldn’t help but give a small smile, she couldn’t believe how much of herself she could hear from the story Lana told her… it made her remember things from her childhood she hadn’t drifted to in a while.

When she finished her story she offered a small smile nodding in agreement. When she suggested that he needed something to make him feel normal it sparked her curiosity, she listened close a curious light in her eyes, when Lana glanced over to the bathroom she had as well before she focused her attention back on Lana. When she suggested to call him by his name she gave her a dubious look but… she did take it into consideration as she watched Lana leave. She gave a small nod and went to his wardrobe sifting through his shirts before picking out something nice but comfortable-looking, it was a simple blue silk tunic with gold threads weaved in a beautiful pattern around the collar and small triangular lace-up opening that sat at the collar bone as well as a brown belt with similar golden threads weaving in and out of the sides of the belt laying them neatly on the bed before she went and grabbed brown trousers and black boots laying them out on the bed for him being sure they didn’t look too wrinkled, distracted by her task and her thoughts she hadn’t heard Leon come from the bathroom.

When he spoke up she jumped in surprise the sudden sound of her voice making her jump out of her skin, she whirled around and looked at him taking a deep breath and exhaling when she realized it was him “Yes…” she said with a release of breath as she quickly settled down locking eyes briefly with him “She did…” she said gently noticing his hair. She went over to him and offered her hand to help him stabilize himself as she realized he didn’t seem sure-footed. “I came to bring you food… and Lana suggested that I pick you out something to wear.” She said still debating on whether or not to do as Lana suggested and address him by name as she helped guide him to the bed allowing him to sit before she let him go taking a deep breath and ignoring his comment about last night as she went into the bathroom and grabbed another towel for his hair as well as the hairbrush gently taking it to his face and then to his hair in an effort to dry it rubbing her towel covered hand gently on his head her fingers going in little circles as she did so.

After a short while she was satisfied with how dry his hair was and began to gently brush it. After a while she spoke “I thought about what you said last night…” she said gently “How you said I was blind?” she reminded him “And when it comes to you… I suppose I am. For so long I’ve only understood one thing, that I had to fight every day to get what I had as did the others in the village whilst someone in a royal standing sat above it all idly watching as we worked our fingers to the bone just trying to keep the few possessions we have.” She said gently “I don’t know what it’s like to be in your shoes…” she told him before she put the brush aside for a monent and knelt in front of him her eyes somewhat soft on him “But you don’t know what it’s like to be in mine either.” She said a light firmness in her voice “I’m not asking for anything unreasonable when I ask you for your respect…” she said gently. “At least I don’t think so.” She said as she looked up to him. “I want to understand you… but I want you to understand me too.” She told him “I put your words into consideration last night… please at least try and consider mine.” She told him gently as she brushed a loose bit of hair from his face before she stood “Would you like me to help you dress?” she asked. She was still considering calling him by his name but her stubbornness to make a point kept her from doing so, though she meant every word that much was obvious, she did want to know and understand him better… especially after seeing his tears and his pain last night she wanted to know what she was missing, what was behind those glaring eyes that he was trying so hard not to reveal.

Leon watched her closely, his eyes latching on to her like a predator would with its prey. She seemed so...what was the word? Submissive. Why was she watching her words all of a sudden? Did it have to do with him crying last night? Not a single nasty comment slipped from her lips. He allowed her to seize his arm, guiding her over to his bed. He was relieved to sit down but that didn’t take away from the fact that he was curious about her. He amusingly watched her usher herself off to the bathroom. She must be back in the caring stage? From what Leon believed, Avianna had two stages: the stubborn stage and the caring stage. Avianna would find herself in the stubborn stage most of the time, having sharp words at the ready 24/7. He couldn’t tell whether it was a defense mechanism or if it was her way to push people around. If he was lucky, Avianna would charm him with her caring stage. In this stage, she would caress him and tend to him with that soft look on her face. He wouldn’t lie, he was truly entertained by her demeanor when she acted this way.

His eyes closed submissively as she dried his face and hair for him. He was so drowned in a comforting feeling that he found himself wanting this forever. Leon might as well get his hair and face drenched any time he pleased so she did this every day. He found peace in her affection and truly he never wanted her to stop. He might as well purr like a cat, he enjoyed it that much. Leon took in the feeling of what it was like to be appreciated but he gently opened his eyes when she spoke. It was hard to listen to her through the affection of her combing his hair but he did his best to take in each word she was saying.

Leon couldn’t help but be surprised. He was lucky he didn’t show it on his face. Avianna was actually owning up to her own behavior. Was she just trying to tease him or was she actually not acting like her fiery self? It wasn’t like her to say these things so why all of a sudden was she compelled to say each word distinctly let alone be sweet to him. He leaned forward in an intrigued manner as he watched her speak, all while taking in the feeling of her tending to him. A minor hum arrived from his throat as he now fully opened his satisfied eyes. “At least you are asking instead of demanding this time,” He teased, his eyebrows raising in an intrigued manner. He was lucky he didn’t crack a smile. He was truly amused, but that amusement oddly slipped away in a matter of time. Leon gave her the oddest look, his eyes wide with purity yet deceived by her words. His fingers mildly slipped to her arm, and up to her hand. He widened her hand forcing her to drop the hairbrush on the bed. He just gawked at her. “You don’t want to understand me.” Leon wasn’t stating it in a manner to imply that she was lying but rather he was trying to explain that it was best if she doesn’t. “I don’t want you to understand me,” He reworded it, his thumb pressing against her palm. “I don’t want you to suffer the same fate as me because you deserve so much more,” It was so frustrating speaking those words. He truly wanted her to concede him yet he didn’t at the same time. He may have implied that he craved for her understanding but deep down he knew it wasn’t in her best interest. It took him a minute to finally snap back to himself. He didn’t understand why he got so carried away with his words but he knew he couldn’t take them back now. His lips slimmed in pain as he slipped his hand away from her. “As much as I don’t want to I have always listened to your blabbering,” This time his voice sounded different. His tone came off oddly playful rather than teasing.

His head snapped towards her when she offered to help him get dressed. Leon almost found himself blushing. He was given affection by her and now she offered to dress him? What more could he ask for. He could have chuckled at the thought but his voice grew hushed. His head tilted before he let out a stubborn sigh. “No, unless you are so desperately enticed by me that you so wish to,” He managed to stand seizing his clothes off of his sheets, which she had laid out. Leon made his way to the bathroom, not feeling compelled to tell her to leave his room so he could get dressed. Once he was in the bathroom, he slipped on his attire, finding it to fit him rather well.

After a moment of changing, he arrived from the bathroom once again. His hair was slicked back with minor strands falling in his face, his appearance oddly charming even with his lanky build. Leon slowly made his way back towards the bed, doing his best to not stumble or trip due to the weakness. He began slipping on his boots, which he had left at the side of the bed while he had gotten dressed, but he felt compelled to glance up at Avianna. “Are you sure you just want respect? Because you have a way about you that implies you want more than that?” By no means did he mean anything romantic but he was sure she would decipher it to be that way. “You are so set on mere respect yet you ask for nothing physical from me? No money, no desire for me to take you to see your father. Just respect?” He leaned back, that cold stare returning yet his tone almost seemed childish. For once he was so amused by her that he found himself forgetting how much he despised his birthday.

Avianna gave a chuckle and smiled raising a playful brow at him as she brushed his hair “If you’ll be a little softer as will I…” she replied “Part of it was a defense mechanism…” she said “My sharp words have actually saved me from trouble more times than I can count since I learned how to use them.” She winked despite knowing he couldn’t see her do so. “In fact you had a similar look that some of the other men had on their faces when I used my sharp tongue…” she giggled “They were so surprised to hear a women speak to them in that manner that they grew frustrated… so frustrated in fact that it gave me plenty of time to kick them below the belt and escape…” she teased playfully. “It’s just how I’ve learned how to defend myself is all…” she explained “The only time I don’t is when I’m backed into a corner…” she said picking the brush up and stood once more running the brush through his hair once more to correct some little fly aways.

…

“Oi would you look at this lads? A wee lass here in the pub!” A sailor slurred with a laugh he and a few of his crewmates climbing from their seats. Avianna ignoring them as she scampered through the pub looking for her father’s lost coin sack. He’d made a delivery earlier that day and misplaced his sack of coins so, figuring it wouldn’t take her long and knowing the bar tender would keep a watch on her as she searched he didn’t think much of sending her to find it for him. When she didn’t find it in the pub she went to the back door where her father would make the deliveries in the alley way. When she eventually found the coin sack in the slightly muddy ground due to the rain from the night before she scooped it up and tied it to the belt around her waist spinning around to see the sailors from the bar her eyes widening as she tried to get away. As she tried to escape though she realized even with her small size she couldn’t break away from them, in a last ditch effort she tried to find a loose board in the fence that laid between the pub and another building with no luck finding herself slipping and finally falling in the mud. In her effort to back herself away from the men she wound up cornering herself… she was locked in that corner with 3 huge men smelling like a ship yard and booze towering over her, they tried to hold her in the corner but now being covered in mud she was harder to hold onto and her squirming didn’t help.

“Papa!” she squealed loudly “Help me!” she cried as tears streamed down her cheeks. Luckily her father had heard her, he hadn’t been far from the pub when she cried for him… the next thing she knew one man was pulled back, than another was sent down into the mud with a small splash. When she saw the men get up again she covered her eyes with her hands and squeezed them shut as she cried trying to block out the noises. She didn’t know how long it had been when she finally opened her eyes to find herself in her father’s bruised and bloodied hands and arms “I’ve got you my little fledgling.” He cooed to her caressing her gently pressing her into his chest as she let out a torrent of sobs as he carried her home “I know… I know…” he said gently running his hands through her mud-clumped hair “Shh sh sh…” he said gently “You’re alright now.” He told her.

…

She quivered as she came out of her memories when he seized her hand, she stopped the brush dropping it on the bed. She gave a calming sigh and wrapped her fingers gently around his “I do.” She replied gently before shaking her head “No… there are parts of you that you don’t want me to understand…” she corrected “And that’s fine… but I do want to know you.” She said gently wincing a bit when his thumb pressed into her palm as she had several cuts on her hands from carving the night before, they were minor injuries but they still hurt a bit. The only thing that brought her attention away from the pain was him telling her she deserved more… he really thought that? She wondered somewhat amazed, she didn’t honestly know what to say to that… for the first time she was speechless. When he slipped his hand away from hers she picked up the brush and continued combing his hair gently giving a smile when he used that playful tone with her. She gave a chuckle “You sure have a funny way of showing it…” she teased back playfully.

She set the brush aside and nodded in approval when she was satisfied that his hair was neatly combed back before offering to help him dress. When his head snapped toward her she thought briefly that she’d said something wrong, that is until she saw what appeared to be surprise in his eyes, unlike him she did let a little blush show through, her freckled cheeks turning just a slight bit brighter of a red before she stepped aside, she went to speak once more but before she could he thankfully saved her from whatever words were about to tumble out of her mouth. When he grabbed his clothes she stepped aside letting him see himself to the bathroom biting her lip after the door was shut, what on earth was that for Avi?! She thought to herself Oh god why had she said that? She wondered feeling more embarrassed then she ever remembered feeling before in her entire life, she wanted so badly to leave, to escape the embarrassment… but instead she stayed right where she was and waited for him.

When he came back out she perked up and nodded giving a small smile “That suits you…” she said gently before she went to aid him if he needed it. Once he was back on the bed slipping on his boots she knelt and laced them up for him after he’d pulled them on. Once they were tied she pulled the legs of his trousers over them and stood once more only to meet his eyes again as he spoke. Her eyes widened a little… did she really give off that she wanted any more than that? She wondered. Did she want more then that…? She wondered No… No! Don’t be silly she couldn’t… er… didn’t want more then that… she urged before she finally found her voice once more. She sat on the bed beside him and nodded “Yes, that’s all I desire from you… your respect toward me and the rest of your staff…” she told him. “I think that perhaps the other things might come in time… of your own free will…” she said “and anyway the physical things mean nothing when compared to a gesture or kinder words.” She told him “A please and thank you couldn’t hurt either…” she winked playfully gently bumping him with her elbow “But even that is part of respect.” She said gently “Do you think you can manage to try?” she asked tipping her head to the side “Just try… you might be surprised by the end result.” She said gently “Small things like that tend to mean the most to people I’ve noticed… I think you’ve noticed that within yourself too.” She said giving him a knowing glance, she knew he’d enjoyed when she touched him in the soft manners she’d done over the last two days, the rag on his neck to cool him off pressing her hand to it as well as the hair brushing, she knew he’d liked that. “Ponder that whilst you eat your breakfast.” She said gesturing with her head toward the bowl waiting for him on the table.

Leon tilted his head curiously. His hair shifted just a little as he tilted his head, his eyes slightly warmer than before. “Are you feeling okay,” He bluntly asked, his lips slimmed with curiosity. It wasn’t like him to check up on another person but he did find himself confused by her demeanor and actions. Did she take what he said in a different context? It baffled him at the thought. He cleared his throat halfway when she continued to talk. Maybe it was him to assume that something was wrong with her. Why did her eyes glitter like that as she became baffled, her cheeks the slightest tint of red? It was probably his imagination. He shook the thought away from his mind, his words shaking away what he said before as well. “Never mind,” He murmured as he continued listening to her. “Respect,” He spoke the word like it was a painful topic for him already. It was obvious that he was resistant to the mention of it but he did know it was best that at this moment he was open to it. He sat there pondering, his eyes narrowing in deep concentration. While he thought on the topic, he found himself reaching for his breakfast. He stared down at the soup. A dish he was so used to tasting, never warm to the taste. In the heat of the moment, he spoke, desperate to not eat another day of chilled soup. “You know I can eat more than just chilled soup,” He stated with a keen look in his eyes. He was blatantly lying to her but he knew she would buy it. There was a reason for his lying but it was best to not overthink it. He just thought...maybe...he would please her in a way if she was able to serve more than soup every day. Not only that but he truly didn’t want to keep eating soup every moment he was alive. Yet, he didn’t give himself enough time to ponder on whether this idea of eating dishes that would make him sick was a good idea. After many moments of having a hushed voice, he decided to change the topic.

“You say you have trauma when pinned in a corner,” He leaned back, his hands resting behind him, susceptible to carry his body weight. It was blunt and heartless for him to bring up her trauma but he wasn’t going to beat around the bush either. “Have you ever thought of overcoming it?” He asked bluntly but then he hesitated as he glanced away from her. Now he was being too blunt. He knew in his heart what it was like to have trauma, even though he can’t remember a specific incident since his memories are foggy. “Probably that isn’t the best wording. What I mean is that if you create an environment around that trauma can’t you counter it with something better? Maybe instead of coping with it alone, you can have someone there to support you. Maybe hold you in their arms while you face it?” There was some sort of look in his eyes that he had never given her before. Leon’s eyes seemed to have this pity and sincerity yet surety. He gulped suddenly then gazed away. “What I said makes no sense does it?” He gritted his teeth before he slammed his eyes shut. “Maybe it is best to just forget about what I said,” Leon shifted to where he was about to stand up on his feet. He stalled, not willing to stand to his feet just yet. He suddenly turned towards her. His voice was bashful as he spoke like he was desperate for her to understand. “If you want respect then I will give it but understand one thing…”

His voice fell silent as there was a subtle knock on the door to his chamber. “What?” His voice was chiseled with disturbance and harshness, unlike how he had just spoken to Avianna. His fingers clenched into fists but he managed to keep them by his sides. “Sir, I was pondering on whether you plan to come out of your room,” Amon stated, his voice blunt and monotone. Oh boy, why did Amon have to ruin the moment? But he knew it was something more than Amon just checking in on him. He knew that the only time Amon came to his door was because he wanted something. Leon stood on his feet. Before Avianna swooped in, he held out a hand to her in a manner to tell her to stay put. He wanted her to stay put for a reason. He staggered towards the door and opened it. “It isn’t like I have a choice,” Leon growled under his breath. It was his response to Amon’s first comment. “And!!” Amon accidentally cut in. Leon knew he would do this, he did want something like Leon had originally assumed. “I presume you have a thought?” Leon sharply asked. There was a way about his voice that was entirely different like he found himself despising the man that stood before him. There was nothing against Amon other than that he annoyed Leon. “Uh...yes, my prince,” He mutedly said, his voice quiet enough to be a whisper. “I ask that you don’t cause trouble on this birthday. The staff has worked extra hard to make it perfect,” Amon belatedly stated. He scratched his cheek nervously hoping he wouldn’t get the wrath of Leon. “Are you asking or telling?” Leon held the door with a hasty grip. His knuckles were turning white by how hard he was holding it. “Asking, of course, my prince,” Amon glanced around before a shallow sigh escaped him. “I also have another topic I’d love to touch base with you. It’s about Miss Avianna,” Amon stated. Leon found himself glancing towards Avianna for a split second. By the set up of the room, there was no view of the bed from standing outside of the partially open door. He didn’t want Amon to know she was there anyway so he quickly returned his gaze to him. “What about her?” Leon stated, his voice shallow with annoyance. Such a shallow voice let there be no room for assumptions on his emotions. “Please don’t make her life hard,” Amon said. What exactly did he mean by that? Leon’s face became chiseled with frustration. “How am I doing that?” Leon decided to push on to figure out Amon’s point. “You are acting like she is yours,”

There was this sudden hesitation with Leon, this look on his face that became saddened. A wave of doubt came over him. Did it really seem like that? A nervous gasp lifted from Leon’s lips. He gulped hard to hide the fact that those words got to him. “And so what if I do find her as mine,” His grip only hardened on the door as he was the one holding it open. He knew he was pushing the topic. His voice tested Amon’s patience which is what he truly wanted to do. “You can’t keep doing this, my prince! You can’t keep disrupting her life with your drama just because you are dying! Stop acting like if you use her then she would distract you from that fate,” Amon said sharply, obvious that he had enough. Use her? Was that his intention all along? For once in his life Leon was silent. His jaw clenched and his eyes only saddened worse. He was trying to keep that fact hidden away from Avianna. He didn't want her to know that he was on death's door already. She was just lucky to be spared of the knowledge that Leon was cursed. She was the only person who didn't pity him. He did find her irritating at times but she actually treated him normally in her own way. Now he knew she would treat him differently now knowing that he doesn't have long to live.

There was this demeanor about him that was different, almost like he was painfully hurt. “It isn’t nice to talk about others behind their backs,” He said, disregarding Amon’s voice of tone. “What?” Amon’s voice was surprised his voice quiet. It was obvious that he found it odd that the prince didn’t exclaim harsh words back at him. Leon let go of the door, not caring that it be left open, before he steadily walked past Amon, leaving him to stand at the entrance to the door. Not only that but he left Avianna behind, still sitting on the bed, Amon not knowing she was even there.

Avi gave a light chuckle when he asked if she was alright “Yes I’m fine.” She assured him “A little tired maybe… I didn’t sleep much last night.” She said trying to push her thoughts away as she looked at him relaxing a little when he didn’t push the subject further. She took note of how the word “Respect” slithered out of his mouth like a snake, it was bitter and almost seemed foreign to him like he’d never heard of or said the word before… and by the way he behaved she guessed there might be some truth to that… but the way he pondered it… she honestly believed he was putting some consideration into the word and everything that it meant. When she saw him look at his breakfast she figured he wanted it so she got up and got it for him setting it in his lap though her attention went to his eyes and face when he spoke. She gave a small nod and sat back on the bed with him “Well… what would you like? If you ask with at least somewhat of a pleasant manner I’ll make you whatever you’d like.” she asked “Lana told me you were allergic to what I made for you yesterday… though to be fair I didn’t know that… how could I have?” she pointed out “I am sorry though, I honestly didn’t know.” She told him, her words were genuine. When he changed the topic though she figured she wouldn’t get her answer right away so she dropped it… but the door was open now if he had a request all he had to do was ask… in an at least somewhat pleasant manner.

She gave him a dubious look when he mentioned her trauma but she nodded “Uh yeah.” She replied looking to her hands which were now in her lap as she waited for him to reply. When he did she looked up at him “I’ve tried… you have no idea how hard I’ve tried.” She replied “I can’t even be in a corner in my own home.” She replied “And my father was always there but… he didn’t experience what I did… nor does he have even the slightest idea.” She replied “It makes sense…” she assured “Just because I lived in the village and am a women doesn’t mean I don’t have any sense or knowledge in my head…” she retorted gently. When he tried to drop the subject she shook her head, seeing him scooting to the edge of the bed to stand she gently reached out to him grabbing his wrist in her surprisingly gentle hand, both to offer support to him and to stop him and get him to look at her and meet her eyes “If you want to have any idea of how I felt go out to your courtyard and make yourself as small as possible underneath 3 big trees or statues together… and put yourself in the mind of a tiny 10 year old girl and you might have an idea of why I can’t handle corners.” She told him her eyes intense as she tried to convey her emotions to him through her touch and her eyes but she knew even doing that he might never understand to the same extent “Don’t pity me for it please…” she said “Just try to understand…” she said gently. To lose her childish innocence at such a young age... to find out that not everyone in the world is not as good as she thought at barely 10 years old it was no wonder she acted the way she did even without the influence of her fathers beliefs encouraging her.

After a few moments she let him go and put her hands back into her lap looking at them once more as she went back to that night, her mind wandering for a moment before he spoke again, she perked up hearing that the word respect came out of his mouth easier gave her a little bit of hope, he really had considered what she’d said… a lot if he was willing to bend a little bit. However the moment fell apart quickly when she jumped to a knock at the door. Hearing his voice suddenly raise and speak with the same harshness he’d addressed her with before made her believe even more that he truly had listened to her, he hadn’t spoken to her that way all morning… she’d gotten somewhere at least, she told herself. Hearing Amon on the other side she went to get up off the bed to open the door only to be met with Leon’s hand stopping her so… she stayed put per his unspoken request though she watched him ready to move quickly if he faltered. When he reached the door she continued watching him as he opened it looking for any sign that he was about to fall and though she didn’t mean to, with Amon’s voice coming in much clearer now it was hard not to hear the conversation between the two of them though when Amon’s voice quieted she let out a little internal grumble like a child would when their family was discussing something about a present for their child around their birthday… like they knew their child was listening so they dropped their voices to a whisper so the child couldn’t hear them. She leaned over just a little to see if she could pick anything up, and until Leon spoke… she couldn’t pick up anything she had to admit though she was curious about the words that had been spoken from Amon in that whisper.

Hearing the exchange between the two made them sound a little like bickering brothers though when her name was mentioned she was distracted from that thought and looked toward them, seeing Leon look back at her made her lower her eyes as if she was trying to convince him she wasn’t listening in when that was in fact far from the truth. When he returned his gaze to Amon she perked up again and listened curiously, she too as curious to hear what Amon had to say about her. When she heard what Amon had to say she noted and obvious change in Leon’s body language and a bit in his tone as well. Her brows knit together a little at Amon’s words “You’re acting like she’s yours.” Those words rang in her head and the fact that it obviously affected Leon only made those words hang in her head for longer. She began to form questions in her own mind a well, was he really doing that? She wondered curiously Leon’s words breaking her thoughts as she listened to them more questions forming in her mind as the conversation continued he was dying? Why wouldn’t he have told her that? She wondered though her own desire not to be pitied for her trauma made her wonder if that’s why he hadn’t told her but she had so many questions now… was that what he was doing? Using her? She wondered. Was he simply trying to reel her in and use her for his own pleasures before he passed? She thought as she gripped the sheets and blanket underneath her hands.

She perked up when she noticed another drastic change in Leon’s body language, she couldn’t see his face but judging by his body language this wasn’t because of any physical pain… Amon’s words had gotten to him. She thought. When he left she didn’t know what to do… should she stay? Should she go after him? She wondered shaking her head no… he’d probably want to be left alone for a while… besides if he wanted to speak with her again he could either come and find her himself or have Lana send for her… one way or the other she was sure that once he was ready he’d want to talk with her again so… she got up off the bed leaving the trey and bowl of soup aside as she stormed toward the door brushing past Amon but not without elbowing him in the stomach. She turned to him her face twisted into a scowl “You had no right to do that.” She growled “I’m not a maiden in a tower that needs rescuing... I’m the maiden who climbs down the tower and saves herself understand?!” she snapped “Keep your nose out of my affairs.” She hissed brushing past him with a shove and heading in the opposite direction that Leon had gone in having completely forgotten to take his breakfast trey with her as she stormed off and eventually out of Amon’s line of vision.

Wooo finally got my reply up! xDD haha)