Several Months Later

They had just met a few months prior, but Luke quickly became Natalia’s best friend. It wasn’t difficult though, he was the person her age that she knew. However, he promised this day he would bring a serving boy named Guy along so she could meet another near their age, even though Guy was actually four years older than Luke.

She was rather excited, but then she always was for when she was going to get to see Luke. He wasn’t actually supposed to visit that day, but he said during his last visit that he would signal her outside her window around this time when he and Guy were ready for her to come out.

She had gotten better at climbing out the window also since that day, but she did always feel better knowing that Luke would indeed be there if she fell and she knew he would catch her again. She smiled at that thought and awaited his signal at the window.

A few minutes passed and she saw Luke along with a blonde haired boy who was taller than him, she guessed that was Guy. She didn’t say a thing and just climbed down, this time not falling.

“You have gotten so much better at this since the first time we met, haven’t you?” Luke said to her.

Natalia blushed a bit and nodded shyly. She held out her hand to the other boy in greeting, “Hello, I am Natalia, you must be Guy. Luke has told me much about you. I feel as if I already know you.”

Guy shrank back a bit and took a few steps back and went behind Luke. Luke laughed a bit. “I am so sorry, I forgot to mention he’s a bit afraid of women. The funnier part is that women usually love his lines to them.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, P-Princess.” Guy stammered, which caused Natalia to giggle a bit.

“I assure you, I won’t bite.” Natalia told him.

“It’s not that, Princess. I don’t know why, but women scare me.” Guy told her.

“He’s been like that for as long as I have known him. Doesn’t stop the maids from giving him attention though.” Luke told her.

“I see. I guess then I should refrain from getting too close to Guy and we will all be just fine.” Natalia said. “Shall we go to our usual spot?”

“Of course, that is what we planned.” Luke said. He took her hand and together all of them ran down to the harbor to their special spot.

“So have you come down here before on your own, Natalia?” Luke asked her.“A few times, but its more special when I come here with you. And now having Guy along makes it even more special. Maybe it’s the company that makes the difference.” Natalia observed.

“I think the same, its no longer the same for me to come down here alone.”

They all say there for a time, just looking out. Natalia rested her head on Luke’s shoulder, smiling. After a time, Guy got up and told them he should return to the manor before he was missed and ran off.

“That sure was strange.” Natalia noticed.

“My father objects to my friendship with him. And if Guy is missing, he will notice I am missing all that much quicker and send someone to bring us back. But if I am alone, its less likely to be noticed right away.”

“That is indeed strange of your father. Guy seems like a very nice boy.” Natalia said.

“He is, but Father prefers I keep company with those appropriate for me, and you are the only one my age who is appropriate.” Luke said.

“I am glad he thinks so, because I love spending time with you, Luke. You are very special to me.” Natalia told him.

“I feel the same, but I wish he would approve of me being around others my age. But I am glad I can be with you at least, since I like you a lot too.” Luke told her.

Natalia got up and took his hand. “We should go back. Come on before either of our Fathers realizes we are missing.”

“You’re right. I wish we could spend more time together though.” Luke told her.

“As do I, but every moment we get is wonderful, isn’t it?” Natalia.

Luke nodded, and started running off, forcing Natalia to follow since she had a hold of his hand. In time they reached the top level again and returned to the spot under Natalia’s window.

“When will I see you again?” Natalia asked.

“Mother should be coming by the castle tomorrow, most likely she will bring me along again.”

Natalia smiled. “Good, then I will see you then.” She hugged him tightly, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and started to run off, he stopped her by grabbing her arm.

“What are you doing, Luke?”Natalia asked him. “I should go before anyone sees us.”

“Just this.” And then Luke gave her a more proper kiss, but still a quick childish kiss on the mouth. Both Natalia and Luke blushed.

“L-Luke…” Natalia stammered.

“I had been wanting to do that. I do care for you a lot, you are as special to me, as I am to you.” Luke told her.

“You are so sweet Luke. I care for you too.” She told him, giving him a similar kiss back, which caused him to turn a deeper shade of pink, and Natalia giggled, and then started to climb up to her window. “See you tomorrow, Luke!” she yelled out, waving to him.