Raking a hand through his blonde locks, he watched her happily bound towards him. How should he tell her? Would she miss him? He sighed, saddened he couldn't take advantage of her stupidity... correction, naivety.
"I won't be coming back after today. "
He was just as startled as her when the statement left his lips. Had he really wanted to tell her? Would he come back from his trip for sure? Watching her flustered face, he already knew the answer. He would miss her. She didn't seem to care much about their interactions. He could read she was worried on who she was going to play with now.
Something darkened in him. Next thing he knew, his blade touched her neck. His hand clutched some of her bright red hair. Her black pebble eyes glittered with tears of fear. Such a cute bunny, he thought. His eyes were burning, a nameless emotion coursing through him. He didn't mean to scare her. He forced a laugh out while he let her go. Seeing her pale tears streaked face made him laugh again.
Did she really think he would kill her? She was too important to him for that to happen. Not like the girls at court... Maybe he can make a way for him to find her again. Taking out the necklace he had made, he placed a small tracking spell. When he gave it to her, she denied it.
The other girls would have gladly taken it. This must be why he liked her. Sadness clouded his face at the words friends. Was this what being friends is like? As she seemed nervous, he called her a chipmunk. Her chubby cheeks and her mannerism. Or maybe like a bunny. Every girl liked to be referred to something cute. He still wanted to tease her.
The next day, he was late in reaching her as it was already night. He was forced to prepare for the trip. He expended most of his magic and wasted more to see her one more time. When he got there, it was already night. Dejected, he was turning to go but then he saw her running. She was really foolish, running blindly and not watching where she went.
Even when she fell, he had to hold his laugh in before he came out to help her. She had scratches from the branches and hedges she passed on her porcelain cheeks. Her hands were scraped and bloody. As he held her soft hands, he used his last remaining energy to heal her.
She was a dear friend, he finally realized. Touching and healing each scratch or mark on her skin, he reminded himself of the memories they had. It was to distract himself on how tired he felt using so much magic. He wanted to see how much of a lady she had become. Dancing under the gazebo with the sound of the rain, it was their last time of fun. For now, he reminded himself.
When he saw her cry, he knew it was a different kind of crying. The sorrow in her tears echoed in him. His fingers smoothed over her warm soft cheeks, wiping each hot tear that fell. As he drew her into his embrace, his heart already voiced his feelings.
"I'll miss you too, Anemone."
He was glad she didn't think about love and marriage like the girls at court. Thinking that, he still made sure she took the necklace. Once she puts it on, he'll always be able to find her when he comes back.
"Will you come back?" she asked, her voice hopeful. He nodded in confirmation. "Okay, yes!" she agreed but then hesitated. "But I can't promise. I will need to see you first."
"Okay, I'll make sure to come see you," he promised. Then he muttered something under his breath.
"You will be mine."