"It's been a while, Nikolai," Athena greeted him with a smile, knowing there was no longer any need to hide it.
The knight smiled. He carefully removed his mask. It was Nikolai!
Nikolai got ready to get down on one knee. Athena stopped him before he could do so.
"There's no need for formalities, Sir Nikolai," Athena said with a smile.
"Princess, I..."
Athena didn't know what willed her movements. She pulled Nikolai in for a hug. She had been thinking about it for some time now, wondering what she would do when she saw him again.
She didn't know why, but it felt right.
Nikolai couldn't move. He couldn't believe that what was happening was real either. This was a scene he had been dreaming of for a long time. Something he thought would never happen.
He could smell the sweet scent of the perfume she always had on. He could see her up close. Closer than ever before.
