The Vow of Whispers

~2 ears ago~ “Princess Evanescence, please slow down. You’re gonna trip if you keep running like that” worry plastered in Alaric’s face Evanescence, not minding the worried knight ran around in the wide meadow, embracing the sun and the cool breeze of the air, laughing and smiling, running barefoot. “Princess please, slow down” Alaric running after the running princess A few moments passed, the princess stumbled down, a silent crash. Alaric’s worry grew and his small feet unconsciously ran faster. “Princess, are you alright?” kneeling in front of the princess, worried and fear written on his face To his surprise, the princess looked at him with a smile on her face and little bit of mud and grass. Alaric can’t help but smile. Pulling his handkerchief out and carefully wiping the princess’ face. “You should really stop being a stubborn brat and listen to me for once, Princess Evanescence. We can’t afford going back to the palace with a bruise or scratch on your body” -Alaric “It doesn’t hurt, Alaric. And please, don’t call me Princess Evanescence when we’re outside. I want to feel normal for once” says the princess with a pout on her face “Being a princess is normal for you. You’re born with it” -Alaric “Are you gonna leave me?” a question that made Alaric stunned “Princ—Evanescence, you know we have our duties. I grew up with the knights. For me to be an official knight, I need to leave for training. But it’s just two years and don’t worry, I’m not gonna miss your 18th birthday. Also, the king promised that once I become an official knight and finished my training, he’ll make me your official bodyguard. More time for us,” -Alaric “I’m gonna miss you” -Evanescence Alaric pinched her cheeks softly and smiled “Should I be honored?” Alaric teasingly asked With a pout in her face, Evanescence looked away, crossing her arms on her chest. This action only made Alaric laugh and pull Evanescence into a friendly hug. “I’m happy that my best friend which happens to be the princess of Enverdome Kingdom is worried and sad about my departure. But worry not, I’ll make sure to write to you and I promise that I won’t miss your 18th birthday. I’ll give you the best gift you’ve ever received in your whole life and I’m gonna tell you something once I came back from training” -Alaric “You sure?” -Princess Evanescence Alaric replied with a nod and a smile on his face. His happy atmosphere changed the mood of the sad princess. "Worry not, I'll make sure to arrive and I won't be late for your birthday. And once I'm back, I'll be officially your loyal knight" -Alaric “I’ll wait for you” -Princess Evanescence He pulled the princess into a tight hug and unconsciously kissed the top of her head before resting his chin on it. Walking back to the palace, the two wore a wide smile. Once they're on the back gate, they composed themselves and in an instant, seriousness is written on their faces. It's like something joyful didn't happen a while ago. Alaric walked the princes to her chambers and secretly pinched her nose. a secret gesture they made as a thanks and a secret signal to each other to take care of good night. a simple but playful gesture they invented. The night before the departure, Alaric went to Evanescence's chambers through the balcony. "Alaric, I thought you're not coming" -Evanescence "And why would I not come? To miss my favorite Princess? I'll be gone tomorrow so I need to see you for the last time" -Alaric Evanescence smiled sweetly and guided Alaric carefully. Staying on the balcony and sitting on the floor, Alaric pulled out some snacks in his pocket. Placing it on his clean handkerchief. "Wow, thank you. You really know what my favorite is, Alaric. Make sure to bring me lots of this once you return okay" -Princess Evanescence Alaric just nodded and smiled at her. Eating the snacks he prepared, they talked a lot all throughout the night, cherishing their last moment. As the night went on, Alaric stood up and pulled Evanescence up. "Make sure to be careful here and please, no sneaking out anymore, okay? Just until I arrived. I don't want to see a different princess. Make sure to stay the same Evanescence who always hit me when her cravings aren't served or if she's not allowed to sneak out" - Alaric "And make sure to stay the same, Alaric. I don't want you to serve any noblewomen or royals beside me. You're mine and mine alone" -Princess Evanescence Alaric smiled sweetly and hugged Evanescence tightly like any minute she would evaporate. "I'll only serve you and you alone, you possessive princess. And don't worry, the King is true to his words. I'll be your loyal knight and guard" -Alaric Evanescence snuggled to his arms and hugged him back. "I'll miss you Alaric. 2 years is too long" -Princess Evanescence "Don't mind the days and it'll pass like a wind. Enjoy the insides of the palace or stay in your room and do embroidery or painting like you always do when I'm busy. Just don't go out alone or with other guards okay" -Alaric Evanescence nods like a good and obidient girl she is. Eyes glassy and tears building up and ready to fall anytime. Seeing her reaction, Alaric caress her cheeks and smiled sweetly. "Don't do that. I might run away and take you with me" he jokingly said Evanescence can't help but chuckle at his joke and dried her eyes. "Just make sure to come back okay, alive and well" -Princess Evanescence Staring at her, he roamed his eyes from her beautiful hazel eyes to her plump pink lips and back to her eyes. His hands stayed at his cheeks, cupping it instinctively. "You're the most beautiful princess I've seen, Evanescence" -Alaric "And you're the most handsome knight I know, Alaric" Evanescence said with a smile on her face "You'll be the death of me, princess. But I've death is the only reward I get for being with you, I'll gladly welcome it with open arms" -Alaric Evanescence smiled sweetly and cupped his cheeks as well. "I lov—" Alaric cut her words by placing his fingers to her lips "Don't say it, I might leave the training and stay here with you. I need to show to the King that I'm worth being your knight, Evanescence. I want to be worthy enough for you" -Alaric The sadness on Evanescence eyes lighten up and replaced with a smile before nodding. "If only I could visit you there, I won't need to miss you so much, Alaric" -Princess Evanescence "Don't worry, I'll make sure to write and inform you of my daily life in training" -Alaric "And I'll make sure to write too so you would know what I'm doing here. Promise, I won't sneak out" -Princess Evanescence "Don't you fall in love with other prince or knight, Evanescence" -Alaric "If they don't have your face, I won't" she jokingly said "If you fall in love with other prince or nobles, I won't go back here anymore princess. And I won't let you see me again, understood?" -Alaric Wide eyed, the princess hugged him tightly. "I won't, just come here please" -Princess Evanescence Alaric chuckled and stepped back to see her face "Good, cause I'll be waiting for you, princess." -Alaric With a smile, under the moonlight, Alaric leaned down and give Evanescence a kiss, not a peck but a real kiss. Before he could do anything more, he broke the kiss and rest his forehead to hers. "Consider it sealed. I'm yours and you're mine, princess" -Alaric Evanescence smiled and nods happily. "I need to go, I still need to sleep for tomorrow. And I want to see you beside the queen, watching me okay" -Alaric "Yep, I won't miss your departure and you're arrival too. I'll wait for you, Alaric. Make sure to come back to me" -Princess Evanescence The next day, Princess Evanescence, staying beside the queen, watched her best friend leave. She can’t help but feel sad and stare at her best friend while the king gives his words to the knights. Secretly, without anyone noticing, Alaric looked above and winked at her making her mood light again and smiled widely. As the knights walked out of the palace gates, Alaric looked at Evanescence for the last time, smiling. He waves at her and walked away. Despite the fact that Alaric is walking away from her, she smiled sweetly.