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(Day after escape)
Ayla looked around her room. It was a disaster still. Furniture upended all over the room and she had brushed her hair but she was still quite a mess. She sat with her head back on her couch and just stared out of the window. She could feel that there was a lot more on the verge of happening.  The news of Fenros' death was all anyone could talk about.

[color=f7941d]"Are you sure this is a good idea sir?"[/color] Victor sighed and looked to one of his men with a smirk. 
[color=a0410d]"It's not like I plan on hurting the lass, I'm just keeping a close eye on her is all," [/color]he said as the turned a corner. [color=a0410d]"Fenros was a traitor and has been dealt with, but we don't know if his treacherous ways have spread to others within the castle. His sister included,"[/color] Victors fellow knight nodded before shaking his head. 

[color=f7941d]"Its a shame really, she is always such a good lass. Its hard to believe that she would betray the throne,"[/color] he said with a saddened look.

[color=a0410d]"Anything can happen,"[/color] Victor muttered before spotting Ayla's room coming up. [color=a0410d]"Head back to the barracks and relax before our patrol,"[/color] he ordered. Victors knight complied with a bow and turned into another hallway as Victor continued on.With a deep breath he formed his greatest warm smile and knocked on the door gently. [color=a0410d]"Lady Ayla? Are you present?"[/color]

Ayla heard a knock at her door and she hesitated. [color=f6989d]"Victor?"[/color] She murmured. She had wondered why he had not come to tell her or at least to comfort her. She still looked pretty badly to her horror and necessity. Looking as exhausted as she felt she opened the door.  She didn't let him see her until he entered the room. She was looking away from the door. [color=f6989d]"Why didn't you come and see me? How could you let me find out like that?"[/color]

Victor sighed and bowed with regret in his eyes. [color=a0410d]"Im sorry, I wanted to come to your side the second we had learned of his fate, but my men and I had been ordered to attend to a small disturbance outside of the castle. Please forgive me my Lady, the last thing I wanted to do was leave you alone in these hard times,"[/color] he said with shame written on his face. 

Ayla was suspicious but kept it to herself. She didn't really know him well. She turned around as she was wiping tears from her eyes. [color=f6989d]"I'm sorry that my room is such a mess ....I had a bit of anger to work out. I still can't believe he is gone. I can't believe the king had him executed so fast! No trial no nothing!"[/color] The fury in her eyes was real and she let him see it. [color=f6989d]"Not even a word about what it was that he had been charged for. What if they think ..."[/color] Her voice broke.[color=f6989d] "What if they think that I had something to do with whatever he was accused of? People are already mad that I defend him. He is my BROTHER! Why would I not defend him?" [/color]

Ayla was truly upset about the others' behavior. [color=f6989d]"He was convicted by the king and by the public based on the king's word....but he is....was"[/color] She choked on her tears [color=f6989d]"....my brother."[/color]

Victor frowned and lowered his head with respect for her brother, the traitor. As Ayla began to cry Victor took this chance and quickly walked up to her and gently brought her in for a hug. [color=a0410d]"My Lady, forgive me for this odd action but seeing your tears brings me more pain than any battle wounds. I can not bring him back, but the most I can do is honor him as who he was. A General of the throne and a very loved older brother. I respected him and felt only sorrow when I learned of his fate,"[/color] he said before pausing for a moment to think of his next words. [color=a0410d]"My Lady, I will be by your side to help in anyway I can. Please use me for your anger and sadness. Let me aid you in these dark times,"[/color] he finished. 

Ayla let him hug her and felt his body against hers. [color=f6989d]"I don't know how long I'll be here. I'm getting some dirty looks and I hear people whispering when I come round the corner. I don't know how long I can stand it. Then of course there is the possibility that I could be accused of something simply because I'm his sister and loyal to his memory."[/color] Ayla looked up at him and put her hand on his cheek. 

[color=f6989d]"I wouldn't want you to be put in a position of having to arrest me."[/color] She sobbed into his chest hoping to hear what he thought about that possibility.

Victor listened to her sobs and tightened his embrace as he lowered himself to her ear. [color=a0410d]"Lady Ayla, we will never be in that position. You are innocent and I know it, so I will do all in my power to ensure you are kept safe from unjust punishments,"[/color] he swore. 

[color=f6989d]"What if it's not in your power? What would you do then? Until all of this happened I would never have thought that the king would have someone exe-"[/color] She sobs at the thought. [color=f6989d]"..executed without a trial, let alone that someone being my brother."[/color] She couldn't help being soothed by hearing his heartbeat. Her sniffles seemed to lessen and she turned away and wiped her tears away.

He thought for a moment before clearing his throat. [color=a0410d]"I know it is not much, but if it were to come down to it I will put my title as a member of the Vanguard on the line,"[/color] he said before gently turning her back around and clearing her eyes of her tears. [color=a0410d]"I wish to protect you and the memory of your brother so please trust in me,"[/color] he said as he held her hand within his. 

Ayla shook her head. [color=f6989d]"No, if he did this to Fenros so fast he could do it to me too. It wouldn't be your title on the line it would be your life if you helped someone like that. I ..can't let that happen. You saw the king. You know...if he chooses to do it there is nothing that can be done." [/color]

Ayla looked up at him through tear blurred eyes and she stepped back. 

Victor was now in a pinch. He had to make her trust him enough. With a deep breath he thought for a moment and decided to roll the dice. [color=a0410d]"If the king decided to send you to the same fate then I... we will leave," [/color]he said. [color=a0410d]"We will leave before they can get their hands on you. My men are loyal and will aid us if need be,"[/color] he stated before taking a step forward. [color=a0410d]"I swear to you that I will take you away from harm when the time comes,"[/color] he swore with a determined look.

Ayla did not expect him to say that. [color=f6989d]"Why would you do that? That is treason. Even to say it would get you in trouble. Why would you risk everything for me? You shouldn't count on your men. They are loyal to the crown not you specifically. Wait, I'm betting you would defend anyone you thought was innocent. That is a wonderful thought and you are kind to say it. I just would rather ...I don't know anymore. With Fenros gone everthing in my life is different." [/color]

Victor thought of his next words and sighed. [color=a0410d]"I would risk everything for you because... because I have never had these type of feelings for a single person. Its so wonderful and brings me joy! I dont want to lose that, even if it means I need to forsake my home,"[/color] he finished.

Ayla wanted very much to believe him but they had only shared a couple of kisses it wasn't like it was love or marriage. She smiled at him softly wanting to believe him. [color=f6989d]"I care for you too Victor."[/color] Ayla wrapped her arms around his neck and let him hold her for a moment.

Victor smiled softly and planted a kiss onto her lips. [color=a0410d]"You have no idea how happy I am to hear that my Lady,"[/color] he chuckled before planting another kiss on her forehead. 

The feel of his lips on her skin felt soothing and she stayed where she was for a couple of moments before pulling back so she could see his face. "[color=f6989d]I should be more careful, with more people watching me right now they might get the wrong idea."[/color]

Victor cleared a few strands of hair from her face and smiled. [color=a0410d]"And what idea would that be?"[/color] he asked with a chuckle. 

Ayla chuckled a little derisively at the thought. [color=f6989d]"That I'm not a proper lady. You are the second non related man that came to visit me today."[/color] She glanced out the window and back to her guest. 

Victor raised an eyebrow and wrapped his arms around her waist. [color=a0410d]"Second? My Lady I would hope you are not playing with two men's hearts, are you?"[/color] he chuckled before shaking his head. [color=a0410d]"I know you are a proper lady, so damn anyone who says otherwise!"[/color] he stated with a grin. 

[color=f6989d]"No, I'm not playing with anyone's heart. He is my brother's, was ....I can't get my mind to wrap around that he is gone. Ryker came by to make sure I am alright. He had known me since I was very young, I'd say around ten or so. We just shared some stories about Fenros."[/color] Her eyes lit up at the mention of her brother and then her smile faded.

Victors grin soon dropped as he saw her smile fade and mentally sighed. [color=a0410d]"I wish I could ease your pain my Lady, but Im glad someone could come to check on you when I had failed to do so," [/color]he said before pulling her closer. 

Ayla smiled when he pulled her closer. [color=f6989d]"Does it make you a little jealous that he was here earlier?"[/color]

Victor scoffed. [color=a0410d]"Me? Jealous?"[/color] he asked before pausing for a moment and sighed. [color=a0410d]"A little yes,"[/color] he admitted with a small smile before leaning in for a kiss. [color=a0410d]"But Im happy with this,"[/color] he chuckled.

[color=f6989d]"I'm glad. There is no need to be jealous. Ryker is not likely to pay attention to me like that. I'm sure he has girls chasing him. He is just too pretty not to have a harem of girls around him."[/color] There was a look of interest in her eyes. [color=f6989d]"I'm not stunning enough to get his attention in that way. Even if I hit him upside the head he would only see me as Fenros' little sister."[/color] Inside Ayla was curious to see what his reaction would be.

Victor raised an eyebrow and cleared his throat a little. [color=a0410d]"Well, all I can say is that its his loss,"[/color] he chuckled. Though behind his humor he mentally groaned with annoyance. He would have to keep Aylas heart with him and not this Ryker. He hid his annoyance well with a small smile before frowning a bit. [color=a0410d]"I may overstep some boundaries, but would you rather be with... him than me?"[/color] he might as well throw out that question. 

Ayla blushed. [color=f6989d]"It's not like that. It's not even an option so why worry about it?"[/color]

Victor smiled sheepishly and chuckled. [color=a0410d]"Apologies, forget I ever brought it up,"[/color] he said before gently rubbing her blushing cheek. [color=a0410d]"But I must say, you are very cute when flustered," [/color]he chuckled before stealing a quick kiss. 

Ayla felt her entire body respond when he kissed her. She was going to have to control that if she was going to be able to keep things from this man. She did care about him but she wasn't able to trust him about Fenros. He had already lied to her once. She knew she was the subject matter that day on the field and he had not admitted that when she asked about it.

[color=f6989d]"Well, I daresay, if you keep kissing me like that I will not be able to stand on my own feet. Please quit apologizing for everything. As far as I know you haven't done anything to apologize for, have you?"[/color]

Victor smiled and shook his head. [color=a0410d]"No my Lady, it is just an instinct that was drilled into my head when I was a knight in training. As for standing on your feet,"[/color] he smirked and snuck two quick kisses from her lips again.[color=a0410d]"I find it almost impossible to keep our lips separated, so if your legs finally give away then I shall carry you with joy,"[/color] he chuckled. 

[color=f6989d]"If I fall you'll carry me? Somehow, I think that is more likely than you think. So if we were away from here and free to do whatever we wanted. What would you want to do?"[/color] She was trying to take her mind off of everything that had gone on recently. Her tear ducts were raw and she couldn't take anymore crying.

Victor thought for a moment before grinning and swaying back and forth with Ayla tight in his arms. [color=a0410d]"Well I would like to explore this world much more, maybe find a good piece of land and just live,"[/color] he chuckled and kissed her neck with a grin. [color=a0410d]"Of course you would be by my side,"[/color] he whispered. 

Ayla's heart skipped a beat when he said that while he had her body pressed up against his. His kiss on her neck tickled slightly and she couldn't help but laugh. [color=f6989d]"I would? You would want me by your side? Aren't there any other girls that take your fancy?"[/color] She leaned up and began kissing his neck. [color=f6989d]"Mmm you are salty." [/color]She giggled and went back to kissing his neck.

Victor cleared his throat as she kissed his neck and blushed slightly. [color=a0410d]"Of course I want you by my side, you are the only woman that has made me act this way,"[/color] he said before a shiver ran up his spine. Her kisses were getting to him and he let his hands run up and down her back as he continued to return her kisses.

Ayla suddenly realized that she might have gone too far in her push to see what he was up to. He was making her feel so good and it was starting to make her brain fuzzy as her senses grew more responsive. 

Afterwards…..

Ayla held him close and tried to calm her breathing down. She couldn't believe this was what she had been waiting for. No wonder adults wanted them to wait til they got married. People would never leave the bed if they didn't have to. She smiled with joy for the first time in a very long time. [color=f6989d]"Are you alright?"[/color]

Victor chuckled and slowly raised himself over her with a grin. [color=a0410d]"A little dizzy, but in a good way. How about you?"[/color] he asked before gently kissing her neck and rolling over to her side. 

She slid over into his arms and laid her head on his shoulder as she looked up at him. [color=f6989d]"I have never been more relaxed and except for recent events never happier."[/color] She yawned as she was getting sleepy. She held onto him as she fell asleep.