Kiss From a Rose - Chapter 10

Chapter X

Her Favor, His Love

There was a very big crowd cheering as the winning competitor came out from behind the curtains. The Princess and Radarr were waiting for him on top of a small pair of stairs. The young woman in the pink dress gestured for him to come closer to receive his prize: she was holding a very well crafted handkerchief that was supposed to represent her favor and his honor. He stood at the base of the stairs as she tied the cloth around his neck.

"Congratulations, noble warrior." - she said - "You've proven to be fierce, cunning and honorable, and for that, you shall be named the new Sky Knight of Terra Solaris. We'll be forever grateful for your will to guard us."

Everyone clapped and whistled excitedly. Their new Sky Knight had just been chosen! That was an event that would be remembered for the rest of their lives and beyond. Piper remained a little bit distant from the new knight, though. She might have given him her favor as part of the event, but… He just couldn't replace Aerrow in her heart. Yet… She felt like there was something strange about this mysterious warrior, especially when she looked into his eyes.

Radarr gave him two thumbs up, congratulating him for his victory and gestured to the pod, where there was a microphone so he could make a speech. Beside the pod was the counselor, holding up a very big golden trophy. The man in the helmet walked there and humbly accepted the prize. He held it up as the spectators took some pictures of him, then he placed it carefully on a table near the pod so he could speak to the public.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your words and for placing so much faith in me, I'm very honored." - he bowed, then he looked at the crowd - "Here I swear to unconditionally protect all of you to the best of my abilities, no matter what. And I hope I'll be able to always keep this oath for the rest of my life, just like I'm keeping my promise to come back for you…" - he paused for a moment to remove his helmet, revealing who he truly was, then gestured towards the Princess - "…My beloved Piper."

Her hands flew to her mouth as her heart melted and tears ran down her face upon seeing his especially messy red hair and his deep green eyes staring tenderly at her. She knew that familiar feeling about him was right, yet, it didn't spoil the surprise of seeing him, the brave Sky Knight she loved so much, who everyone thought to be gone, came back from the dead just for her. Radarr was just as happy as she was, he was already crying from joy.

Unable to hold her eagerness any longer, she rushed to him, almost tackling him off the pod. She hugged him very tightly with her face buried on his shoulder, her tears wrinkling his brand new uniform, but he didn't mind that at all. They pulled away slightly just enough so they could look at each other's faces.

"Aerrow… You came back…" - she was in so much awe and joy that her voice came out almost like a whisper - "How did you…?"

"Well, I simply couldn't stand being away from you, so I had to heal myself as quickly as possible." - he told her - "And the moment I recovered, I just followed your light."

She smiled and shook her head a little at his flattering explanation, then she placed both hands on his face and pulled him into a kiss. He didn't have to think twice to return the gesture, so he tightened his embrace and deepened the kiss. The people from the kingdom were cheering loudly. Not only did they have a new Sky Knight, but their Princess was finally going to get married and become a Queen, along with a new King they were certain would be just as great as their current ruler.

And that's how it went. The next week the preparations for Aerrow and Piper's wedding were done and everyone could enjoy the ceremony. Radarr even managed to get hooked with a hen that was lucky to catch the Princess' bridal bouquet right beside him and winked suggestively at him. With a new King and Queen, Terra Solaris entered a new age of prosperity, the whole world remained in peace, and everyone lived happily ever after.