Aithne stood in front of the wall with the 'window', staring out into the sky. It looked like it would rain, the clouds already piled up, heavy with cool water drops, waiting to release their content.

It'll probably rain into here., she thought, eying the bars, that wouldn't keep the water from reaching her. Looking around, she decided to sleep on the floor again, on the same place as before, right next to the cell bars. Her stomach was filled with dry bread, which she was grateful for. Not staying hungry did lift her mood a bit, though not much.

The guards had provided her with a bucket, and she decided, to place it into the corner close to the window. That way, it would hopefully save her some of the trouble the wet liquid would bring her.

No need to worry... "I'm quite fine here, so there's no need for it." 

Walking back to her corner, she laid down, watching the clouds pile up even more. Then, she turned, trying to get some sleep...

Another morning replaced the night before, and Heine left his room with more energy than the day before. He still hadn't gotten as much sleep as he wished he had, but it was more than he had actually hoped for. Walking through the corridors, he caught a glimpse of the outside.

It rained..., he realized. I hope Aithne didn't get too wet because of it...

"Have you heard?", one of the maids said to another. "Some of the water leaked into the dungeons."

"It is awful! The windows are built so low, that every drop over a certain minimum can flood the inside."

"I feel terrible for the guards and inmates. The nightshift must've been such a pain!"

Heine didn't listen further to their chatter, as it had already confirmed his suspicions. With a look behind, he decided to pay Aithne a visit once he fulfilled his duties. After all, he cared more about her, than she could imagine.

Café Mittermeyer was as busy as usual, filled to the brim with customers. Ever since Heine had discovered it, he became a regular customer. Of course, it wasn't just because of the coffee and sweets that were served here – he wasn't that much of a sweet tooth normally -, but also because of Prince Licht working here. The atmosphere was truly amazing, and another reason for him to drop by every so often.

Today, Prince Licht worked another shift, while he took care of the lesson preparations. Next to watching him, of course. He found that he rather enjoyed being here, and with the most recent happenings, that he thought of Aithne accompanying him. He was sure, that she would love this place, and decided to bring her, if she wanted to. That was to say, however, if she got free someday.

Licht kept a close eye on the rather nostalgic professor, quickly adding one point to another. He grinned, rubbing his hands, ready to ask his teacher about every little detail, as soon as they got back to the palace. A frown replaced his happiness.

The arrest of that woman sure did take its toll on the prof... Maybe... He's in love with her?!, he thought, his eyes lighting up again. Of course!, he cheered internally. His big love got arrested, and he's trying to suffer through it with her, trying to be by her side-... How romantic!

Swiftly, he placed the cup in front of him, sending him a wink. "My, who's got your attention this beautiful day, teach?"

Heine kind of glared at him. "I suspect that it is in fact none of your business, Prince Licht.", he said, quiet enough so no one else could her him. Fake hurt overtook his student's features.

"Oh man, I was hoping so much for some detail! Tell me, Prof, is it the lady over there, with the pink dress? Or the one with the nice brown hair? You do know that she is married, right? Or...", the younger one chatted on. Then, his eyes widened in mockery. "Oh my, is it the lady they arrested the other day? Never thought you to be one for the kinky stuff, teach~!" Not one second passed, until he had a bump on his head.

Worth it., he thought, holding his hand against it.

"Ow, what was that for?!"

"Educational measure.", Heine said blankly.

"Alright, I get it, I get it.", he winced. "No need to be so mean."

His teacher shot him another look. "I am pretty sure you should concentrate on your work here, Prince Licht."

Noticing his boss looking at him, he chose to back up. "Yeah, you're right. Can't keep the ladies waiting, can I?" He took off again, grinning widely. "This conversation is not over though!"

Heine sighed.

On the ride home, Licht once again carefully observed the Royal Tutor and his behavior. He seemed more off than it was normal, and a tint of worry stretched itself into his mind. Their teacher hadn't been the same since they had been saved by her, and he got even more inquisitive about it as the time flew by. Finally, he decided to ask him about it.

"Ne~, teach. You never really told us about your relationship with your girl there."

He was met with a look of pure annoyance. "As I said before, it does not concern you or your brothers, Your Highness."

"But I'm just so curious~! It's not every day that a strange woman appears, and you act all crazy, ya know?", Licht asked along. His hair was no longer in a ponytail, now, that he was off of work, and he had put the glasses into his pocket. Heine didn't answer for a moment.

"She is a friend, Your Highness."

The prince rose his eyebrow.

"A good friend.", his teacher corrected himself. "Quite brave. Not too shy to speak her mind. We knew each other in the past. She would've been a good teacher for you all as well, even if her lessons would've been based more on practical experience."

Now that's something I can work with!

"So, she's smart as well? Wow, someone like her must be the perfect girl to ask out.", Licht supposed. No motion was to be seen on Heine's face, and he sweatdropped at the lack of reaction. If he took a closer look, however, he was able to see that Heine's fists were clenched.

He must truly care about her..., Licht observed.

In the late evening, Heine stepped down the stairs to the cellar. Just the same as last time, he had a lamp in his hand to provide light for him and her. The closer he got, the more he thought about her situation, and how Prince Kai had mentioned a message from her not to worry. He wasn't sure what to make out of it, and decided, to simply ignore her. As long as need be, he would, in fact, worry. In the end, it wasn't like he could actually do something about it anyway.

The sound of his footsteps echoed between the walls, and probably alerted the guards of his soon-to-be presence. He didn't really care, since he didn't want his visits to be any sort of secret. They knew each other, so why bother?

Once he reached the corridors that held the cells, he turned to one of the guards.

"I am here to speak to Aithne Cordes.", he said.

"I am sorry, sir. She asked us not to let you through.", the guard gave as an answer. Heine was barely able to stop himself from taking a few steps back. His eyes widened unnoticeably, and he looked to the door to the room with her cell.

"Nothing you can do?"

The guard shook his head. "No. I am truly sorry, sir."

"It's alright.", Heine said awkwardly, breathing in and out. "If it's her wish..."

"Good evening, sir.", the man bid goodbye.

She knew it was him, when she heard the sound of leather hitting the ground. With sadness she cowered on the bed, looking at the floor.

"I am sorry, sir. She asked us not to let you through."

"Nothing you can do?"

"No. I am truly sorry, sir."

As am I..., she thought, burying her head in her arms. But I cannot let my reputation destroy yours... Not when you finally found where you belong...

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I DO NOT OWN THE ROYAL TUTOR; ANY PICTURES OR THE MUSIC USED IN THIS FANFICTION