He made his way to the stables quickly while he watched over his surroundings. His heart pumping and short of breath, he took wide steps as he grabbed the door handle and flung it open. Reaching his horse with the saddle in hand he readied her for a quick trip to town. He stroked her neck gently before he mounted and as he walked her out of the stable, he noticed a figure standing in his path blocking him from passing through.

"Where are you headed off to, Vestin?"

"I have an important matter to attend to in the Inner City, why do you ask, Lo?"

"Will you be gone long?"

He leaned up on his horse, with a smug grin crossing his face.

"I assure you that I will make a hasty return to your side, Lo. Are you scared to lose me?"

Loraz frowned and folded her arms across her stomach as if to cradle her chest. She looked away as she became teary-eyed and said,

"Well, yes. I didn't think I would see any of you from Yorland again. When I wake up to get ready for my morning class it is a great comfort when I open my door to see that you are there waiting to escort me. This morning there was no one at my door and I wondered if something happened."

Vestin paused as he was about to mount his horse then turned to face her. He rushed over to her as he saw the look on her face. Pulling her into l his arms and let her bury her face into his chest to shield it as she cried. Hugging her tightly he whispered,

"Lo, you cannot get rid of me so easily. I promise you I am just going to see off a friend that I traveled with on my way to you. I will be back by your side fulfilling all your needs and listening to all your troubles, within the curfew."

She peeked up at him, her eyes moist, brows frowned, and lip slightly poked out.

He whipped at her cheek to catch a lonely tear. Her pout face was so strong and used to control his every move back when they were children. With one look into her eyes, he gave up trying to do it his way. He smiled at her softly and leaned into her.

Her eyes watched as he smiled and then moved in close. With her arms trapped between them, she waited to see what he planned to do. She could feel her heart racing the closer his face came to hers and then she closed her eyes hoping if she couldn't see she would calm down.

As he watched her reaction, he felt his heart pumping. He had wanted to hold her in his arms like that forever. The only thing missing was the passionate kiss. Only inches from her lips he stopped. He released her from their hug and backed away.

Loraz blinked as she stared at him. What just happened and why did he stop? Was it because of her? Several questions flooded her thoughts as she stood there. There was an awkward silence for a moment then Loraz cleared her throat.

"Just make sure you come back without the bruises this time."

Vestin looked at her and smiled. Same old Loraz, she was good with reading her surroundings. He didn't wish to steal her lips in a stable, their first kiss should be treasured. Eventually, he would work up the courage, but it wasn't the time or place.

"I told you that was just a friendly chat between men. I forgot to visit my friend on time as promised and we tussled a bit. Nothing major."

Loraz shot him a look and he instantly knew she didn't buy his story.

"Well, it seems major when you have a black eye and three bruised ribs. You only just got better so don't overdo it, please. I don't like seeing you hurt, Vestin."

Vestin chuckled a bit and reminded her,

"You do remember that I am a soldier of Serenity. A captain at that. A few bumps and bruises won't put me down. I trained for this, Lo, so I could be near you and protect you. Besides, once Jayel hears about you appointing me to be your Second, my head is the next trophy."

"I dare him to lay a finger on you and he will see how it feels to look at the world with his eyelids closed."

Vestin walked back over to his horse and mounted her.

"Listen if you want, I'll take you with me." He said.

Loraz's eyes widened, and she rushed over to him.

"Really? I haven't been outside the Central City in so long." She said, clapping her hands softly. Then she rolled her eyes as she heard the voice of reason floating through her head. "Robert would be furious with me though if I went out without an escort."

"And what am I? I can be your royal escort through town. Come you put my hood on and make sure to keep your identity to yourself."

"Wouldn't it be better if I changed out of this dress?"

He united his hooded cape and handed it to her.

"I can't wait any longer, Lo. If you wish to come with me then put on the hood and climb up."

Loraz reached for the hood then someone came and grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

"She will do no such thing."

They both looked over and saw Robert as he stood behind Loraz, holding her hand, and glaring at Vestin.

Vestin smiled and chuckled as he watched Robert's face screw up and burn a hole into his face.

"Ah, the infamous big brother prince has shown his face."

"Watch your tongue, soldier."

Loraz pulled her hand away from Robert and tried to pry herself from between him and Vestin' horse.

"The two of you behave. You both promised."

"Well, I must go now. I assume you will be able to take care of Lo while I'm gone."

"Don't think that just because I'm a prince I don't know how to defend myself or others."

Vestin winged at Loraz as he mentioned his horse to move.

"Good. Well, Lo, maybe we can have that ride through town another time."

Loraz cheeks flushed, and she turned her head away from his gaze and replied,

"You say that every time."

He chuckled a bit as she moved out of his way a bit more and he motioned his horse to take off.

"Don't blame me. Blame your royal bodyguard, Prince Robbie."

As he picked up speed, he heard her yell out to him,

"You better come back unharmed!"

He waved a hand to let her know he heard her.

She turned over to Robert and sighed at him then walked off.

Robert followed her, worriedhe had made her upset.