Accused

Weeks went by and only deeper did Gakupo fall for Luka. Miku tried time and time again to convince him of Luka's darkest secret. Yet he wouldn't hear any of it. How could such a beautiful angel be a witch? It was preposterous in his mind.

The sun's light started peeking through the windows of Luka's little cottage. It lit her hair in a way that made it look as if she glowed of Heaven itself. His hand stroked her cheek lovingly. Instinctively she cupped her face into his hand, smiling that smile that sent his heart racing. He kissed her forehead before getting up as slowly and quietly as he could.

He loved her, that much he knew. He loved her little cottage, it was homely and warm and full of wildflowers and herbs she'd gather from the forest and her garden. He wanted to stay in bed with her and make love with her until they were weak and hungry. The very thought made him hunger for her warmth, but he resisted. He had put things off for far too long and had work to do for his father.

He saddled his horse and took off at a giddy pace. He wanted to get his work done quickly so that he could return to her. As he came up to the gate of the village, Miku was waiting for him. He sighed in exasperation. Would she ever give it up? He knew of the rumors of her affection for him, but he just didn't see her that way. She was a sister and friend only and he'd normally let her behavior slide, but it was starting to grate on his nerves. "Please stop this nonsense. Villagers are talking in unkind ways of you and your family."

"Please, Gakupo! She isn't who she seems to be! She's put a spell on you, you just don't know it because you're the one enchanted." She pleaded, walking beside him. She placed a hand on his boot. "I have proof!" The poster she had kept was beginning to fade and smudge, "See! She looks exactly like Luka! And isn't it stupid of her to use her actual name with you?"

Gakupo took the poster, looked at it briefly then let it fall to the ground. "It's coincidental they have the same name and they barely look similar."

Miku grabbed the paper and tugged on his horse's reins for it to stop. "Just take it, and maybe when you've cleared your head you'll see I'm right." She stuffed it into his pocket before throwing her hood over her head, leaving him in annoyance.

He pulled it out and glanced back at the paper. I suppose there are similarities...but she can't be. She's so pure and kind. She would tell me if she were wouldn't she? He shook his head and stuffed it back into his pocket, forgetting all about it as he went about his daily duties.

Towards the end of the day there was a sudden shift in the air. Luka could feel it deep into her bones. It was unsettling and made her skin itch. She tried shaking it off as she ground the herbs in her mortar. Her medicines were running low and if what Gakupo said was true, she could have her own little apothecary shop right in the middle of town. Her heart fluttered at the thought of him and she smiled gently. Ever since that day, she had been afraid of letting in another love. Yet there he was, filling every part of her with love, joy, and happiness. Maybe her past wouldn't catch up to her, she was in another country after all.

There was a soft knock at her door. She almost mistook it for the grinding of herbs on stone, if it weren't for the second harsher pounding. She went to answer the door. "Oh, Miku. What brings you here to...Ah!" Her door was thrown open, tossing her to the ground. Behind Miku poured in three men, their eyes full of malice. "Miku, what's going on?" She tried getting to her feet but was instantly thrown back to the floor.

"Luka Megurine, you are hereby accused of witchcraft. You are to be thrown into prison and to await your trial. May God make it quick." Miku spoke, her eyes pinned on Luka. Their coldness keeping Luka still.

"What on earth are you talking about? Miku, I am innocent of such."

"These men say you were travelling your way here when their crops failed to harvest. Their animals became ill and are dying. This one even lost his child to the wolves that surely followed their master." Her words were like venom. "Worst of all, you've enchanted our mayor's son. If it weren't for your magic, he'd be more focused on his duties to his people. Bind and gag her lest she try to spell you too. And don't forget her eyes. The more powerful ones can even enchant you with a single glance."

Miku turned swiftly, a wicked curl of her lips danced on her face. Gakupo will surely see the light once the trial started. The wretched woman will be gone soon.