A Letter

Sage's POV:

Nox and I stay in my uncle's house for another hour, in which we mostly just sit and talk, or just sit. I don't mind the silence, it's comfortable enough.

Nox can't stop looking at me like he is looking for something, and it's only when we get on our horses that I realize he is searching for an answer on my part about his confession. I know I need to say something, but even if I was sure he wouldn't regret his feelings, I don't know if I want to be the one responsible for a possible heartbreak on his part. I don't know what I feel - I do know it's more than what a mere fiend would feel - by I also don't know if it's something permanent, and as disgusting as breaking his heart sound, doing it knowingly sounds even worse. I want to be able to be certain about my lfe before I make any drastic changes about them. Nox doesn't need to be a part of the entire process. But, I remember, he asked to be. He WANTS to be. So... This is more confusing than I thought it would be.

"What are you thinking about so hard?" Nox suddenly asks.

I try a fast smile. "Nothing important." I say. I know Nox wants me to share more with him, and after his little speech I might even try doing that, but it doesn't mean I want to share every single thought in my head. Especially though concerning HIM. Those stay in my head until I'm ready to share them.

"Are you sure?" I feel him concentrating on me.

"Yes." I dismiss it. "It's alright." I try to change the subject. "Remind me why we're going to talk with your father again?"

I still don't look at him, but I know he's frowning. "You're going to tell us everything that happened last night, and we'll see what we can do to help."

"I don't need help."

"Something tells me that is not true. Maybe it was your vomit, or your tears, I don't know." His voice is sharper now.

I sigh and don't add anything. He is right, we both know that.

As we reach the Waylen family mansion, I look at all the so-familiar roads and a slight smile appears on my face. It's beautiful, all the well taken care of flowers, and the greenest of greens grass. When I was younger, I used to come here not only to meet with Nox, but also to just sit here in the silence. It was one of the most comforting places for me after my parents' deaths. I needed something serene and quiet, and it was what I got here.

Nox's mother died giving birth to him, so he never knew her, but I used to find myself walking with no one's company but mine, when suddenly I saw a figure on a bench, looking outward to the world and view beyond. I loved everything about the place, and didn't think it was very likely that anyone else might find comfort in such a place. But that was where Nox's father and me really connected and found each other samilliar. He lost his beloved wife, and I lost my parents, and we both found comfort from two things. The beautiful garden, and... Nox.

He was a very happy and energetic child, and so was I, but his enthusiasm was so pure that as children I always imagined him borrowing the life of his mother and putting to use with his life. It wasn't the loveliest thought, but I was young and I thought it was utterly lovely how alive he was - still is - and I really still think so.

And then, one day, when I was walking down a quiet road of white and purple flowers, I saw Nox's father. I thought of turning around,but then he called me, and he sounded sad, and as a twelve year old that lost her beloved parents merely two months before, I was helpless and I guess I just wanted SOMEONE to talk to, so I walked to him and sat there with him, and we looked at the view.

Brayson Waylen, has become that day more than just my friend's father, he has become MY friend, and I guess that that was what both of us needed, someone to sit with in silence, not while we wallow in our grif, or while we wish to simply remember.

Nox and I ride near the familiar bench, and I smile at it softly, because it was the thing which has always given me peace, and I have Brayson to thank for that, I guess.

I feel Nox's gaze falling on me before he asks gently, "Are you okay?"

I give him a light smile, but I feel happy, and I think it shows, because he smiles back with his lovely face. "Yes," I say. "I'm just fine."

Sometimes I wish I could just live in this place, at Nox's house, with his father and his lovely servant who respect me, and the friendly guard who has alway made sure I was safe even without a direct order from either one of their masters.

"You know, I wanted to give you your birthday present before we go to meet with my father, do you mind?" he says and his eyes lighten.

He seems excited about giving me the unexpected present, so I nod. "No," I say. "We can do it whenever you like, but you didn't need to get me anything."

His smile is kind. "I know, but I wanted to. you deserve your wishes to come true, I believe."

That brings a smile to my face and a breathy laugh escapes the safety of my mouth. "You are something." I say.

"Well, something is better than nothing, don't you think? If I cannot be defined, then at least I am something."

"Why, I believe you're right."

When we arrive at the house, a stable boy comes to take our horses to the stables, and we thank him. Then I ask, "So where are we going first?"

Nox's smile is beyond excited. I think his present is more than something I'll be able to hold. He has always shown much seriousness concerning birthday presents. "Let's go to my room." he says and takes my hand as he leads me away.

At the hallway we pass the head servant of the Waylen household. "My lord Nox, welcome back." Carlos greets him, then says to me, "And you've brought the lovely Lady Hawkins."

I give him a smile. "Always a pleasure, Carlos."

"The pleasure is all mine." he says and bows his head in gratitude. He says to Nox: "Your father, I believe he is expecting you for some time now."

Nox nods. "Why, yes. Could you tell him that we have arrived and that I am giving Sage her present before we come and meet with him?"

"Of course, Sir." Carlos says. "I will go right away." he bows lightly to each of us, then takes his leave.

"I've always thought the servants here are much nicer than in my house." I say.

Nox smiles like he knows something I don't. "Well, don't worry, soon you will be able to get out of that awful place."

"Two years is not exactly soon, Nox."

"No, I agree." I don't understand what he says. I will get out of there soon but he agrees that two years is not soon?

I give him a questioning look.

"Relax, Sage. Let's go find your present."

He again pulls me by taking my hand in his. I like the feeling of my hand in his, and I feel butterflies in my stomach as he brushes a thumb over the back of my hand.

When we get to his room and he opens the door, I ask, "What did you get me?"

"You will see. Patience."

He leads me inside, then leaves my hand which suddenly feels too empty without his hand entwined with it. He goes to his study desk through a door, and when he returns, I see a piece of paper in his hand. "Well, at least you didn't overdo it this time." I mutter, though he can hear me.

He stops when he gets in front of me, and hands over the paper.

I take it and look down, seeing nothing but words first. It looks like a letter. I look up in question, but he just earges me to read, so I do:

'Dear Nox,

'I must say I was slightly surprised when I read your previous letter and your request. I am used to you never asking a favor from me. Let alone as something more than just a friendly favor, but a princely favor. I do not mind, of course, I think you deserve it.

'Per your request, I contacted the man who is responsible for your dear friend Sage's parents' matters, and he agreed to grant me your favor. She can legally do as she pleases with the documents I sent you with this letter, and I hope for you that she will. I am so very happy for you, my friend. Sage is officially able to move out of her uncle's house and her horrible treatment. Her freedom starts three days after her birthday. Send her my good wishes.

'With all sincerity, I wish you the best of luck.

'Your friend,

'Crown Prince Weston Lockwood.'