"Why have you chosen to stay by my side, Riri?" Keelah sighed. "I may be Princess in name, but in action? ... I am not fit to lead... I am a terrible Princess..." "Your Highness..." started Riri. "Am I so worthy of that title? Were it stripped, would you continue to protect me? Tell me, why do you remain loyal to a traitor??" Cried Keelah. "I-it's my duty, Princess! I was assigned your personal guard, after all..." Riri looked grim, unsure of what to tell her. "Duty, then? And nothing more?" Keelah asked. "I didn't say that..." Riri replied. Keelah sighed. "You know I ran from a betrothal, do you not? I was to marry a man my father had chosen... for political reasons, of course. The prince's father has a great army... the joining of our nations would have greatly improved the intimidating strength of our army..." Riri merely sat and listened to her attentively. The Princess clearly needed to talk about this with someone... though she couldn't help but be flattered at the thought that she was considered a confidante. Keelah continued... "my running from this betrothal may have ruined any chance of alliance... and it may have even sparked hostility - or worse..." "If you feel this way, Princess... a-and forgive me if this is out of turn, but... if you are so worried about all this... why DID you run?" "My father would not hear my objections... to him, I am just a piece in a political game..." "I... I see..." "He could not sacrifice a strategic advance for the petty fact that I do not feel for the man to whom I was betrothed..." "I understand, your highness..." Keelah grew quieter. "Truth is... I do not think I could ever feel that way for ANY man..." "You do not wish to marry, then?" Riri asked, gently. "Well... I didn't say that..." Keelah blushed a little. "But I am heir. I am expected to marry a prince and give birth to a NEW heir..." "Your Highness... I... I think what you did was... right." "You... you do?" Keelah looked at her protector, with tears beginning to well in her eyes. "Marrying someone you feel nothing for... condemning yourself to a life of unhappiness, at the order of another... that... that is wrong. And I... I think you were very brave to run away." Riri trembled as she spoke, terrified she may say something too far out-of-line. Keelah burst into tears, shocking Riri. "Thank you, Riri," she sobbed. Riri smiled at her Princess, and was suddenly engulfed in unexpected embrace. The shock froze her for a few seconds, but she softened, and held the emotional young woman, with tender care. "Do you have someone waiting for your return, Riri?" Keelah sniffled. "Have I stolen you away from someone dear?" "No, no... worry not, your highness... I... I have never been burdened with feelings for another." "Does that make you... sad, at all?" "Not one bit," Riri smiled. "I will take my life and feelings as they come. And I shall be honoured to do it by your side, your Highness." Keelah smiled, and rested against her guard, feeling safe, and relaxed, having let her bottled feelings out. As she began to drift off into sleep, she said softly, "Riri... you know you need not be so formal, all the time... you may address me as Keelah..." Riri blushed, while Keelah drifted deeper and deeper. "Yes, your Hi--y-yes... Keelah..." A smile spread over Keelah's face, as she fell fast asleep. Riri gently laid her into bed, before laying down, herself. "Goodnight, Keelah..." she whispered to herself, smiling, softly blushing, and drawing ever closer to the land of dreams...
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