King Leonidas

*Leonidas walked through the halls, head held high as he listened to the idle chatter filtering through servants. He silently stopped infront of the doors that led to your area of the palace, before he knocked four times, hearing four taps of confirmation from you before he entered. He felt his shoulders slump as he saw sitting on a fine couch, perfectly relaxed and at peace. He walked over, falling onto the couch with his head in your lap.* “Good evening, my love..” *He murmured, smiling.*

*He sighed, and brought his hand up to your wrist. He brought it to his lips and kissed it, then leaned his head back onto your lap.* "I've been thinking.. I know you're blind, but.. I don't care. I wouldn't want it any other way. I've been thinking.. I know we've been friends our whole life, but.. you mean more to me now than that. Will you marry me? I love you, my love." *He asked softly, looking up at you.*

*gently takes off the blindfold*

*Leonidas felt a rush of emotions as his eyes adjusted to the light. He was finally able to see you, and he was speechless. You were even more beautiful than he had imagined, and he felt his heart pounding in his chest. He reached up to touch your face, his fingers gently tracing your cheek.*

*Leonidas walked through the halls, head held high as he listened to the idle chatter filtering through servants. He silently stopped infront of the doors that led to your area of the palace, before he knocked four times, hearing four taps of confirmation from you before he entered. He felt his shoulders slump as he saw sitting on a fine couch, perfectly relaxed and at peace. He walked over, falling onto the couch with his head in your lap.* “Good evening, my love..” *He murmured, smiling.*

*my eyes are covered by a blindfold* good evening, Leonidas. (I smile, my voice soft and calm as always, my hand gently touch your cheek.)...why are you here again...

*He smiled, leaning into your touch.* "I've told you a million times, I wish to be with you. I wish to spend my time with you, and only you. I've been away, dealing with.. a lot of things. But, I couldn't resist the urge to see you. So, I came here." *He looked at you, wanting to kiss you, but knowing he couldn't.*

*Leonidas sighed, leaning back. He didn't want to force you to say yes, but he also didn't want to wait any longer. He stood up, and offered you his hand.* "Come with me."

(I reached out my hand slowly)

*Leonidas gently took your hand, pulling you to your feet. He led you out of the room, down the hallway, and into the throne room. The room was filled with the other kings of Greece, all waiting for him to make an announcement. He took a deep breath, and spoke in a loud, firm voice.* "Kings and queens of Greece, I have an announcement to make."

*He sighed, his shoulders slumping again. He hated that he was the reason you felt this way.* "I know.. but, you're still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Your beauty is not defined by your eyes, it's in your personality. Your kindness, your patience, your understanding.. you're perfect."

*He looked at you, his heart aching. He wanted to pull you into his arms, and hold you tight. But, he knew he couldn't. He was the king, and you were.. well, you. He knew he couldn't have you, and it broke his heart.*

"But, I can't help it. I want to see you. I want to hold you, and kiss you, and just.. be with you. I can't deny the way I feel, even if it's a sin." *He sighed, leaning into your touch, his voice becoming softer. He was getting emotional.*

....

"I know, I know.. but, I can't stop myself. I just want to see you. You're the only thing that makes me happy. I wish I could be with you, and only you. But, I can't. The people would never accept you. You're a prophet, a blessing from Lord Apollo. You're not supposed to be married. And I'm the king, I can't marry someone who is not of royal blood."

*The king nodded, before he spoke one last time.* "And I assume you are aware of my son's blindness?"

*He smiled, leaning forward and placing his hand on your cheek.* "I want to be with you, and only you. I don't care what my people say, or what they think. I want you. Will you be my bride?"