Katherine and Daniel

Across the land, the sun had begun setting. The night was quickly on the horizon whilst the clouds grew thicker. There would not be much of a bright moon that night. It could have been certainly an easy task for a thief to commit a robbery without a problem. Nobody would have known of the thief.

Katherine knew this and did not hesitate to unknowingly ride off from the court with her horse and a large covering over her body and head to protect herself from the somewhat chilly night. Not a soul that night would question her disappearance. Within a short time, she had reached the seaport. Getting off her horse, she parked it and tied it against a piece of the pier. On the other side of the pier laid the boat waiting for those royal and wealthy.

"And whom might you be?" asked the large watcher of the boat door.

"I am Kassandra, courtier to the late prince." Her heart held an uncontrollable beat that was disturbing. Before another spoken word, she had to breathe. "May God rest his soul."

"Indeed. God rest his soul. I am to assume you are running off now that he is gone?"

Katherine nodded her head in agreement and in turn, the man let her come inside. Walking in, she had amazed herself that she held the ability to lie about her name and royal position. She had not been certain if the man would recognize her. To think of it, she had spent most of her days in the last few years inside the court. Few knew of her identity. Perhaps it would be difficult for any soul to recognize her that night on the boat. The concern was soon gone once she saw the inside of the boat. It was as if she had stepped into a glorious ballroom. Golden stairs lay at the end of the room with only about three others in attendance from what her eyes could see.

"Would you care for a Fruit on a Stick?" asked a waiter who held a plate.

She did not hesitate to pick up a stick full of strawberries, pineapples, and a strange new red fruit shaped in a square that she had never come across before in her life. The new fruit was the first thing she tasted. With a glorious juicy and hydrating soft relief to her tongue, a smile escaped her.

"What might you call this?"

"Yes, that would be watermelon. We have plenty more in the kitchen if you would like."

"Could I take the rest of your plate instead?"

Rolling his eyes, the waiter agreed, handed her the plate, and walked away toward the kitchen. In a split moment, she placed five pieces of watermelon in her mouth and laughed for it was too much. Yet, she did not care and could not help but dance in her own way. Crash! Her dance was interrupted by the unforeseen sight of a body. All the fruit on her plate fell to the ground.

Yet, she showed no concern for the food, for her eyes widened at the glorious man she had crashed upon. This man's skin knew how to shine. His eyes were but a dream for the soul and his smile full of teeth so perfect. It would make anyone lose their very soul. Her fingers had been tempted to touch his lips, but alas, all she could do was glare at the wonderous man. Had she forgotten how to speak? Her heart certainly knew how to beat quicker than it ever had before.

"Apologies," spoke Daniel who needed a new lesson in swallowing. "I will collect the fruit off the ground for you." Yet, he continued to stand in his spot without saving the fruit.

The sight of whom was in front of him prevented him from acting on his offer of help. It was as if his heart fell into his stomach with chills traveling through his spine and around his body. His wobbly legs would soon need to find a seat. In front of him stood a woman with a saintly figure who had been covered by red clothing. Yes, this included her fair and striking breasts. He could not say whether her skin was light or dark for it felt as if it had been mixed. Whatever the instance, it was perfect for her face glowed with a memorable smile that could not be contained. The lady was an angel.

"Perhaps only the watermelon needs saving," she finally spoke with courage.

"What of the pineapple?" he responded remembering the art of breathing.

"Pineapple tastes like dog's vomit. It is not worth saving."

"I take that you have once tasted a dog's vomit?" The gorgeous man could not help but laugh at his response and began placing the watermelon back on the plate and handed it to her.

"No, yet I once saw a dead dog lie in its own vomit." she retorted with a slight giggle as she handed the plate to a passing waiter whilst saving one piece of the watermelon. "And what of you? Have you seen a dog?" It had only at that moment occurred to Katherine that she had only heard stories of dogs.

"I have seen two or three dogs in my life," for some odd reason, no matter how hard the boy tried, he could not stop smiling. "But without a doubt, I have seen more ass than a dog."

With the watermelon already lying on her tongue, this interesting response caught her off guard and caused Katherine to spit the fruit back onto the floor. An uncontrollable amount of laughter resulted in tears traveling out of her eyes. Daniel did the same and eventually, they were able to calm themselves.

"Let me just clarify," he stated. "I am referring to those irritating animals."

"Yes, I certainly was hoping so. Indeed, I was." A silence immediately formed between them. Who was to speak? What words were to be shared? "By the way, I do not believe we have introduced ourselves. My name is Kassandra, courtier to the late prince."

"Ah yes, the late prince. A shame he is gone. You can call me Davian, the royal ambassador to the Ishmorites." Daniel began to feel a bit woozy. Had he lied to a perfect angel? Surely not.

"The slaves need a royal ambassador? Such a strange world. Regardless, I am pleased to meet you."

The two of them lifted out their hands and shook. Daniel could not comprehend the hand that he was holding. This graceful angel held such soft and warm hands. Not a chance would he want to let go. Was the rest of the skin on her body the same? Desperation arose to feel this skin. This very thought created heat all over his own body. If he was not careful, he could collapse to the floor. Something had to be done.

"Well Kassandra, what do you say we get a breath of fresh air outside and stand on top of the boat? It seems to be a bit stuffy."

She agreed and they made their way outside.

This concludes the eighth chapter! Katherine and Daniel finally meet! A new chapter will return next Saturday! Please remember to comment and vote.

How do you feel about their first encounter?

Should they be lying to each other about their identities?