Kurapika x Reader One-Shot Collection - Chapter 55: Chapter 55

Kurapika
The blade is so sharp, I don't even feel it piercing my vertebrae.
"Stop the execution of Sir Kurapika Kurta!" you shout.
I have heard that humans are briefly conscious after being decapitated.
I hear footsteps running toward me.
"You must let him go. Please. At the very least, give him a fair trial," you say.
A trial? For a dead man?
"But Lady...this man assaulted you. There is no trial for such a violent act."
"I don't care. Free him at once!"
The executioner pulls me down the bascule and frees my wrists from the handcuffs. I rub the back of my neck. You...saved me.
I fall on one knee, bowing in front of you while placing my hand over my heart. "My Lady, please accept my deepest gratitude."
(Y/N)
Prince Chrollo yanks me by my arm as I stand up. "Let go of me!" I free myself and run as fast as I can to stop Sir Kurapika's execution.
He bows in front of me, giving me the most sincere expression of thankfulness. Never in my life have I met someone like him. Even with all the evidence against him, I still can't believe a man like him would commit such crimes.
I return his bow. "Mention not."
I spin around, meeting face to face with my fiance.
"What do you think you're doing?" he asks me.
I look away. "I...I don't know. Just let him be."
He walks past me toward Kurapika. I look over my shoulder. He pulls Kurapika off the ground and whispers something in his ear.
The taste of death was on Kurapika's tongue only moments ago so I'm surprised to see his eyes widen at whatever Chrollo is telling him. His body shudders and he runs away. A satisfied grin spreads across Chrollo's face when he turns back around to face me.
"What did you say to him?" I ask him.
"It doesn't matter. You have a wedding to prepare for."
I take a step back. "What about his horse? Shouldn't she be given back to him?"
"Your ignorance still baffles me. You worry about such mundane details." He wraps his arm around my waist and we begin to walk. "Still...I will not punish you for your anserine thinking."
He hides a book under his cloak with his other hand.
"Such a strong opinion of the woman who is about to become your wife."
He closes his eyes and smiles. "Love is what matters. Is it not?"
I stop walking. "You never answered my question. What did you tell Kurapika before he ran off?"
He places his hand over my eyes. He chants something in my ear.
"Remember him less each day...soon your memory of his smile will fade away. Just like the sun is always replaced by the moon...your heart that belongs to me will bloom."
He catches me before I fall. His words paralyze me, putting me under his spell.
He picks me up and carries me back to the castle.
We reach the door and he places me back on my feet. "Go straight to your room. Once you're finished getting ready, a carriage will be waiting for you."
I run upstairs to my room. I gasp when I see the beautiful wedding gown on my bed. My maids help me get ready.
I stand in front of my full length mirror, admiring myself. I'm actually getting married!
My maid makes sure my hair is in place. "I can't believe you are marrying someone you only just met."
My other maid places a veil on my head. "Forgive me, but I thought you were secretly courting Sir Kurapika."
I furrow my brow. "Sir who?"
Kurapika
The deep howling of hungry wolves surrounds me as I run through the forest.
I have to stop to catch my breath. I breathe heavily while resting my hands on my thighs. The wolves are coming closer. I can feel their presence. Goosebumps erupt on my skin, causing me to shiver.
"Hello?" a female voice calls out to me.
I turn my head. "Hello? Is someone there?"
I straighten my posture and walk toward the voice. My eyes widen when I see a silhouette of a young woman hiding behind a tree.
I can feel exhaustion deep within my bones. I barely have enough energy to make it out alive, let alone save another person. Without a horse or a sword, I don't know how I'm going to survive. However, I can't just leave another human out here alone. I must help her...because that's what I do. I help people.
I turn around so my back is facing her. "Here...hop on. Let's get you out of here."
I fall to the ground as soon as we arrive on safe land. My eyes fall shut.
My head throbs. I slowly open my eyes, finding myself in an unfamiliar room. I sit up in bed, rubbing my temples. The pain radiates all the way down to the distal phalanges of my feet. I turn my head and notice a pitcher of water on the nightstand. The corners of my lips move upward as I reach to fill the cup beside it.
I gulp it down and refill my cup.
"Ahh..." I wipe my mouth with my hand, taking in my surroundings.
Someone lightly knocks on the door.
"Come in," I say.
A beautiful woman walks in and sits next to me on the bed. Her blue hair cascades down her back and I immediately notice the crown sitting on her head.
"Uh...uh...pardon my rudeness, Your Royal Highness." I stand up and bow.
She giggles. "You don't have to be so formal. After all, you did save my life."
"Wait." I sit back down next to her. "You were the one I found in the forest?"
She nods.
"What were you doing out there?"
Sadness crosses her face. Her eyes are moist. "I...I was trying to run away."
"But...why?"
"Ever since my mother died, my father has kept me locked up inside this castle. I want to be free."
I can feel blood dripping from my heart.
"Princess, please. Don't run away. It's dangerous out there. Especially for a beautiful princess such as yourself."
She offers me a smile. "Don't worry. I was already reprimanded by my father."
I place my hand over hers. "I'm sorry to hear that."
She waves me off. "Oh, it was nothing. I just have to make sure you're with me at all times."
I lean forward. "Excuse me? Did I hear you correctly?"
Her smile widens. "Yes. Father says he owes you his life for saving me and offered you a full-time position as my bodyguard. Isn't that great?"
My stomach growls, interrupting our conversation.
She laughs. "Forgive me...you must be hungry after last night!"
I hold my abdomen. "Yes. Also...do you mind showing me the nearest garderobe?"
She points across the room. "You have your own. Wash up and come down for breakfast. I'll have a maid bring you some clean clothes."
I stand up and bow in front of her again. "I'm called Kurapika. And I'd be honored to be your personal bodyguard."
She claps her hands together. "And you can call me Neon."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Neon."
She shakes her head. "No...just call me Neon."
I walk down the stairs. This has to be the most magnificent castle I've ever visited. Everyone treats me like a hero. I'm quickly escorted down to the great hall.
The aroma of delicious food enters my nose and my stomach begins to growl again.
I wait for the King to arrive before taking a seat.
Neon runs up to me. She's wearing a different dress.
"Why aren't you eating?" she asks me.
"I don't want to be rude."
One of the maids starts to fill my plate.
"Don't be ridiculous," she says. "Sit. When was the last time you ate?"
I take a seat, thinking about her question. "It's probably been forty-eight hours."
Her eyes widen. "Eat up!"
"But...where's your father?"
She waves her hand in the air. "Don't worry about him. He's always late."
I start to eat per her request. Everything tastes delicious.
Neon takes a sip of her juice and puts the glass back down. "Kurapika, what's your story?"
I wipe my mouth with a napkin. "My story?"
"Yes. What were you running away from?"
"What makes you think I was running away from something?"
She moves her chair closer to mine. "Who else runs through the forest at night unless they're running away?"
She has a point. "Well...the day before yesterday, I found out my parents' were brutally murdered, I was framed for stealing from my previous employer, and I was seconds away from dying on the guillotine."
Her jaw drops. She places her hand on my face. "You poor thing."
I raise my hand. "Please. I'm not looking for pity."
She runs her thumb across my cheek. "Let me take care of you."
I laugh. "I appreciate the gesture, but I can take care of myself."
"How old are you?"
"Nineteen. You?"
"I just turned eighteen," she says. "Can I ask you a personal question?"
"Go ahead."
"Have you ever been in love?"
I shake my head. However, my heart pounds against my chest as if it's trying to remind me of something. Or someone. I just can't remember.
She combs my hair back with her fingers, studying my face. "You're very handsome, Kurapika."
My long hair falls back to the front as she pulls away. "Thank you. And it goes without saying, but your beauty is incomparable."
(Y/N)
I stretch out my arms as I open my eyes. I notice the huge diamond on my left ring finger and suddenly realize...I'm married. My thoughts are confirmed as my new husband wraps his arm around my bare body.
"Last night was amazing," he whispers in my ear.
Yes. I remember now. I lost my maidenhood to a man I barely know. A man who is now my husband.
I turn around to face him. Before I have the chance to respond, he presses himself inside of me. I gasp. I haven't even emptied my bladder yet.
"Ow...Darling, I...I'm not ready."
He thrusts in and out of me.
"(Y/N) Lucilfer, you belong to me now. Every part of you. Therefore, you must always be ready to please your husband."
I throw my head back, trying to relax. He runs his thumb over my throat, quoting poetry.
Pleasure takes over my body and I find myself rocking my hips back and forth, matching his movements. I'm compelled to him, and he reminds me of that each time he plunges deep inside of me.
A devilish smile crosses his face as he watches me writhe in pure bliss.
My body convulses as I experience pleasure so intensely, it feels like my soul is leaving my body.
"Good girl," he says.
I breathe heavily as I recover. When I open my eyes, my beloved is already dressed.
Like a phantom, he disappears into the shadows.
After dressing for the day, I walk down the stairs to explore my new castle.
"Where's the library?" I ask myself.
I was promised all of my books would be delivered this morning.
I grin from ear to ear when I see my books piled next to the massive bookcases that line my new library. The book on top of the pile catches my eye. I pick it up, flipping to where the bookmark is placed.
My forehead crinkles. "KK loves (Y/N)," I read out loud. Who's KK?
"I see you found your new library. I do hope you like it," Chrollo says.
I jump to the sound of his voice. He looks down at the piece of paper, snatching the book from my hand.
"Give that back to me at once. I'm not finished with that book!" I shout, stomping my foot.
"Women should not be reading these types of books," he says, face stern.
"Who are you to tell me what I should or should not read?"
An aura surrounds him. My body freezes. Once again, I feel compelled.
Kurapika
Enough's enough. I've spent my entire life striving to be the best person I can possibly be. And for what purpose? I risked my life protecting people who meant nothing more to me than a few jenny. In return, I received the vision of my dead parents in my head and accusations of being a thief.
I know I'm young, but I am no doddypoll. I figured out life is a game, and I plan to be an active player...not an alternate.
King Nostrade did in fact, hire me to be Neon's personal bodyguard. He is compensating me well, and I have been given my own bed chamber. However, since moving in, I've spent most nights with the Princess.
I let out a laugh. Maybe I'm winning this game after all.
"What's so funny?" Neon says, carefully placing food on our picnic blanket.
I kiss her on the cheek. "Nothing, Princess. I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have found you."
She turns her head so I'm kissing her on the lips.
"I told you to stop calling me Princess."
I steal another kiss. "Right. My apologies."
I lay back on the blanket, supporting my body with my arms. A lovely breeze blows through us, sending the scent of wildflowers in our direction.
I inhale. This scent...it reminds me of something. I place the palm of my hand against my forehead. Why can't I remember?
Later that evening...
I allow my head to fall on the pillow. I work hard during the day, but unlike my previous job, I feel rewarded. I'm given the best weapons, am fed well, and sleep on a comfortable bed.
"Kurapika? Have you fallen asleep?" Neon asks me.
"No, my love. Why? Did you have something in mind?"
She giggles. "Always."
I roll over until I'm on top of her. I plant kisses down her neck. "I don't know if I deserve you. You're a sinner because of me."
She wraps her legs around my waist. "Then marry me, silly. I'm sure my father will say yes if you ask him."
I kiss the tip of her nose. "And what if he beheads me for asking?"
"Am I not worth the risk?"
I laugh. "You most certainly are. That's why I'm giving you this ring. Your father was thrilled when I asked for your hand."
I reach into my pocket and pull out an engagement ring. Her eyes widen as I slide it on her left ring finger.
She sits up in bed, forcing me off of her. Tears fall down her cheeks as he stares at the precious jewel.
"My knight...I finally found him!"
I smile. "Are you happy?"
She wraps her arms around my neck, squealing. "Of course I'm happy!"
Neon falls asleep minutes after we make love. I stare into the darkness, waiting for sleep to wash over me. Thoughts flood my brain. I never found out who killed my parents. Something is keeping me from going back...but what is it? Why do I feel compelled to stay on this land? The killer left a note, but I can't seem to remember what it said.
I give up on sleep and roll out of bed. I kiss my bride-to-be on the cheek before heading downstairs to the castle's library.
I hold the lantern close to the books in order to read the titles. A particular book catches my eye. I pick it up, recognizing the title. I immediately start to read it.
"Hmm...this story is so familiar, yet I don't remember where I read it," I say to myself.
I read until my lantern runs out of oil. I curse under my breath. The chapter ended in a cliffhanger.
(Y/N)
Chrollo helps me into the carriage. We've been invited to a royal wedding so we're on our way to the rehearsal dinner. I'm actually looking forward to meeting another princess. Even though all of my dreams are coming true, I still can't help but feel...trapped.
The castle is magnificent...much bigger than ours. I take a sip of my wine, searching the great hall for the Princess and Prince-to-be.
After dinner, we all gather in the ballroom. After a few dances with Chrollo, he excuses himself.
"Feel free to mingle. I'm going to exchange words with the King," he tells me.
I finally get a view of Princess Neon. She's stunning. I'm sure she had a long line of suitors. I'm curious to see the man who won her heart.
I turn around. My mouth parts open. A beautiful blonde man with long hair stands in front of me. He extends his hand out to me.
"Will you honor me with your hand for a quadrille?" he says.
I take his hand. A shiver runs down my spine and travels up to my brain. His touch feels so familiar. "I...I don't know how."
He laughs. "It's rather easy. Just follow along with the others."
I can't keep my eyes off of him. How does a man this beautiful exist? More importantly, why am I thinking like this? I'm happily married. Am I not?
When the song ends, the Princess runs to him. They share a passionate kiss and I can't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. I feel like she's taking something that belongs to me.
He bows in front of me. "I'm Kurapika. It was a pleasure meeting you."
I drop him a curtsy. "I'm Princess (Y/N) Lucilfer."
Kurapika jumps back as if he recognizes my name. "Uh...uh...thank you for attending tonight's dinner."
Kurapika
I press my lips against Neon's ear. "It's a little too crowded in here for me. I'm going out for some fresh air."
"Would you like some company?"
I wave my hand to her. "It's fine. These are your people. I'll find you later."
The music fades as I leave the ballroom and head toward the front door.
"Want to know something about Prince Lucilfer?"
I turn my head over my shoulder. "Who's asking?"
The court jester appears wearing a sly smile on his face.
I turn back to continue my exit. I'm not interested in anything he has to say.
"He stole your maiden from you," he continues.
I lower my eyebrows, turning around to face him. "What are you talking about? I have my princess. We're getting married tomorrow."
He lets out a laugh. "Not the princess. I'm talking about (Y/N)."
(Y/N)? The maiden I shared a dance with? "She's not mine."
He shuffles his deck of cards. "Not anymore."
I make a fist with my hand. "Is this one of your tricks? Because you're not funny."
He tosses a card in my direction. "You don't want to believe me? That's fine. But let me leave you with this...Chrollo is not even a real prince. He's a warlock. He only pretended to be a prince in order to marry (Y/N)."
I sigh in annoyance. I should have him punished for wasting my time, but he's not worth it.
He laughs again. I sense evil in his laugh. "You think you won the heart of the Princess? I almost feel sorry for you."
I have to suppress the urge to punch him. "Don't you dare mention Neon again...do you hear me?" I shout.
"You found her in the woods, didn't you? Sorry to break this to you, but she snuck out almost every night hoping a knight would save her."
"Leave my presence at once," I warn him.
He raises his hands. "Fine. Just know I have more information in case you change your mind."
I walk across the bridge outside the castle. I find my horse, and together we look up to the sky. The clouds change colors, indicating dusk is near. (Y/N). Why does that name mean something to me?
I close my eyes. I see a young girl in the garden. That girl...she's (Y/N)! Yes...we were reading that book together. It's all coming back.
I hear leaves rustling under someone's feet. I run to the sound, placing my hand over the pommel of my sword just in case I need to use it.
"Who's there?" I call out.
"Do you actually think you'll win her heart with chivalry alone?"
I halt, turning to the source of the familiar voice.
"I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you are referring to," I say.
The tall man flashes me a mischievous grin. He clutches a book close to his chest. I've seen him before. "You and I are fighting to win the same prize. It's no use...you should give up now before you lose your life."
His words feel like ice. I can't seem to move when he speaks.
My horse senses my apprehension, snarling at the dark-haired man.
"I...still don't understand."
He laughs. "(Y/N). You're in love with her."
I clench my jaw. How dare he mention her name. "Stay away from her!"
He closes his eyes and smiles. "(Y/N) will be mine forever."
I attempt to unsheathe my sword, but I seem to be frozen in place.
He walks closer to me, looking in the direction of the setting sun. "The question is...do I kill you now or allow you one last fight?"
My eyes focus on the book in his hand. "You're a heretic!" I say through gritted teeth.
"What's the matter? Can't move?"
I...I can't breathe. My lungs...no air left to fight.
"Those sounds you're making...they're the same sounds your parents made when I took their lives."
"Bastard!" I manage to shout. "Let me fight you," I say, voice hoarse.
I close my eyes. Hypoxia sets in. Just when I think I'm going to pass out, he breaks the spell. I fall to the ground, gasping for air.
"You want a fight? I'll be happy to fulfill your request," he says, voice monotone.
I get back on my feet, knees weak. I unsheathe my sword and stare at him with my jaw clenched.
"Tch...no dirty tricks. I can't use magic."
He lowers his head and smiles. A reptile-like creature appears behind him, smoke coming from its nostrils. Chrollo walks away, leaving me alone to fight his dragon.
I've been training for this moment since I was ten. My heart rate accelerates. The smell of smoke fills my nose. Right...I'm not fireproof.
My palms begin to sweat, making it difficult to hold my sword.
I need to find its weak spot.
(Y/N)
I sit and talk with Princess Neon for what feels like hours. I have no idea what Sir Kurapika sees in her. She's not intelligent. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't know how to read.
Speaking of Kurapika, I noticed he left a long time ago.
"Excuse me," I interrupt Princess Neon's rambling. "Shouldn't your fiance be back by now?"
She looks around the room, wide-eyed as if I asked her to solve a riddle.
"Hmm...you're right. I wonder where he ran off to," she says.
"Shouldn't you go out and look for him?"
She shakes her head. "No. I'm not allowed to leave the castle alone."
I feel the temperature of my blood rise. She doesn't seem at all worried about him.
I start to sweat...am I actually this angry?
No...something doesn't feel right.
"Princess, does it feel warm in here to you?"
She begins to fan herself. "Now that you mention it...yes, it does."
I can smell smoke.
"We need to make sure Kurapika is fine. Come with me. I promise to protect you."
She hesitates before taking my hand.
We run outside the castle. Fire blasts next to the forest. Neon runs back inside the castle, not giving a damn about her future husband.
I take off running, not sure what I can do to help.
I fall to the ground. A wind so strong keeps me from rising back to my feet. I turn on my back, looking up. A dragon flaps its wings, breathing fire.
"Kurapika!" I scream as loud as I can.
A man holding a book emerges from the smoke.
"Chrollo?"
He grabs me by the arm and drags me away.
"Why are you so concerned about that useless knight?"
"Useless?" I get on my feet, freeing myself from his grip. "How dare you call a knight useless?" I grab the book he is always clutching. "Why do you always keep this book in your possession?" I start to rip pages out.
He grabs my neck, lifting me off the ground.
Visions appear in front of me.
The knight who found me alone in the garden.
The knight who read with me.
The knight who kissed me.
The knight who made love to me.
The knight I fell in love with.
Sir Kurapika.
Kurapika
The dragon's claw is close to my neck...too close. I've been thrown in the air and pinned to the ground. I can barely breathe.
Her voice...I can hear it in the distance.
"(Y/N)!" I manage to shout.
I take a chance and turn my head to look for her.
Nothing.
I turn my attention back to the dragon. If I can get a hold of my sword then it's over for this beast.
I stare into the dragon's amber eyes. She's no beast. I can see right through her eyes. She's being compelled. I will not kill an innocent creature.
Her claw pierces my skin. I hear her lungs fill with air. One breath and I'm done.
I stop fighting. Maybe she'll sense I mean no harm.
I close my eyes. I can feel the ground shaking beneath me. A bright light appears behind my eyelids. Then a vision of...you.
An eerie calmness fills the air. I open my eyes. The dragon is gone.
I jolt up to my feet and pick up my sword.
"(Y/N)?"
I run, trying to find your shadow through the darkness.
I see his back first. You raise your arm in the air, motioning for me to leave. I slow my pace, lifting my sword.
Your entire future depends on these next few seconds.
I jump, slicing the air. His body vanishes. I grit my teeth and pull back before my blade slices through you.
I land on my feet.
"Kurapika!" You wrap your arms around me.
I lift you up. "(Y/N), my love!" I give you a kiss on the lips and set you back down. "He's close. This fight isn't over yet."
You bend down and grab his book. "Look...he's a warlock! I have his book of spells."
"Yes, I know," I say. "(Y/N), you have to get out of here."
You shake your head. "No. I refuse to leave you again."
Dammit. I need to keep you safe. I take a deep breath, preparing myself to do something that's going to hurt me more than it will hurt you.
"(Y/N), leave! I don't want to be with you. I'm just doing my job."
Your lips tremble. "But...you called me your love."
"I lied. Now get out of here!"
The moonlight reflects off your teardrops. My heart shatters as I watch you run away.
I wait until you're out of sight to shout Chrollo's name.
"Come out and fight me. No tricks this time."
He walks toward me, unsheathing his own sword. "You won't win."
I lift my sword, positioning myself into a fighting stance. He simply holds his sword in one hand, keeping his posture composed. He closes his eyes. Is he that confident? No. I can't let him play mind tricks with me.
I jump in the air, spinning my body around until my sword is aimed at his neck. He blocks my attack with ease. Of course...I didn't expect to win easily.
(Y/N)
I can't breathe. I've spent all of my energy crying. As I lay here on the cold grass, I realize just how much power crying takes away from you. My heart rate accelerates as it tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen going into my lungs. My abdomen hurts from using my muscles. My eyes are blurry from the amount of tears that continue to pour out of them.
I finally broke Chrollo's spell and Kurapika doesn't even want to be with me. If I had the energy, I would bury myself right here in this dirt.
Kurapika
"Your magic isn't strong enough to keep two hearts from loving each other. You may have erased (Y/N) from my memory, but never from my heart," I say.
I slice Chrollo's neck with the blade of my sword, decapitating him.
I lose balance, almost falling to the ground. I've been in countless battles, however, that may have been my most challenging one yet.
I stare at nothing. I won. I avenged my parent's death, and I can finally be with you.
I take off running back to the castle.
I stop at the bridge. "(Y/N)?"
A shocked expression crosses your face. You wipe away your tears as you stand up.
"Sir Kurapika? Where's Chrollo?"
I close the distance between us. "He's...gone. You're free."
You sob into my chest. "Thank you. I owe you my life." You look out into the distance, sniffling. "Sorry. I will take my leave now." You push up off my chest.
I grab your arm. "No." I rest my hands on your lower back. "I didn't mean to hurt you, but I had no choice."
You stare at me with parted lips. "But..." You smile. "You wanted to keep me safe, didn't you?"
"Always." I press my lips against yours.
(Y/N)
The familiar taste of Kurapika sends a shiver down my spine. My heart skips a beat, resetting itself. I gasp, stealing some of his breath.
He pulls away. "Let's run away."
I bite my lip. "I'd love to run away with you, Kurapika."
We laugh as we run hand-in-hand. He stops me once we reach the carriage that brought me here. He opens the door and helps me inside.
He closes the door behind him. I lay back in the seat, allowing the weight of his body to protect me.
His tongue caresses mine. I rest my hand behind his head, pulling him closer. I can feel my knees shake.
He pulls away, gasping for air. "Are you okay, my love?"
I stare into his eyes. I swear...they turn a slight shade of scarlet as if he's showing me his love.
"Yes. I just want to feel you inside of me."
We remove as much clothing from each other as possible. It's a bit of a challenge given the lack of space in the carriage.
I laugh against his lips as he positions himself between my open legs. I arch my back as he presses into me. My hand finds his and our fingers interlace. He holds himself still once he's all the way inside of me. He pulls back, plunging into me over and over again.
His lips brush against my neck, giving me goosebumps. The carriage shakes as he picks up his pace. The love we share is more powerful than magic.
His tongue glides down my neck and stops at my breast. He takes it into his mouth and gently sucks. Once satisfied, he releases it and trails his tongue across my chest until he reaches my other breast. My skin glistens with his saliva.
I never want this moment to end. I'll be happy spending the rest of my life inside this carriage as long as Kurapika is with me. However, every good thing ends, and ohh...how sweet it is. My eyes fall shut as the pleasure intensifies. All of the stars fall from the sky as my body shudders beneath him.
He moans into my ear. "(Y/N), I..." His thrusts become harder and uneven. He falls on top of me, body shaking. "Love you."
He holds me and we stay silent, allowing our bodies to recover. I take his hair between my fingers.
"I love you, too."
Once we are dressed, Kurapika draws a heart on the foggy window with his finger.
KK loves (Y/N).
I smile, remembering the bookmark.
He helps me out of the carriage. We both look up at the castle.
"What now?" I ask.
He tilts his head to the side. "What do you mean?"
I hang my head. "Kurapika, it doesn't matter how many times you tell me you love me. We both know your heart belongs to someone else."
He gulps. "Right."
We squeeze each other's hands as if we're on a sinking ship.
That's exactly what this feels like.
"I'm sorry," he says. "The wedding is tomorrow. I made her a promise."
I wave him off with my free hand. "You don't have to explain yourself, Kurapika."
He stands on bended knee, choking on his tears. "(Y/N), you saved my life. I'll forever be in your debt." He takes my left hand and stares at it. "If it weren't for that evil man, I'd be begging your parents to allow me to marry you."
I kneel in front of him. I place my index finger over his lips. "Shh...let's just enjoy our last kiss."
One year later...
I was forced to move back into my parent's castle. My mother acts a little nicer toward me since I'm technically a widow.
"Why did that prince have to go and get himself killed?" She takes my daughter out of the crib. "At least he left you with this precious baby."
"Yes. We truly are blessed," I say, sitting in the rocking chair.
My mother hands my infant to me. I play with the tiny curls on her head while I nurse her.
"You know," my mother says. "I thought she'd be born with raven hair like her father."
I smile, taking my daughter's golden wisps of hair between my fingers.
My mother turns and starts to walk out of my bedroom. "Well...I'll leave you two alone."
I grab my book from the nightstand. I've already read it dozens of times, but I can't help it. It's my favorite. The bookmark falls to the floor. My baby cries briefly while I retrieve it.
KK loves (Y/N).
I wonder if he ever finished reading this book. Just like us, the couple didn't end up together.
I named my daughter after the female protagonist of the book. Once she's finished eating, I place her over my shoulder to burp her. I stand up and walk to the balcony outside my room. I look in the direction of Prince Kurapika's castle.
Tears fall down my cheeks. My baby cries, sensing my sadness.
I hold her close to my chest, inhaling her sweet scent. "It's okay...your father loves you." I look back out toward Kurapika's castle. "Even though he doesn't know you exist."