Time for Everything

    "I thought I'd find you here."

    I was startled by a soft voice coming from behind me. I stood on a cliff overlooking the calm sparkling lake below the castle, a soft cool breeze pushing back the thin strands of my long black hair. Pushing my hair away from my face, I turned to see my visitor.

    "Did you come to see me, or the sunset?" I smiled sadly.

    In the orange yellow glow of the evening, Nick, as I'd known him, stood someway behind me. The breeze ruffled his white-blond hair and blew back his long gold trimmed white coat. As ever, his eyes were concealed by the white mask only covering his upper face, the nose rest extending down like a hawk's beak.

    "Hmm, they're both worthwhile to look at." Nick remained where he was, hands in his pockets. I couldn't tell what he was really looking at.

    "But you can always view the sunset... but you won't always be seeing me." I looked down, partially hiding my face with my hand holding my hair back.

    "Hmm, you're right. I didn't really think about that." Nick turned his head to the side, regarding something else.

    A dull pang throbbed in my chest. I brought my other hand up to steady my breathing. My lips quivered and I couldn't help furrow my brows in distress. Nick turned back to me, his pale lips set thin and straight, hiding his emotions.

    But one could feel it...I could feel it, the presence of serenity, kindness, and one other thing. It was like a security, the presence of - of - of light. Yes, he was like the presence of light.

    And yet he had come near and alongside me. This mysterious young knight, magically appearing and safeguarding me. As if he were a guardian angel.

    A wave of calm came over me just thinking about this and I unconsciously smiled.

    Nick gave a twitch of a smile, shifting on his feet. His mouth opened and closed hesitantly. Eyes wandering, he finally cleared his throat.

    "Um, I came to say goodbye."

    And my heart hurt once again. I bowed my head quickly, trying to hide my frown.

    Nick noticed. He always noticed when I was out of composure one way or another. It was as if he knew all about me.

    "Sorry - your highness. I don't - didn't mean - to cause you unnecessary pain - sorrow."

    I closed my eyes and lowered my hands from my face, taking a deep breath, releasing it slowly. "It is alright, Nick. I foresaw that this would occur..."

    Nick's voice came gentle and sympathetic. "I'd stay a little longer, if I could."

    I opened my eyes shakily to his face. "Can you not deter your departure?"

    "Unfortunately, no." He was straight forward and honest. Unlike the soldiers of my kingdom, Nick did not hold much reverence for my royalty. But he was more understanding, I learned. More real. An individual with feeling that he shared.

    For so long I had been locked away from the companionship of people. Many respected and feared me for what I was. A princess, one of royalty, an unreachable figure upon a throne. And they all believed that I was an untouchable figure. As much as it was my duty to reach out and guide them along under my ruling, none of them thought they could reach back and hold hands with me. None of them... knew me for who I was.

    "Why not?" My voice sounded weak as I struggled to retain composure. But what was I struggling against? What more could my hope produce?

    "Because..." Nick's voice came low. "My job is completed here."

    "You are still permitted to remain here if you like," I blurted hurriedly. "I and my brother would love to have yourself about here. You would not be required to exert yourself in any unpleasant way..."

    "It's not that," Nick said slowly, apologetically. "How do I say this? I have to return to my superiors and report back to them. They are expecting for my return."

    I started. "Oh... I see..."

    I turned around to place my eyes on the sunset, what little left of it there was. I gripped my fists, holding them in front of me. Disappointment was welling up rapidly within me.

    I suddenly felt conscious. Did he know I would be disappointed?

    No, that was not the right question. I was not thinking straight. Why could I not let Nick go? Yes, the danger was passed, and everything was well, but I was not satisfied.

    Yet how could I be so blind and inconsiderate of him?? After all he had done for me. For my family. For this kingdom.

    And... what had I done for him?

    A rush of despair flooded in my mind. I couldn't do anything after all. I could not protect myself, could not run this kingdom on my could, could not even repay Nick for his duties. It was his 'job' after all, and his superiors took charge of that.

    Why couldn't I repay Nick? Why hadn't I done so already? Where had my mind been while Nick had been focused on his task?

    I looked back at Nick. He stood unmoved, but perhaps a little restless. I felt an expectant air about him. Of course, he wanted to return to where he had come from. His task was over. He had no more purpose to remain here.

    Then... why had he been so kind, so close, if he'd known that he would be leaving? Did he not feel sorrow at our parting? Did he not... feel anything at all?

    "Nick."

    "Yes, your highness."

    "Tell me... " I halted myself. What did I want to know?

    "Yes?"

    "What... what do you think of me?"

    Nick started. I had caught him by surprise. As I thought, he really did not see me as....

    "Your highness, that - " Nick scratched the back of his head. He smiled gently once again. "I have no direct answer to that."

    "Just tell me everything then. I want to know."

    Nick directed his gaze to the ground. He drew in a breath. "Well, of course, at first I thought of you as my charge. There was danger around you, and I had to take care of it. If I'd failed in my mission, then you'd be my regret. But we got past that part.

    "So then, when I became your personal bodyguard, I got to know you a bit better. Honestly, at first it was just so I could understand how you'd act to situations, and that helped me to see how things would play out between you and your opponents. I could guard you better that way.

    "But, you know..." The faintest tint of red rose to Nick's face. "...once you get to know someone, you can't avoid that they have traits that you like."

    I tensed, feeling a flutter in my chest, and smiled. Yes, I could understand that very well. If Nick hadn't taken the time to talk to me when I felt low, then I wouldn't have discovered he was more than just a merely hired bodyguard.

    "And so, you and I hit it off like friends." Nick resumed placidness. "You're compassionate, sincere, and have a sense for justice. Your people, I know, love you. Look up to you. I'm glad I've met such an aweso - admirable person as yourself. You're a good friend." Suddenly, a full grin bloomed on his face. But I couldn't see his eyes and my reflexive reaction was to frown. Friends. That was his view of us. Good friends.

    And to be expected, Nick noticed.

    "But, don't be mistaken, your highness." The masked bodyguard slowly stepped forward until he stood before me. "Getting to meet people shouldn't be taken for granted." He reached down.

    I gasped as he held my hands in his warm ones, glancing up quickly at the masked face.

    "Nick?"

    "Every time you meet someone, it's an opportunity to let them be who they really are, because everyone is special in their own way. Only because they don't know that, is why they try to hide themselves. And you know what..." Nick looked past me to the lake, bathed the dying rays of gold and purple. "...because your people think you as special already, you can always turn that around and tell them how special they are to you too as your kingdom."

    Nick turned his face back to me. I was not sure how I felt like at that moment. It was hard to tell if I was feeling anything, or if I was too full of feeling. But my hands tingled against the touch of his and I stood still, entranced.

    "I'm really glad I met you, Kirsi. And I'll always remember you. Because you're special."

    I jerked, finding my voice. "I - ! I want you to stay!" I took my hands from his and flung them around him, wishing to keep him as near as possible.

    "If I had the liberty.... I think I would too."

    I could feel his hands hovering hesitantly over me, at the same time pressing my face into his chest. Such warmth. Such security. If those things left me, would I be able to stand alone?

    "Don't worry, Kirsi. I'm sure there'll be an opportunity to meet again."

    No, I did not wish to hear such things.

    His hands rested lightly on my shoulders. "Right now, I have to go." Gently attempting to push my away, he bent his head down.

    I bit my lip, struggling not to succumb to this burdening pressure upon my eyes.

    "It's time, Kirsi. There was the time I met you. There was the time I spend with you. And there's the time I have to be away from you. It's time for me to go, Kirsi."

    I shook my head. His forehead touch my shoulder. Soft and husky his voice came directly into my ear.

    "We'll meet again. "

    "...it's hard," I choked.

    "I know..." Nick paused. "Think of this. There's a time for everything, and there will be a time when we see each other again."

    "Nick..."

    "So... look forward to seeing me again, Kirsi, if that will make the days easier to bear. And be the person who everyone knows you are. Because I know you will do that best."

    Nick began to lift his arms - clasped them around my waist and pulled me close.

    To my surprise, he swung me around. Before I could comprehend his actions, I felt his lips against my cheek in a brief kiss. My moment of shock allowed him to swiftly draw himself away from my grasp, and the last rays of the sun struck me directly in the eyes.

    The last glimpse I had of him, as his hands slipped away from mine, was the pair of brilliant blue eyes twinkling at me like the stars. A rush of wind got in my eyes then both the sun and his fond smile vanished from my sight.

    "Nick!"
    
    I opened my eyes wide, ready to throw myself into panic. But then I heard his voice.

    "See you soon, Kirsi."

    The voice like an enveloping blanket wrapped itself about my mind, lingering long. I grabbed at it, filling my mind with it...

    ...till the light of the day waned... and then, the glory of the constellations showered me with their beams.

    If I could have cried, the night for me would have resolved bitterly. But as I gazed back at the stars, I felt as if there stood someone by my side. A guardian angel perhaps.

    It was then I noticed I clutched an strange object in my hands. Somehow, it's shape was familiar. I looked down -

    and beheld in my hands a white mask.

    "See you soon."