First Words

She was about to scream. In fact, she did WANT to scream. But words weren't coming out. She didn't know what she was doing, she simply rolled aside as fast as she could, watching shocked as the lion didn't attack her.

"Okay, kitty kitty, just go away! I'm not going to hurt you... Sshush"

She nervously giggled as he didn't seem to move.

After calming down her loud pounding heart, Ashlyn sat and sighed. "Yeah, look at me, talking to a lion. At night. To a lion. Wow. What did life bring me to?"

"To my dark fucked up mess, m'lady" Lewis was feeling a bit better now. He approached her slowly and gently layed his feline head on her lap, showing submission. She hesitated at first, but moved her hand to stroke his long, wavy brown mane. It was so soft.

"What are you doing here, all alone?"

As she expected, no answer.

"Hmmm do you have a name?"

Lewis roared.

Ashlyn giggled. "Okay, I don't think a rawr like that can be considered a name".

"Yeah, no shit. If I would tell you my name you would run away immediately"

"Hmmm let me see... something noble.. powerful and beautiful at the same time. What about Erin?"

"Well, not that I hate it, but fair enough I guess". The prince raised a bit his head to look at her showing approval. Ashlyn smiled. "Erin it is then, the handsome big cat" she said, playfully stroking his dark brown mane.

"It's so beautiful here..." Ashlyn raised her head to look at the stars in the night sky. "You are the beautiful one here, my dear Ashlyn". The prince felt all troubles left him now that he was with her. Suddenly she noticed a soft vibration coming from the big cat. He was happily purring. She scrunched her nose, melting inside. The girl gently leaned her head to his and closed her eyes.

They stayed like this for more than an hour, just in silence, but happy with each other's presence.

One last look at the sky.

"Well" She sighed. "As much as I'd love to stay here all night, I have to return home before the sun rises. Or you know, problems!" She giggled softly. "Wanna come with me, kitty?" she said as she stood up. The feline growled at her, following the girl as she walked towards her family's house. When they finally reached it, she stopped, turning back to him.

"It was nice to meet you, Erin" She hugged him by the head, and bowed. "See you another day?"

Lewis growled.

Ashlyn giggled. "Ssshh! Don't wake them up!"

The prince watched Ashlyn go to bed and fall asleep, almost immediately. He ran away a few meters, and once he made sure he was in the middle of nowhere, he transformed back to his human self. He smiled widely as he walked across the field.

"Seems I'm falling for her, huh?" He chuckled. "Whatever. I don't care. She's amazing anyway."

*******

The banished prince entered the inn he stayed every night. Despite the years that definitely didn't treat the old building, the owner did his best to keep it a warm and cozy place. The rented bedrooms were the best, and Lewis knew it. He approached the main table, placing a small bag of gold coins.

"Here's yesterday's week payment." he said, walking up the stairs to his assigned room and hiding his face discreetly with the cape.

The inn owner, a short in height, bald middle-aged man grabbed the bag, making sure of the right amount. "Have a good night's rest, Monsieur".

Lewis didn't reply. He closed the door as quietly as possible and tossed his black cape on the chair, changing his clothing to sleep. He needed to get his proper cat's rest. Another masquerade ball was being held soon.

And he knew, he had to look at his best, to see her once again.

*******

Six months passed.

Six months passed since Ashlyn first met Armand in that Christmas masquerade ball. They kept on meeting each other sometimes, as far as he let her see him, because he always told her he was very busy with his work. She was sure he was nowhere to be found anyways.

The girl finally finished combing her blonde curls into a bun and put on that white lily hairpin she always loved wearing. She looked at herself in the mirror. "Not bad", she thought. Not interested to attract any attention than his, she chose a delicate light peach dress.

"Oh god, what am I even doing?! You were going to create your own future Ashlyn. What the hell is wrong with you, girl!!"

She shook the thoughts from her head and walked to her room again to shut the door behind her. She sighed and placed the hairpin on the desk.

"You're going because you're pretending to please your parents. Stop thinking about him". You have a plan. Work silently, get out as soon as you can. Don't bother them."

Ashlyn took a deep breath. Him or not being there, it was a thing she was going to see anyway. She grabbed the hairpin and put it back on her hair.

The girl took her white mask and left her room to meet her family in the main room.