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In the time we spent in Rabanastre before crossing the Giza plains, I decided to take a walk to clear my head for the coming journey,

‘You know your way around right?’ asks Vaan. A good-natured boy and cheerful companion; I know he means nothing ill by this question.

‘Yes, we wouldn’t want to lose you in a city like this, princess’ Balthier cuts in with, ‘thieves and scoundrels of the worst kind in the more unsavory areas’ he raises an ironic eyebrow.

‘I am certain I will find no worse than the company I hold presently, Pirate’ I spit back at him, ‘and how dare you assume, that I, heir to the throne of Dalmasca do not know my way round Rabanastre, the capital city no less!’ I turn my back to the group and attempt to storm off into the crowd with a sense of dignity. However I hear Balthier teasingly whistle at me, causing Vaan and Penelo to giggle at the fool I’ve been made of. Furious, I run into the crowds and hide myself from him and his vindictive habits.

Unfortunately I concentrate on my anger more than my directions, and find myself lost in one of the ridiculous back alleys of the Muthru Bazzar, I go to follow my tracks back, but the thought of having to see Balthier’s face if I do so drives me away, and I resolve to find another route. As I follow the twists and turns of this labyrinth panic sets in and I become desperate to find a way out. Luckily after maybe fifteen minutes or so, I see an exit to one of the main streets down the back of a number of shops, I rush down the dark little alley towards the light of the street when I nearly collide with a man who steps out of one of the back doors in the wall. I mumble an apology and look to the floor, embarrassed,

‘Charging around like that, princess, anyone would assume you were lost’ he suavely says. My whole body tenses at the sound of his voice, but down in my stomach, butterflies stir

‘Then those who assume are fools,’ I go to pass Balthier by, but the wretch steps in front of me, blocking my passage; I go to the other side, hoping that it was an accident but he mirrors me, a wicked grin on his undeniably gorgeous. ‘Balthier stop playing children’s games!’ I order, and try to shove him aside and flee to the street. But as I try to push his shoulder he moves it, consequently I lose my balance and begin to fall, managing to find yet another ingenious way to humiliate myself in front of him. I have no time to fall though, for he sweeps me up with his left arm, placing his hand in the center of my back and bringing my face up to his, my skin tingles with his touch, and I blush at the thought of how improper this must look, Princess Ashelia, hidden up a dark back alley in the arms of a sky pirate! But instead of releasing me and allowing my escape, Balthier draws me closer, closing the gap in between our bodies and placing two fingers lightly under my chin.

‘Alright your highness,’ he gently tips my face up and kisses me softly on the lips ‘we’ll play some grown-up games then,’ he kisses me again, and when our lips part I see him smiling in a very self-satisfied fashion.

‘Balthier I…’ I start indignantly, but do not have time to finish my speech, as he stops my open mouth with his own, and playfully kisses me once more, with a shock I feel his tongue flick into my mouth, as it mischievously taunts my own. His hand moves from under my face to around it, and he runs his fingers through my hair; having never shown much interest in me, I am surprised by this sudden affection. My mind screams to stop this treacherous kiss, but my body rebels against my it, and instead of pushing him violently away as I should, I begin to kiss him back. My hands, which were tightly balled into fists uncurl, my knot of fingers unravel and I am left deserted by my body; in the embrace of a Sky Pirate, unfortunately enjoying it a great deal more than I should. Our trance is broken by a voice,

‘Princess Ashe!’ Hollers Vaan as he ducks and delves between the people on the street as my head sharply turns toward his voice, I break away from Balthier’s kiss; Vaan must think I am lost, I suppose I am… Ever the thief in his element, I see him snatch the purse off an imperial guard and stuff it into his pocket, guard remaining blithely unaware of his loss. Luckily neither Vaan nor the imperial notices us, and bath jog off out of sight. Seeing them makes me realize how ridiculous this, I have a resistance to lead and a crown to regain, and I cannot be sidetracked by the attentions of a man like Balthier. I try to break away from him, and return to my lonely pursuit, but his warm arms hold me still, and he looks me quizzically in the eyes.

‘Not having any fun?’ He says in a voice that would suggest he knew otherwise,

‘Vaan…my people’ I stutter ‘they…they…need me.’ I hang my head a little, ashamed of how silly I sound.

‘Somebody needs you princess,’ he ducks his head down and looks up at me, ‘but it’s not Vaan’ he moves and kisses me again, I close my eyes and he squeezes me closer, until I can feel his very heartbeat through my chest…or is it my own? His kisses are practiced and skillful, I can tell he has some expertise on this matter; a leading man of course would naturally be a fantastic kisser. I try to hold back from him, but my body betrays me once more and I slip into his grasp. I wonder why I; so used to standing alone and leading others, fit so perfectly into his shadow, allow myself to so easily be dominated by him. Winding a strand of my hair about his finger, I lay a hand on his upper arm, and realize their strength, hidden under his delicate silk shirt. Although I think I can endure no more of this, I cannot bear to stop. It is he, who suddenly breaks our bodies, pausing a second to finish the last kiss, for of course it would be rude to leave a lady wanting. He turns my body towards the street entrance, places a firm hand on my shoulder and with no explanation practically marches me like a prisoner onto the street, where I see the rest of the group have gathered to leave the city. My insides freeze at the thought that they know what just happened, and I see the uncertainly in their eyes…

‘It appears that her royal highness does not know the streets of Rabanastre as she might suppose’ Balthier’s words infuriate me and I rage inside, but secretly I am thankful he has covered for us. My lips burn at the deed they just committed with this unbearable yet addictive man. I quietly knock his hand away from me, shoot him a murderous glance to make sure he knows I don’t feel any different about him, and run toward Basch, who thankfully looks only a little suspicious of me, as we head for the South Gate.

To my horror, when I steal a glance at Balthier as we head out onto the Plains, he winks at me and smiles that smile that makes you want to scream and throw yourself into his arms at the same time. My mind swears never to give into him again, but I cannot vouch for the willpower of my body.