Gene and Brandt arrive at a beautiful green area, adorned with a few trees here and there. But what gets Gene's attention is the majestic waterfall standing high and cascading down to what looks like a swimming pool. It is as high as a twenty story building or so and the water in the pond is so clear, you can see the rocky bottom.
"So, what do you think?" Brandt asks proudly.
"I love it. It's gorgeous."
He shoots her a satisfied grin. "Shall we eat? I am famished." He walks to the bag Shelby prepared for them and takes out a blue blanket first.
They spread it close to the water, where a tree casts some shade from the late summer sun. Then they bring out the food. The prince's assistant has thought of everything. There is a salad, chicken, bread with butter, fruit, cheese, and a bottle of wine. He even packed some tea with strawberry cake for dessert.
'I can get used to this life.'
After they eat, Brandt wraps his arm around her and they both lean against the large trunk of the old willow. They just sit there, listening to the water and enjoying the earthy smell of moss.
"I really like being outside of the palace," Brandt speaks after a long silence.
"I can only imagine how much pressure is put on you as the crown prince."
"I am used to it. My father has been hard on me since I was really young, always reminding me that I wasn't just any child, but the future king of this nation." He gazes at the waterfall for a moment, pensive. "I know that it is my duty, but sometimes, I just want to disappear. Leave everything behind, find a small village in the mountains and live a simple life."
"Would you take me with you?"
He chuckles. "Of course." He caresses her face and looks deep into her blue eyes. His hazel pools are mesmerizing. "A man can't live without his heart, and you have mine, my dear."
Gene's heart skips a beat at his cheesy but cute words. 'God, this man is going to be the end of me.'
She pulls his face closer and kisses him. When Brandt kisses her back, his soft lips make her body tingle. She kisses him again, deeper and more passionately.
Desire takes control of her body as she starts undoing his shirt. She doesn't know how, but Gene finds herself saddling him. Even though her violet dress is huge, she manages to bunch it up and comfortably sit on his lap.
Her hand slips under his shirt which makes him groan against her lips. The sound makes her want to tease him more, but then she feels Brandt's hand on hers.
"Siv." He is panting like she is. "I would love nothing more than to be with you, but not like this." He gives her the sweetest smile.
A crimson blush tints her face as her ears ring with embarrassment.
'Oh God.'
"I'm sorry, I…"
"Siv." He pulls her chin up until their eyes meet. "Trust me, I really want this. But I want us to do it right, on our wedding night." He pecks her on the forehead before hugging her tightly.
'Why does he have to be so proper?'
"I love you, Siv."
"Me too, Brandt."
"Come on." Brandt pushes to his feet and pulls her toward the horses. "I know the perfect place to watch the sunset." He kisses her nose before lifting her up to mount Betson.
"Is it far?"
"No, but we have to climb up, so we'll take it slow."
They ride along the bank of a stream for a little less than an hour. The hill is steep, so Brandt is keeping a slow pace. When they reach the top, hints of the sunset are already spreading through the sky.
The view is breathtaking. Oranges, pinks, and purples tint the clouds and the sound of water catches Gene's attention.
"Let's go closer to the edge so we can see the waterfall," the prince offers as if he read her mind.
"Ok."
Betson calmly follows Brandt's horse, but all of a sudden, a blue light flashes by the animal's eyes.
'Blue Light? Is it the sorcerer again?'
Gene looks around frantically but Betson's loud groan surprises her right before he rears.
"Jesus…" She holds onto his neck, trying her best not to fall as he rears a few more times.
"Siv," Brandt calls her as he dismounts his horse and walks toward the agitated beast with his arms held high. "Easy, easy." He tries to calm him down, but the horse is out of control.
'He's so high. If I fall I'll break my back or my neck.'
Then, as if something triggers him, Betson bolts in the direction of the crest.
"Brandt," Gene screams in horror. She pulls the reins, but the horse's head doesn't budge an inch.
'Oh God, he is going to dive down the waterfall.'
Brandt appears to her left, his horse racing next to hers.
"Siv, I need you to jump to me."
"Are you crazy?"
'This horse is probably going sixty kilometers per hour.'
"Siv, there is no time." He stretches his right arm in her direction. "Come on, just trust me."
"It's not that I don't trust you."
Gene looks at the fast approaching fall with a pounding heart then grabs his arm with both hands. He yanks her off the horse and uses his other arm to pull her to him, setting her on his lap. She squeezes her arms around his waist to make sure she doesn't slide off.
"Are you alright?"
She nods, unable to speak.
Brandt pulls the reins of his horse to make him turn away from the crest. Gene watches as Betson doesn't stop at the edge and just plunges into emptiness. She yelps in shock, then hugs Brandt tightly and lets her hot tears stream down her face.
'The poor animal died because of me. I'm really scared that next time that sorcerer will succeed in killing me.'
*********
If you are NOT reading this on webnovel.com, then you are reading a pirated version.
Please support the story by reading my original work:
www.webnovel.com/book/15951728406623905