No matter how much I insisted, Liana wouldn't come inside to talk to my brother, I don't understand this silly behavior of the two of them, if they like each other, then why hide the feelings like that? When my friend left, it was already getting dark, so I offered to accompany her halfway, which meant halfway to the forest of wild roses. On the way back to the castle, I met up with Ariel, who seemed to be returning from a hunt at dusk. Her bow and arrow were firmly under her muscular back, it was impossible not to admire Ariel's beauty.
- Strolling in the moonlight? - Ariel smiled at my sight.
- I just came to walk Liana halfway home. And you? Were you chasing some rabbits around? - I say jokingly.
Ariel laughs.
- No, I don't hunt animals, only enemies from the neighboring kingdom. I was just practicing my aim.
- That's absolutely right. How are your parents? They never showed up for dinner with us at the castle. - I say, starting to walk again.
- My parents are fine, thank you for asking. They have been very busy with their classes at the training center. I feel like we are living with a huge black cloud over our heads, all this tension with the neighboring kingdom keeps me awake at night. - he says.
- It takes away mine too, I'm sure. I feel the same way as you, Ariel, I think everyone in our kingdom feels the same way at the moment.
- I think we'll only feel good when this is all over, if it ever ends. - Ariel's arm accidentally bumps into mine as we walk, and he looks down at me, unimpressed. I smile without him seeing it, he is very cute when he is embarrassed.
- You need to visit me more often, Ariel, it's been a while since you've been to the castle too. - I pretend to be upset.
- I promise I'll come over for dinner some night, okay? - he says with a smile.
- I'll charge you. - I joke.
Just then, Hero appears among the trees, his gaze drawn to Ariel who is beside me, his expression hardens and his hands clench into fists.
- How are you, instructor? - Ariel greets Hero.
- Good. Can I talk to you, Olivia? - Hero stares at me intensely.
- Of course. - I answer calmly.
- Do you want me to wait for you to walk you home? - Ariel offers.
Before I can answer, Hero speaks for me:
- Don't worry, I'll do it.
- So, good night. See you tomorrow, Livi. - Ariel smiles at me, causing Hero to snort.
- See you tomorrow, Ariel.
After Ariel disappears through the trees into the dark moonlit night, Hero pulls me to him, pressing our bodies together.
- Taking a moonlit stroll with the fire prince? - he asks ironically.
- It was a chance meeting, I came to accompany Liana and ended up meeting Ariel. - I say with labored breathing, due to the proximity of his mouth to mine. - Are you jealous? - I tease.
- Of that stick? Not in the least.
- That's not what it looked like, his face turned red when he saw it walking beside me.
- I don't know what you're talking about, little princess. - He takes my mouth in his, my tongue dancing with his, taking my breath away.
- I have to go, I've been gone long enough. In a little while, Mom will send Oliver to look for me.
- So, until tomorrow, my beloved. - He kisses me again and I feel myself floating in his arms. How I love him.