*POV* Lula Sparks Franklin
Iceis's message was the first to return, the metal bird dropped off the message before flying into the sky. I was glad it had come, and
it had saved me from explaining why I didn't like riding horses.
A conversation Zander somehow roped me into after I asked where Mischief had come from. "What does it say?" I got up and moved to lean over and read the note.
Iceis was telling us to be careful, and that her husband would live. I smiled. "That's good news, now we just need mother to answer us."
Zander lifted his face to me and our eyes met.
"Yeah-." He breathed and I realized how close I was. I skipped backward as if to dodge a blow, I brushed off my pants to hide my burning cheeks.
"How long do you think it takes a bird to fly across the 2 kingdoms?" He mused; I shrugged straightening. "I wouldn't know." He was sitting on his log with his chin in his hand watching me.
"I guess once every going back to normal I could send you a note and date it and see how long it takes to get to you." He lifted his head.
"I thought you meant to stay in Elesor a while longer." My eyebrow rose. "I can't say I did, I only can back to make sure your father
didn't think Hilldren had planned Bar's death."
"I see." He stood, I hesitated, wondering why he had thought differently, Zander walked over to pet Mischief. "Why would I stay?" I said out
loud wanting a reason.
He kept his back to me. "Because I thought we were getting along quite well." I understood his meaning instantly, I frowned. We 'don't get
along' instead, I fumed while he sneaked around like a stocker.
"So, you like me?" I blurted; my cheeks were as hot as the sun, but I pressed forward. "Your father said you wouldn't marry someone you don't know. Do you feel like you know me?"
His back was still turned to me, and I wondered what he was thinking, I came to stand a couple steps behind him. "So, you want to get married?" I stepped back as he turned to look at me.
His hazel eyes held a meaning that stilled my breath. "I don't know-." He stepped up to me and looked at me, stopping my words. "You
don't know, what?" I glared at him, my anger flaring.
He was only a couple inches taller than me, "I-." He searched my face and I frowned, unable to continue glaring, this moment that
was happening wasn't supposed to be happening, I hated him! right?.
His hand came up to touch my hair lightly. I shivered and looked down at his collar. "Lula." He breathed, and my eyes flew back up to
meet his eyes.
Then he brought our foreheads together. "I wouldn't mind getting to know you better." He said, my breath hitched as he moved ever closer.
All of a sudden, I saw movement in the corner of my eye, and I pushed him away and threw a fireball in a second without thinking.
I realized after the ball had hit the tree behind him that Stefon stood a couple feet away. "Oh crap!" I squeaked, then I ran over to greet him. "Nice reflexes, but Lula?" He looked over at Zander who moved over to stand beside me.
"Who is this?"
I blushed like a blazing fire and waved my arms in panic. "I am Prince Zander of Elesor, and who are you?" Stefon looked not alarmed at all. "Stefon Rosell, my daughter is Lula's best friend." Zander relaxed.
"I have been sent by your mother." Stefon said, holding out a piece of paper. I snatched it before Zander could take it and pulled it open.
It read: Prince Zander Arch, I am glad to hear from you though it is not good news. I am sending Stefon to bring you back in one piece,
take care of Lula and we will talk more when you arrive. Q. Coral.
I grimaced and handed the note over to Zander, Stefon looked me over and then handed me a bottle of healing elixir. I busied myself with drinking it while Zander read the message.
"I can't take you through the shadows because it's too dangerous, so we will have to travel on foot." Zander stuffed the note into his pocket and motioned to Mischief. "We have one horse, we could travel an hour to the next village and get another."
Stefon looked around us then nodded. My hand began to tingle. "I guess that will work. Lula can ride the horse and-." I stopped him
with a deep frown.
"I would rather walk!" I stated, Zander hid a grin. "Why?" Stefon asked, I grimaced. "Because she's not mine horse. I say we go to the next village and rent a carriage."
Zander patted his pockets and Stefon looked confused. "Do you have any money?" I frowned at him. "You didn't bring any?" He shook his head.
Stefon looked alarmed now, I chuckled dryly. "So much for us being royalty, no one's going to recognize you, and I have no authority here." Stefon pointed to the horse. You two ride and I will walk."
"No!" I shook my head. "I already said I am not riding." Stefon frowned. "I don't see the problem, you two are betrothed. Right?"
"That's not the point!" I turned my face away to hide the flaming fire raging up my cheeks and neck. "Right, what's the problem, Lula?" Zander said in an undertone.
"Fine whatever, I will ride." I grumbled as I stocked towards Mischief. "I will meet you guys in the next village!" Stefon called
after us, Zander jogged over to help me get on.
"I am sitting in the back!" I said moving out of the way. "You get on first, she trusts you more." Zander didn't argue and swung into the
saddle before he offered me a hand.
I took it and he easily lifted me while I swung up. "You could have just given me a stool." I said over his shoulder as I settled, pulling at my skirt. "This is much faster."
I could feel his breathing with the movement of his back, tentatively I put my arms around his waist and locked my wrists as Mischief started moving.
"I can't wait to get home." I sighed leaning my head on his back before I realized what I was doing and jerked back. Zander stayed silent
and I smiled softly, his tenderness was a difference I didn't completely hate.