I spent the rest of my afternoon in the Wild Vines Forest. I was not really in the mood for dueling trees as I often was so instead I lied down in the grass and watched the goings on of the trees. I could barely see the splashes of blue sky through the thick leaves, but still the rays of sun managed to shine their way through. The grass was cool, and soft; I felt as though I could sleep for hours. Indeed I must have because when I opened my eyes next the rays of sun had shifted downward. It was not dark but I knew that it was near dinnertime.
I sat up, brushing out a bit of soil from my hair and off my back.
“You seemed so at peace,” said a deep voice. I shot up from the ground, drawing the little dagger I kept in my boot. Wolff Lairveaux put his hands in front of him in defense. “I did not mean to startle you, Princess,” he said slyly. I lowered my dagger and he put his hands at his side.
“What are you doing out here? No one else comes out here.” I was genuinely shocked to see him standing in my glen. How long had he been watching me sleep?
“I told your father I was going back to my estate,” he said, slowly walking nearer to me. “I saw you head in the direction of the forest, and so I made my way here after leaving through your castle’s entrance.”
I put my hands on my hips. “I easily could have guessed as such. I mean, why are you here? I’m afraid I’ve left my weapons in the armory so we cannot have a rematch.”
“Ah, I see. I will consider myself thwarted once again then.” He had been taking small steps in my direction, and suddenly the space between us could have fit a very small person. I took a step back in return but he did not take one forward. “No matter, though,” he said, turning around and facing the gazebo. “This is lovely; the vines, do these grow naturally?” Wolff began circling it, touching his fingers to the intertwining green and brown rope-like vines. “I like what your father has done with it. The pillars are just right in number; the shape of the roof turned out very nice. Your father wanted a square top but I suggested a domed top. And these,” he said, reaching up to the top of a pillar to the right of the entry, touching the carved-out leaves that protruded from the stone, “I suggested these. I thought they would add a natural woodsy feel.” I didn’t say a word; I was not aware that he had helped my father with my gazebo.
He saw me scrutinizing him, and saw my perplexed expression. “It was his idea of course, you being the beautiful young daughter of a great King. I just gave him a few suggestions that would improve its appearance, and hopefully please you. They have pleased you, I assume?”
I didn’t know what to say. “The gazebo pleases me, but more so the thought my father put into it pleases me; your suggestion are of no consequence to me.”
“Is that because you do not like my contributions, or because you do not like me? I cannot possibly believe it is the second.”
“The gazebo is beautiful, Wolff,” I said, making my way closer to him. “I think the domed roof compliments the natural surroundings of the glen, and the carved leaves are an exceptional touch. I spend a lot of time here, in fact.” I was now standing in the little entry of the gazebo on the second step so I could meet his height. Once again the space between us was minimal.
“I am disappointed then. I was so sure…” he trailed off. I realized then that my heart was thrashing in my chest; I thought he could certainly hear it. At that moment he leaned in, put his hand behind my neck and pulled me to his face; his lips met mine and for a moment I was unable to react, but somehow I unfroze myself. Heat radiated from my face throughout my whole body, and I thought I must still be asleep, having a magnificent dream.
Wolff pulled away and put his mouth to my ear. “Meet me at the edge of my estate, just after dark,” he whispered. He left me standing there as he mounted Vapele; his face was frozen with his usual hard expression. He disappeared into the trees and the sound of galloping faded quickly. I stood in the entry of the gazebo unsure of what had just happened. I did however know one thing—I would have to sneak out of the castle as stealthily as possible in just a few hours.
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