CHAPTER 8: HIS SECRECT PLACE

He gripped my hand tightly as we hurried out of the castle grounds and into the forest. As we wandered farther into the forest, we came across a little creek with large boulders in a zigzag pattern.

He helped me climb the rock and warned me to be careful, "Careful princess," as he leapt onto the rocks and extended out his hand.

He was leading the way, and I was following him, so I grasped his hand firmly as I ascended the rock. I felt a rush of adrenaline as I followed his lead, trusting him completely in this unfamiliar terrain. The sound of the rushing water and the chirping of birds surrounded us, creating a sense of peace and adventure.

We carefully went to the other end, and I managed to ask, "Where are we going?''

''You will find out shortly, '' he stated while smiling at me.

''All right, your highness'' I said, fixing my dress.

' Do you think we could quit using formal addresses? I'd like it if you could just call me Eric if you feel we are friends and not just members of the court .'' He looked me in the eyes and said,.

''I do believe we are friends, Eric," I responded.

'' A bit more than friends?'' he said with a small grin on his face.

'' A bit more than friends '' I said surely.

''I am glad to hear that'' he said then started walking again. We both walked again for some time and then I saw something which left me shook' .

The forest seemed to end and a levelled plain appeared, with so many flowers surrounding a small wooded house, the flowers seemed to never end. Two horses were munching on grass, one white and one black. It was so beautiful the sunshine made every detail shine even brighter

A carpet of fine evergreen needles covered the forests floor perfuming the clearing with a sweet scent

We both walked towards the house and opened the door, just then a dog pounced upon Eric , wagging its tail in excitement. The dog's barking echoed through the peaceful clearing, breaking the silence of the serene scene.

 he took a few steps back, the dog was licking his face again and the room filled with laughter

Eric was such a mysterious man, last night he was simply a duke in my eyes, whom I liked, but this Eric seemed like a common man, of daily tasks, who finds happiness in the darkest moments, he was like the light you see at the end of a cave, he was like the light you see at the end of a cave.

Just as I was standing I left two arms around my neck. The stranger put his sword up to my neck. Before Eric could react I elbowed the man in his stomach, I twisted his arm around his back and put his sword up to his neck, 'You want to try that again sir ' I said making sure he felt pain and fear. The stranger's eyes widened in surprise as he realized he had underestimated me. I held my ground, ready for whatever may come next.

'Woah!, serves this stranger right to attack a lady from behind, You keep impressing me Del ' he said proudly

'Ay Eric, tell this woman to leave me! '' the stranger groaned '

'I loosened my grip and pushed him away '

'This is my friend Adrian'' he laughed

''Oh! forgive me sir I am so sorry '' guilt was all over my face as I realized my mistake. Adrian just chuckled and shook his head, forgiving me instantly. I felt relieved that the situation didn't escalate further.

'' Serves him right, there is no need to apologize, he pounced on like an animal I am glad that you could defend yourself, I am really glad about that fact about you,'' he remarked looking at me

Adrian looked at me apologetically '' yes I realise it was my mistake, I thought you were a thief or something, truly sorry about that Miss Delilah I am guessing that is your name''

'' Yes, that is my name and it is okay, I guess that was a natural reaction to give to a stranger in your house.''

Adrian smiled, Eric looked at Adrian '' Have you seen a thief this beautiful? well yeah she sure did steal my heart but just look at her Adrian ''

I laughed and blushed and just looked and Eric '' I have not stolen it yet, but I am planning to, it takes time don't you think your highness ''

Adrian looked at us stunned '' Wait ..are you ..both, where did u find such a beautiful lady I highly doubt that you found her, did you kidnap her? Is he blackmailing you or something ?''

'' No, I did not kidnap her but I will if the need arises, we met at the winter solstice ball and we are just friends, right now '' he said while putting his hand on Adrian's shoulder. Adrian raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical of Eric's explanation. "Just friends, huh?" he muttered under his breath, eyeing the mysterious woman with suspicion. The tension in the room was palpable as they all exchanged uneasy glances.

''I doubt that, my friend; I think you will need her permission even for an act like that, '' he responded.

''I agree with you, Adrian'' I stated while petting the dog's name. ''What is his name? I asked.

''Axton'' Adrian replied

'' That is a very beautiful name, and very unique for a dog at least. '' I put Axton on my lap and started petting his body; his fur was so soft, it was like touching the finest pieces of cotton''

I looked up to see Eric going into the kitchen. Was he about to cook something?

I followed him: 'What are you two doing ''

''Well, it is almost lunch time, so I thought to cook something'' Eric remarked

He had taken off his coat, his sleeves were rolled, and his hair had gotten loose into small curls.

''He is lying; he just wants to impress you with his cooking skills '' Adrian said, letting out a chuckle.

''Oh well, I am already impressed; let me help as well'' I said

The three of us cooked and made roasted beef with Yorkshire pudding, which has been one of my favourite dishes since childhood. As we worked together in the kitchen, laughter filled the room, and the smell of the delicious meal began to waft through the air. It was a memorable experience, bonding over food and creating something delicious together.

We all sat down at the dining table, we talked about various things, like how much I was enjoying Eric's cooking, how Adrian and Eric met two years ago in France, and my love for horses.

As it was growing darker outside, Adrian advised us to return to the castle and that Eric should check on his obligations towards the royal family.

I bid farewell to Adrian, and then we walked outside. Eric and I shared a horse; he helped me get on it, and then we started riding towards the castle''

''Eric '' I said his name.

'' Yes, Del?'' he asked.

'' Thank you so much for today; I had a lot of fun. I will never forget this day, honestly."

'' The pleasure is all mine. Besides, the fun has just started, '' he replied with a smile.

'We both arrived at the castle, and Eric escorted me to my room, where I bid him goodnight and drifted off to dreamland. As I lay in bed, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the new friendship I had formed with Eric. The adventures we shared that day would always hold a special place in my heart.