Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 19

Mila smiled as the cold water lapped at her feet, bringing much-needed relief after their long, tiring walk. The sensation was soothing, and she wiggled her toes in the cool water, enjoying the moment of peace. Glancing over at Ambrose, who remained standing near the edge of the pond, she felt a sudden urge to share the experience with him. "You should try it!" she called out, her voice light and encouraging.

Ambrose, still silent behind his mask, stared down at her. His expression was unreadable, leaving Mila with no clue what he might be thinking. But she was determined to bring him into the moment. "Come on!" she urged, reaching up to take his hand.

With a gentle tug, she pulled him toward the water, her excitement and energy infectious. Ambrose followed her lead, though he made no move to roll up his pants or remove his shoes. As she tugged him closer, he stepped into the water with her, the cool liquid soaking through his shoes and the fabric of his pants. The realization of what she had done dawned on Mila, and she glanced up at him with a nervous look. "Whoops..." she mumbled, feeling a bit sheepish.

The awkward silence between them hung in the air, broken only by the distant crackling of the fire Prince Leroy was still working to ignite. Mila shifted slightly, feeling a pang of guilt. "...Sorry," she added, her voice soft and sincere.

Ambrose didn't seem to mind, but instead of speaking, he pointed toward Mila's leg. Following his gesture, she realized that her scar was visible, the one she had carried since infancy. "This old thing?" she said with a casual shrug, trying to brush it off. "Don't worry about it. One day, I'll tell you the story behind it." She offered him a reassuring smile, hoping to ease any concern he might have had.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Mila playfully scooped up some water and splashed it toward Ambrose. For a moment, he seemed taken aback, his mask hiding any reaction, but then, after a brief hesitation, he splashed water back at her. The sudden, unexpected retaliation caught her off guard, and Mila burst into laughter, the sound echoing across the pond.

As their little water fight continued, the air filled with Mila's joyful screams and giggles. Prince Leroy, who had just managed to get the fire started, looked up at the sound. He turned to see Mila and Ambrose playing in the pond, their earlier awkwardness forgotten as they splashed water at each other with carefree abandon. A small smile tugged at his lips as he watched them. It was a rare sight to see Ambrose, usually so reserved and quiet, engaging in such playful behavior.

'Strange how a young child like herself could start a little water war with the stiff and unknown Duke Garrick's son,' Prince Leroy mused, his thoughts lingering on Mila. He couldn't help but notice how her infectious spirit had brought a sense of warmth and camaraderie to their small group. Despite everything, she had managed to create a moment of happiness in the midst of their uncertain journey.

He observed Mila for a moment longer, his thoughts drifting. 'She could grow into a beauty in the future,' he thought to himself, but then quickly shook the notion away. 'Stop thinking like that! You do not wish to become like your father!' The idea of having another woman by his side, of having an empress, was something he had always resisted. Prince Leroy had no desire to follow in his father's footsteps, and he forced his thoughts back to the task at hand. Rising to his feet, he decided to search for something for them to eat, leaving Mila and Ambrose to their fun.

After their impromptu water fight, Mila and Ambrose eventually lay back on the grass near the pond, gazing up at the sky as it darkened with the approaching night. The stars began to twinkle above them, and the cool evening breeze whispered through the trees. "That was fun!" Mila said, still breathless from their play. "We have to do that again another time!" She turned her head slightly to glance at Ambrose, feeling a sense of contentment and connection she hadn't expected.