Keditha's Beloved

Chapter Seven

I swiftly move through the forest, trying to make my way to the enclosed pond. I was desperate for some time alone.

Last night was incredibly fun, enough though Emilie was still obviously upset about Philip. I felt like a kid again, even if it was just for a couple hours.

I slow my walk as I see a broken down wagon in the forest. That wasn't here before. Was there someone hurt? I move closer, trying to be as cautious as I could.

The wagon was empty, besides for some old luggage and supplies. Who would leave all this here?

"Well what do we have here?" A voice cooed, making my skin crawl. Two men approached me, they were tall and broad. One had a scar across his right cheek.

I back up, away from the wagon. "I-I was just making sure everyone was okay." I mumble.

"Ain't that sweet, we got ourselves a little hero." The one with the scar says. He reaches out, grabbing me by the wrist.

"Let me go!" I shout at him, trying to escape his grip.

He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me closer. "What's a pretty thing like you doing out here?" He asks. He glances over at his friend. "Get the horses ready." He tells him.

"No! Let me go!" I scream as loud as my lungs would allow me.

Scar man's eyes widen, his grip loosens slightly. I take this as my chance, kicking him between his legs. "You little-" he yells at me.

I spin on my heel, ready to run but end up knocking into someone. They wrap an arm around me to help.  steady my feet. I glance up and instantly recognize the pair of cool grey eyes. "Julian!"

"Amy, are you alright?" He questions.

The man with the scar gets back on his feet. "Amy, so that's her name." He says, calling me a not so nice word.

I move closer to Julian, desperate to get of this situation. Lord, please help us both get out here safely.

The man glances at Julian and nearly falls back. "I know you." His tone was way more aggressive than with me. "What are you doing in Astoan? You're not allowed here." The man almost spits at Julian.

Julian narrows his eyes. "After attacking a lady, I think you've lost the right to tell people if belong here or not."

The man rolls his eyes. "What are you going to do? Get your knights to come after us?"

"Actually, I'd much prefer to kill you myself." Julian says, his voice was extremely calm which was unsettling. Who could calmly threaten a man's life?

Scar man visibly stiffens. "I'm sure King Roland wouldn't appreciate you killing his citizens."

Julian scoffs. "Roland is a coward and not fit to rule Astoan. I could kill him before he could even draw his sword." This time I stiffen.

Julian pulls me behind him, his hand resting comfortably on his sword. The man glances at me then back at Julian. "This isn't over, you royal scum." He snaps then runs off to find his partner.

I let out a sigh of relief. It's over and I didn't have to watch anyone die.

"Amy? Are you alright?" Julian asks.

I nod slowly. I felt slightly uncomfortable after what he said about papa. "I should head home, but thank you." I say.

Julian grabs my wrist. "Amy wait-" he glances at his hand, eyes widening slightly before he releases me. "Sorry, just please don't leave, not yet."

I pause, turning fully towards him. "Okay, I'll stay."

Julian smiles. "What were you doing out here anyway?" He asks.

"I wanted to find the enclosed pond, I've been feeling on edge lately." I say, glancing away.

Julian grabs my hand more gently then he did my wrist. "How about I take you the rest of the way?"

I smile at him. "I'd like that, thank you."

Julian guides me to the pond. We're there in only a couple minutes and it was just at beautiful as I remembered.

"I haven't seen you in a couple days, I was getting worried." Julian mutters.

I shrug. "Sorry, I was busy. I hope you weren't you bored while I was gone." I say wandering, glancing at all the pretty trees that had bright pink flowers growing on them.

"It was fine, I had a bunch of balls that kept me busy." He says bitterly.

"I take it you don't like balls?" I ask him, smiling.

Julian watches the water. It wasn't a windy day, so it still almost completely still. "I don't mind them, but I really hate dancing." He says.

I frown at him. "I don't mind dancing." I pause for moment before continuing. "I mean if I ever learned." I almost forgot I was playing the part of a handmaiden. As far as I knew they didn't know how to dance at balls. I mean Emilie doesn't.

"I could teach you." Julian says.

"Why would you want to teach me something you hate?" I ask him. "That's like me teaching you to write poetry."

Julian laughs. "I already know how to write poetry and come on, it'll be fun."

"Doing something you hate? I'm sure that would dull for you Julian." I say.

"There's never a dull moment with you Amy." He smiles at me.

"Alright fine, you can teach me to dance."

"Fantastic!" Julian takes my hand, leading me to wide enough space for him to teach me.

"Wait, now?" I question. I definitely didn't expect him to teach me now, first I need to practice not knowing how to dance.

"Why not, we don't have anything else to do." Julian says, twirling me. "I'll assume you'll know where place your hands? I mean you've been to a ball before." He says.

I give him a look. "Of course I do." I say, smacking my hand on his shoulder.

He laughs again. "Okay, just making sure." He wraps his arm around my waist like earlier and pulls me into a dance. Our only music being the whistling of nearby birds.

Julian twirls me again. "You're pretty good at this." He says.

"Like you said, I've been to a ball before, I understand the basics of it." I tell him. "I just never done it before."

Julian nods. He gazes at me, an unfamiliar emotion crossing his face. "You have really pretty eyes." He says, slowing our steps.

"Well, thank you. Your's aren't too bad either." I say, grinning at him.

Julian tightens his grip around my waist, pulling me closer. I glance down noticing we weren't moving anymore. When did that happen?

Julian's eyes meet mine. "Amy..." He mutters, his voice sounding husky.

I struggle to breathe as he watches me. "Yes Julian?"

"May-may I kiss you?"