𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴, 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴

The First Secret (part 2)

Peace at last. The wind in my hair. The only sounds I could hear were Storms hooves on the track and the birds singing softly in the trees above. I love that time of year: spring.

The stony track surrounded by trees gave way to rolling hills. I didn't have to tell Storm where to go, she knows the way to our favorite place. It wasn't long before she had slowed to a walk as we made our way down the slope to the lake.

"Wow." I said to make her stop so I could slide off her back and land on the grass.

I inhaled the slightly salty air and felt myself lighten.

That place is forbidden to me. It is out of the castle's boundary. I have been going there in secret for years, ever since I accidentally came across it when I wanted an adventure and thought I was old enough to leave alone, on my old chestnut pony, Lilly, at the age of ten. Looking back it was a good job I turned around when I got scared because if I hadn't, father would have sent a search team to find me and I never would be able to leave the castle again. If Lena knew, she would tell me that I was being silly: 'who knows what could get you when your out there in your own - or what man," is what she would say to me.

I sighed and stepped to the waters edge. Bending down, I peered through the clear water. I could see slimy looking rocks just beneath where I was kneeling and further out I could see a perfect reflection, as if the water were glass, of the blossom trees on the other side of the lake. I could feel the sun beating down on me, heating my leather on my back. It was one of the warmest days so far and the birds knew it: the Cuckoo was calling; the thrushes were singing; two swans were gliding across the water.

As I sat down in the lush grass, I wished I was at the age of ten again. I didn't need to worry about who my husband was going to be. I didn't need to worry about anything. I tilted my head back and looked to the clear blue sky above. There were no clouds. Nothing. Nothing but the black shapes of birds.

***

I must have dozed off after a while because I was suddenly awoken by splashes of water. As I opened my eyes, through the haze I could see horse legs on the other side of the lake, they weren't white, like Storms, they were chestnut, like Lilly's. The rider had dismounted and was making his way around the waters edge.

Oh no, I thought, I've always said not to let anyone see me.

At that, I jumped to my feet and raced to Storm. Just before I reached for the reins, something stopped me. I had seen that man before. I turned slowly on the spot.

"Ma'am." As he said that, I felt a jolt in my stomach. My suspicions had been right, he was the Hunter boy with the warm, calming voice."I suppose you wouldn't remember me."

Remember him? How could I forget him?

"Of course I remember you!" I said in disbelief. "I just don't know your name."

"Wymond, ma'am."

"Please, call me Hilda." I said, I hate being call names like that! "Thank you again for catching me!"

We both laughed.

"You know this isn't within your boundary?" This wasn't a question but a statement. "Surely a princess can't be out of the castle boundary without someone to look out for her?"

"Listen." I said and I meant it. "Know one has found out yet and I would like it to remain that way. Please - please could you just keep this quiet?"

"Of course, but why?"

"If my father knew, I would have no freedom whatsoever. And I need my freedom."

"Fine, I never saw you here."

"Thank you." I said and made to move towards Storm.

"Wait." That made me stop again and I felt the pang that I was becoming familiar with. I turned back to him, with his hazel eyes and messy hair. He cleared his throat and said: "do you wish to marry the men you see in the town? The men that would control what you do? I'm only asking because you seem to like to do the opposite of what the King tells you."

I laughed. "I think you have hit the target. Just keep that to yourself too." I added.

"Don't you worry about that, I can keep secrets." As he said the last word, he winked and a cheeky grin played across his mouth. I felt my own face relax and suddenly felt a pull towards him.

I felt my feet move and suddenly I didn't know what I was doing. As I came closer and closer to Wymond my mind started to catch up. What was I doing? I didn't know this man and yet I wanted to tell him everything. I shook my head and said this instead:

"What is it that you do? I know you hunt but you can't do that all day."

"I am training to be a Guard on the wall."

"What do you need to keep out?" I said, "I do remember the Battle a few years ago but isn't it peaceful now?"

Wymond furrowed his eyebrows. "If you do not know, it is not my place to tell you" he sounded conflicted. Was he hiding something? Was someone else hiding something from me?

"Oh." Was all I could say.

"Yes, that's all I do." He said, obviously wanting to change the subject. "Isn't it getting late?"

"Goodness!" I was surprised how low the sun had gotten. "Well, good day, Wymond, and I hope I see you again."

"I think it's more like 'good evening now', Hilda." He now sounded cheeky. Oh I love his voice!

I pushed myself up onto Storms back and giggled, squeezed her sides and we took off. Just as we were making it over the brow of the hill I looked back. I could see the Hunter in my secret, forbidden spot, watching me as I cantered through the grass.

I hope he can keep that secret, I thought.