You Who Holds My Heart ✔️

Chapter 4

The princess moved slowly down the garden's stone path during the middle of the day. The breeze was warm and the flowers seemed to bloom even brighter than before. She grazed her fingers over the remarkable, colorful plants all while humming a sweet tune.

Her mother used to sing soft lullabies to bring a smile to her face before she passed. Especially during her restless nights such as the night before. Her mind was deeply occupied with a string of endless lists of questions and worries.

She wondered how her life had begun to feel so complex but when a sudden voice from behind appeared, Lisa knew her answer.

"I knew I would find you here."

She smiled softly before turning around to face her answer.

Jennie looked as heavenly as ever with her single braid resting upon her collar. She wore a light pink dress that simply made her look delicate and warm. Lisa felt a great sigh force itself from her chest from the sheer sight of Jennie. Jennie always captivated the princess with just her presence.

"This seems to be your safe haven, well, along with the library of course," she found her way in front of Lisa and sighed happily, "So, where are you off to?"

Lisa grinned, "Well, before I was interrupted by my stalker..." Jennie playfully glared, "I was making my way towards the lake. Perhaps you would care to join me?"

"I would," Jennie replied, happily. It was as if her uneasiness from the night before never happened. Perhaps, if Lisa had proper sleep, she would have forgotten those unreadable eyes. But they were the cause of her distress.

And so, they walked silently as if something in the air was creating some type of strange tension. It was slightly uncomfortable.

"I couldn't help but notice your absence last night during supper."

Lisa glanced over, staring at the side of Jennie's face, wondering, intrigued by the sudden question. Nonetheless, Lisa hummed and looked forward again,

"Yes, I hadn't realized the time in my friend's pastry shop until the moon had risen. You must try her newest desserts. They're quite delicious," Lisa complimented. "It's actually where we order the finest cakes."

Jennie hummed, "Indeed, I remember enjoying the strawberry cream cake," she then cleared her throat, "And is that where you met Prince Jackson?"

Lisa nodded, a small smile on display as the lake entered their view,

"Yes, he's quite nice, is he not? Father seemed to enjoy the way he spoke," Lisa explained, not seeming to notice the sudden shift in the air. "He's exceptionally handsome as well."

"I'm not so certain tha—."

"There! The lake!" Lisa happily announced, "Come on then." Suddenly, Lisa took hold of Jennie's hand and ran. Jennie gasped in surprise then laughed, tightening her hand in Lisa's.

Lisa nearly closed her eyes. Their hands were pressed against each other, creating a gentle seal and Lisa never wanted to let go nor did the princess want their hands to be exposed from the light or air because it would only mean their hands would be forced apart.

Dangerous.

The move was dangerous and Lisa knew that but her hand drove on impulse.

But the thought slipped from her mind in an instant the moment their foot stepped onto the grass and the lake stood in front of them.

The lake was almost statue still and glimmered underneath the light of day with the sky's reflection embedding onto the diamond clear lake. It was peaceful.