Golden Hour

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Normally, Ferdinand prided himself in his noble behavior. So why had he gone against it and snuck out his fiancee while their parents spoke? Something that seemed to confuse Charlotte as well. But, at the same time, she'd much rather whatever he had planned to listen to their father bicker about the dates and arrangements of their wedding. So she rather willingly followed along, curiosity getting the better of her.

Though that had been some time ago, now they found themselves wandering through a forested area near Charlotte's estate. Ferdinand would have loved to say he knew where he was leading her. Keyword, would. Yet, here he was, leading her along a stream, not quite sure where they'd stop. Neither seemed to care, perhaps, they should have. Though that wasn't something they decided to consider, the other company seemed to be enough. Maybe that was why he had led her out this far. The desire to have her company to himself, though selfish as it was. But he'd allow himself that if only just this once.

Whatever silence was between them was broken by the rustling of a bush and the squeak of the brunette as she clung to his arm. "Are you alright? You aren't hurt are you?" He asked. Though he was positive they both had seen the culprit that had startled her, being a decent-sized hare.
Charlotte nodded as she pulled away from him. Her cheeks dusted in a soft pink hue as she looked away from him. "I'm- I'm fine, just a little startled." She sheepishly replied. If he was honest he found this rather sheepish side of her to be rather cute. He'd never say that aloud, as he didn't wish to embarrass her, but he truly found it cute.

"If you insist, though if clinging to me brings you comfort, please feel free to." The ginger only slightly teased. A soft huff left the brunette as she gently shoved him.

"Ha-ha-ha, you're soooo funny." Charlotte huffed, crossing her arms. Though an amused smile had coated her lips. For as much as she wanted to be even the slightest bit upset with him, she couldn't bring herself to. He had certainly picked up on it, though had no plans on pointing it out. It'd remain a little unspoken secret between them. The comfortable silence between them returned once more as they continued their walk.

It hadn't taken much longer for the duo to come upon a clearing. Upon noticing it the brunette turned to him. "Is this where you were taking me?" She asked.

"It is," Ferdinand replied, simply deciding it was then and there. Though he knew they both knew it hadn't been the intention, to begin with. Neither seemed to care regardless. Upon walking into the clearing a spark of excitement seemed to fill Charlotte's eyes. A giggle left her as she spun around after having run off ahead of him.

The sound of the gentle stream flowing filled the air as he stared at her. Maybe it was the lighting of the golden hour itself. But he could have sworn her skin was coated in the saint hint in glitter. What else could have made her shine the way she was? Then once she turned to him, oh once she turned to him. The softness of her gaze, the way it was laced with hints of love and adoration. Perhaps, just maybe, it wouldn't have hurt to linger in her company a while longer. If anything, this made him long to live this moment forever.

"Is something the matter?" Her voice rang, breaking his haze.

"No, no, the opposite actually...everything is perfect." He replied in a soft voice. This, in turn, caused her to laugh and shake her head.

"I don't understand you sometimes. Though maybe that's what I like about you." She playfully scoffed. She then looked at the sky before frowning a bit. "Oh, it seems to be getting late... Maybe the next time you come around, we could leave a bit sooner and spend a bit more time here." Charlotte sighed.

"I'd like that if only you'd want that," Ferdinand replied as he smiled at her. Giggling softly, Charlotte nodded.

"Then it's a date, I suppose." She walked over to him, carefully taking his hand into hers. A small blush found itself coating his cheeks. Though he rather dumbly nodded after slightly calming himself. A soft snicker left the brunette as she smiled at him. She had rarely seen the ginger flustered, or at least flustered over something so small. Though with that the two had made their way through the forest once more.

Upon finally exiting the forest, the two were greeted by the sight of lanterns and the sight of their fathers. A soft laugh left Charlotte as she looked at Ferdinand. "It seems like our lack of presence didn't go unnoticed."

Ferdinand nodded as he smiled softly. "It does, we did leave for quite some time. Though, if I'm honest, I regret nothing. I'd happily do this a thousand times if it gave me just mere moments more with you." Glancing at her, he noticed not only the soft blush coating her cheeks but also the twinkle in her eyes. He wanted to assume it was just his imagination, but he couldn't help but cling to the thought of it.

"Well... If we're being honest, I wouldn't mind doing it either." Charlotte replied, twirling a strand of her hair. She seemed to ponder something for a moment. Upon noticing, Ferdinand was about to ask if something was the matter. That was before she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. She was then quick to call out to her father before sprinting her way over to him, leaving the ginger speechless.

Gently placing his hand against said cheek as it heated up, Ferdinand chuckled. "What a woman..." He softly muttered to himself. Calling out to her to wait up, he then followed after her, entwining his hand in hers once more.