Under the Oak Tree - Riftan's POV - Multiverse

Chapter 31 - The Walk

The oblivious of Maximillian to their conversation was evident since she was there just staring the sky when Riftan got close to her. He moved slow, so he could observe her just a little longer. She was perfect! Since the red of her hair all the way down to her small feet. If he could just embrace her and let her know that no one would ever be able to hurt her. Riftan want to put her in shelf and look at her for the rest of her life. Just then, she turned to him.

"I-Is he g-gone?"

"Yes, he is gone."

"I o-own you a g-great favor Sir. C-Calipse"

Riftan smile at the sound of that sentence like heavens had just open its doors for him.

"Can I ask you a question Lady Croix?"

"Y-Yes"

"What is your relationship with Leon?"

"I-I will own y-you two big favors i-if we don't t-talk about this" Maximillian said with shaking voice.

"I understand. You don't have to answer it"

"I c-can just assure y-you that I do not a-acknowledge any relations w-with Sir. Kuahel."

Maximillian could not hide her blush face as she was saying these words, and Riftan hearth nearly stop to beat as he noticed her blush face. She was 2 steps from him, and still he was intoxicated with her perfume, her silhouette, and her red hair. Everything about her was tempting. He needed to put some distance between them before he did something that he would regret later.

"We should head back to the castle. Let me escort you back"

"That s-shall not be n-necessary... I do not want to t-trouble you m-more."

"I assure my lady that escort you will be my pleasure"

Riftan extend his arm to Maximilian who timidly wrap her small arm hours Riftan's. Riftan thought he was dreaming. He walked slow, so her small frame would not have to rush to keep up with his pace. He did not want this small walk to ever end. They circled the garden and started walking along the deserted forest path. Suddenly, he realized where they actually were, his face hardening. Riftan gazed at the grayish-white outbuilding that peeped through the dense forest. He couldn't believe she leaded him all the way to that place. The garden that he had seen countless of times in his illusions drew closer and closer.

However, it appeared completely different from how he remembered it. He frowned seeing the lonesome scenery: the flower bed that was lush with various kinds of flowers was now nothing but barren ground with growing weeds, surrounded by a strange silence.

"I k-know this part of the c-castle looks barren... but since no one c-come here often is t-the perfect place for u-us to come to the castle with being s-seen"

The hesitation in her voice made Riftan feel uneasy. It seemed like she did not visit his place often anymore. Otherwise, why this place look like an abandoned garden.

"No one come here often?" Riftan words left his lips he even could stop himself.

"I-I used to play around h-here when I was a kid.... I got hurt one day... and since then I have to often here often... This used to b-be my favorite p-place in the whole c-castle."

Maximillian words were full of nostalgia and a tint of resentment. It seems like she was not happy about stopping coming to this garden.

"When nobody is looking... I come here by myself. II-t is calming to spend time here... It brings nice memories."

A faint smile came to Maximillian lips. It seemed like both of them share a nice feeling for this desolate place. Riftan felt as his face started to blush and try to change the topic.

"You said you got hurt in this place. Why will this bring you nice memories"

"I make a f-friend that day... My only f-friend during my c-childhood"

Riftan heart started to beat faster and faster. He suddenly did not know what to say. She was talking about him! That only friend was him!

"What happened to that friend?"

"I don't know... He just disappeared one day. I-I didn't learn h-his name... or even remember his face c-clearly... It is a shame"

"So how was your friend since you didn't even know his name"

"I didn't need to... He saved my life."

A smile showed in Maximillian face like she still had the memories of this young boy tattoo in her memories. The same way that Riftan had the memories of hers. Maximillian look at Riftan with a question face. She did not what to say next, so she polite curtesy to Riftan.

"I own you a l-lot. Thank you s-so much for y-your help. I will h-have in mind, I-I own you ... two favors"

"The favor of your present is enough for me lady Croix, but I would like to hear more about your friend, and how he saved your life."

"T-that can be a t-topic for another d-day"

A faint smile and a little blush face showed in her face. Riftan understood that this meant she may want to see him again, so timidly asked

"Do you mind if I escort you next time you want to have a quite walk?"

"That will be l-lovely.... As long as y-you don't mind keeping a-a low profile"

Riftan smile at the thought of it, and Maximillian face was red with embracement. It seemed like it took a great courage from her to answer that question.

"My lady.... I can move between shadows if that make you feel more comfortable"

Riftan tried to smile in the kindest way possible, but it felt out of place, and he felt self-confidence about it.

"We c-can talk d-during the banquet t-then. If y-you excuse m-me, I will s-see you t-then"

Riftan stood still until Maximillian figure could not longer be seen in the castle. He did not know if this was just a dream, or it really actually happened. Maximillian had just accepted to him to escort her in a walk. He the low-born knight! He knew that this dream would stop as soon as it started, but Riftan had already decided that he would enjoy it, even if this memory was the only thing that he may be able to take from Maximilian Croix. He did not want to start at the up for too long, as his stepfather had told him before, but if he could keep these memories of her smile, her blushing cheeks, and her small frame right next to his... He would treasure then forever. He rushed to his room. He dressed up as dashing as he could with the intention of talking to her. Riftan repeat to himself.... "We can talk during the banquet then"

Writer Note:

Thank you so much for being soooo patient! I can just promise I wont stop writing until the put in writing my last chapter. I was hoping to do this in a couple months... but it may take longer! I hope you guys are still enjoying it! Thank you for reading!