Riding through the forest was always a way for Prince Luka to clear his mind. The clear air, gentle breeze, and easy swaying of his horse calmed him like nothing else could. On this particular day, he was intent to avoid a rather interesting problem: an impending marriage. His father had requested he marry a princess from the neighboring kingdom, while his mother argued he should find love. He was grateful to have the chance to think it over, but he knew they would want an answer soon. His horse turned in the direction of a small lake he knew of, and he loosened the reins enough to allow the horse the ability to steer itself. It loped through the trees, and the sound of splashing could be heard. He slowed the horse, climbing off its back and moving towards the sound. There, at the edge of the water, was a small figure sitting on a rock. It appeared to be cleaning an animal pelt, and hadn't yet noticed his approach. He stepped out from behind the trees, watching the small hands move deftly over the fur.
"Hello there." He called, raising his hands to show he did not intend to harm them. The figure's head snapped up; a young woman, with grey eyes and jet black hair. She had a round face with a light complexion, freckles dashed across her nose. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she stood suddenly, clutching the pelt. "No, no, I'm not here to hurt you. I apologize for scaring you." Luka reached a hand out, offering his open palm to her. She wiped her own on her leggings before taking his.
"No apology necessary. I should have heard you coming." She gave his hand a surprisingly firm shake, and he gave his best smile.
"Think nothing of it. I am Luka. May I ask who you are?" He's spent his life trying to get to know the people of his small kingdom, but he had never seen her before. She shook her head, and started to gather her things.
"I apologize, sir, but I have to be going." She turned, and she was already a few steps away by the time Luka started to follow. He took her elbow gently, and he could feel the tension in her arm.
"Please, miss, if you are worried about your activities here, I can assure you I will not report you. I simply wish to know you." His own words surprised him, and she glanced up at him. Now, with her so close, he realized how small she was; over a full head shorter than himself. She tugged at his grip gently, but he wasn't quite ready to let go. "Please, just a name at least. Or a promise to let me see you again." She seemed to consider it before nodding slowly.
"I will return here in two days. Meet me then, and we will see if I can trust you." She pulled away and he let her go, watching as she moved swiftly into the woods and out of sight. He took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair before turning back towards his horse. Shaking his head with a small chuckle, he headed back to the palace, already looking forward to their next meeting.
YOU ARE READING
Paralyzer
Fantasy"You could come back with me." "Be careful who you invite to your home, dear Prince. You may not find it as agreeable as you hope." The strange woman in the wood draws Luka like no one else. He wants nothing more than to be close to her, but she is...
