𝒜𝓇𝒾ℯ𝓁𝓁ℯ

Chapter Three

Ashland's POV:

I could feel the wind brush past me as my horse galloped through the thick forest. I always found peace in these woods ever since I was a little boy.

My hideaway was a little river side spot. To me, it is the most tranquil place of the whole kingdom.

I could feel a light smile appear as I could see the path ahead. I slowed down before hopping off of my horse, August. I patted him twice before telling him to stay.

I continued to head down the path. Maybe finally I could get some peace.

However, I don't think I can. Arriving upon the river side, I spotted an lady. A basket of bread and slippers laid next to her while she rested her feet in the water.

She must've heard me behind her because she stood up quickly before facing me. I finally caught a glimpse of her. I was in astonishment at the sight of her beauty.  She was an goddess on earth.

I watched as she looked down at her bare feet, she wiggled her toes. I smiled at the small action which I found to be adorable. I shook my head at those thoughts, I have to compose myself.

As the lady looked back up at me, a small blush appeared upon her face.

I decided to strike an conservation. "Please enlighten me on why you invaded my hideaway spot?"

Her eyebrows creased inwards as she bite the inside of her cheek. She mumbled out a quick apology while explaining her reasons.

"Sir, I didn't mean to intrude nor invade your personal spot, however, I'm only here because... I'm lost."

At the end of her rant, her lips formed into a small pout. I couldn't help but focus on her lips that were painted an cherry red.

I pondered my thoughts on how she got lost and how long she had been out here.

"If I may ask.. how long have you been lost?" I watched as she glanced at the setting sun before narrowing her eyebrows in frustration.

"I left early morning to deliver an order from my papa. Oh.. he must be so worried about me."

Tears clouded her eyes as she kicked her feet in the water, splashing small droplets onto my boots. I frown at the sight of her being sad, my heart strings pulled with each tear that fall down her cheek.

I extended my hand outwards, offering her to take hold. She looked hesitant before placing her hand onto mine. I gently pulled her from the water.

"Gather your belongings. I will take you to wherever you need to go, no need for anymore tears."  I saw her face lightened up with a bright smile before she picked up the basket of bread and pulled on her slippers.

Walking back down the path, it was nearing towards evening time as the sun was fading away and darkness embraced the surroundings around us, only the moon shined down.

I heard rustling before the lady appeared at my side. She looked frightened as she looked around the woods. She glanced up at me before turning away slightly.

" I'm scared of the dark..that's all. My papa would always let me hold his hand when we were walking in the village at night. It's the silliest fear, I know." She rambled on about the animals that could come at night and eat her for their dinner, I shook my head slightly at her words.

I offered my hand out to her, "Would you like to hold my hand if it would make you less scared?"

I watched as her eyes widened before she looked away. I felt her hand enclose mine as we continued walking through woods, down the path. The silence was deafening as the sounds were the crickets chirping.