Under the Oak Tree - Riftan's POV - Multiverse

Chapter 36 - No Regrets

Maximillian stood very fast and look at the ground without a word coming out of her mount. If she had look at Riftan she had noticed the pink of the blush in his check.

"I did not mean to offend you..."

"It d-did not offend me... j-just surprise me..."

"I have not expectations. Believe me having the opportunity to be next to you and talk to you... It is more than what I ever imagine in my wildest dreams. I don't want you to stop seeing me because of my bold words."

"You don't h-have to worry a-about that. I have n-no intentions to s-top meeting y-you.... I have to go now.... Tomorrow I h-have to be at c-church the whole day. Wil y-you be there?"

"If you will be there, I will be there."

Maximillian excuse herself and left for the day. That night Riftan did not worry to go the banquet again. That night he noticed Kuehl walking to the rooms early as well. Riftan understood that Kuehl main reason to go to the banquet was Maximillian as well. While his hearth was filling with illusion and hope... Riftan brain kept him on check telling him that this time shall pass, and he should not be greedy and be happy with the time that he was able to spend with her. But the other hand, his blood boil at the thought of another man talking to Maximillian.

The next morning many of the knight when to the small church inside of the Croix castle. By the time that Riftan arrive there the temple night were already in the front sits. Maximillian was sat next to her father right next to Kuehl. Once all of them were leaving the church Maximilian turn to look at Riftan and a very subtle smile cross her lip. Riftan lips curl up in a very small smile as well. It was everything that they need a complicity t hat just they notice being unmindful to the rest of the word.

The following week Riftan and Maximilian continue meeting in secret every morning. Maximillian when back to the banquet and even stayed accompanying Princess Agnes a couple times. She did not dare to sit in the same table as Riftan since her father would monitor her every night. They whole night was full of small smiles and stealing look between each other. Riftan felt like a child with a new secret treasure that he was the only one aware of it. He would avoid dancing with anyone as well fearing that the same event happened again. Maximillian look at him every time any women would get close enough to talk to him, and Riftan would be delight by the spark of jealousy from her eyes when he noticed it. In the other hand, Riftan more than one have to content his jealousy when Kuehl or any other men would linger around to Maximillian to talk to her. Amazing enough it was the Duke of Croix his best ally to keep all the men an arm length from her.

During their walks Maximillian would ask Riftan about his years traveling around the continents. He would tell her the things he saw and experience. Maximillian would tell Riftan with excitement about his magic classes and her improvement. Even should him how she was able to rise little walls of earth and collect little amount of water in her hand from the thin air. Riftan at the beginning Riftan would answer Maximillian question in the most short and simple way until he noticed Maximillian eyes of excitement as he would give her mode details about the differences in the climate in cold Paxias (winters) of Balto and the green pastures of Livadon when they ride horses for days no to end without finding a town in weeks while crossing the mountains. Maximillian could hear Riftan for hours and for Riftan surprise he could talk for hours just to see the spark of her eyes every time he would described a new place.

"You have never leave he Croix Castle?"

"No, f-father would not... allowed it"