III. The Impact of Her

~ Sixteen ~

We turned our heads and to our surprise, Grandpa Ben was leaning onto the door frame.

"Good morning, Grandpa Ben," I greeted him as Laura and I stood.

"Good morning to you as well, Robert," Grandpa Ben smiled as he approached us. He continued, "I saw that Laura offered you a hug. For a moment, I got worried. So, I thought I'd come over here and join the two of you. You seem to be in a very serious conversation as I watched from inside."

I smiled nervously as I nodded.

Laura answered, "His champion was murdered."

Horrified, Grandpa Ben's eyes widened. "My goodness! That is horrible!" he exclaimed as he turned to me. "Who did such a crime? Has the culprit been caught yet?"

I shook my head as I frowned slightly.

He stepped closer to me and said, "I am very sorry for your loss, Robert. She was a beautiful companion."

"Thank you, Grandpa Ben," I bowed my head briefly.

He looked at the both of us and remarked, "I suppose Laura was in search of a way to distract you from what happened today."

"If she is not allowed to go anywhere, I understand completely," I replied quickly. I explained, "I don't want for her to get into trouble, especially in regards to her work and everything else."

For a moment, Grandpa Ben stood between us and thought things through. With his chin that rested on his hand, he said, "I don't see anything wrong with what Laura said. If anything, to be in touch with nature is better than to stay inside one's room. And besides," he rested both his hands on his cane, "I'd rather that she spent time with you than with anyone else. She barely has any friends. And to know that she will be with you, I am certain that she is in good hands."

"Are you sure, Grandpa Ben?" I asked as I wanted reassurance that there wouldn't be a problem if Laura and I spent the afternoon together.

"Of course! As long as you make sure that she comes home before dark and in one piece," he smiled.

"I will not let anything happen to her, Grandpa Ben. I will not allow it," I promised.

"I know you won't," he nodded. "Well, I need to return inside. As for the two of you," he pointed at Laura and I, "You can continue whatever it was that you were talking about." He briefly waved at us and returned to the bakery.

"Well, are we set for this afternoon?" Laura asked with a smile.

I couldn't help but grin as I looked at her. She was extremely thrilled with the idea of a picnic. "Well, Grandpa Ben gave us his permission. I guess I have no other choice, then," I teased.

"That's settled, then. I will meet you at the hill."

My broke once more as Laura mentioned the place where we would have our picnic. The hills.

It was one of the places that I shared with Lady. And it was her final resting place.

"Robert?" she called out to me, concerned.

"I, uh... I forgot to tell you this. But, I actually chose the hill as Lady's grave," I said as I lowered my voice. "Right under the very tree that we sit under."

"My deepest apologies, Robert. I didn't know," Laura quickly held my hand. She continued, "Let me think of a different place for us to go."

I smiled faintly at how quick her wit was. "You seem to know me too well."

"Your face gives everything away, Robert."

I sighed as I held her hands tighter. At this point, I really couldn't hide anything from her. She could read me in a heartbeat.

I replied, "Wait for me until I return. I must go back to the castle and take care of Lady's burial." I laid a kiss on her cheek. My eyes widened as I stepped away from her. Both of us were in shock. I didn't expect for me to do that. Somehow, it came... natural.

"I am very sorry, Laura. I didn't mean to–"

She interrupted me with a kiss on my cheek before she ran back to the bakery.

My heart raced, my stomach fluttered as I stood outside. I caressed the cheek that she kissed. And I smiled to myself like an idiot. I wanted to stop because people would stare at me. But I just couldn't.

With an unremovable grin plastered on my face, I hopped on the horse and rode back to the castle.

~*~*~*~

I immediately headed for the stables as I reached the castle grounds.

Upon my arrival, ten men slowly put Lady into her casket. I walked towards Gonzalo who watched from the side.

"Bring Lady to the instructed burial site in the Mortal Realm. It is to be done swiftly, discreetly and respectfully," Gonzalo commanded.

"Please handle her coffin and her grave with utmost care. I want her to be treated specially up to the very end," I added which caught them by surprise.

"Your Highness," Gonzalo and the ten men bowed to me.

Gonzalo returned to them and said, "You heard His Highness' instructions. Nothing is to be changed without his knowledge."

The men carefully slid Lady's coffin into their wagon. They gave their bows, boarded the wagon and headed off. As the wagon moved further away from the stables, my heart sank down to my stomach.

This was it. After today, I would never see Lady ever again.

I sat on the nearby bench and sighed as I held her saddle.

Gonzalo sat beside me and said, "I understand that you carry so much pain inside of you, Your Highness. But I must remind you that I am here if you need someone to talk to." He then knelt in front of me, his fist on his chest. He continued, "I am not only your head of security and humble servant, Your Highness. But I am also your loyal friend and confidant."

I smiled as I put a hand on his shoulder. Gonzalo looked up at me and I said, "You do more than what your given duty is, Gonzalo. And I shall never forget that you have been a close friend of mine within these walls. I am thankful to have you as part of my small household."

Gonzalo smiled and nodded.

Our conversation, however, was cut short. The faint sound of an approaching horse came towards us. We both stood and Gonzalo stood before me, his hand on his sword. And as the gallops came nearer the entrance, Benjamin appeared.

"News has reached my ears that my brother suffered a loss," he said as he unmounted his horse. He continued as he approached us, "I have come here to console him." He then opened his arms as he got closer.

"Benjamin," I smiled as I ran to him and shared a tight embrace.