It was a dark night. The moonlight was barely visible because of the dense clouds, but thanks to the oil lamp Heinley carried in one hand it was not too difficult to see the path. Also, Heinley was holding my hand firmly, which made me feel very safe.
How long have we walked in silence?
"My Queen."
Heinley suddenly asked playfully.
"My Queen, when did you start falling in love with me?"
"Is it important?"
"I want to write it in my diary."
"Then I won't tell you."
"It's a lie, I won't write it down. Tell me."
"If you're not going to write it down, why should I tell you?"
"Should I write it down?"
"You see. I won't tell you."
"Why?"
"In the emperor's diary, all important events are recorded for future generations."
A knight behind us let out a soft chuckle. It was an insignificant talk, but since it was among the emperor and the empress, he must have found it amusing.
As I thought about not answering anymore because I felt embarrassed, Heinley asked me with a persuasive tone.
"My Queen. Be honest."
"Huh?"
"Do you avoid the question because it is not easy to answer?"
He didn't mind at all that the knight chuckled at our conversation.
In any case, Heinley was right.
"Yes. I don't know when I started to fall in love with you."
It was only when I misunderstood Princess Charlotte's intentions that I realized I loved him. I made an agreement with Sir Yunim and my ladies-in-waiting to keep the misunderstanding a secret.
Heinley shook his head in disappointment.
"That can't be."
"You do know when you started to fall in love with me?"
"Yes, I know."
"Then tell me."
"I've always been in love with you, and with each passing day I fall more in love with you."
Why is he so good with his words?
"Queen. There are many moments that made me fall in love with you, if I had to tell you each one, I could do it."
"Tell me at least three."
"You were the first woman who lied to me about being a man."
Heinley lowered his voice so only I could hear him.
"You were the first woman to pat my rear."
"Stop."
I reached out with my hand to cover his mouth, but Heinley continued to speak with his mouth covered.
"You were the first woman to feed me insects."
"Did you pick those three on purpose?"
His words made me seem like a strange person. When I looked at him, annoyed, Heinley answered cheerfully,
"Yes."
Then he kissed me and asked,
"My Queen, isn't there something for you in which I was the first? No matter what it is."
