The Future Queen and King of Dauntless

Chapter 19

Tris POV

This is by far the most amazing place I have ever seen. Before us is a stunning waterfall with the water reflecting the gorgeous sun setting in the distance making the water look like liquid fire with bits of ember separating from the main stream as it hits numerous rocks that shine like gems at its base. The water so clear in its lake, that you can see fish swimming gently through the currents. At my feet and all around the lake are millions of flowers like a rainbow laid across the ground. Whites, yellows, reds, pinks, and purples dance in my eyes from a gentle breeze. I can hear birds in the surrounding trees and can't help myself as I look away from the site before me as I see a family of white tail deer walking along the tree line with their doe in tow.

"It's beautiful Tobias." I state as I look back towards him. I notice him already looking at me.

"Yes it is, but this doesn't hold a candle to your beauty Tris." I blush.

I watch as Tobias takes of the satchel that he was given and opens it up taking out a large blanket that he lays down at our feet. He motions for me to sit down and I do without question. He then removes a set of stemware, mugs, dishes, and silverware and places them in front of ourselves. I smile at him. I never knew how romantic Tobias could or would be. He continues to take things out of the satchel. Fresh strawberries, finger sandwiches, a thermos full of some unknown liquid, a bottle of wine, candles, a lighter, cookies, and a container full of fresh vegetable salad. After he empties the satchel he lights the candles, opens the thermos and pours some tea for each of us that steams in the setting sun. I dish out some salad onto our plates and a few sandwiches. We eat in relative silence but I don't mind, nothing could ruin this moment.

Once we finish eating what I served, I start to remove my shoes. Tobias raises his eyebrow at me silently asking what I am doing. I just smirk at him. After my shoes and socks are off I stand and walk to the water's edge I lift my dress slightly as I step into the picturesque lake When the water is up to my ankles I stop lift my head to the sky and smile. I have never been at peace so much. I hear Tobias chuckle as he joins me, I look into his eyes, another body of water I can get lost in, then I lower my eyes down his body to his legs and giggle as I see his pant legs rolled up to his knees. He wraps his arm around my waist and takes my hand in his other helping me hold up my dress. I lay my head onto his shoulder and he leans his onto of mine. I don't know how long we stand there in our own personal heaven, but at some point we exit the lake and return to the blanket and sit once more. Tobias opens the bottle of wine and pours us each a glass. He brings the container of fresh strawberries to the middle of us then rejoins our hands together. He picks up his glass.

Tobias POV

I take in a deep breath it is now or never I think to myself as I raise my glass to my mouth and take a sip of wine to calm my nerves. I put it down and watch as Tris takes a bite of strawberry. Her delicate lips encircling the small fruit as she takes a bite. I watch as some liquid from the strawberry slides down her finger and her warm tongue lapping it up once she finished the fruit. I take in a sharp gulp of air, and try to calm down. Never before has a strawberry been so exciting to me.

"Tris..." I squeak out. I clear my throat and try again when I see I have her attention. I realize she had no idea I was watching her enjoy that strawberry.

"Tris, I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed our day together and all though this is just the first of many days together I realize that I have intense feelings for you that I never before knew even existed." I take another drink of wine to clear my rambling before I continue. "After my parents died, I shut myself off to my emotions thinking if I didn't get emotionally involved with anything nothing could really hurt me that bad again. But, from the moment I laid eyes on you even before we spoke a single word I knew we were meant to be. What I am trying to say Tris, is that you have changed me awakened something in me that I thought was lost to me forever. I just want to thank you for that Tris and I, I love you."

I quickly finish the rest of the wine in my glass and reach for the bottle to pour another glass. Tris beats me to it and starts to pour it into my glass without a word. Did I say something wrong? I knew it was too soon to say anything and now I gone and scared her. Stupid move. I chastise myself. Tris lowers the bottle of wine back onto the blanket. Lifts her eyes to mine. A smile is on her angelic face. She places her small delicate hand on my chest over my heart. I close my eyes for a moment and take a deep breath as I feel a sudden burst of electricity course through me, she has to feel it to I think to myself.

"Tobias, hey look at me." I open my eyes she is already looking at me her grey blue eyes shine with a passion that is all her own. "Tobias, I have been wanting to tell you how much you mean to me. The first time I saw you I was drawn to you, like you were there only for me, and when we were being attacked all I could think about was not seeing you again, then you showed up in the carriage I was relieved. You said I was home now and I felt at home and safe as long as I was in your arms. Then after that night I was so scared, and you found me again you brought me back to safety in your room and I feel asleep dreaming of you and I together wrapped in each other's embrace. Tobias all day I have been wanting to tell you how much I love you but I thought I was being silly it was too soon, but I do Tobias I really do I have never been so sure of anything in my life. I love you."

I smile take her face in my hands lean down and kiss her. She kisses back instantly her hand that was just on my chest has wrapped around my body to join her other hand around my neck. My hands lower to her waist and I bring her closer to me as we sit on the blanket in the clearing my mother had taken me to when I was younger. My favorite spot in the whole kingdom now has become even more special to me with Tris here. We continue to kiss and I want her closer I squeeze her waist slightly and she responds by straddling me making me sit up straighter though I never brake the kiss. When we finally separate to breathe I lower my forehead to hers. My face broken into the world's biggest smile.

"Say it again."

"Tobias, I love you"

"I love you too Tris."

I kiss her again but soon pull away.

"I hate to say this but we have to get up now. Max and Hana expect us back not far from sundown."

Tris nods and we stand, I repack the satchel put it back around me take Tris' hand and interlace our fingers. We take one look back out to the waterfall and make our way back to the horses. I help Tris onto her horse and we return to the stables. Once we hand the horses to the stable hands I turn to Tris.

"So what are you going to name her?"

Tris looks at me and smiles a shy smile that I love so much.

"Cascade. So whenever I ride her I can remember this day forever."

I kiss her forehead and we walk back into the castle to tell Max and Hana that we have returned.