The Key ♕

14

Sophie's Point of View

About a week or so passed, and today is the king's birthday. The whole court is going to the lakeside to celebrate. Alice, Lucas, Nathaniel, and I sit crammed in a small carriage, with my legs almost touching Lucas's. I can't help but sneak occasional glances at the two sitting across from me. Lucas seems nonchalant as he stares out the window, but I can tell he is nervous by his rigid posture. Nathaniel sits upright with perfect posture as always, and I catch him staring at me a few times, making my heart flutter.

"This is going to be fun, Sophie," Alice gushes, almost jumping up and down in her seat in excitement.

"Definitely," I say, unable to contain my giddiness, "I've never been on a picnic before."

"You're going to love the lakeside. The view is beautiful. Isn't it, Nathaniel? The three of us used to go there all the time when we were little," Alice grins.

"Ah, yes. Those were good times," the corners of Nathaniel's lips curl up into an alluring smile.

"Do you remember when Luke tripped and fell into the lake? You had to jump down to rescue him. Mother was so mad," Alice laughs, poking Lucas in the leg.

"I didn't trip! I just..." Lucas turns away from the window and protests, looking annoyed.

"You did, and you know it," Alice teases again.

"Whatever," Lucas rolls his eyes and our eyes meet for a split second before he returns his gaze to the window.

"Luke was such a clumsy child," Alice whispers into my ear. "He got hurt every single day."

"Is that so?" I giggle, peeking at him. His face is tilted sideways, giving me a clearer view of his sharp jawline. My heart still skips a beat every time I take time to look at his face.

"I heard that," Lucas groans, earning another laugh from me, louder this time. He looks at me with his blue eyes with a unreadable expression. I may be hallucinating, but I think I see a faint silhouette of a smile.

As Alice promised, the lakeside is beautiful. The water is completely clear, the grass is a stunning emerald green, and the flowers flourish in every color of the rainbow. Alice and I pick a spot in the shade and put down our picnic blanket while Lucas and Nathaniel make their way to greet lords from court. "Isn't this great?" Alice enthuses, taking out small treats from the straw basket.

"It's amazing. What a great way to celebrate the king's birthday."

"Father always loved this place. I remember him always coming here and sitting by the lake," Alice says, then frowns. "Now that I think about it, all he did was gaze into the distance, I don't know why." I look at the lake - it's undoubtedly beautiful. I wouldn't mind coming here everyday just to look at it. "Anyways, would you like a strawberry?"

"Yes, thank you, my princess," I say, gladly taking the fruit from her.

"I'll introduce you to my little cousins later when they come" she says, plopping a strawberry into her mouth. "They're only four years old. They're absolutely adorable."

"I love children! I'll be glad to meet them," my eyes light up.

"Oh! There they come!" Alice says, waving at two cute little girls adorned in pink lace dresses. "Elizabeth, Catherine, this is Sophie. Say hi to Sophie."

"Hi, Sophie," they both curtsy in unison. My heart melts at such a sight.

"Hi! How are you two beautiful girls doing?" I ask brightly, giving them the biggest smile.