The Scarlet Lillie

Next Time

Chapter 9 {Scarlet}

Saying that Logan was upset was total understatement. When I appeared out of the tree line, he ran to greet me. He acted as though to hug me, then restrained himself.

"Where were you?" He asked, the others falling into step.

"I was following you back when I spotted a bush of roses. I told you I was going to pick some, but you must have not heard me." I lied. "I'm sorry if I worried you."

Logan took a slow and deep breath through his nose. "It's not your fault, your highness. I should have been paying more attention." He turned to the other guards. "We will be leaving in one minute. Make sure everything is properly set up." He told them. They nodded and headed back to the carriage.

I tried to follow them, but Logan held up a hand. "You can't lie to me, Princess Scarlet. Where did you really go?"

I played off my surprise as confusion. "What are you talking about, Logan? I was telling you the truth. I went to pick some flowers." I presented my now-full basket. "See?"

Logan seemed unfazed by my evidence. "Your highness, it is my duty to protect you. If you went into the kingdom and got hurt- or even killed- when I was supposed to be there for you, I don't know what I'd do. Promise me the next time we have one of these outings, you'll stick to me like glue."

I nodded. "Of course." With Logan now satisfied, the two of us began walking. He said next time, I thought excitedly.

"I am sorry for being such a burden." I said quietly. "I know I'm not the easiest person to go flower picking with. But for some reason, I just find myself drawn to them and away from people. I know that sounds weird, but I'm being truthful."

Logan looked over at me. "It does not sound weird. But it does raise some questions."

I raised an eyebrow. "Good or bad?"

"Both." He replied, plain and simple as we reached the carriage door. "And your highness," Logan whispered as he helped me get in. "You are anything but a burden."

I smiled as he fell back and closed the door. When the carriage began moving, I turned in my seat and looked out the small window in the back. The forest that separated Nicholas and I was fading into the distance. But I knew the way back.