The Butler's Princess

Chapter 6: Midnight Meeting

I laid in bed that night with a smile on my face as I fell into a blissful sleep. It felt like I meant something, like I finally wasn't a screw up. My luck was finally turning around. I stared up at my ceiling, playing what just happened in my head on an endless repeat cycle.

I couldn't wipe the smile off my face no matter how hard I tried. As I slept peacefully, I was awoken by a sudden tapping sound. My eyes flew open causing me to reflexively sit up quickly and swiftly. I reached for my candlestick and matches and lit it before lifting it and slowly walking to the other side of my room.

As I continued to search for the source, something caught my eye. A note rolled up and tied to a tree branch outside of my window. In a heartbeat, I swung my window open and yanked the note off of the branch and unrolled it. Whomever wrote the note had lovely handwriting. It read:

        "It is said that love is so divine and pleasuring that it is considered sinful in some cultures. Dare to listen to your heart's sinning desires? Arrive at the pond in 10 minutes, don't keep me waiting my dear.

Love,
Secret Admirer "

       I felt my face burn red. Someone wanted to meet me at the pond for some romantic rendezvous. Whoever it is, they have a death wish having me sneak out at this hour. I thought about it a moment or two more before deciding to take the risk and go with my curiosity. I went to my wardrobe, got my coat, scarf and shoes and put them on. Then, I quickly grabbed my matches and put them in my pocket before glancing up at the clock. It was time for me to go.

I picked up my candle once more and quietly snuck out of my room. The floorboards of the hallway creaked ever so slightly as I quickly crept through them, trying to get to the pond on time without getting caught. At last, I made it to the main entrance. As I suspected, the newer castle butler, Leopold was asleep in his spot by the door.

I carefully inched my fingers around the handle and pushed on the latch slowly. A clear click was heard. I winced hoping he didn't hear it as I glanced at him. He hadn't budged. I sighed in relief as I gently pulled the door open enough for me to fit outside and I slipped through the opening. Once I did, I caught the door quickly and shut it at a slow pace, being sure it didn't slam shut.

I smiled to myself as I had actually snuck out successfully, then went back to the task at hand. I rounded the corner and went to the other side of the castle, rushed through the garden gates, passed the thicket of thorny bushes and finally made it to the pond. I held my candle up as I took a look around. No one seemed to be there. My stomach began to churn with uneasiness. I heard a snap sound from the other end of the pond. I backed away slowly in fear of what it was.

However after about 3 steps, my back collided with a hard chest. I screamed before whipping around coming face to face with none other than.......