The ride was anything but quiet after that. I munched happily on the apple, chatting nonstop as the scenery drifted by. I smiled at the birds fluttering nearby, gently patting them whenever they came close.
Half the apple I fed to the little horse pulling the carriage, asking if it was tired like a worried parent would — totally oblivious to the way Kazariel kept sneaking glances at me from the corner of his eyes.
Each look softer than the last, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, night settled softly over the forest. The horse lay down beside the carriage, finally asleep on the cool grass of a small clearing surrounded by towering trees. Kazariel gathered dry wood and leaves, expertly building a small fire that flickered warmly between us. He patted the ground beside him and gave me a look — a silent invitation — and I eagerly scooted closer, my heart skipping.
"It's night already. You must be tired. Why don't you take a little nap? I'll guard you!" I puffed out my chest proudly.
"No need." He glanced at the star-speckled sky, voice low and calm.
"You sleep."
"I'm not sleepy, really," I said, grinning. "But I know you are. You spent the whole day watching over me, worrying about me. That must be exhausting. Go ahead, sleep. I promise I won't go anywhere. Where would I even go, alone in the middle of the forest? You can be carefree. I'll protect you."
He gave me a sharp glare, but it softened quickly. "Sleep already. Stop just watching me."
I leaned in, covering his eyes gently with my palm to coax him into rest. Finally, he gave in. His eyes closed, arms crossed as he leaned back against the tree trunk. "Don't go anywhere," he murmured without opening his eyes.
"I won't," I whispered, smiling as I watched his tense shoulders relax. He looked so damn handsome like that — peaceful, vulnerable in a way no one else had ever seen. I didn't even know half of him yet. But right then, I wanted nothing more than to protect him too.
Two little birds fluttered overhead. I pressed a finger to my lips and whispered for them to be quiet — to not disturb Kazariel's sleep. Then I asked one of them to fetch me a small stick. It chirped and flew off, returning a moment later with a slender twig. I used it to draw in the dirt — doodling shapes and patterns, passing the time as the night deepened. I talked quietly to the birds, my voice a soft murmur. Whenever a strange noise rustled through the trees, I flinched and scooted closer to Kazariel. Peeking at his calm, sleeping face, I smiled and reached out to grip the lace of his clothes with my left hand — a shield, a comfort. For some reason, the closer I got to him, the safer I felt. Completely safe.
I was sure of one thing: As long as Kazariel was here, nothing could hurt me.
He would protect me.
I was busy doodling on the ground, completely absorbed, when I suddenly noticed Kazariel's eyes flicker open. I glanced up to meet his deep, dark gaze fixed on me.
"Oh, you're awake," I said, smiling. "Did you sleep well?" I giggled as I drew a little chibi version of Kazariel's famously cold face in the dirt, complete with the words 'I've no emotion' scribbled underneath.
"Want to play?" I asked, wiping the drawings away to make space. I drew a simple grid on the ground. Kazariel said nothing, but he listened carefully when I explained the rules. "If you get three crosses in a row, you win. If I get three circles, I win. And the winner gets to flick the other's forehead," I added with a devilish grin. He nodded, grabbed a small stick, and we started.
Using a sneaky trick, I won the first round. "I'm the winner! Come here," I teased, leaning in to flick his forehead. He didn't flinch. "That hurt, didn't it?" I smirked, watching his discomfort. "I used all my strength. It should hurt.
Punishment for you flicking me earlier," I said, crossing my arms triumphantly. He just let out a breath and started another round. I was so distracted giggling at his poker face that I lost.
"Ah, please, Kazariel! Don't hit too hard! It hurts too much! Let me prepare myself!" I said, clutching my chest and bracing like I was about to be sacrificed.
I offered my forehead, ready for the worst. To my surprise, his flick was gentle — barely a tap.
"Did you do that on purpose?!" I asked suspiciously. He looked away, silent.
I was about to press him with questions when suddenly a loud roar echoed through the woods, followed by frantic bird chirps. I nearly screamed and instantly clung to Kazariel, wrapping my arms around his neck, pressing my chest against his.
"What was that? Do you think it was a tiger?" I whispered, horror-struck. Kazariel remained calm, his mouth twitching with the hint of a smile.
"There's a tiger here?" I asked, staring into his eyes. "How are you so calm? What if it comes here and eats us?!" I panicked. "I'm too pretty to be tiger food! Stop laughing and do something!" I shouted, gripping his shoulders and shaking him in frustration.
His low chuckle deepened, amusement glittering in his eyes. I froze.
"I'm scared as hell here, and you dare laugh at me?" I muttered, almost trembling.
"There's nothing to be afraid of," he said coolly. "The tiger won't come here. I bet it doesn't like loud places."
I blinked. "Did you just call me loud and annoying?"
"I hate you!" I shouted, pushing him away, trying to put distance between us.
Another roar rang out, and I jumped right back into his arms, trembling. Kazariel finally laughed—a deep, beautiful sound that left me wondering if I should be excited or terrified.
I hugged him tighter and tighter, burying my face in the warmth of his neck. This time, he didn't push me away. That made me so happy. But since he didn't hold me back either, I pouted and grabbed his wrist, guiding his hand to rest gently on my waist.
"Hold me. I'm scared," I whispered.
His fingers twitched, hesitant to touch me. That made me smile, and I teased him by softly blowing on the skin of his neck.
"Stop doing that," he hissed, a shiver running through him.
"Nope. It's fun," I grinned, blowing softly into his ear.
"Stop it, or I'll leave you here alone," he warned, pulling me closer to lock eyes with me.
"Okay, fine. I'm sorry," I said, clinging even more tightly and resting my head on his broad shoulder.
Our bodies pressed close, my heart pounding wildly. It felt so good — safe, secure. I yawned softly and slowly drifted off, resting in his arms, held gently but firmly.
When I woke the next morning, the sun shone bright overhead.
I found myself still cradled in Kazariel's arms, my face nestled against his shoulder. Blinking, I saw his hand raised, shielding my eyes from the sunlight.
A smile spread across my lips as I rubbed my sleepy eyes.
"Good morning," I whispered. Kazariel only hummed in reply, his expression unreadable. I knew he hadn't slept at all.
"Didn't you sleep? Don't tell me you stayed awake guarding me," I teased. He said nothing, but I caught the smallest hint of a smile. That made me beam. "Aww, my handsome, sweet protector." I reached up and pinched his cheeks, then surprised him with a light kiss on the tip of his nose.
Then I stood and stretched, yawning widely. "I'm hungry," I pouted. Kazariel rose, composed as always, though I noticed his ears flushed a faint red.
"That's why. Stay here. Don't move at all," he said firmly before grabbing his sword and disappearing into the woods to find food.
What a sweetheart. I really wanted to obey and stay put, but my urgency soon got the better of me. My stomach was full, yes — but I had to find a spot to... well, relieve myself. I didn't go far, promising myself I'd stay close. I wandered in the opposite direction from where Kazariel had gone, until I found a quiet clearing and did my business. But when I turned around afterward, panic hit me like a tidal wave.
I was lost. Of course all the trees looked the same. Every path was identical. Oh no, what should I do? Kazariel must be worried sick once he realizes I'm gone. And what if I run into trouble? What if that roar from last night wasn't just for show? What if a real tiger appears—and I become its dinner?
With deliberate, fearful steps, I pressed forward, desperate to find my way back—only to suddenly bump into two men standing in the woods. They were topless, wearing only pants, and their faces screamed danger. They eyed me up and down, leering.
"Where did this fairy come from, wandering alone in the woods like this?" one sneered.
"Wow, first time a prey just walked right into its predator's trap," the other chuckled.
My eyes widened.
"Huh? Prey? What? Why? How am I prey?" I asked nervously.
They laughed, their voices low and cruel.
"Of course you're prey. Come here, pretty one. We'll make a lot of profit off you," one said with a wicked grin. My heart stopped.
"Huh! Are you saying you're going to sell me?" I gasped. They nodded, laughing viciously.
"No way! I'm not going to let myself be sold like some commodity!" I shouted, spinning on my heel and sprinting away. "Ahhh! Kazariel, save me! Mom! Anyone help!" I screamed, running for my life, tears blurring my vision. Branches clawed at my face as I bolted forward, nearly breaking my leg when I tripped, but I scrambled up and kept running.
Then suddenly I fell—not to the ground, but into a strong, warm embrace.
My eyes flew open. "Kazariel!" I gasped, tears of relief stinging as I clung to him tightly, finally safe. He was furious, of course, dark eyes blazing as he held me protectively, quickly checking my body for injuries. He noticed my limping leg, then glared toward the men who were chasing me. He positioned himself in front of me, shielding me as I wrapped my arms around him, trembling.
"Oho, who's this now?" one of the men called out, stopping and eyeing me like I was a prize.
"Hey! Leave that prey to us," another growled.
Seeing no reaction from Kazariel, their anger boiled over.
Suddenly, an arrow whistled toward us—but Kazariel caught it effortlessly. He was calm, cold as ice, stepping forward toward them. I squeezed my eyes shut as, within minutes, both men lay unconscious on the ground. Two punches, two kicks—Kazariel was all it took.
Wow. My Kazariel was as powerful as ever. But he wasn't done yet.
His furious gaze shifted to me. I gulped nervously.
"Wait! Don't be mad. I'm sorry—I didn't mean to run away. I didn't want to run either, I just... had an emergency," I stammered.
He stepped closer. "What emergency? Didn't I tell you clearly not to move?" His voice was colder and harsher than ever before. My heart hammered in my chest. He repeated, voice low and demanding:
"Tell me. What emergency?"
"I... needed to pee!" I blurted, face burning red like a ripe tomato. Kazariel looked amused but let out a long sigh of disbelief.
"You could've just told me," he said dryly.
I glared at him. "No way! That's way too embarrassing," I said, crossing my arms.
"Now don't even think about it. Just forget it and forgive me. I didn't mean to worry you. I'm sorry." I gave him my best puppy eyes. He sighed again and reached for my hand to help me walk—but I stopped him, clutching my ankle in pain.
"Stop, it hurts," I muttered. He immediately crouched to check my foot. His sigh deepened, heavy with disappointment.
It was clear: he wasn't surprised I'd injured myself so easily—just disappointed.
And yeah, that stung my pride.
"What? You're looking at me like I'm just some walking disaster," I said, mock annoyed. "Enough Staring already. I'm hurt and can't walk—give me a piggyback ride," I added excitedly.
"What?" His confused look was priceless — guess "piggyback ride" was a new phrase for him. I didn't answer, just limped behind him and jumped onto his back, wrapping my arms around his neck, my chest pressed against his back.
"Let's go," I said happily, my legs swinging. He sighed but I caught the faintest smirk tug at his lips as he stood, holding my legs securely.
We made our way back to the spot where we'd stayed the night. He helped me sit on a broken tree branch, then gathered some leaves and herbs to treat my wound carefully while I munched on the fruit he'd brought. I decided to tease him a bit.
"It hurts—be gentle," I said, pushing him away with my feet on his chest. His touch was already careful and soft, but I wanted to get a reaction anyway.
"Be good," he said suddenly, voice low and gentle, his hands even more delicate now. It made my heart beat faster.
He wrapped a cloth around my foot after treating it and gave it a gentle rub. "Is it okay now?" he asked, looking up at me.
I nodded, smiling softly. "Yes, it feels better." I leaned closer, cradling his face gently and placed a light, soft kiss at the corner of his lips. He blinked in shock, and his cheeks flushed pink.
"Are you shy?" I teased.
"Shut up," he muttered, looking away.
Then his eyes darkened, and he asked quietly, "Are you like this... with everyone?"
"Nope, never. Why would you think that? Everyone is everyone. You're you. I like you—that's why I'm like this with you. Why? Do you hate it?" I asked. He didn't answer, just stared into my eyes, then glanced at my lips before looking away.
I smiled. "Okay, I'll stop teasing you now. Come sit with me and eat. Aren't you hungry?" I offered him some fruit, knowing he hadn't eaten much while worrying about me. "You eat," he said tersely.
I grabbed his wrist and pulled him down to sit next to me. "I've eaten enough, but you should eat. You need to take care of yourself, too. Don't just think about me," I said. He stared at me for a moment, then silently ate while I giggled and rested my head on his shoulder, hugging his arm.
Suddenly, a thick branch fell from the tree above us, and before I could react, Kazariel jerked his arm away—but just in time to catch the branch effortlessly.
My heart skipped a beat as he threw it safely aside and then placed his arm back around mine, like nothing happened.
"What?" he asked, noticing my sparkling eyes. I cracked a smile and pressed a long, tight kiss to his cheek.
"You're so cool. Always protecting me," I said, hugging his neck tighter.
"If only I were strong enough, I'd protect you too," I whispered, backing up slightly to meet his eyes, still holding him close. Our faces were so close, our noses almost touching. "You're already strong enough," he said, eyes locked on my lips, as if he wanted to look away but couldn't.
"Really?" I asked softly. He nodded sincerely. I wasn't sure why he thought I was strong, but it made me happy.
I hugged him again, burying my face in his neck, then teasingly slid down to sit on his lap, hearing a small sigh escape him.
"What are you doing?" Kazariel asked, rubbing his forehead. "Hugging you. What else?" I grinned, not moving. He sighed, lips twitching into a smile as he wrapped his arms securely around my waist, holding me close.
"You know, for a kidnapper, you're terrible at it. What kidnapper treats their victim like treasure?" I teased, whistling innocently.
"Because this isn't kidnapping anymore. Now, all I want is to keep you safe in my arms." His voice was low, deep, and gentle—words that shocked me, making my heart race as I looked up at Kazariel, who acted as if he hadn't just confessed something so vulnerable.
My cheeks flamed red, like a ripe tomato.
After what felt like forever of me clinging to Kazariel like a love-struck kitten, giggling like a fool over the words he had whispered earlier, he finally set me down gently on the ground. He crouched beside me to check my leg—the same one injured before. His eyes scanned it carefully.
"Do you think you can walk?" he asked, voice calm but still laced with concern. "Or should I carry you again?"
The way he said it... I swear my heart melted right there. But I quickly shook my head. "I can walk. You've done enough already... no more piggyback rides," I said, a little shy. He just gave a tiny nod and we continued our journey on foot. Soon, we arrived at another lake—clear, calm, beautiful. Honestly, I wanted to splash in it again like a child. But instead of me diving in first, this time I convinced Kazariel to go.
"You need to relax your mind too," I said, pushing him toward the water. "Take a cold bath, refresh yourself. I'll stay right here."
He looked at me for a moment, then gave a firm nod.
"Don't move from here," he ordered, then slipped into the water.
While he swam, I sat on the grass and played idly with some pebbles, smiling to myself.
After a while, Kazariel stepped out, water dripping from his body, and began putting his clothes back on, ready to move again.
But I stopped him. "Wait."
I reached up and pulled him down gently by the wrist, making him sit. Then I took a piece of my own cloth and began drying his wet hair.
"You'll catch a cold like this," I scolded gently. "Don't leave your hair dripping. I'll do it for you." He sat still, letting me rub his hair dry. Once I was done, I ruffled it playfully.
"Okay. Now we can go," I grinned. He didn't say a word, just stood, took my hand silently, and laced our fingers together again. I followed him, our steps quiet in the woods. After a while, I dared to speak.
"..Is it okay if I ask now?" I said softly. "Where are we going? And... why did you kidnap me in the first place? I want to know more about you, Kazariel."
His grip on my hand tightened slightly. He didn't look at me. Just kept walking, voice low. He told me everything. His father had abandoned him and his sick mother when he was just ten.
Since then, he had worked day and night to take care of her. But when her condition worsened, he had gone to the palace—my father, the king—begging for help. My father had turned him away without a second glance, treating him like dirt.
That night, his mother died. Alone. Quietly. And Kazariel had no one left in the world. So he kidnapped me—the prince—to make the king feel even a fraction of the pain he felt when he lost the only person who loved him. My chest ached hearing that. Without thinking, I tiptoed up and hugged him, wrapping my arms around his tense shoulders.
"You're so strong... your mother would be proud of you," I whispered against his back. He only let out a quiet hum in reply. Then something struck me. "Can I... can we go to your home? I want to see it. I want to visit your mom." He paused, then nodded.
"We're already headed that way," he said.
And with that, we walked again. Hand in hand. Step by step.
Toward the past he came from—and maybe, toward a future neither of us expected.