Lily looked at Asher, a little confused.

  “Why can I not have other male friends? I’m not confined to one person,” she stood her ground, speaking firmly, her eyes slightly narrowed as she locked her eyes with his. Her arms were crossed as she tried to make it clear that she was the right one in this conversation. Asher didn’t speak, not knowing how to counter her words. She was right. She could have other male friends. He just got heated at that moment. He sighed, reluctantly apologising.

  “I’m sorry. You are right. I was just worried for you, since he is a stranger. I hope you can overlook it and perhaps take a walk with me? We could walk through the North side of the forest. We haven’t walked there before and it could be a nice change of scenery. I hope you can forgive me and accept my offer,” He almost pleaded, holding out his hand for her. He got on one knee, making him seem rather desperate for something that wasn’t that big of a deal. His eyes were almost puppy-like. He definitely was not acting like a crown prince.

  Lily huffed, letting her arms drop to her sides, before lifting her right hand to put it in his left hand. He smiled and held her hand tightly, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing her knuckles. Lily held back from rolling her eyes. She gripped his hand and pulled him up from the ground. He stumbled, almost falling over, grabbing onto the wall for support. He was surprised but quickly regained his composure, straightening up and turning back to Lily.

  “Now, shall we go?” He stepped aside, to let her walk out of the alleyway. She nodded, walking ahead of him as he trailed close behind. They walked through the streets. It got more empty as they walked further and further away from the busy markets. It was a sunny day, very hot out. The concrete on the ground was hot enough to be felt through their shoes. Lily thought it was quite refreshing. It had rained a lot the days before and all the trees, bushes, grass; they were all a refreshing green. The air was also very refreshing.

  “There should be a river in that part of the forest. We could dip our feet in, since it’s pretty warm today,” walked closer to her as they entered the forest.

  Lily looked at him, a small smile on her face.

  “That sounds great.”

  *

  Lily’s shoes were next to Asher’s under a tree. Lily’s bare feet dipped into the clear and cooling water. She could feel the water coming up to her ankles, as the river wasn’t too deep. It was pretty small, almost a stream. She felt the pebbles beneath her feet while she walked deeper into the river, the spshing of the water could be heard, making the atmosphere even more calming. Asher got in, walking after her, wading through the river.

  “So, you enjoy my company more than that other guy’s?” He smirked, ruffling her hair. Lily turned and gred at him. He put his hands up, faking an apologetic look.

  “I’m sorry my dy Warrior Princess. I didn’t mean to offend you,” he put his hand on her shoulder as they went deeper into the river. Lily rolled up her dress, tying it at the side just above her knees. Lily realised her hair was getting wet at the ends so she looked at him.

  “Do you have anything to keep my hair up?” She asked. He nodded and moved behind her. He took a pin out of his pocket, taking her soft, brown hair in his hands. He pulled her hair up into a loose bun, sliding the silver pin through it, keeping it in pce. He smoothed down any bumps on her hair with his and then let go of her hair.

  “There. That should hold up,” he petted her head gently.

  “So you always carry around a hairpin? Especially such a big one? Can’t you just bring a hair tie. It’s much smaller and easier to bring around,” she questioned. He shrugged, grinning.

  “I was just waiting to give it to you. Keep it of course. I would be very happy if you wore it everyday in that wonderful hair of yours,” he complimented her. Lily nodded slowly.

  “Sure. If that’s what you want. Anyway, when’s your coronation again? I need to know when I need to buy you a gift,” she smiled.

  “Ah, it’s in a week. I’m not that excited to be honest. It’s full of work and boring stuff, being king, emperor. Whichever. I don’t really care. I’ll just miss spending everyday with you,” he sighed, looking down at her sadly, as if she could do something to change it. Lily chuckled.

  “Finally. Some peace and quiet for a few days every week,” she joked, turning to face him, “you won’t miss me that much. Like you said, you’ll be busy. I’m sure you’ll forget about me until our weekly meet,” she reassured him. He smiled and shook his head.

  “I don’t think I will,” he whispered to himself.