Lily looked at me with a confused expression. It was cute whenever her lips went in a straight line, thinning out, and her eyebrow slightly raised, accompanied with her wide eyes.

  “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 mine. Those beautiful eyes. Ones I could stare into and get lost in for hours. Her arms were crossed as she tried to make it clear that she was the right one in this conversation. I didn’t speak, not knowing how to counter her words, or maybe I just didn’t want to, to see that triumphant expression on her face when she won an argument. She was right anyway. She could have other male friends. I just got heated at that moment. I sighed, reluctantly apologising. Apologising is something I hated to do, but I would make an exception for her.

  “I’m sorry. You are right. I was just worried for you, since he is a stranger after all. 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,” I almost pleaded, holding out my hand for her. Weak, is what I feel when I’m around her, so I’d do the silliest things to please her. I got on one knee, making me seem rather desperate for something that wasn’t that big of a deal. My eyes were almost puppy-like, or at least that was what I was going for. I definitely was not acting like a crown prince should.

  Lily huffed, letting her arms drop to her sides, before lifting her right hand to put it in my left hand. I smiled and held her hand tightly, bringing her hand to my lips and kissing her knuckles. Her hand was soft compared to my calloused one, though I could feel the slight yer of tough skin on her hand, probably with her mock sword fighting with sticks, that she did with me. Lily held back from rolling her eyes at my gesture. She gripped my hand and pulled me up from the ground. I stumbled, almost falling over, grabbing onto the wall for support. I was surprised at her sudden pull but quickly regained my composure, straightening up and turning back to Lily.

  “Now, shall we go?” I stepped aside, like the gentleman I was, to let her walk out of the alleyway. She nodded, walking ahead of me as I trailed close behind. We walked through the streets. It got more empty as we walked further and further away from the busy markets. It was a sunny day, very hot out, but perfect for me. For us. The concrete on the ground was hot enough to be felt through my shoes. I 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, just making the atmosphere feel perfect. It looked perfect, felt perfect. Perfect. Just like Lily Rose.

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

  Lily looked at me, a small, gentle smile on her face.

  “That sounds great.”

  *

  Lily’s shoes were next to mine under a tree. Lily’s bare feet dipped into the clear and cooling water. I could feel the water coming up to my ankles, as the river wasn’t too deep. It was pretty small, almost a stream. I felt the pebbles beneath my feet while I walked deeper into the river, the spshing of the water heard. Lily got in, walking after me, wading through the river.

  “So, you enjoy my company more than that other guy’s?” I smirked, ruffling her hair. Lily turned and gred at me. She has such funny and cute facial expressions. I put my hands up, faking an apologetic look.

  “I’m sorry my dy. I didn’t mean to offend you,” I put my hand on her shoulder as we went deeper into the river. Lily rolled up her dress, tying it at the side just above her knees. I could see the ends of her long hair dipping in the water, soaking her hair and making it darker.

  “Do you have anything to keep my hair up?” She asked. I nodded and moved behind her. I took a pin out of my pocket, taking her soft hair in my hands. I pulled her hair up into a loose bun, sliding the silver pin through it, keeping it in pce. A silver pin. Something precious to give to someone. It’s an old tradition, but a good one. She probably had no idea what it meant, but that was alright. It didn’t have to mean anything other than his decration of love for her, which I promised myself to say in words to her someday. I smoothed down any bumps on her hair with my hand and then let go of her hair.

  “There. That should hold up,” I 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. I 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,” I complimented her. She deserved it, and she deserves every good compliment that I will ever say to 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. I don’t really care. I’ll just miss spending everyday with you,” I 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 me, “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 meeting,” she reassured me. I smiled at her attempt of comfort and shook my head.

  “I don’t think I will,” I whispered to myself, just so she couldn’t hear.