The next day, I was assigned outside again, sweeping fallen leaves.
The soft rustling of dry leaves filled the air as I worked, moving the broom in steady strokes across the ground.
"Boo!"
I nearly jumped out of my skin.
"Hey!" I snapped, clutching my chest. "Do you have a death wish?!"
Tavik stood there, grinning like he hadn't just scared the life out of me.
"Did you miss me, girl?"
The moment I saw his face clearly, something in my chest tightened. My eyes stung just a little.
"Hey… where have you been?" I asked, my voice softer than I intended. "Why did you disappear like that?"
He scratched the back of his head, looking a bit guilty.
"Sorry, girl," he said, stepping closer. "Here, I'll just hug you so you won't be sad anymore."
Before I could react, he wrapped his arms around me.
I froze for half a second… then hugged him back.
Wow. We've only met once, and here we are hugging like old friends.
He pulled away slightly, then handed me a small bag.
"I brought you something. Open it."
Curious, I untied it and peeked inside.
Food.
Without hesitation, I grabbed a piece and took a bite.
I didn't even wait to say thank you.
My eyes lit up. "Hey! This is really good! This is Japanese cake, right?"
He smirked, folding his arms proudly. "Yep. I've got some background in baking, so I know how to make that."
Then he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice like he was sharing a secret.
"But let's keep that between us, alright? Sometimes I use that as a bribe or a gift."
I raised a brow, chewing.
"So this is a gift for me, huh?"
"Of course," he said, laughing lightly. "I'm really sorry we didn't run into each other these past few days. I've actually been looking for you inside whenever I pass by."
He shrugged.
"But I didn't want to ask anyone to call you for me. That might raise questions."
Then he gestured for me to follow him.
"For now, come with me. I'll show you a place. There's pen and paper there too. If you can't find me, you can just leave notes."
I hesitated for a moment… then nodded.
We walked together, leaving the usual paths behind.
The place he led me to was a little farther than I expected.
Inside the forest, but not too deep. Just past the entrance, after a short walk.
There, tucked quietly between trees, was a small setup.
A simple table.
A chair that looked handmade, patched together from different pieces of wood.
On the table lay a quill and sheets of paper.
"This is it," Tavik said, placing his hands on his hips. "You can leave your letters here. Anything you want to say, requests to meet, whatever."
I stepped closer, my attention caught by the quill.
It gleamed faintly.
Gold.
I picked it up carefully, almost afraid I might damage it.
"This is beautiful… Are you sure I can use this?"
He waved it off casually. "Don't worry about it. I've got plenty. Go on, try writing."
I sat down and dipped the quill, then hesitantly began to write.
At first, it felt awkward.
The motion was so different from using a ballpen back in the modern world.
My strokes were uneven, my grip uncertain.
But I kept going.
Minutes passed.
Then more.
By the time thirty minutes had gone by, I had finally gotten the hang of it.
I leaned back slightly, flexing my fingers.
"Thank you for this, Tavik," I said, smiling. "My hand missed writing like this."
He smiled back, softer this time.
"You're welcome. And remember this place, alright?"
His tone shifted, becoming more serious.
"So far, you're the only one I've brought here. I've never told anyone about this hideout."
I looked around again, taking it in.
The quiet.
The privacy.
"I promise," I said firmly. "I won't tell anyone about this place."
We laughed, shared random thoughts, stories, things that didn't even make sense. And yet somehow did.
Time slipped by without us noticing.
It wasn't until the sunlight shifted that I realized...
"Wait!" I stood up abruptly. "Crap, they might be looking for me inside. I should head back!"
Tavik laughed, standing as well.
"Yeah, we got carried away. But I can't blame you. Honestly… I'm enjoying talking to you too."
He rubbed the back of his neck, grinning.
"It's been a long time since I've talked like this. You know… like this."
I smiled.
We walked out of the forest together, heading back toward the palace grounds.
"See you later," he said, raising a hand before heading off in a different direction.
"Same!" I called back.
I waited until all the food was prepared and arranged neatly on the trolley before bringing it to the prince's room.
As I pushed it along, I noticed something.
There was more food than usual.
And… two plates?
I frowned slightly.
That's strange.
But instead of overthinking it, I continued on.
I stopped in front of his door and knocked.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
"Come in."
I stepped inside and immediately froze.
What…?
There was now a divider in the middle of the table.
Is someone else eating with him now?
Trying not to show my confusion, I quietly set the dishes on the table, arranging everything carefully.
Just as I finished, I heard his voice.
"Wait."
I paused, turning slightly. "Yes, Your Highness?"
He looked at me, his expression calm.
"You may dine with me."
My brain stopped working for a second.
WHAT kind of plot twist is this now?
Is he getting lonely eating alone or something?!
Before I could even process it.
"It is an order."
Of course it is.
"Understood," I replied.
What choice did I have?
"Take what you can finish," he added, gesturing toward the food.
Again… an order.
I picked up a wooden plate and spoon, carefully selecting a portion I knew I could eat.
Then I sat down across from him.
This is getting weird.
You're getting way too close to me, mister prince.
We ate in silence.
The only sound between us was the soft clinking of wooden utensils.
No conversation.
No glances.
Just… eating.
He probably just wants someone to eat with.
Must be nice, having a higher position. You can just order people around like this.
Must be nice…
He finished first.
Without a word, he stood up and walked away, leaving me still eating.
Wow. Okay.
I continued eating, planning to just bring everything out together once I was done.
But then...
"Leave those," he said, his voice cutting through the silence without him even turning back. "You may collect them tomorrow."
I paused, mid-motion.
Seriously? I was just about to take them out.
I swallowed my irritation and straightened.
"As you wish, Your Highness," I replied.
Even though, honestly I kind of want to knock him on the head right now.