EASY LOVE

My face felt hot, as Adler's eyes glazed over me.

"No, my lord," I said, suddenly feeling shy. My eyes were glued to the ground.

He laughs.

"My Lord? why the sudden formalities, Bree? Besides, you are such a liar. I can always tell when you want to flee. It's that look of determination in your eyes."

I glanced up at Adler. His face is kind and very handsome. His short flaxen hair shone in the sun, and his eyes sparkled in the deepest blue.

My kind friend.

He moved closer to me—his eyes following the curves of my face. 

"You look breathtaking."

"I thought it was bad luck seeing the bride before the wedding, my lord."

"Nonsense. And stop calling me, 'my lord,'" Adler said with a scowl. "You sound like my mother. And your mother. Like everyone's mother in this kingdom."

I shrugged.

"It's what's proper. Now that...we are to be wedded..."

It suddenly felt difficult to breathe, like having something stuck in your throat. 

"Are you scared?" he asked, concerned.

I shook my head, suddenly nervous from his piercing stare—which felt like his eyes could see right through me: dress and all.

"It's okay if you're scared, Bree. I am too."

I looked back to see the concern on his face.

"You are?"

Adler moved even closer, taking my hand.

"Of course. But I have loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. I'm ready to take this next step…are you?"

His voice quivered, as if terrified that I might say no. I looked him in the eyes. I searched inside of them and found a sense of familiarity and comfort. I had always felt comfortable around him, and maybe comfortable love is what true love is. Perhaps, love is supposed to feel this easy.

"Of course," I said.

He let out a huge grin. And then, his hands suddenly found themselves on my face. Adler continued to look to look over my face—which began to burn from embarrassment.

"You are so beautiful," he said, with the softest tone.

With a swift hand, he pulled me closer—our lips touching. And before I knew it, we were locked in a passionate embrace. As his hands wandered my body, I felt a strange convulsion roll over me.

We stood there, for several breathless moments, before he suddenly pushed us apart.

"I've wanted to do that for ages," Adler said smiling.

"Me too," I said, slightly out of breath.

DAH, DAH, DAH!

A noise startled us. It was the sound of trumpets coming from the direction of the castle.

Adler began to move in that direction.

"My father has arrived back from his trip. I should greet him," He said, turning back to me. "The priest is still delayed. It should be about an hour before the wedding can proceed."

I nodded my head, as a smile broke out on his face.

"Enjoy the garden, my lady. It's now entirely in your possession, after all."

"Thank you. I do love it. It's quite beautiful. I have always desired an opportunity to explore it," I said, admiring the nearest rose bush. 

"That's no surprise. You'd always stare out of the window whenever you were here," he said laughing. "And you know, legend claims this place serves as a doorway to other worlds."

"Really?" I asked, as I quickly glanced to the entrance to the maze.

"Well, it's just folklore...but anyway, don't wander too far, my love."

"I know."

"And don't go in the maze. You will get lost, and I'll have to come after you," said Adler with a smile.

"I won't," I said, crossing my fingers behind my back.

Adler smiled again.

"See you soon."

Adler disappeared behind shrubbery. And I heard his footsteps die out—replaced by my heart pounding. 

"Briar."

I quickly followed the sound of my name to the maze's entrance.

Something called for me. And I would answer that call.