3) Stormy Night

"Get on!"

The Third Prince grabbed her wrist and pulled her up. Her feet left the ground and the next moment, Aylin found herself on the horse with the young stranger, sitting on his lap.

He declared happily, "It's better. Now tell me which direction."

"Take the left."

The horse began to run through the heavy rain, weaving its way through the dense forest, accompanied by the clop of steel-shod hoofbeats. Aylin was sitting stiffly and she was too scared to move even a single muscle of her body.

It was the first time that she was riding a horse. The Third Prince was holding her tight but the wind was so strong along with the raindrops, it seemed to cut her cheeks. She gripped his clothes instinctively but her eyes were still looking forward.

Suddenly, she heard the husky teen voice, whispering just next to her ear with a playful smile on his lips, "Don't get afraid. I wouldn't let you fall."

Aylin murmured vaguely, "Geez! I am not… afraid."

He chuckled softly, increasing the speed of the horse, "As you say, Miss Aylin."

The horse was running extremely fast. Aylin clung to him, without having any other option as she led him the way back to her house. But his warmth was comforting as her fear faded away slowly; rather a sweet lavender manly scent engulfed her.

Soon enough the ride ended and the horse stopped next to a small yet cozy house with a little rose garden. The village was looking richer than expected as most of the houses were well-maintained with a lively atmosphere. Bright lanterns were hanging from each house except for Aylin's house, illuminating the whole area and they could even hear the faint murmuring sound of villagers though there was nobody outside due to the heavy rain.

The young guy asked curiously while helping her to get down, "Is this your house?"

Aylin answered casually as she opened the door, "Yeah. Come in."

While shaking his head and running his fingers through his soft and silvery hair, he asked again, "It is dark. Do you live alone?"

Aylin lit up the light as she answered, "No… I live with my Aunt Mable. She is at work now." Then grabbing a towel from the nearby rack and throwing it in the direction of her guest, she added, "Wipe yourself with it and sit near the fire. I am coming."

And, the next moment, Aylin disappeared inside a bedroom, attached to the middle-sized drawing room. While wiping his head, the third prince sat on an armchair, next to the fireplace. The drawing room was not so big but it was warm and organized. There were only two bedrooms and a kitchen in that small house with limited furniture and barely any costly things yet it felt comfortable and safe.

The Third Prince was rubbing his cold hands together as his eyes were focused on a bright and colorful painting of a dancer, hanging on a wall. Even in the painting, the beauty of the woman was enchanting and magnificent with a mysterious smile on her painted lips.

But, Aylin's voice startled him.

"Hey, I have cleaned my room. You can use it."

Aylin came out of the bedroom, wearing a light yellow satin gown as her long wet hair was scattered all over her back. Her soft cheeks were of rose and pearl and in that soft glow of the fire, she looked more delicate and alluring with an odd similarity with that painting.

Frowning her eyebrows, Aylin asked again, "Hey, are you listening to me?"

"Yes yes… I got it." The Third Prince got up from the chair but barely taking a few steps forward, he asked again, "Wait, if I use your room, where will you sleep?"

Rolling her eyes, Aylin answered, "In my aunt's room?"

"Alright…" While stretching his tall silhouette, he began to walk in Aylin's direction as he hinted in a slightly pleading tone, pulling a poker face, "Miss Aylin, I am hungry. Can you? I mean…"

Aylin couldn't help but giggle out loud, seeing his childish expression. Then while suppressing her giggle, she answered, "Pfft! Your face! Are you really that wild Prince I met before?"

The Third Prince stopped exactly in front of her, closing the distance between them. Their bodies were only a few inches away from each other. His presence was magnetic, intoxicating as a mischievous smirk was playing on his lips. Aylin looked up at his devilishly handsome face, into his deep crimson eyes and instinctively, she took a step back. But, her back hit the cold wall. Aylin looked into his mysterious eyes so bright with wildness they took her breath away.

His mischievous grin widened, noticing her nervousness and trembling lips and he put his hand on the wall, leaning toward her. He whispered in a low voice, "Do you want me to treat you wildly, Lin?"

'Lin!'

Aylin tingled as he whispered her nickname as his nearness kindled the feeling of an unknown fire. An unwelcome blush crept into her cheeks. She swallowed hard, breaking eye contact at such a close distance. Her breath quickened instantly and her heart danced with an unfamiliar sensation. Something, Aylin never felt before.

Biting her lower lip and trying to calm down her pulse, Aylin mumbled, "Your clothes are wet. Change it. I will arrange some food for you."

Then without waiting for his answer, she disappeared, almost running away from the young prince. But, he was still staring at Aylin's back, leaning against the door frame. His crimson eyes were like a wolf, tracking its prey.

Instinctively, his eyes moved on the portrait of the gorgeous dancer, hanging from the wall as he murmured under his breath, "Interesting! What are those amber eyes hiding?"