17 THE SECRET

I saw Beatrix writing on her journal notebook and quickly fallen asleep on her stomach.

She's sleeping like a baby.

So soft, so angelic and so.. enticing.

But, I'm not comfortable seeing her sleeping in her stomach.

So, I carefully changed her position on her back in heedfulness not to awaken her.

Then, I saw the journal notebook.

She forgotten to close it.

It boost my curiosity to see what's in her writing.

I skim through the page.

I'm astound by her words and handwriting.

And what arise my interest the most is the important content on the journal writing, it's revealed.

As written "additional year of existence"

Her birthday? Really?

The question is when?

Hope not today.

We need to be home tomorrow as quickly as possible, I need to talk to Mikael about it.

Anyhow, I felt elated today.

Having dinner with Beatrix, under the full moon and the beauty of the icefield and scenery is heavenly!

It's very romantic without force or long planning.

All of the unexpected occurrence earlier is all worth it.

Spending time with her is of immeasurable value.

Everything just fall into place in perfection.

For me, Beatrix is indeed no ordinary girl. She's a perfect Heiress for me.

And could be a perfect wife?

Well, let's hope and see.

And the big question is, why does Uncle Charles thinks the opposite?

And that's something for me to find out.

I reclined myself with my camping bag to support my back and head.

Then, I doze off to sleep.

The music is playing in the Banquet Hall.

The visitors are enjoying the party.

Noblemen and women dances on the floor.

And commotion started from the entryway.

Ste..fan..!?! Beatrix is crying out loud.

I tried to keep holding her hands tightly, I don't want to let loose.

The sounds of chaos is deafening.

And gun fires ringing...blood is everywhere.

And I am awakened.

Thank God! It's just a nightmare.

I'm gasping for air.

Then, my eyes widen when I saw Beatrix thoroughly watching me.

Am I still dreaming?

Her voice cut me off from my reverie.

"Your highness, the sleeping mat is too big for me, you might want to share it?" she shyly asked.

I am stunned!

The world is turning into my favor.

I just nodded and welcomed her offer without any hesitation.

We repositioned the sleeping mat at the center of the camping tent.

Then we lay down on our comfortable sleeping position.

She's lying on right side while her back facing on me.

I could feel her warmth in these cold winter time.

Oh how I wanted to hugged her tight.

But NO...not now...

There's always perfect time for everything.

She is so precious.

I'm afraid to broke her into pieces.

I tried to focus on sleeping again.

And we peacefully slept.

I wake up so early this morning feeling the weight on my arms.

Beatrix is sleeping in my arms like a baby.

Her sweet smell lingered in my nose like a whiff of a rose in the morning dew.

Her face so soft and her skin shimmer like crystals in the light from the sun rise.

She is ethereal.

A perfect Queen for the House of Dothinghelm.

Then..

I heard footsteps, approaching our location.

I felt wary to disengaged Beatrix from my arms, she might be interfered from her sleep. But I did it successfully!

I swiftly moved to go out from the tent.

Then, I saw Oskar and the two Park Rangers..Mr. Miller and Mr. Brown.

They are very pleased to see me safe and greeted.

"Good morning, Your Highness!" they said in unison.

"We are happy and glad to see you here in good shape and condition." Mr. Miller said cheerfully.

"Oskar visited our office last night and reported that you are not yet returning on time. So, we decided to searched for you early today." he added.

"So, you see... Your Highness..there are too many sightings of bears in these areas nowadays, we are trying to be vigilant to avoid cases of bear attacks." Mr. Brown said.

"Ah Yes, I understand. Thank you for you quick response and service. We indeed have an encounter yesterday with two cubs and their Mama Black bear. We are very lucky to scare them off."

"We are glad that there's no harm thing that had happened to you with your encounter with the black bears. We will surely asked more natives to help us, to make rounds in the park." Mr. Miller said earnestly.

I shook their hands and thank them again.

Then, Beatrix just rise up and surprised to see Oskar and the others.

She approached us and we greeted her.

I introduced the Park Rangers with Beatrix.

" My Lady, please meet our Park Rangers, Mr. Miller and Mr. Brown. You already known Oskar, right?" Beatrix nodded. "They are very early today because Oskar reported last night that we failed to return." I added.

"Please to meet you Mr. Miller and Mr. Brown..I Thank you and Oskar, for checking on us. You are all appreciated! " she shakes hand with them.

Then, the Park Rangers left us for a quick survey in the area.

But Oskar stayed with us and helped us build a fire.

We set up the picnic blanket and the left over bread and cheese from last night.

Then, I open the canned soups to heat.

Oskar took it from me and heated the canned soups in the iron cook ware.

And we are all settled. We shared our breakfast with Oskar and with a great conversation.

The morning breeze in the Exit Glacier is quite colder these days and a bit windy.

We really need to go.

As we completed our breakfast.

We cleaned out and collected our things.

Oskar carried our things as we moved back to his house to take our horses.

Our hike is much easier in going back to the beginning of the trail.

We arrived at Oskars house in great relief, seeing Stygian and Winter in good condition.

I thanked Oskar for all his help and invited him for the Christmas Eve dinner celebration.

And we shook hands and I tapped his shoulder and hugged him.

Then, we bid goodbye and settled in our horses.

We are now riding our journey back home.

As we are approaching the house..

There are two cars parking in front of the courtyard. We are surprised!

We have visitors?