FOUR

The next afternoon, Elizabeth was waiting by the gates of Ashbourne like Dominic had asked her. She was getting looks from those who passed by her, ignoring their looks.

She saw Samuel walking up, behind him was Dominic and instantly Elizabeth's heart began to quicken. She couldn't lie and say she didn't have a crush on the prince, but who wouldn't?

"Elizabeth," Samuel said.

"Samuel, I've tended to most of them this morning, Flora's dad is doing much better. He's beginning to walk again. Another person came down with something yesterday but I think a few bits of medicine and they should be okay," Elizabeth replied.

"Thank you Elizabeth, you are truly a massive help. But don't overwork yourself, you need to rest as well," he replied.

She didn't have time to rest, people she cared about were sick and she couldn't sit around and do nothing. As much as she fancied Dominic, she wouldn't have said yes if Samuel wasn't helping the way he was.

Samuel headed over to the cottages, Elizabeth looked at Dominic, their eyes connecting once again blue meeting green.

"I love what you are wearing today," Dominic commented.

She wasn't wearing anything fancy just a nice simple dress with flags, she couldn't help but blush at his words.

"Thank you, you look pretty amazing too," she replied, instantly wanting to slap herself.

Dominic didn't care he found it amusing that she was so flustered around him.

"Let me take you on a tour of our royal garden," he said holding his arm out for her.

Elizabeth smiled, linking her arm around his, allowing Dominic to escort her to the royal gardens. She honestly cannot wait to see them, flowers were her all-time favourite thing. It's why the cottages are so well done, is because she takes care of them whenever she can.

She looked around the town taking it all in, everyone's eyes were on them though well mostly Dominic as they've never seen their Prince with a girl.

"Ignore the stares Elizabeth," Dominic spoke as he sensed a little of her anxiety.

"I'm trying," she replied.

Soon they were at the royal gardens, instantly Elizabeth fell in love. The garden was covered in different types of flowers and even fruit trees.

"Wow," was all Elizabeth could say.

He opened the gate allowing her to step inside first, captivated by the garden and how well it was maintained kept warmth in her heart.

"Whoever tends to this, does an amazing job," Elizabeth spoke as she looked at the roses smelling them.

"I know, it's sad as most people who visit forget that it's here," Dominic replied as he stepped up closer towards her.

"Most towns I've been to, don't have something like this. It's sad really to see not many wanting gardens anymore," Elizabeth replied as they began to walk again.

"Why do you like gardens so much?" Dominic asked.

She thought for a second before a wide smile appeared on her face, "Well, it makes me feel free. Looking at flowers and even the flowing water, makes me feel at ease and free from the world and its troubles."

Dominic smiled at her words, she truly was a work of art. The two of them stopped at the fountain which was in the middle of the garden. Around it was scattered white rose petals, not to mention a cute little picnic was set up.

"I did say picnic did I not?" He asked with a smirk.

"That you did Dominic. It's very lovely, I love what you did with the white rose petals," she replied.

Dominic chuckled before they both sat on the fountain edge. The picnic basket was filled with different varieties of fruits, pieces of bread and cheeses. Her eyes instantly fell on the strawberries.

"I love strawberries," she spoke as she took one biting into it.

He watched her in awe as she at the strawberry, how her eyes closed as she did, savouring the taste of the strawberry.

"I haven't had them in a long time, but when I get a chance to have them, I devour them," Elizabeth explained.

"Well I guess I'll have to bring some to you, I think there is a strawberry field over there if you want to pick some later," Dominic did want her to have the best time.

"But you've already taken time out of your day for this. You are busy," Elizabeth replied.

"My mother keeps insisting that I leave the case, she loves to head about my day. It's one less person for her to worry about," Dominic responded.

"How is your father, the king going?" She asked.

He picked a grape from the vine and played around with it, with his two fingers, "He's not getting any better. I don't think he will, he's been unwell for ages. Ever since I was 18 he's been sick. It wasn't as bad, but he still wasn't well. It's only been this last year he's gotten worse."

He sighed popping the grape into his mouth, Elizabeth couldn't imagine losing someone like that. Even though she sees her parents go through it daily for some reason she doesn't feel sad. She feels a bit relieved.

"Well the kingdom has hope in your father, I'll have faith in him too," Elizabeth replied.

Dominic smiled softly at Elizabeth, after they finished eating, he took her over to the strawberry fields where she was able to pick as many as she wanted. She was able to make more things for her friends, including jam to go on bread and to make a cake.

The sun was setting in the west, causing the both of them to watch it together. Completely hypnotised by the sun setting, Dominic's hand slowly crept towards Elizabeth's grasping it.

She didn't say anything he entwined her fingers with his, "Thank you, Dominic," she spoke, resting her head on his shoulder.

"No Elizabeth, thank you," he replied.

Her eyes began to close and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep on him. It was the first night in a long time, she was able to without having to worry about herself.