CHAPTER EIGHT

When I woke up the next morning, I decided to go find Lancelot.

I dressed in a modest red dress. It wasn't supremely fancy, just kind of comfortable and casual

When I found him, he was amidst a gaggle of court ladies. He looked desperate to escape.

He saw me at the corner gave me a look that clearly said, please save me. I weaved my way through the crowd and came next to him.

Grabbing his arm, I said, "I believe you didn't get to finish showing me the castle yesterday. Care to finish?"

"It would be my pleasure, Lady Lily," Lancelot said, smiling.

As we were walking away, I heard a court lady say, from behind us, "I can't believe Lancelot is going for her. He could do so much better than that. I mean, do you see that gown? It looks like she got it from a peasant, not a royal closet."

Lancelot stopped dead. Though my cheeks were flaming, and a tear or two was threatening to spill, I tried to urge him forward. But he wouldn't budge. He whirled on his heal and strode back to her.

"I can go for whoever I want," he growled, "And if I ever hear you say something rude to Lily again, I will personally get your title removed."

I stood, dumfounded, as he walked back to me, took my arm, and led me on.

We hustled on at a fast pace until we came to his chambers.

He opened the door and invited me in.

I sat down at the table and he sat next to me.

"Don't let any of what she said get to you," he said to me, grabbing my hand in both of his.

I smiled a bit, "I'm fine, don't worry."

"Good," Lancelot leaned back, but I noticed he still held one of my hands in his own.

"So, Lily," he said, "Tell me about your life back in your village before the raiders came. Did you have a betrothed?"

"No," I laughed and looked down at my hands, "No betrothed. I'm more of a strong single woman. Until I find someone I really love."

I glanced up at him to see his reaction to this. He was smiling slightly.

"Have you and Sarina always been friends?" He continued.

"Since we both can remember."

He nodded and we sat in silence for a while.

"I like you a lot, Lily," Lancelot looked into my green eyes with his brown ones.

I blushed. "I like you, too."

He smiled back and moved forward in his chair. Then he leaned down to kiss me softly on the lips. My eyes closed and I leaned into him.

When he pulled away I looked up at him and I bit my lip.

Then I smiled and rose from my chair.

"Would you like to walk me back to my room, oh noble knight?"

Lancelot rose as well and took my arm in his.

He swept me down the corridors, even though I knew my way by now.

At my door, he spun me to face him and kissed me again.

He pulled away and chuckled when I leaned in for more. He opened my door and shoved playfully me through the door and closed it behind me.

I leaned against it and sighed.

Sarina was sitting at the table.

I sat down and joined her for lunch.

"I was just out riding in the forest. He taught me how to actually control the horses."

"Cool," I said in a daze.

"You seem very… distracted," Sarina commented, popping a grape in her mouth.

"Lancelot just kissed me. Twice."

"OH MY GOD!" Sarina squealed.

She jumped from her chair and hugged me.

"Now we both have the men we love."

I smiled.

We hugged again.

And then a tremor rocked the castle.