She couldn't say she was truely surprised by his continued absence the following day, she had made him uncomfortable last night she was sure, but she just had to keep reminding herself that patience was key.

She had come to understand somethings about him within the time she'd spent living there. She knew he was not one to believe or put trust in anyone so easily. He had been hurt in the past, and deeply so.. She couldn't explain why or how she knew something like that, she just did. And that is why the fact that she had made such a grave mistake, with her previous actions to express her feelings to him, irritated her. She couldn't help berating herself for her stupidity. She accomplished nothing with her actions but to push him further away, build his walls even higher. She cursed herself for not considering the facts before jumping into her emotions. She never could think straight when her heart was involved, always letting her heart rule over her senses in situations like these... Though,.. she had to admit, her heart never before had been in a situation like this... It was all brand new.

It was midday, her duties were almost completed and still he made no appearance. She considered seeking him out again but quickly dismissed the idea, he wouldn't give her a chance to find him anyway. Her best bet at seeing him would be to wait once again for the uncommon hour.
During the day he no doubt had his business to attend to and etc, and probably wouldn't appreciate the interruption.

She accomplished her remaining household chores just as the sun was beginning to make its descent.
She knew it was about the time to start making dinner but quickly realized she had no appetite, and since 'he' was making it a habit to avoid her attempts at creating edible meals, she justified her lack of action.

She concluded a walk around the garden was in order, it was a considerably warmer day for the middle of March. So, grabbing the current book she was engrossed in, she made her way through the castle and out, to one of her favorite places across the grounds. She knew with the sun now setting and she wouldn't be able to read for very long, but the short amount of time spent outdoors would do her some good.
She'd been cooped up indoors for far too long, and the fresh crisp air would be welcoming.
Thankfully, he had given her permission to spend her free time however she wished, and wherever, as long as she stayed within the castle gates. It was a small area of freedom but one that she thoroughly enjoyed, and greatly appreciated. It was more freedom then she expected when she agreed to come here with him. He could have given her nothing but stone walls as her constant companion, but gave her much more. She had taken this freedom he gave as the first sign of his true character, and from there things began to change in her feelings towards him.

She sat down in the center of the garden to enjoy her read, but after a short amount time, and only a few pages in, she gave up in her attempts. Letting out a audible sigh she closed her book and placed in on the ground beside her, laying on her back as she looked up at the darkening sky. It was beginning to become too dark to see the words written across the pages, and she couldn't really concentrate on it anyway, her mind continued to stay preoccupied with a certain someone.

She laid there as the sun disappeared completely beyond the trees, and the stars made their way out of hiding. The night air was chilly but refreshingly so, giving her the sensation that Spring was nearly there.

She didn't really know how long she laid there but she must have completely lost track of time as she stared at the constellations above her, because when she finally noticed, she saw that the moon was already high in the sky, and she knew she had been there much longer then she had intended to be.

"This is an even easier way to catch your death dearie."

She was startled out of her gaze as she turned her head to look up at the very one occupying her thoughts. Her heart making a sudden flutter in her chest. Did he really come to find her?

"Have you not learned your lesson? Or are you simply trying to make yourself sick?"

She opened her mouth to speak, but didn't get the chance as something heavy fell on top of her, muffling her response. She yanked the heap of material off her face but not her form. He had brought her this to keep her warm? Was he really worried about her? Her heart beating a little faster at the thoughts running through her head.
She couldn't help as she shivered in its warmth, it did feel quite good.

She suddenly felt the need to tease him, to break the ice a little, for herself at least.
"What can i say, I like to live on the edge." She finally responded, with a glint in her eyes and a teasing smile beaming at the corners of her mouth, as she stared up at him.

"Thank you for this." She said as she snuggled under the warm blanket. She was unbelievably touched by his gesture but refrained from showing the full emotions she was feeling. Small steps she had to remind herself. Don't scare him off..

He didn't say anything but shifted in his stance awkwardly. Obviously uncomfortable with her thanks.

"Why don't you sit here and join me?" She patted the ground beside her, and smiled encouragingly at him.

Her face felt hot, since her invitation and gesture no doubt probably came off as a little flirty. Not at all what she was aiming for.. She was thankful for the cover of night to keep the bright shade of her cheeks hidden.

He was just as surprised by her invitation as she was of extending it. She wanted him to join her? She could see the shock her request gave him but she wouldn't retract it, she just waited for him to act..

She could see the war raging across his features as he stared down at her. She was afraid he was going to refuse and disappear, but after a few moments he slowly sat down next to her but kept great care to place himself some distance away. She then released the breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

He shifted uncomfortably after he sat, as he pulled out from under him what had been causing his discomfort.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" She fumbled, jumping up to a sitting position. She reached for her earlier discarded book that he now held in his hand. But to her surprise he quickly raised it above his head well out of her reach. She looked up at him in confusion.

He was looking closely at the cover for a few seconds before he turned back to face her with a teasing smile gracing his lips.

"Life in Our Stars."

She blushed instantly in embarrassment as she quickly reached for it again, but he just held it higher out of her reach and continued to teasingly smile down at her.

Her face heated even more and she scowled at him.
"It's healthy to read all different genres." She stated defensively. As she then looked down at her hands, fiddling with them in frustration and embarrassment.

"Oh, that is your excuse is it? Yes, I can see how the contents of this book could prove to be quite... healthy." He snickered, as he began flipping through the pages quickly in mock consideration.

"May I remind you the books I read come from 'your' library."

He looked over at her and couldn't keep himself from laughing out loud at her irritated expression.
"Oh no, I simply acquired the mass of them in a past deal, they are not personally selected. I don't know half the books I own."

She huffed loudly, turning her face away from him. She had nothing to counter against that.. Infuriating man!

"And no pictures! My my, aren't we adventurous." He continued. He was enjoying himself.

She couldn't help smiling a little at that, through her blush was still in place.
"Some people find their imagination to be a useful thing." She retorted, raising her nose in the air as she tried to look unaffected by his incessant teasing.

She heard him clear his throat loudly, no doubt trying to get her attention. And it worked. She slowly looked back over her shoulder towards him.

"Chapter one. It was a clear nig.."

He did not get to finish the sentence, and the next thing either of them knew, was that she had the book back in her hand, and he was pinned beneath her.

Thank you all for the R&R! I really don't know what I'm doing with this story... Im no great writer.. But I appreciate all the support! :) THANK YOU!