Chapter Three - Introduction (d)

“Your horse has a bit of an attitude, son,” Grandpa Ben snickered.

Lady doesn’t usually act that way unless there’s a crowd. What’s happening with her? Is she trying to tell me something? I turned back to Grandpa Ben, “Grandpa Ben, do you know what time it is currently?”

“Hm… well, for starters, it isn’t officially lunchtime yet. The street clocker hasn’t announced it yet,” he explained.

Right after he said that, I heard someone shouting outside on the streets. “It’s time for lunch! Time for lunch! Those who are currently working, it’s time for lunch!” a young man started ringing a bell, along with five other men who were beating their drums. He continued to shout as he passed by the shop.

“Well now, it’s really time for lunch,” Grandpa Ben laughed.

So that’s what Lady was trying to say! It’s time for lunch. It’s time for her lunch and I need to be heading back home. I don’t want my family to know I was out of the castle, especially James.

“Grandpa Ben, I have to go,” I replied, standing up as quickly as I could.

“What?” he stood up, his brows were knitted together in confusion. “But you still haven’t tried the pie yet.”

“Maybe next time, Grandpa Ben. I can’t be late for family lunch,” I answered. Without wasting any more time, I ran towards the entrance.

As soon as I reached Lady, I wasted no time and quickly jumped onto her back.

“Wait!” a voice shouted from inside the bakery. I turned to see Laura as she raced towards me with a basket in her arms. “Here you are,” she said as she handed over the basket, covered with a plaid blanket.

“What’s inside?” I asked as I received it.

“You didn’t get the chance to finish the pie so Grandpa Ben told me to put it in a basket and give it to you,” she smiled. “It’s still fresh and as I can see, it wasn’t touched so it would be a waste if we threw it into the trash,” she put her hands on her waist.

“Oh, thank you, Laura but there’s no need for this,” I started to hand the basket back. “I told Grandpa Ben I will try it on my next visit.”

“Don’t fight us back, son,” another voice came from the entrance. Grandpa Ben then walked towards us and stood behind Laura. “Take the pie home with you. Share it with your family. They might like it.”

“But Grandpa Ben--” he then put his hand out to block my protest.

“It’s all right, son. I don’t want to hear any excuses. You’re bringing it home,” he smirked as he rested his hands on top of his cane.

How can I fight back? There’s two of them. I’m outnumbered. I must accept defeat this time. “So, when’s the next time we will see each other?” I asked Laura as I turned to her.

She smiled before she replied, “I guess we’ll have to wait for your next visit, Robert.”

“I certainly hope I’d see you again,” I returned her smile. One way or another, I’ll find a way to keep seeing her without my family knowing. For once, I think I found someone who, I think, I can share my thoughts with.

“We will, Robert,” she smirked as she crossed her arms.

I was about to answer but Lady began to whiny once more, even threatening to stand. “Well, I must be on my way. I will see you again, Laura,” I replied then I turned to Grandpa Ben after. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Come back anytime you want, son,” he smiled. “You’re always welcome in our bakery.

I nodded in response and went on my way back to the castle.

I quickly dismounted Lady as soon as we arrived at the stables. As I fed Lady her food today and gave her some water, somebody hugged me from behind. By the looks of the soft, blushing hands, I could tell it was Mallory and she was sobbing. Her tears were enough to soak the back of my shirt.

“Why can’t you love me, Robert?”