Page 35 of A Kingdom's Heart
He offered his hand anyway. “You can trust me.”
Something in the way he said it made the world go still. The river, the breeze, even the birds seemed quieter. I hesitated, then placed my hand in his. His grip was warm and careful, yet my pulse raced through my fingers all the same.
Raven sighed behind me. “Fine. A few minutes. But you both owe us for this.”
Eric smirked. “Fair enough.”
I didn’t look back. My eyes followed the river, the water bright as glass in the light. The swings swayed gently in the wind, the ropes creaking with a sound I remembered from childhood. I used to come here to escape my father’s voice, back when this place still felt like freedom.
Raven’s sigh came again, sharper this time. “Come on, Eric. Let’s give them their moment before the sun sets.”
Eric grinned but didn’t argue. “Fine, but if the captain asks, I’m blaming you.”
“Sure you will,”she said. Her eyes found mine once more before she turned away. It was the kind of look that said:don’t you dare get caught.
I understood. I could already picture Father’s anger and disappointment if he found out I went against him again.
The sound of hooves faded, leaving only the hush of the river and the soft creak of the swings. My heart beat hard against my ribs. I told myself it was only nerves, only the stillness, but the air felt too close, too heavy.
William turned to me. His eyes caught the light, soft but searching. “You look nervous,” he said quietly.
I tried to steady my voice. “Do I?”
He nodded once. “You do.”
“Must be from today’s work,” I said, forcing a small smile. “It’s been a long day.”
He studied me for a moment. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, only that his gaze lingered longer than it should have. Then he nodded slowly. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
Before I could ask where he was going, he turned toward the narrow path along the forest’s edge. His boots pressed softly against the earth. The sound of his steps faded, and I was left alone with the rush of water and the faint rustle of leaves.
I took a breath and tried to calm my nerves. The air felt thick, and every sound seemed louder.
My thoughts kept drifting to the castle. To Father. To what he would do if he learned I’d lingered here with a knight. His punishments were never light. The thought made my stomach
twist, but some part of me stayed rooted anyway.
Just a little longer, I told myself. Just a little longer to breathe.
I sat down on one of the swings, the old rope cool beneath my fingers. The wood seat creaked softly as I pushed off, letting the wind brush against my face. The water glittered below, sunlight rippling across its surface. For a few seconds, the world felt gentle again, almost like it used to be.
Then I heard footsteps behind me. Slow. Steady. Certain.
I turned, my pulse quickening.
William was walking toward me. The light slid across his armor, catching at the edges of something small in his hands. When he came closer, I saw the worn leather cover, and my breath caught.
“The Song of the Willow Bride,” I said, unable to hide the warmth in my voice. “My favorite story.”
He smiled faintly, the kind of smile that didn’t rush. “I know. You told me.”
He stopped beside me and brushed the dust from the second swing before sitting down. The ropes creaked softly beneath his weight. The two swings swayed lightly together, the rhythm, slow and even.
I looked at the book again, at the curled pages and worn edges. “The ending always makes me cry,” I said quietly.
He turned toward me, the corner of his mouth lifting. “Then maybe I should skip it.”
The sound that left me was half a laugh, half a breath. “Are you going to read it?”
