THE SECRET

I saw Beatrix writing in her Journal and fall asleep on her stomach.

I carefully changed her position on her back in heedfulness not to awaken her.

Then, I saw the journal.

She forgotten to close it.

It boost my curiosity to see what's in her writing.

I skim through the page.

I'm astound by her words and handwriting.

And the most important content on the Journal was revealed.

Her birthday?

The question is when?

We need to be home tomorrow as quickly as possible, I need to talk to Mikael about it.

Anyhow, I felt elated today.

Having dinner with Beatrix, under the full moon and the beauty of the icefield and scenery is heavenly!

All of the unexpected occurrence earlier is all worth it.

Spending time with her is of immeasurable value.

Beatrix is indeed no ordinary girl. She's a perfect Heiress for me.

And why does Uncle Charles thinks the opposite?

And that's something for me to find out.

I reclined myself with my camping bag to support my back and head.

Then, I doze off to sleep.

Ste..fan..!?! Beatrix is crying out loud.

Commotion...

I tried to keep holding her hands tightly, I don't want to let loose.

The sounds of chaos is deafening.

And a gun fire...blood is everywhere.

And I am awakened.

My eyes widen when I saw Beatrix thoroughly watching me.

Am I still dreaming?

Her voice cut me off from my reverie.

"Your highness, the sleeping mat is too big for me, you might want to share it?" she shyly asked.

I am stunned!

The world is turning into my favor.

I just nodded and welcomed her offer without any hesitation.

We repositioned the sleeping mat at the center of the camping tent.

Then we lay down on our comfortable sleeping position.

She's lying on right side while her back facing on me.

I could feel her warmth in these cold winter time.

Oh how I wanted to hugged her tight.

But NO...not now...

There's always perfect time for everything.

I tried to focus on sleeping again.

And we peacefully slept.

I wake up so early this morning feeling the weight of my arms.

Beatrix is sleeping in my arms like a baby.

Her sweet smell lingered in my nose like a whiff of a rose in the morning dew.

Her face so soft and shimmer in the light from the sun rise.

She's ethereal.

A perfect Queen for the House of Dothinghelm.

Then..

I heard footsteps... approaching our location.

I felt wary to disengaged with Beatrix, she might be interfered from her sleep but I did it successfully.

I swiftly moved to go out from the tent.

Then..

I saw Oscar...

and the two Park Rangers..Mr. Miller and Mr. Brown.

They are very pleased to see me safe and greeted.

"Good morning, Your Highness!" they said in unison.

"We are happy and glad to see you here in good shape and condition." Mr. Miller said cheerfully.

"Oscar visited our office last night and reported that you are not yet returning on time. So, we decided to searched for you early today." he added.

"So, you see... Your Highness..there too many sightings of bears in these areas nowadays, we are trying to be vigilant to avoid cases of bear attacks." Mr. Brown said.

"Ah Yes, I understand. Thank you for you quick response and service." I shook their hands and thank them again.

When..

Beatrix just rised up and surprised to see Oscar and the others.

She approached us and we greeted her.

I introduced the Park Rangers with Beatrix.

Then they left us for a quick surveyed in the area.

Oscar stayed with us and helped us build a fire.

We set up the picnic blanket and the left over bread and cheese.

And I opened the canned soups to heat.

Then Oscar heated the canned soups in the iron cook ware.

And we are all settled and shared our breakfast with Oscar.

The morning breeze in the Exit Glacier is quite colder these days.

We really need to go.

As we completed our breakfast.

We cleaned out and collected our things.

Oscar carried our things as we moved back to his house to take our horses.

We arrived in Oscars house in great relief... seeing Stygian and Winter.

I thanked Oscar for all his helped and invited him for the Christmas Eve.

And we shook hands and I tapped his shoulder.

And we bid goodbye and settled in our horses.

Then..we ride our journey back home.

As we are approaching the house..

Two cars are parking in front of the courtyard. I am surprised!

We have visitors?