Midnight Antics (1)

The rest of dinner went on until a giant fruit tart came out for dessert and Aliana was clutching her stomach from how full it was with all the amazing food.

When all seven courses had wrapped up there was wine and digestifs served after and everyone mingled about. Sam stayed close to Aliana while they made their rounds.

"You two look quite comfortable together," Prince Elric beamed approvingly. "I am glad you are getting to know your suitors, your highness."

"Lord Samuel has been a most gracious and honorable suitor," Aliana smiled. Sam looked down at her and tried to suppress the grin forming on his face from her words.

"I hope you feel the same about Lord Aiden tomorrow," Prince Elric said excitedly. He knew it would mean great things for Eddis if the King Consort came from his homeland.

"I hope so as well," Aliana said politely. She honestly did not want to meet with Lord Aiden tomorrow.

With that, Prince Elric excused himself and walked to his wife. Sam pulled Aliana to his side and whispered, "Would you like to meet at midnight?"

"Yes, I would," Aliana beamed. "Is the tent at the hot springs still there?"

Sam looked down at her in surprise but grinned. "Yes it is, I could be up for a little midnight swim."

"I'll meet you at the gatehouse when the clock strikes twelve, then," Aliana said before walking away from Sam with a sultry look gracing her face.

Sam cleared his throat and ran his hands through his thick blonde hair, he was going to be in trouble if that night looked anything like earlier that afternoon.

Aliana sauntered over to the table that held the wine and an attendant poured her a glass of sweet pink wine. She thanked the man and looked around the room while sipping her drink. She didn't see Lucien and frowned.

A light tap on her shoulder made her jump, she turned around and Lucien was looming over her with a smirk.

"Your senses are not as sharp as they used to be if I can sneak up on you like this," He teased.

Aliana pushed Lucien's hard chest grinned, "I can't wait to show you how wrong you are."

"It's too bad you had to save the best for last," Lucien jested. "I understand though."

"I didn't want to seem unfair to your competitors," Aliana murmured bashing her lashes up at him.

Lucien's eyes narrowed, "Do I really have competition?"

"Just because I've known you a long time doesn't mean you are going to be automatically going to be picked," Aliana countered. "So yes, you do."

"Well, I truly hope I can win you over in two days." Lucien grinned mischievously.

"We shall see," Aliana smiled as she walked away.

Aliana downed the rest of her wine in a few gulps and excused herself for the night. Louie, Pryja, and her knights followed their princess back to her room.

"Are you excited for your day with Lord Aiden tomorrow?" Louie asked cheerfully.

"I have other plans before that happens," Aliana said vaguely.

"What do you mean?" Pryja shrieked. "It's almost midnight."

"Perfect time for a swim, no?" Aliana grinned.

"You better not get caught," Louie warned even though her eyes were gleaming with excitement.

"I have Sir Galien and Sir Arthurus to make sure of that," Aliana said over her shoulder to her personal guards who bowed to their mistress at her request. "We're taking horses this time, okay?"

"We shall make sure everything is taken care of by midnight," Sir Galien said with gusto. Sir Arthurus nodded in agreement.

Aliana made it back to her room and Louie and Pryja sat around as Edith helped her get her swimming outfit back on with a thicker cape over her this time. "Do you like Lord Samuel that much?" Pryja asked.

"He is very easygoing and nice to talk to," Aliana sighed. "He doesn't treat me like I'm going to be the Queen and it's refreshing."

"It's good he's not scared or nervous around you." Louie smiled.

At about ten minutes to midnight, Aliana made her way to the gatehouse with Pryja and Louie tailing after her where Lord Samuel was waiting for her.

He smiled and walked up to her and her ladies. "Your highness," Sam greeted. "Are you ready to go?"

Aliana nodded and said her goodbyes to her ladies who were adamant about waiting at the gatehouse for her to return.

Samuel grabbed her hand and led her out of the main gate where three horses were waiting. "Am I riding with you?" Aliana asked taking in the sight before her.

"Is that a problem?" Sam grinned.

"It's not a problem," Aliana said with a blush creeping over her cheeks.

Sam took her hand while he helped her up on his horse and settled behind her once she was on steadily. His hands snaked around Aliana's waist to grab the reigns and took off at a fast passed gallop. Sir Galien and SIr Arthurus followed closely behind.

Making their way through the dark forest gave the night an ominous aura. Aliana had sharp eyesight and was grateful for the moon shining down, even with the small amount of light she had to squint to see the path ahead.

"I am surprised you agreed to come out here so late," Sam murmured in Aliana's ear. She leaned onto his solid back and looked up at him.

"I like to take a bath before bed and this sounded more fun," Aliana replied with a husky voice.

Samuel groaned internally at her words, Aliana felt something hard on her back and blushed deeply. "I like the sound of that, Alia."

"I can feel that," Aliana giggled.

When they reached the rockiness of the hot springs Samuel got down and lifted Aliana off the horse. "My knights, please stand guard over the horses and come get us around three or four, okay?"

They bowed and nodded to their princess and Samuel held Aliana's hand while making their way over the rocks to the steaming waters.

The moon illuminated the water faintly and someone had come out before the couple and lit torches around the tent that held two glasses and several jugs of wine. Sam helped Alia with her cloak and set it down in the tent next to his clothes. He poured two glasses of wine and turned to see Alia already soaking in the water.

"Thanks for waiting for me," Sam teased. He handed her the glasses and eased himself next to her in the hot water.