The Mysteriously Beautiful Lake.

His Majesty had informed her that they would be traveling, and the day had arrived. They were to live by sunrise so they could get as early as possible since it was a two-day journey by horse. Raziah was all ready to leave and was walking out of the castle where the carriage was waiting for her when she felt that presence again.

For the past two days, she's been having this unnatural feeling, a deep chill as if someone was hiding somewhere and watching her. But she didn't know who it was, because there was never anyone around her. As she continued her way, she kept feeling the piercing gaze on her back, and it was making her quicken her steps a bit.

Out of nowhere, a small knife came flying towards her. Raziah's reflexes kicked in, and she ducked as the sharp object shot just above her head, and pierced the wall beside her. Her heart leaped as she looked around once more but found no one nearby.

Then, she noticed a small piece of paper tied to the edge of the knife.

She pulled the knife out of the wall and undid the paper from the handle. There was something written on it, 'You are his Majesty's Bride, aren't you? It's nice seeing you around the palace. You look like an energetic one. Shall we have some fun, Raziah Octavius?'

Now everything from the handwriting was sketchy and creepy. Seems whoever it was knew who she truly is to his Majesty, but what would the person do with this information? Would he use it to blackmail them? Make His Majesty say the truth? How did the person find out about her surname? Another wave of questions was hitting her from every direction, but she swallowed it back and quickly exited the area when she found no one.

Aragon saw her approaching them and smiled at her. The things she needed to and fro for the journey had already been packed into the carriage since there was enough space. Since the last time he had renewed her again, she wasn't speaking like before anymore and was always replying to him these days with only one word, which he found very funny.

They climbed unto the carriage which was much more spacious than the last one and three warriors they took with them pulled the reigns in the front, while two more sat at the back to keep watch since these times weren't safe anymore.

Mostly now that he has Raziah with him.

As usual, she placed her head over the window and closed her eyes. If she remembered correctly he had told her they were going to Sabaean kingdom to visit the King, which was somehow because right now she was pretty sure the kingdom needed his Majesty for the war can break out anytime. Plus if she remembers correctly, it was the same kingdom Uariel had told her that he was supposed to choose a bride from.

Wait...it can't be.

Is he going there to get married to another woman? A prince can have many wives, no one can stop his decision. Though the thought of Sharing her husband with another woman didn't bother her at all. They could renew each other all they want, as long as they don't drag her into their renewal process.

"What are you thinking about?" Aragon asked. She was lost in space two seconds ago, but now she was out.

"Nothing." And there goes her one-word reply.

"You were definitely thinking about something. Tell me what it is."

She stared back at him, her icy hazel globes enigmatic, "I wasn't thinking about anything," she blatantly lied again.

"So you're not gonna tell me?" He smirked, making her recall the renewal again.

She almost swallowed, but remembered she had dignity, "There's nothing to tell, your Majesty."

If there was anyone that was supposed to tell the other anything, then it would be him. Why does he have an enchantress and sorceress? The other day she overheard the maids whispering about his he spends half of the night with either one of them, and how their noises could be heard if one was passing by. It sounded disgusting to her ears, but she didn't feel one bit jealous.

The only thing it did was answer one of her questions - now she knew where he always spend one-half of his night before returning to cuddle with her.

"Are you sure you don't have anything to say?"

"If I start pouring them out, it won't end," She answered as a matter of fact, "Should I start? Or do you prefer this conversation to end here?" She added strongly, without batting a lash when his lips curved deeper.

They grew silent again, and when it was time for lunch Aragon unpacked their food and offered it to her. She noticed he wasn't eating at all, and even when the horse stopped again when it was time to hang out a tent in the forest and spend the night, he still didn't eat. Now she was going to ask because she didn't want him fainting on her later on even though he still looked so strong and energetic.

"Have this," she handed him her dinner.

"I'm not hungry." He shook his head at her as they sat down inside the small tent the guards had made for them.

"You didn't eat earlier on," she dropped the food to one side, then tapped his knee to grab his whole attention. She still hadn't built up the nerve to cup his face or touch his shoulders yet, "Are you worried about Erandell and the upcoming war? Is that what this is?"

He opened his mouth to say something, but instantly changed his words, "Yes Hazel, I'm very worried about Erandell," he responded, and quickly added, "Maybe you can make me forget,"

"Oh!" She stumbled out a bit, "How do I help?"

"Bath me." He didn't even hesitate.

Raziah blinked hard, "You want...a bath?"

He nodded softly, "Exactly."

"But is there water close by? I don't think..."

"There's a small waterfall with a lake close by. Follow me," he wasn't even giving her time to process her words as he had already taken her hand and pulled her out of the tent, leading her to where the Lake was located. The first thing that caught her attention when they arrived were the fireflies dancing around the place, giving the environment a golden red hue.

The moonlight reflected softly around the water, and it looked to her like a very small waterfall with a drain in and out that never stopped flowing. The water looked a little greenish in color at first sight, but it was just the color of the rocks under the lake.

"Why didn't you ever bring me here before?" She blurted out so fast as she ran closer to the place and peered into the water. It was so lovely, and the temperature was just warm. Her lips fell open a bit as she splashed the water a little.

The place felt as if it had a magical spell around, and the glow was breathtaking.

"You seem to like it." He said, coming up behind her.

"Do people come here much? When did you find out about this place?"

"A very long time ago, and I don't think anyone comes here," he replied.

"It's very beautiful. I love it," she whispered to him, her eyes dancing. From where he stood to where she crouched, he noticed how much the moon complimented her eyes, and her hair looked Like it was glowing together with the Lake.

The thought didn't sit too well with him, so he shrugged it off.

"Now, Kindly undress me, snow-white." He whispered back to her, and the elated moment she was still sucking in was broken Into pieces. She suddenly stiffened a bit, recalling why they were here in the first place.

She was here to Bath him.