CHAPTER 11: A STROLL IN THE MARKET

I stared at Eric in disbelief, my mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. "Wait... what... why would you lie about your identity? Why hide the fact that you're a king? Did you just hide it from me or from everyone?" I questioned him, my voice trembling with a mix of confusion and hurt.

"No, I kept it a secret from everyone. Only Adrian knows," Eric admitted, scratching his neck nervously as he met my gaze.

"But why hide your identity in the first place?" I pressed further, struggling to comprehend his reasoning.

Eric took both of my hands in his, his touch warm and reassuring. He looked deeply into my eyes, his expression earnest yet tinged with regret. "Don't look at me like that, Delilah. I already love you, and I won't change my feelings for you."

He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "Since I met Adrian in France and lived the better part of my life there, my existence has never truly been made known to the public," Eric explained softly. "I kept it a secret because I prefer a low profile. My father wasn't exactly loved by his people, and I've always believed that people don't care who is ruling the kingdom as long as they are well-fed and treated kindly."

As Eric's hands gently brushed through my hair, his words sank in, resonating with a truth that stirred conflicting emotions within me. Adrian's influence on him, his preference for simplicity and humility despite his royal lineage, echoed my own desire for a life away from the spotlight.

"Even if all of your reasons are valid, Eric, I still can't help but be upset," I admitted softly, my heart heavy with the weight of his revelation.

Eric knelt before me, his eyes pleading as he took both of my hands in his. "Delilah Frost, my soul belongs to you. I ache that I've upset you. Please don't treat me this cruelly," he implored earnestly. "I want nothing more than to see you smile, my queen. There is nothing I desire more fervently than for us to be together, for you to be mine and me to be yours."

Tears welled in my eyes as I gazed down at him, torn between the love I felt for Eric and the uncertainty caused by his hidden identity. His vulnerability touched me deeply, reminding me of the depth of his feelings and the sincerity of his intentions.

"Eric," I began softly, my voice wavering with emotion. "I love you, and nothing will change that. But this revelation has caught me off guard, and I need time to process everything."

Eric nodded, his expression filled with understanding. "Take all the time you need, Delilah. I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes," he vowed, his voice unwavering in its commitment.

I knelt down beside him, reaching out to gently cup his face in my hands. "Thank you for being honest with me," I whispered, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead

His voice cracked with emotion as he poured out his feelings, hoping she would understand the depth of his love for her. The vulnerability in his eyes revealed the sincerity of his words, begging for forgiveness and a chance to make things right.

"You're such a charmer, I doubt I am the first lady who has the honor of being yours."

He stood up and gently cupped my cheeks with his hands before pulling me in closer so that our foreheads matched. I chuckled softly as I felt his breath on my face. He then pulled back a bit and just stared at me in awe before his lips lightly touched mine.

We both laughed as he whirled me around and raised me. He then pulled me into a hug, and I returned the favor.

His arms wrapped around my waist. "You are so cold, my beloved. I think we should go inside." Just after saying this, he lifted me in his arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling safe and secure in his embrace. As he carried me towards the warmth of the house, I couldn't help but smile at how effortlessly he held me. The love and care in his eyes made my heart swell with happiness.

"Eric, put me down; someone will see us!'' I exclaimed.

"Do you think I am afraid of anyone?" he smirked.

"No, but please," I laughed.

He took me inside, opened the door to my room, and put me down.

"As much as I hate saying this, get a good night's rest, my love, and again, my chamber is across the room."

I stared at him while thinking and said, "Don't leave yet."

''I would love to, but the night is getting dark, and you need rest, sweetheart," he said, pulling me close.

"So that's why you are pulling me close," I questioned him with a smile. He chuckled and replied, "Partly, but mostly because I want to keep you safe and warm through the night." I felt a sense of comfort wash over me as he wrapped his arms around me.

'' Because my heart says that I should stay with my future queen, but my head says that it would not be proper."

I chuckled, "Good night, King Eric!"

"Good night, love, see you tomorrow, and my room is across the hall just in case you miss me," he said, kissing the side of my hair.

I stepped back and closed the door to my room. '' I will miss you, my love." I heard Eric yell.

I laughed loudly. '' I will miss you too," I said.

I changed into my nightgown and lay down on my bed, letting the events of the evening replay in my mind. My thoughts kept drifting back to what had transpired between us. Oh, dear, it felt so good. Every word of his confession had touched my heart so deeply, resonating with emotions I hadn't felt in a long time. I remembered the way his voice trembled slightly as he spoke, the sincerity in his eyes, and the warmth of his hand as it briefly brushed mine.

As I lay there, the memory of his words enveloped me like a comforting embrace. I felt my heart flutter with a mix of joy and longing, and a soft smile played on my lips. I closed my eyes, trying to hold on to the feelings his confession had stirred within me. The world outside seemed to fade away as I sank deeper into the memory, savoring every detail.

Despite my racing thoughts, I gradually felt a sense of calm wash over me. The tension in my body began to ease, and I focused on the rhythm of my breathing, letting it guide me towards relaxation. Each inhale and exhale brought me closer to a state of tranquility. After many attempts to quiet my mind, I finally felt the gentle pull of sleep. The memories of the evening wove themselves into my dreams, and I drifted into dreamland, feeling content and at peace.

__IN THE MORNING__

I was rudely awakened by a knock at my door, but I quickly rubbed my eyes and adjusted my hair before opening the door.

"Can I know the reason why you decided to wake me up?" I blurted, but I gulped when I saw the culprit.

''I'm so sorry, my darling, but I wanted to see you and didn't want to just rush into your room, Eric said while smirking.

I flushed and said, "I look like a mess right now. Can you hold off for a while?"

''I won't wait even for a second, let alone a few hours'', he proclaimed as he further straightened his shoulders.

I bowed and teased the king, "I'm so sorry, my king."

"Heyy!!! Shhh." He lifted me and swung me into my room.

I laid my head on his chest and whispered, "I missed you, my dear."

He teased, saying, "This much in only one night."

"Yes, but not only one night in nine days," I said.

'' My lady has been counting the days till I confessed, huh?'' he hugged me tighter.

I hit his chest lightly and blushed a lot. '' I have now. Will you stop? I am red like a tomato." I giggled.

"No, don't think I will stop; my angel deserves all the love in this world," he chuckled.

I just hugged him tighter and pouted while looking at him.

He pecked my lips lightly and laughed, "Ugh, you kill me with your cuteness, my love; you look even prettier this way."

"Like a mess!'' I exclaimed.

"No, like an angel," he winked.

We both laughed and enjoyed the moment when he remembered something when he glanced at the clock.

"Oh no, I am late. My love, I have a meeting with the real dukes," he said.

"Haha, aw, it is okay. I will see you later today, okay? Don't overwork yourself," I said while looking at him.

''I will see you later, and thank you so much for caring," he said, kissing my hand and closing the door.

I was wandering around the castle, strolling through the gardens, and discovering more things when it occurred to me that I should go see the town and the markets. I went to the castle, looked for Adeline, and practically begged her to come with me. Soon after many pleadings, she agreed, and we both went to town. She suggested that we take a carriage, but I did not want that kind of attention, so I preferred to walk.

Everyone appeared to be quite joyful; there was laughter everywhere, and the children were running around and giggling. It was very sweet. The market was incredibly colorful. I was looking for a notebook to sketch in as Adeline and I were perusing some of the vendors. The stall I came to also offered pencils, quills, and other items. I ended up purchasing a beautiful leather-bound notebook and a set of high-quality pencils. Adeline found a unique quill pen that she couldn't resist buying, and we left the market feeling content with our purchases.

It sounds like a lively scene! Here's a continuation based on your input:

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I had just finished examining one of the sketchbooks and paid the shopkeeper when I noticed Adrian and Eric engaged in conversation with a nearby shopkeeper. My heart skipped a beat knowing I had ventured into town against Eric's strict instructions, wary of the dangers lurking beyond the castle walls.

"Eric forbade me from visiting the town without guards due to robbers or just plain rudeness, Your Highness Adeline," I heard myself blurting out as they approached.

Adrian turned to me with a mischievous grin, already pointing in my direction. "My dear friend, you've got Miss Frost trembling in fear! Are you truly that fearsome?" he teased, his laughter echoing through the bustling marketplace.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness," the shopkeeper, Adeline, apologized with a playful smile. "She begged me so earnestly that I had to invent a false explanation."

"I only forbade you to come because I wanted to take you here myself, my love," Eric chuckled, joining in the banter as he drew nearer.

"All three of you are so cruel," I exclaimed, caught between exasperation and amusement at their antics.

"I am really sorry, Your Highness," Adeline repeated, her smile widening as she glanced between Eric and Adrian.

Despite my initial trepidation and Eric's protective instincts, I couldn't help but be touched by their care and concern. Their playful deception softened the tension I had felt, reminding me of the bond we shared and the lengths they would go to ensure my safety and happiness.

"I forgive you all," I relented with a smile, feeling a surge of affection for my companions. "But next time, please let me know if you plan to rescue me from my own stubbornness."

Eric stepped closer, his eyes warm with affection as he gently took my hand in his. "I promise, Delilah. From now on, we'll face every adventure together," he vowed softly.

Adrian nodded in agreement, his expression earnest despite his earlier teasing. "You have our word, my lady. No more surprises without fair warning."

"Alright, you both should get back to the castle now if you have everything you need," Eric added.

"Yes, we did. I feel so embarrassed." I said, scratching my hand.

"No need, princess, you looked adorable," Adrian said

''Be careful now '' Eric glared at him.

"Okay, I would like to take my leave," I said with a gentle smile, excusing myself from their company. As I turned to walk away, I sensed Eric's gaze lingering on me. Glancing back, our eyes met briefly, his expression thoughtful and perhaps a touch wistful before I continued on my way.

I sat down on a bench in the garden and began to sketch another garment, which was inspired by the roses in the garden. I thought for a while and sketched several patterns. It was growing colder by the day, but there was no sign of snow.

I took my time sipping the coffee Adeline brought me while taking in the crisp air.

I kept feeling like I was being watched continuously by someone.

"Do you know what is the most romantic thing about you, Eric?" I asked playfully.

"Hmm, no, what is it, my hugs?" he replied, appearing from behind a tree with a smile.

"Yes, but it's when I look at you and you look away in another direction," I said, smiling back at him.

He joined me, sitting down and planting a gentle kiss on my cheek. "The moon and the stars tried a lot, but my eyes are still fixed on you, my love," he whispered softly.

"Oh really?" I chuckled, feeling a warmth spreading through me.

"Most definitely," he affirmed, drawing me closer with his arm around my shoulders.'' That design looks very nice, pretty scandalous; it would suit you," he said, pointing at one of the designs.

I paused at his sentence, then let out a soft chuckle: "These are not scandalous; they are modest."

"Either way, it suits you, and I would love to see another one of your creations," he added. "Give me a piece of paper and a pencil, and I will make a portrait of you."

''what,,no,,, '' I felt shy all of a sudden.

"Oh, come on, please, Del," he said while looking into my eyes.

"How can I say no to this handsome face?" I gave him the things he needed.

He fetched a chair from somewhere and sat down in front of me, saying, "Stay still, and look to your right princess." He said softly.