The Problematic Prince - Side Story 8 - It Was all About Spring

Together they walked, just the two of them, without any servants, attendants or maids, just her and Bjorn. They ventured deeper into the garden, further from the palace. Erna felt like a mischievous child, sneaking away from a parents watchful eyes, to do something forbidden.

They headed toward the city, where the Spring Festival was in full sway. Lined with orange trees on either side, the road was further enhanced by the mesmerizing display of vibrant tropical flowers. Walls embellished with winding flower vines painted an infinite tapestry of blossoms. The travel book’s portrayal of Lorca’s capital city transforming into a floral haven during springtime truly captured its reality.

Erna felt a race of anticipation take her ass he could make out the sounds of peoples cheers and laughter. She revealed in the splendour of the season.

The influx of tourists to celebrate Lorca’s Spring Festival, which had coincided with the 50th anniversary of the kings reign. The streets were crowded, the gardens were packed and the parks were a hive of activity, all made it easier for Bjorn and Erna to blend in and enjoy the festivities.

She marvelled at the shops filled with colourful rugs and lamps, indulged in delicious snacks and treats offered off a cart or stall. She sipped on piping hot, sweet teas, as they strolled through alleyways adorned with intricately potted plants and exquisite tiles. All the while, hand in hand with Bjorn.

She persistently cautioned herself against overstepping any boundaries. Yet, where is their love’s boundaries? It could be the alluring enchantment of the exotic spring, with its delightful fragrance and vivid hues, that caused the boundary she had established to grow hazy.

“Shall we take a break?” Bjorn suggested, stroking Erna’s flushed cheek.

Erna bit down on her habitual response of ‘Im fine’ and simply nodded. The spring sun here was intense and Erna couldn’t imagine what it was like in the height of summer. It was becoming increasingly hard to endure.

Surveying their surroundings, Bjorn led Erna to a park across the street, where many travellers sought shade under the trees.

“Hey, Bjorn,” Erna called, her eyes fixed on a nearby bench.

A young couple, not much older than Bjorn and Erna, had just taken a seat across the fountain. The gentleman took out a handkerchief and spread it out on the bench for his wife to sit.

Bjorn suppressed a laugh and the urge to curse the man, as he took out his own handkerchief and placed it on the bench for Erna to sit. The radiant smile on Erna’s face made Bjorn feel vulnerable and yet, he couldn’t help but feel the joy at Erna’s own joy.

With an over indulgent flourish, Bjorn made a show of placing the square of cloth on the bench. As graceful as a petal caught in a breeze, Erna bowed and sat, with her back straight and hands rested on her knees. Bjorn couldn’t help but laugh.

“Sitting comfortably, Your Highness?” Bjorn asked.

“Comfortable enough, your handkerchief is a little lumpy,” Erna said, deadpan. though Bjorn could see she longed to remove her hat and gloves.

Bjorn sat next to Erna and they watched the waters of the fountain bubble and sparkle in the sun, the shade of the tree soothing their sun-kissed skin. Erna’s flushed cheeks slowly returned to their pale norm.

“What is that?” Erna suddenly said. She pointed to a building at the far end of the park. “There are so many people queued up, can we go take a look?”

“If you want to.”

Though her inquiry seemed kind, Bjorn felt it was more a command. The most frightening aspect of his wife’s ever growing cunning was her obliviousness to her own machinations. Bjorn didn’t mind, he preferred her boldness than her previous meekness.

“Come on, lets go,” he encouraged.

“Are you really okay?” She said, expecting Bjorn to be a little more stubborn. “We’ve only done what I’ve wanted to do so far.”

“Come on, Erna,” he said playfully, “I can’t do anything I want here anyway.” He gave Erna a sly wink and his sincerity made Erna laugh.

His sincerity made her laugh, a radiant smile lighting up her face. For a moment, Bjorn was content to be a love-struck fool once more.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Despite the variety of beliefs held by numerous individuals across the globe, their shared actions are strikingly similar. Take, for instance, those who fearlessly ascend sacred towers with no intention of paying homage to the Divine, like the noble Grand Ducal couple of Schuber hailing from Lechen.

It seemed that the pursuit of many was to find a clock tower and climb to the top of it. It felt like the world was filled with these kinds of crazy people, a face Bjorn was reminded of as he ascended Lorca’s Bell Tower with Erna.

“If you’re weary, you can rest a moment,” Bjorn said. Stubbornly, she shook her head, despite her flushed face and heavy breathing.

“We’ll be at the top soon,” Erna said.

“And then?”

“We wait for the bell.” It was a silly reason, yet Erna bore a solemn determination.

Bjorn looked up at the remaining distance. If he were alone, he could reach the top pretty swiftly, but at Erna’s pace, they would miss the next toll. They would then undoubtedly have to wait for the next one. An unpleasant prospect.

After contemplating, Bjorn embraced his wife without saying a word. Startled, Erna let out a scream that echoed along the towers stairwell.

“Wait, don’t, what if someone sees?”

“Listen, Erna.” Bjorn said, ignoring her protests. “I have no desire to be trapped in the bell tower for an hour, while we wait for the next toll. This is out best option.”

Bjorn began climbing the ancient stone steps with long strides

Lorca’s spring was like fragrant, poisoned wine, Erna mused in a daze as she looked up at Bjorn face as he carried her. No doubt, when she woke from the stupor there would be serious repercussions, and yet, her heart wanted to refill that cup time and again.

When will she get wise?

Erna closed her eyes tightly. She knew it was pointless, but it was challenging to imagine herself anywhere else with anyone else. Chuckling softly, Bjorn quickened their ascension. His breathing grew heavy and the light of the exit grew closer.

They emerged back out into the spring sun, the cool breeze felt refreshing on Bjorn’s sweaty face. Erna exclaimed in delight and beamed.

Crazy deer, wildly Enchanting. Bjorn thought as he gently placed Erna on her own two feet. Hastily, she adjusted her attire and proceeded to the observatory. Bjorn watched her every step as she seemed more animated.

“Bjorn, come here, hurry,” Erna beckoned him to come and look out over the cityscape.

Bjorn joined her, gazing out beyond the bell tower. Erna indicated various points in the city, the palace, Orange Tree orchards, the temple courtyard. It was evident to see from up high, Lorca’s obsession with Orange trees.

“Its almost like a wintery scene,” Erna said, commenting on the sea of white blossom.

Bjorn looked out further to the horizon, where he could see white walled buildings topped with orange tiled roofs. A cloudless sky. As Bjorn’s eyes scanned along the serene and picturesque landscape, he felt them constantly moving to look at Erna.

Her hand gripped the railing, silently, he clasped her delicate hand as the bell began to chime. Erna turned to face him and their eyes met. He did not utter any words and just squeezed her hand tight.

He had wounded the woman he cherished and yet, miraculously, she had returned to him. As he stood before her, he knew that any lingering hesitation and fear in Erna’s heart was his to bear. Naturally, moments of impatience would arise.

“Bjorn,” Erna muttered, “If you want to kiss me, go ahead. I will allow it this once.” A faint smile graced her lips as she bestowed her favour.

“Does this bell tower grant lovers wishes?”

“I’m not sure, I hope so.”

When her gentle, timid whisper graced his ears, Bjorn knew without a doubt. This captivating being was indeed a wild deer.

Surrendering to her command, Bjorn cupped a hand around Erna’s cheeks and he gently pressed his lips against hers. Erna let out a soft sigh and almost seemed to go limp in his arms.

As the bell melodiously tolled, they became lost in a tender, heartfelt kiss, as though bestowing a loving blessing upon the city, entranced by the arrival of spring.