Like The Sky, part 5

The prince and I continued to grow closer and closer every day. After nearly a year of having me around, the prince came to find me in my morning lessons. He walked into the room and looked straight at me and winked. I grinned, knowing that it meant he had something amazing planned, and his mischievous side began to come out.

"Excuse me, ma'am, but may I borrow Mairin for the rest of the day?"

I could see in the woman's eyes that she wanted to say no, but of course that would be impolite. Callan was prince, after all. Saying no to a prince could get her into a lot of trouble.

She bowed low and said, 'Of course, highness,' but I could see her glaring at me when she stood again. I knew that hard work would take up my entire next week. Oh great.

The prince offered me his arm and we walked out, me trying desperately to contain a laugh. The prince, of course, had no trouble keeping a straight face. I tripped over the door frame, and that was it for me: I burst into giggles. The prince looked at me and I thought, for a second, that I saw a grin tickle the edge of his mouth, but then I blinked and the thought left.

"So what are we doing today?" I whispered loudly.

"Wait and see, Rin. You're so impatient." I laughed at the sarcasm in his voice, and smiled at the nickname. I had long ago been nicknamed Rin, but Callan was the only person who actually called me that name.

We walked slowly out of the castle and into the courtyard. When we were completely lost in the garden's enormous hedge maze, Callan turned to me, looking more serious than usual--quite a feat--and began to speak.