I put my black cloak over the red dress I was still wearing and put the large hood over my head, then left swiftly to the nearest exit.

I was about to turn a corner into the courtyard, but stopped in my tracks when I was some knights on patrol.

I lowered myself to the ground and watched as they entered the castle.

I snuck through the courtyard as soon as they were out of sight and ran to the stables.

When I was there, I saw Arthur with my horse and his, looking as though he were struggling to prepare them for ride.

"Would you like some assistance Arthur?" I asked, making him jump.

He turned around and chuckled when he saw me.

"I think I know how to prepare a couple of horses." He replied, nonchalantly.

I stood back and watched him struggle for a few moments before turning back to me and handing me the reigns.

"It's ok to not know how to do things, Arthur. No one's perfect. Not even you." I chuckled, moving to his horse.

I prepared his horse, then mine, making sure everything was safe and secure.

We then mounted the horses and went straight into a gallop, through the town and out of the main gates.

"Lead the way, Prince Arthur." I called half way through the field with a chuckle.

He shot me a smirk and kicked his horse into a faster pace.

I rode after him, heading straight for the forest.

"I know of the perfect place." Arthur said.

I smirked, trusting his words.

We rode for about an hour at a trot, then Arthur slowed down, eventually stopping.

He got off his horse and approached me.

Arthur grabbed the reigns of my horse and held a hand out for me.

I smiled and took it, pulling my leg round the horse and slipping off.

I landed next to Arthur and thanked him.

"You are most welcome." He smiled.

Still holding my hand, Arthur led me to a spot by a beautiful moon-lit lake.

"Arthur this place is amazing." I gasped.

He smiled, looking over the lake as we sat down on the pebbles.

"I thought you might like it." He replied. "I've been coming here since I was a child."

"I can see why you come back." I chuckled.

We sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments, only hearing the calm waves.

"What are you thinking about?" Arthur asked me, softly.

"My father." I sighed, leaning my head on the Prince's shoulder.

He put an arm round me and held me tight.

"I can't imagine what you're going through right now." He whispered. "But I'm here for you and I occasionally try to be a good listener."

I chuckled and hit him playfully on the leg.

"Thank you." I mumbled.

"You're very welcome, my lady." He replied.

We sat there, watching the tiny waves for what seemed like only minutes, but must've been hours.

~~~~

I woke up on something soft.

I looked up to see I was in Arthur's arms.

We had fallen asleep by the lake.

"Arthur." I whispered.

He stirred and gradually opened his eyes.

"Did we fall asleep?" He mumbled.

"Yes. Look, the sun's coming up." I told him, pointing over the lake.

He looked to where my finger was pointing and gasped.

"We need to go." He said, slightly pushing me off him.

I looked down, feeling emotionally hurt by his actions.

"Iraina." Arthur called from where the horses were stood.

"I'm coming." I replied, getting up from the moist floor.

I got on my horse as Arthur did and we rode together back to the castle.