┌───── -ˋˏ ∵ ∴ ˎˊ- ─────┐

What was frustrating for you was the fact that your Stepmother and your Stepsisters added more chores in your list.

One of your chores was to go out to the field behind the mansion in order to pick out wild berries. You were for sure that they were for nothing, just additional chores to consume your time.

It was the place where you met the handsome young man. You still couldn't get the moment out of your head.

Other than that, the field also has a hidden willow tree. It was large and old. It was where you and your mother used to bond. It was also the place where you hid your most precious treasure, a chest where your mother's old dress is hidden. So you figured you'd get it as well while you're at it.

You parked Sero on a nearby tree by the open field. The same tree where you tied him earlier.

Huffing, you tucked your loose hair and carefully picked a peck of wild berries.

Not until you heard a neigh and the sound of galloping from a another horse. But you didn't really seem to be bothered by it since you thought it may be just a random wandering wild horse.

But as soon as you felt a presence behind you, you picked your berries slowly. You tensed, quickly turning around to see the dual-haired man you saw earlier.

You let out a relieved sigh. "Oh, it's just you.."

The man chuckled.

You blushed. Dang did he just sound hot when he chuckled? You shook your head, erasing the thoughts before clearing your throat.

"I believe that I should continue my business here. If you'd excuse me." You stand up, patting your dress.

"Wait no, I'm sorry, don't go— I mean- Can I.." The man grunted, facepalming mentally.

You gazed at him softly. "Yes?"

His eyes didn't leave yours continuing to examine your face a while longer. Your cheeks went to the color rose before looking away shyly.

"Adorable..." He mumbled under his breath low enough for you not to hear.

"What?" You turned to look at him, fiddling your fingers.

He cleared his throat before answering, "May I accompany you during your stay here?"

You raised a brow before giggling, "Sure.. Sir Icy Hot."

Shoto paused, surprised before showing a small smile. "Then you surely won't regret my company, munchkin."

You dramatically gasped before playfully punching him in the shoulder. "I am not short! I am of average size and you're just too tall!" You laughed, before walking away.

The Prince laughed, amused of you. He quickly followed, suspecting that you have no idea who he truly is, to which he plans to keep a secret.

You crouched in front of a berry bush which he also followed. "Need help Princess?"

"Why don't you go elsewhere and fight dragons hm?" You joked.

"But I'd prefer to rescue the Princess trapped in a Berry field." He joked back before helping you pick up berries.

You laughed. "Didn't know you're capable of joking."

Shoto shrugged, smiling.

And so, minutes passed spent through the both of you talking and joking around.

You two got to know each other. Favorites, likes and dislikes. Shoto was careful of what he would say, just to be sure that he won't mess up and say anything about being a prince. Other than that, the both of you never knew each other's real names as well.

Finally, you finished filling up the sack of berries. It was obvious that they wanted it to be a sack instead of a basket or a bag.

You tried carrying it but it was difficult to do so. After all, you were just a frail girl.

Shoto chuckled. "Do I see a damsel in distress in need of help?"

You scoffed at him jokingly. "I'm a damsel, I'm in distress, but I can handle myself, why thank you." You kept trying to pull the sack up.

The man sighed, smiling by your childishness. "I'll carry that for you." The dual-haired man offered willingly. He badly wanted to impress you, and fortunately, you were already captivated.

"Oh no, it's ok!" You tried to reassure him even though you knew you wouldn't be able to carry a heavy sack.

But to no avail, Shoto didn't listen for he carried and placed it on his shoulder by one hand.

You were lucky that Shoto was well-built (A/N: Have you seen his abs? Cuz like damn-) and strong enough to carry the sack of berries.

"I'm sorry..." You sweat dropped before walking side by side with Shoto towards your horse.

"You don't have anything to say sorry for. And.. if you don't mind me asking, why are you doing this difficult and heavy task by yourself? Who'd do that?" He placed the sack on your horse's back.

You smiled sadly looking away. "My Stepfamily..."

"That is very rude of them." He bluntly said.

"No, no! It's ok. I forgive them." You smiled genuinely this time.

It was a shock to Shoto how you could be able to cope up with difficult tasks and time-consuming duties by yourself.

"I still think that a delicate young lady like you shouldn't be tasked with such duties alone." He frowned, concerned of your well-being.

You were flustered to know that a handsome young man like him was concerned and worried for a servant like you.

"Thank you.." You faintly muttered to him.

He smiled in response.

"Ah, by the way, I need to go somewhere." You said.

"To where?"

"To a hidden large and old willow tree. It's nearby." You replied before walking away.

Shoto trailed beside you. "What for?"

"To retrieve a dress that my mother kept before she passed away. I hid it away to make sure it'll be safe."

He nodded not wanting to deepen the conversation. Specially when you brought up your deceased mother.

The silence was comfortable. It wasn't awkward nor did it make any of you two anxious.

It was funny because you two met for a day but it seemed like you two knew each other for years. The both of you didn't mind it though.

You two arrived and stopped beneath a cozy shade underneath a large willow tree. You were right, it was gigantic and seemed to be old.

You crouched, grabbing a chest that was hidden on he tree.

That was until Shoto realized something. "Hey Princess, you mentioned a dress. Does that mean you'll be attending the Royal Ball tonight?" He asks in anticipation.

You nodded before taking the chest away from a hole. "Right you are."

He smiled widely and mentally cheered of happiness. Knowing that you'd be able to attend tonight's event made him imagine of you two dancing.

"Then I'll be expecting you Princess." He reached out a hand to help you up.

"Very well then." You smiled, taking his hand with yours and stand up holding the chest by the other.

You two looked at each other by the eyes when both of your hands touched.

When Shoto felt your fingers, he flinched. He had not been touched with such gentleness since his childhood. He was no stranger with physical interaction but... your touch made him feel like he belonged some place. And he did, he belonged in your heart.

You cleared your throat before looking away and pulling your hand away holding the box with both of your hands. This also cut Shoto's stare before he shaking his head and turn away.

The both of you continued to walk back to your horses.

"Thank you for your time. I'm delighted to have conversed with you." You smiled sweetly.

"I should be expressing my gratitude to you as well Princess. I'm honored to have accompanied a sweet beauty like you." He genuinely replied.

You looked at him embarrassed before looking away.

'Adorable..' The Prince thought.

"Then I shall bid my farewell now." You stammered before mounting on your horse.

"Do you want me to escort you back?"

"No, it's alright! You've done so much to me already IcyHot." You playfully winked.

Shoto smirked, chuckling. "Then I'll see you at the ball tonight Shorty. I'm expecting to dance the night away with you."

You blushed. "Sure, why not?" You gave him one last smile before galloping away.

He smiled to himself looking to you from the horizon before stepping to mount his horse.

└───── -ˋˏ ∵ ∴ ˎˊ- ─────┘