Amaranthine

Chapter 9

Zephaniah took his sword and started carving something in the bark of a tree.It was often something that he did.He needed to leave his mark every where he went ,in some way. He was so focused in it that he didn't notice a figure approaching.The silhouette was almost behind him when his battle instincts suddenly took over and he suddenly turned around and cornered the figure with his sword unto the tree.

But he saw who it was.
"Juliet",he said and lowered his sword down.Juliet glared and in an unladylike  manner punched him hard in his abdomen.
Zephaniah didn't budge but his face broke into a grin.
"What!!You are not supposed to corner a lady like that",Juliet huffed.
Zephaniah laughed and said ,"Well,It is not my fault that you creeped up behind me"
Juliet huffed.Zephaniah laughed without a thought in the world .

At that moment Juliet observed him.Something seemed different in him.With wide eyes ,she realised that he was wearing expensive dresses that were reserved for first class nobility and above.Juliet didn't know what to think.
Seeing her expression Zephaniah's laughter slowly died down.
"Juliet",he whispered softly.

"You are pretending to be someone else you imposter.You can't pretend to be of high status",Juliet stated looking very serious .Seeing her expression,Zephaniah tried not to laugh.
"Well ...I have to match your status right?"
Hearing this Juliet shook her head vigorously."What  are you laughing at?You may have to give penalty for this"

Hearing all this Zephaniah decided to go along with it."Well...Juliet a nice young minister from the palace visited my home and he was so kind that he gave  me these clothes.I couldn't refuse such an offer when these clothes were adorned with some gem stones.Forgive me Juliet"

She nodded her head and said,"Then I suppose it's alright.I advice you not to wear it often"
Zephaniah nodded his head and said while laughing "If that's what you want,Juliet"
He turned back and started walking to the lake side and sat down .
The lake was beautiful with small plants on its bank.
Juliet came and sat near him.

Zephaniah turned his head and faced her.She was astoundingly beautiful.Seeing Zephaniah's stare ,Juliet blushed.
Zephaniah slowly sighed and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ears.
"Oh Juliet,thou have captured me with thy beauty.",he softly murmured .He doubted even Juliet could hear that.
Juliet raised her eyebrows,questioning.
"What are you saying ,mister",Juliet asked  challenging him to say it.

Zephaniah laughed at her behaviour and said,"You are the most beautiful woman that I have ever met.Aphrodite wouldn't come near you"

"Ohh...",Juliet said her mouth a little open .
Zephaniah chuckled at her behaviour and looked at the lake .His eyes caught sight of a white flower that was floating in the lake.It was a lone flower ,but it's beauty captured all eyes off the lake.
Juliet's eyes followed his sight and gazed at the lake.

Zephaniah stood up and took of his first layer of clothing.The toned muscles of his chest was in full view .
Juliet's eyes shot up and blushed really hard,"Zephaniah,what are you doing?It is highly inappropriate that you remove your clothes in front of a lady"
Zephaniah laughed at her state and jumped straight into the lake.He swam to the middle of the lake where the flower was in full view,he gently plucked the flower and swan back .
All the while ,  Juliet's eyes were focused on him.
He came near her and raised the flower,"White mulla.Pretty rare flowers .They are said to be have mystical properties if given to a woman"
Juliet took the flower and smiled at him looking deep into his blue eyes.Both were lost in their own world,forgetting all the people they have left at home.

Author's note
So...how is the chapter.Vote and comment!!