Cadence's POV
Alec's grip on me remained firm and tight as we continued to run into the illuminated garden
I spent all my days reading books and eating sweets, thus my statima weren't exactly great...
I was completely puffed out from the running and was steadily starting to lose my pace
[ "W-wait!" ]
I finally call out through desperate gasps of air
My throat felt dry but I could still feel the adrenaline running through my veins
Alec looked back at me with completely steady breathing and not a break of sweat
Well I guess it makes sense considering he goes to a school that specialised in training formidable knights
However, I still couldn't help but feel ashamed of my lack of physical ability... perhaps I'll start having morning jogs after this...
[ "Ah sorry Princess, you alright?" ]
Alec says as he lets go of my hands and looks at me apologetically
[ "I-i'm fine..." ]
Just a blow to my dignity, that's all...
[ "Phew, that's good! I forgot that you're still only a little kid! Don't worry Princess, next time I'll give you a piggy back ride!" ]
[ "N-no it's alright..." ]
I say, quickly shutting down his offer
I wondered if that might have been a little rude and offensive, but luckily for me, he didn't seem to mind the rejection
Instead, much to my shock, he began to climb up the branches of a tall, thick tree that we stood next too
He seemed to be very quick and agile as he steadily climbed up one branch to another
[ "W-what are you doing?!" ]
I call out to him nervously in fear that he might fall down and hurt himself, although he wasn't too high up yet
He looks down at me, still holding a thick branch and smiles at me, wide and bright
[ "Isn't it obvious? I'm climbing up this tree!" ]
Alec says cheekily and full of sarcasm
[ "No I meant-" ]
[ "Come on Princess, climb up! It's really easy don't worry!" ]
He says energetically and completely cutting me off
I look at him, eyes wide and full of horror
I was in a complete loss of words
No way am I going up there! Imagine all the injuries I'd sustain from falling that high up! Absolutely not!
[ "It's okay, I promise I'm here to help and save you, Princess" ]
Alec says in assurance, which for some reason causes my cheeks to flush slightly
Looking at his bright smile and clear yellow eyes that shone in the moonlight, I couldn't help but feel that trace of fear disappear
It was as if I were being enchanted by his beautiful smile and gentle voice
[ "Grab onto that first branch right there" ]
Alec slowly instructs me
I can't help but follow the words of his voice, as my hand reaches out and does as he says
[ "Good! Now climb up onto it and reach for the next branch above it" ]
Again, I do as told
Patiently, Alec slowly guides me up to the tree until I reach a fairly decent amount of height from the ground
It was actually much easier than I anticipated, the branches were all large, steady and close so it was easy to climb up
But for some reason, I suddenly look down and I feel my entire body freeze in place
My hands and legs start to shake as the sudden wave of realization hits me
T-the ground... it's so far from my feet!
What was I thinking?! What kind of sudden idiotic impulse suddenly push me into doing this?!
At this point, cold sweat had begun to break on my forehead
My eyes couldn't look away from the seemingly distant floor
Feelings of panic and anxiety started to overcome my entire body as nausea started to hit me
My consciousness seemed to slowly fade until a sudden call shocked me back awake
[ "Cadence!" ]
I jolted slightly at the sound of Alec's loud and concerned voice
I looked up above at him, my eyes still clearly full of fear
[ "Keep your eyes on me Cadence! Don't look away from me!" ]
He said slightly unsteady with our gazes locked onto each other
His entire face was illuminated by the moonlight and his eyes held a visible trace of worry
My body started to slowly ease up as I didn't dare to look away from his worried expression
[ "Slowly. Very slowly start to climb up again" ]
His alluring voice guided me
I took a deep breath and began to climb up slowly and steadily
I managed to regain my pace and didn't dare to look down again
Everything was once again calm as I slowly went up from one branch to another
I had nearly made it to the very top where Alec was when all of a sudden I felt my feet slip from the surface
Shock overcomes me as I lose my balance and grip on the branch causing me to fall off
Alec quickly leans down and tightly grabs my hand that impulsively stretched out towards him
He effortlessly pulled me up into his embrace and let out a deep sigh of relief
Beads of nervous sweat covered his face as he smiled at me gently yet brightly
[ "See, didn't I tell you that I'd be here to save you?" ]
I quickly push away from his chest and turn my head to the other side, away from his view
My face and ears both felt heated, and my chest was beating in an abnormally fast tempo
[ "T-thank you..." ]
I managed to let out in a meek and bashful manner
[ "It is my pleasure, my Princess" ]
Alec replied with a wide smile plastered onto his face that Cadence wasn't able to see
He couldn't help but laugh lightly at the sight of her rosy ears
Somehow... he felt that she was quite adorable and cute
"Seems like Levin wasn't exaggerating at all" he quietly thought
[ "Hey, Princess look up!" ]
Alec said well pointing up
The sky was quite clear this night, and the view of the many brightly shining stars was quite mesmerising
He watched as Cadence's lips unconsciously curved into a smile, her eyes sparkling nearly as brightly as the stars
Alec couldn't help but also smile charmingly at her innocent astonishment and excitement
They both secretly agreed in their hearts, that the bumpy climb up here was worth the beautiful scenery
Only, the views they were thinking about weren't exactly the same as each others...
Chapter End