Days passed, and Haden continued to take her to various scenic areas within the Red and Black Mountains.
He didn't know when, but he had also begun to enjoy spending time with her, and he didn't like that. Yet, he could do nothing about it.
On the other hand, Laerain, who was never allowed to be herself, had begun to carve not just the images of the scene before her but also the person who had given her the fruit of freedom.
Even though she understood that Haden must have a hidden motive behind his actions, she forced herself to believe that he didn't have any.
Both of them had begun to see each other with eyes that varied greatly from their first meeting.
A wide smile caressed Laerain as she sat beside Haden and watched the sun set on the horizon.
Haden turned his head towards her and asked, "How long are you going to stay here?"
Her smile faltered for a moment, and she answered, "I don't know. It's for the king to decide."
