Craige's eyes widened the moment he saw Luren dressed in his fitted equestrian attire.
He had never paid much attention to such things before, not even with women, but
seeing Lucian like this made his heart skip. So handsome. So effortlessly sexy.
"Do I really have to ride with Keith?" Clara complained, crossing her arms with a
frown.
"Don't worry," Craige replied, adjusting the gloves on his hands. "Keith is one of the
best horseback riders in the North."
"You're in good hands, Clara," Keith chimed in teasingly while tightening the saddle
straps. He flashed her a confident grin.
Clara huffed, clearly unconvinced. "That's what I'm afraid of," she muttered under
her breath.
"Come here, baby," Craige said softly, reaching out and gently taking Lucian's hand. "Meet Sliver," he added, nodding toward his towering black stallion.
The horse let out a low neigh, as if acknowledging Luren's presence.
"Hello, Sliver," Luren said with a gentle smile, patting the horse's smooth mane.
Craige leaned in close, his breath warm against Luren's ear. "You look dangerously
sexy in that outfit," he whispered.
Luren flushed scarlet and quickly covered his ears with both hands. "Craige, stop
teasing!" he said, though the smile on his lips betrayed his embarrassment.
"I'm not kidding," Craige replied with a deep chuckle. He effortlessly lifted Luren onto
the horse, then mounted behind him, wrapping one arm around his waist.
Meanwhile, Keith and Clara continued their playful bickering until they finally managed to
settle on their horse, Clara reluctantly holding on while Keith smirked in
satisfaction.
The road they took was different from the well-known path leading to the Western Duchy.
This hidden route was a secret shortcut Cassian had shared with Craige when they were young. Back then, they would ride horses back and forth from the North to the
West as part of their training, and for fun. Now, that same trail was leading them through a peaceful forest, with a gentle river flowing alongside and the soothing chorus of chirping birds echoing among the lush, green trees.
"It's so relaxing here," Luren said softly, his eyes admiring the tranquil scenery.
He was about to close his eyes to savor the calm when he suddenly felt Craige's lips
press against the nape of his neck, followed by a teasing nibble. Heat rushed through his body.
"What are you doing?" Luren exclaimed, voice a mix of surprise and fluster. He quickly
glanced ahead, thankful that Keith and Clara were riding in front and likely couldn't hear or see what was happening behind them.
"Just enjoy the scenery… while I enjoy you," Craige whispered mischievously, pulling Luren closer by the waist, his grip firm and possessive.
"Craige…" Luren gasped again when Craige's lips found his earlobe, gently nibbling, sending shivers down his spine.
"I want to get home already…" Craige murmured, voice low and seductive. "Because once we're there, I won't let you leave our room for days."
Luren's cheeks burned, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. His lips parted, breath
shaky. He couldn't hide the growing excitement inside him. Just the thought of
being alone with Craige like that made his body ache in anticipation.
"I can't wait," he whispered under his breath, clutching the reins tighter, trying to
steady himself, not just on the horse, but against the wave of desire Craige had stirred within him.
"His Grace, which way?" Keith asked. Three roads stretched before them, each leading into different parts of the dense forest.
The question caught both Craige and Luren off guard.
Craige quickly pointed to the left. "Go left—that's the fastest way to the manor, through the waterfall."
Luren furrowed his brow. "And the other two roads?"
Craige glanced straight ahead, then to the right. "The road ahead leads to the mountains. The right one… it's a dead end."
After about an hour of careful riding, they finally arrived at the waterfall. The sound of
rushing water echoed through the trees, cascading over the rocks into a crystal-clear basin below.
A fond smile tugged at Craige lips. We used to bathe here when we were younger…It
hasn't changed. He taught remembering Cassian and their younger days.
"We should leave the horses here," Craige said, dismounting with practiced ease. He moved to help Luren down, his hands gentle but firm. Keith did the same for Clara.
"The water looks so clear," Clara said as she dipped her hand in. "Cold and refreshing…
let's bathe before we go back north."
Luren lit up with a grin. "Yes, let's!"
After tying the horses to a nearby tree, Craige and Keith followed the others toward the water.
"I didn't know we could actually pass through the waterfall," Keith said in surprise as
he steadied Clara, the rocks slippery beneath their feet.
Craige held Luren's hand tightly as they carefully made their way along the narrow, slick path beside the falls. Mist sprayed around them, soaking their clothes, but
neither of them seemed to mind.
Luren laughed softly, brushing wet hair from his eyes. "We're drenched."
Craige looked at him, heart pounding a little harder as droplets ran down Luren's
cheek. "Yeah," he murmured. "But you look beautiful like this."
Luren's breath hitched, his fingers curling around Craige's hand.
After entering the back of the waterfall, they found themselves in a narrow cave that led straight toward the rear entrance of the manor.
"This place is awesome!" Clara exclaimed, her voice echoing off the walls. They walked
carefully along the damp stone path, marveling at the glistening stalactites
that sparkled like stars above them. A few bats hung silently from the cave ceiling, but remained still, undisturbed by their presence.
"I can see the light!" Keith called out, excitement in his voice, still unaware that he
was tightly holding Clara's hand.
A sense of relief washed over them as the cave's dark veil began to lift. Laughter and
chatter filled the air as the group neared the exit.
But the joy was short-lived.
Just as they stepped out into the soft daylight, a sudden chill cut through the air.
Shiiing!
A gleaming sword was drawn and leveled at Craige's neck, its edge cold, sharp, and deadly.
Craige froze, his eyes narrowing as he locked gazes with the man holding the blade.
The others gasped, the weight of danger instantly snapping them out of their
joy.