139 ERIN AND AZRA 2

The cool breeze suddenly shifted into a sultry one for Azra after hearing Erin's suggestion. 

Beads of perspiration dropped from the sides of his neck as he imagined the possible scenario in the cabin. 

"It is a taboo in this land for a single man and woman to be alone in a residence especially at night."

He answered her, hoping she could see why what she is requesting is impossible for him.

Erin's excited countenance quickly changed into a sullen one as he heard his response.

"I see. I guess I will really just face this strange land by myself then." 

She heaved out a sigh as she stared at the setting sun.

Azra pressed his lips together and grimaced.

'She has a point. I could not leave her alone in the mountains. It is probably what Zoe meant when she requested him to keep her out of harm's way.'

He faced Erin again and gave her another option.

"Or I could probably stay outside until everything's clear."

He uttered, expecting Erin's downcast spirit will be lifted up.

Thankfully, Erin seemed to agree with Azra as she gave him a wide grin.

"I would appreciate that!"

Azra's lips curved upward, seeing her normal cheerful mood.

But after realizing it, he quickly changed back into his serious face.

"Are you ready to leave now, milady?"

"Okey Dokey! Let's go!" 

Erin dashed to Azra's horse which was still at the front of Liu's residence. 

Azra shook his head as he saw her excited attitude, still wondering if he was doing the right thing.

Fortunately, he brought extra ropes with him. He tied the bags to it and wrapped it around his horse. 

As he was doing so, Erin tried to climb up the horse.

And she successfully did so.

Azra rubbed his eyes in disbelief. It was his first time to see a woman who knows her way with horses.

"You know how to ride a horse?"

"I've tried it before when I was really bored. But it was a long time ago. I would love to do it again, with you."

Erin responded to him nonchalantly as she held its reign as if she was readying herself for take off any minute.

Azra gulped as he stared at her confidently holding his horse like she owns it.

'This cannot be. The people will surely be astounded if they would see her like this.'

"Can you please move back, milady?"

Erin gave him an incredulous look but she complied.

In a flash, Azra immediately stepped on the pedals and swung to the seats.

The horse was startled and neighed which made Erin almost lose her balance if she didn't clung to Azra at once.

"Are you alright, milady?"

"Yes, I'm okay." 

But she didn't remove her hands that were enveloped around Azra.

Azra thought that she must have been scared so he just allowed her to do so as he pumped on the horse so they could get away from the Capital and into the cabin.

He moved in a normal pace not wanting to frighten her out of her wits.

But to his surprise, she put her face forward and rested her chin on his shoulders.

"Can you make it faster?"

His heart quickened at the scent of Erin's hair as they were carried by the wind and her body so close to his. 

But he ignored it as he obliged to what she asked.

"Hiyaaa!"

Erin closed her eyes as she felt the winds hit her face.

Her heart raced as the horse gave all its strength to take them to their destination at the speed of light.

But she enjoyed it.

Her lips curved up as she felt like a free bird flying in the sky as the horse galloped like lightning.

And as she opened her eyes, beholding the beauty of Terra as they passed it by.

"It is breathtaking!" 

It really wasn't a big deal for her to accompany Zoe in this trip. She loves going to new places and this land is like a fresh spot which her foot hasn't stepped on.

Erin grew up without knowing who his father is, which made her appreciate the male species around her.

But her mother didn't lack in supporting her. In fact, she always encouraged her to try out new things ever since she was a child. 

"This is the most beautiful part of the earth that I have ever seen in my entire life! How come I have only known about it now?"

She couldn't help herself from exclaiming.

Azra slowly controlled the pace so they could have a conversation.

"You've been to other parts of the earth, milady?"

"Yes! I've been to the Grand Palace, the Great Pyramid, Mount Fuji…"

"Is the structure of the Great Pyramid really astonishing to behold?"

Azra asked her as they were now nearing the cabin.

Erin loosened her hold on him so she could see his face more clearly.

"It's majestic! Why did you ask?"

"My grandfather gave me a book when I was a child. And the story of the Great Pyramid intrigued me. Did you know that the total project required an average workforce of about 14,500 people and a peak workforce of 40,000? They said that it has a working diagram that could serve to generate an architecture with precision unmatched by any other means."

Azra was about to go on when he suddenly stopped as Erin was now staring dreamily at him. 

"I didn't know you to be a studious man."

Her mother told her that his father is very knowledgeable in a lot of things. That's why all of her crushes then were always the most intelligent ones. 

"My grandfather is a historian. So I also became fond of history at a young age."

"I would love to meet your grandfather. He surely looks as dashing as you."

Azra scratched his head as he looked for a way so she could stop staring at him.

"Look! There's the cabin!"

Erin swiveled and saw it. "Oh, you're right! You can tell me more once we get inside."

She smiled sweetly at her.

Azra gave her back an awkward smile. 

He checked on the sun and counted. "I will only be here until dinner, then I will leave."

He resolved to himself.

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Life is beautiful not just because of the new things that we see or do

But with the new people that we meet.