103 She Finds Something Hidden (1/2)

While Robin expertly applied her petting technique on Skye, Jasmine and Chelsea looked on enviously. They also wanted to hold and pet such an adorable little creature! But then again, they didn't want to disturb Skye, as he was blissfully enjoying being petted. It wouldn't do if they were to become hated, after all.

Christian stared at Skye for a different reason. The furry little cat seemed to be enjoying himself so much that Christian felt a bit envious. When was the last time that he had enjoyed something to the point where he could smile like that little cat?

Both he and Skye agreed, though, that it was more fun when they were with Robin than anywhere else.

Keith glanced at the cat, then lifted his eyes to examine Robin's face, looking for something. Robin, noticing his gaze, glanced up, but Keith had already looked away.

'Was it my imagination?' Robin wondered to herself, as she paused.

Skye patted her hand with his paw.

”Don't stop now!” he protested. ”Keep going!”

Robin returned to petting the flying cat until it had fallen fast asleep.

----

Three hours later, they stopped in a clearing to take a break by the roadside to rest the horses, as the road was beginning to get rough. Skye took to the air, to stretch its limbs, and everyone stretched and walked around the clearing.

”Ho? It seems like there are some ruins over there?” Robin said, looking at the remains of a tower visible from the road.

”Ah, yes. this was one of the watch towers of Ekkinshire kingdom. As part of the treaty signed with the Demon King, wehave not repaired them as a sign of our goodwill.” Christian said.

Robin looked at Christian with surprise.

”What?” He asked.

”I'm surprised.” Robin admitted. ”I didn't think you would know the specifics of that treaty, given your temperament.”

”Give me some credit, please.” Christian sighed. ”Just because I don't know something doesn't mean I can't learn. I've been studying the treaty ever since we left the Capitol.”

”Hmm. I guess you're right. You do deserve some credit.” Robin cheekily agreed with a mischievous smile, as she stood up.

”What?” Christian's mind became blank as his eyes were captured by Robin's smile.

”All this sitting is making me feel rusty. Want to go explore the ruins before we set off again?” She asked innocently, as if she hadn't just teased him.

”Ah, yes. I'll tell Keith to let him know..” Christian turned away awkwardly, as his ears turned red. Internally, his mind was going into overdrive.

'Why was I staring at a man!? This is bad... Could it be that I am actually...' He shuddered. 'No! there's just no way. Then, maybe it's something else? That's it! Robin looks so much like a girl, that I am starting to treat him like one...This is bad...'

Christian had a serious expression on his face, as he approached Keith, who was talking to Earl, one of the knights.

”Is something the matter?” Keith asked.

”Ah..no...Robin and I are going to explore the ruins over there. I wanted to let you know so that you wouldn't get worried.” Christian replied.

Keith watched Christian's expression, and sighed.

”To be honest, I'm more worried about you, at this point, but since Robin will be with you, I can be at ease. Call out if you need something.”

”Mmn. I will.” Christian nodded, still preoccupied with his internal crisis.

'I need to reinforce the fact that Robin is a man.' Christian came to the conclusion. 'He is a Hero. As a Hero, he should have my respect.'

Christian paused, then reached into his bag and pulled out a flask, taking a sip.

”You know, of all the odd things to do, you really shouldn't be drinking hard liquor before going exploring.” Robin pointed out. As Christian had taken a while, she had come to see what was holding him up. Unfortunately, the monent she caught sight of him was when he was taking a sip from his flask.

”What? No, I'm not drinking liquor this is...um...” Christian stammered.

”What kind is it? Bourbon? Whiskey? PerhapsButterscotch or Vodka?” Robin asked.