Chapter 1749: Bonus Chapter: Playing like Little Kids

Chapter 1749: Bonus Chapter: Playing like Little Kids



A slow smile spread across Alex's face as a delightful thought struck him. Glancing at her, whose eyes mirrored the wonder he felt, he voiced his suggestion.

"This place is magical, Eretria," he began his voice barely a whisper above the waterfall's

roar.

"What do you say we make it even more special? We came prepared, right?"

Artemia, her gaze locked on the cascading water, turned to him, a hint of surprise flitting across her eyes before being replaced by a warm smile.

"A picnic?" she questioned, her voice lilting with amusement.

He grinned.

"Exactly," he confirmed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

"We can unpack the snacks we brought and have a little feast right here, in this hidden paradise."

The princess's smile widened. "Sounds perfect," she agreed, a playful glint sparkling in her eyes.

"Lead the way, dear husband."

With a flourish, Alex gestured towards a wide, flat rock nestled beside the base of the waterfall, its surface smooth and inviting. Together, they spread out the checkered blanket they'd brought, transforming the rock into a makeshift picnic table.

He carefully unpacked their supplies - a basket overflowing with fresh fruits, crusty bread, savory cheeses, and a chilled bottle of wine. Artemia, ever the resourceful one, had even managed to sneak in a small bouquet of wildflowers, their vibrant colors adding a cheerful touch to their impromptu table.

As they unpacked, they shared playful banter, their voices blending with the murmur of the waterfall. The air crackled with a newfound ease, a comfortable silence settling between them whenever the conversation lulled. They savored each bite of their simple meal, the

surrounding beauty enhancing the taste of every morsel.

Every so often, their eyes would meet, a silent conversation passing between them. The shared experience, the breathtaking scenery, the easy companionship - it all fueled a connection that felt both exciting and strangely familiar.

As they finished their meal, Alex uncorked the bottle of wine, pouring them each a generous glass. They clinked glasses, a silent toast to their unexpected adventure, to the whispering waterfall that had become their secret haven, and to the blossoming connection that thrummed between them.

With the gentle hum of the waterfall as their soundtrack, they sat in comfortable silence, content to simply exist in each other's presence. It was a moment suspended in time, a perfect afternoon stolen from the ordinary, a memory they both knew they would cherish forever. Alex, still basking in the peaceful atmosphere, couldn't resist the urge to share another joke. However, upon seeing the genuine connection blossoming between them, a newfound sensitivity flickered within him. He decided to steer clear of jokes that might poke fun at women, opting for something light and silly instead.

Clearing his throat, he began with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Hey!" She sputtered, surfacing with a mess of damp hair plastered to her forehead.

"No fair! You had a head start!"

Alex, already halfway across the pool, turned with a mischievous grin. "All's fair in love and water wars, Eretria!" he declared, cupping his hands and sending a playful spray of water in

her direction.

She shrieked, shaking her head to clear the water from her eyes. A fire of playful competition

ignited within her.

"Oh, it is on!" she cried, lunging forward with a splash. Scooping up water in her cupped hands, she chased after Alex, who darted towards the base of the waterfall, seeking refuge

behind the cascading curtain of water.

"Don't dare hide, Alexander!" She called, her voice laced with playful frustration. She knew he couldn't stay hidden for long; the waterfall was too shallow to fully conceal him.

Alex, pressed against the cool rocks behind the waterfall, could barely contain his laughter. Peeking around the edge, he saw Artemia hovering just outside the cascading water, a determined glint in her eyes. He couldn't resist another round of playful taunting.

"You know," he called back, his voice slightly muffled by the water, "it's not fair to attack a

defenseless man hiding behind a waterfall."

She narrowed her eyes in mock seriousness.

"Defenseless? We'll see about that, Alexander!" she declared, taking a deep breath. With a playful yell, she plunged headfirst into the waterfall, emerging a moment later, a triumphant

smile lighting up her face.

Seeing her drenched form and the glint of victory in her eyes, knew he was doomed. He emerged from his hiding place, throwing his hands up in surrender.

"Alright, alright," he chuckled, shaking the water from his hair. "You win, my sweet princess. You are officially the champion water warrior of Whispering Pines."

Artemia, her chest heaving with laughter and exertion, couldn't help but preen at his playful declaration. The playful chase and the refreshing coolness of the water had washed away any lingering tension, leaving them both breathless and exhilarated.

With a playful splash, she darted towards him, pulling him into a light hug. Their laughter

mingled with the sound of the waterfall, a symphony of pure enjoyment that echoed through the hidden haven. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the thrill of their playful competition, their connection deepened, forging a bond that promised future adventures, both playful and heartfelt.