That night Beautiful visited Seeker’s dream again. They talked and laughed together, wandered the pastures, rested beside the streams, and danced beneath the waterfalls. Hours passed like minutes. Seeker didn’t want to leave—and she didn’t seem to want to either.
Seeker sat upright, sunlight flooding his room. He hurried to the common room, but Beautiful wasn’t there. He waited. She didn’t come. His head dropped, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. Had he only imagined she cared? He ate his breakfast in silence, then made his way to the pasture.
A group of Pilgrims sat gathered around Kind as he finished his teaching. “Take care, when you think you stand, that you do not fall.”
Steadfast and Gracious stood in the crowd, so he made his way to them.
“Have you seen Beautiful this morning?” Gracious asked.
Could she know? He shook his head. “No, I haven’t seen her.”
He turned to Steadfast and blurted out, “I think Beautiful likes me.”
“What makes you think that?”
“We’ve spent hours talking.”
Steadfast chuckled. “Then you don’t know her very well. She loves talking. Just ask Gracious.”
His heart sunk.
Kind came hurrying over toward him. “Seeker! Seeker! Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in ages.”
Seeker laughed, in spite of himself. “Kind, it’s only been two days.”
Kind shrugged. “Sometimes, two days can feel like a long time,” he said, eyes twinkling. “Liora wants you to come celebrate the Prince’s Birthday with us. It’s a big event for us shepherds—we feast and exchange gifts in His honor.”
Kind glanced to Seeker’s side. “You can bring your…” He paused, choosing his words. “Friend, too.”
“Late again, Miss Beautiful,” Kind said in mock exasperation. “We really have to work on that. And you too, Seeker.” He gave them a knowing glance. “You missed a good one—if I say so myself.”
He wasn’t listening. Beautiful stood beside him, breathless.
She tugged at his sleeve and lowered her voice, “You can’t keep me up all night like that anymore.” She whispered, careful that Kind wouldn’t misunderstand. Then with a sweet smile, she added, “You have my days. That should be enough.”
Steadfast and Gracious stood next to them. He leaned in close to Steadfast, chuckling, “You’re right. I don’t think Beautiful likes me.”
Not so very quietly that Gracious didn’t overhear. She laughed softly, eyes twinkling at Beautiful.