Chapter 27: Fields of Scarlet Secrets

"To the strawberry farm, then," Caspian had murmured, a hint of resignation in his voice. Where else could he go? The world, once his for the taking, had shrunk to the confines of this rickety wagon, his fate intertwined with that of a strawberry merchant who seemed to court danger as easily as he cultivated his crops.

"I hope you do not mind?" Sonne had asked, his tone laced with playful concern, although Caspian suspected the strawberry merchant already knew the answer. It was a ridiculous question, of course. The prince, heir to a throne he could no longer claim, was now a fugitive in his own kingdom, reliant on the kindness – and cunning – of a man whose true allegiance remained a mystery.

And yet, despite the uncertainty that clung to him like a winter shadow, Caspian found a strange sense of peace settling over him as the wagon rumbled away from the capital, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against hard-packed earth a lullaby that carried them towards the unknown.

It was a long and arduous journey, the road winding its way through dense forests and across moonlit meadows, the air growing colder with every passing mile. Caspian, exhausted from the night’s events, had dozed off at some point, his body swaying in time with the wagon’s gentle rocking. He’d dreamt of icy palaces and whispering shadows, of his brother’s worried face and the accusing stares of the court. But through it all, a single, comforting presence remained – the scent of sun-warmed earth and ripe strawberries, a subtle warmth that chased away the shadows and filled his dreams with the promise of spring.

He woke to find himself leaning against Sonne’s shoulder, the strawberry merchant’s arm draped casually around his back, holding him steady against the wagon’s jostling. Caspian immediately pulled away, his cheeks flushing with a heat that had nothing to do with the morning sun now peeking over the horizon.

"We’re here," Sonne announced, his voice a low rumble that seemed to echo the quiet excitement in Caspian’s chest.

The wagon slowed to a stop, and Caspian gazed out at his surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

They stood at the edge of a vast strawberry field, the morning mist rising like a silver curtain to reveal row upon row of vibrant green plants, their leaves heavy with dew, the air sweet with the intoxicating scent of ripe berries. Beyond the fields, rolling hills, painted in hues of emerald and gold, stretched towards the horizon, where the snow-capped peaks of the Snowfall Mountains met the azure sky in a breathtaking display of nature’s majesty.

And yet, it was the sight of the farmhouse, nestled amidst the fields like a warm and welcoming embrace, that truly captured Caspian’s attention. It was a modest structure, built of weathered wood and sturdy stone.

"Welcome to my humble abode, Your Highness," Sonne said, his voice tinged with a hint of pride. "I hope you’ll be comfortable here."

Caspian, his gaze lingering on the cozy scene before him, couldn’t help but smile. For the first time since that fateful night at the palace, a genuine sense of peace settled over him. He might be a fugitive, stripped of his title and hunted by his own people, but here, in this tranquil haven far from the icy grip of the court, he could almost believe that everything would be alright.

Exhaustion, a weight heavier than any crown, pressed down on Caspian's shoulders. The steady rhythm of the wagon had lulled him into a false sense of security, but now, standing on solid ground, the full impact of the past few days crashed over him. He was a prince without a kingdom, a fugitive in his own land.

Sonne, ever attuned to Caspian's moods, placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Come, Your Highness," he said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to soothe Caspian's frayed nerves. "Let's get you inside. You need rest."

They walked in comfortable silence towards the farmhouse, a handsome German Shepherd bounding towards them, tail wagging furiously.

"Ah, Solar, my friend," Sonne greeted the dog, scratching him behind the ears. "Always happy to see me, even when I arrive unannounced."

Solar barked in agreement, nudging Sonne's hand with his snout, then turned his attention to Caspian, sniffing curiously at the prince's outstretched hand.

"Who feeds him when you're away?" Caspian asked, his gaze drawn to the dog's intelligent eyes. He couldn't imagine Sonne, with his penchant for late-night escapades, adhering to a strict feeding schedule.

Sonne chuckled. "I have some farm helpers, good people. They live in a cottage on the other side of the property." He gestured towards a cluster of trees in the distance. "They look after things while I'm away."

As they stepped inside the farmhouse, Caspian was struck by the unexpected homeliness of it all. The air was warm and inviting, filled with the aroma of woodsmoke and something faintly sweet, like baking bread. A fire crackled merrily in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the worn wooden floorboards and simple furnishings.

The room was sparsely decorated, but spotlessly clean. A few well-worn books sat on a small table near the window, alongside a half-finished embroidery project. A single plate and cup rested on the otherwise empty table, as if waiting for their owner to return.

"You live alone?" Caspian asked, surprised by the note of concern that crept into his voice. He'd assumed Sonne, with his charm and wit, would be surrounded by an entourage of admirers.

"A heart as free as a summer breeze, Your Highness," Sonne quipped, a playful smile gracing his lips. "It doesn't tie itself down easily." He winked, his gaze lingering on Caspian's face for a beat too long.

Caspian, his cheeks warming at the implication, quickly averted his gaze. He wasn't sure what to make of Sonne's constant flirting. Was it simply the strawberry merchant's nature to charm everyone in his path? Or was there something more, something…personal, behind those teasing words and lingering glances?

He pushed the thought aside as Sonne led him down a short hallway. "You must be exhausted," Sonne said, his voice softening. "The guest room is this way."

He opened a door, revealing a small but cozy room, its single window overlooking the strawberry fields. A comfortable-looking bed with a thick quilt dominated the space, and a simple wooden dresser stood against one wall.

Caspian stepped inside, drawn by the quiet serenity of the room. He opened the dresser drawer, intending to unpack his meager belongings, and stopped short. Nestled amongst neatly folded shirts and trousers lay a dress. It was a simple garment, crafted from a soft, pale blue fabric, delicate lace trimming the collar and sleeves. It was clearly a woman’s garment.

He turned to Sonne, his brow furrowed in question.

"Aha, that," Sonne chuckled, gently picking up the delicate garment, "That's my mom's." He smiled softly, a rare moment of vulnerability softening his features. "She made it herself, years ago. She’s quite talented, you see."

He gestured towards the half-finished embroidery by the window, a riot of colorful threads depicting a field of sunflowers bathed in golden sunlight. "That’s hers too. She always says she finds her peace in the rhythm of the needle."

Caspian nodded silently, his gaze lingering on the delicate floral pattern. He couldn't imagine his own mother, the Ice Queen of Snowfall, engaging in such a domestic activity. The very thought brought a wry smile to his lips.

Sonne, misinterpreting Caspian's silence, quickly added, "She used to come here often, help with the harvest, fuss over the flowers. But lately…" his voice trailed off, a shadow crossing his features. "It’s not safe, you see. The border’s become…delicate. Tensions are high between our kingdoms, and my mother, well, let’s just say her allegiances are…complicated."

Caspian’s ears perked up at the mention of Sonne’s mother and her "complicated" allegiances. Was this another hint at the mystery surrounding Sonne's past, his connection to the kingdom of Eternal Summer? He longed to ask, to delve deeper into the enigma that was Sonne, but something held him back. Perhaps it was the exhaustion weighing him down, or maybe, just maybe, he was afraid of what he might learn.

Seemingly sensing Caspian's unspoken curiosity, Sonne continued, his voice low and measured. "She lives on the other side of the border, closer to the heart of Eternal Summer. I visit her whenever I can, but for now…it’s best she stays away. For her safety, and mine."

He placed the dress back into the drawer, his movements careful and reverent, as if tucking away a precious memory.

"For now," he said, turning back to Caspian, his gaze steady, "It's just me, Solar, and the farmhands. A small but dedicated team." He smiled, his usual playful energy returning. "We manage."

With a final nod, Sonne turned to leave, his hand lingering on the doorknob. "Get some rest, Your Highness," he said, his voice softening. "I’ll be in the room next door if you need anything."

He paused, a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes. "Anything at all."

And with that, he slipped out of the room, leaving Caspian alone with his thoughts and the faint scent of strawberries and sunshine, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope could blossom in the most unexpected of places.