Chapter One

Chapter 1

 

.The Kingdom of Luminara unfolded in all its regal splendor. Perched high on the precipice of a rugged rock cliff,  sitting nestled against the rocky face of Mount Elrod. Towers punctuated the skyline, adorned with resplendent tapestries and flags of regal red and gold,. On clear days, when the clouds weren't as low surrounding the mountain, the majestic sight of massive dragons patrolling the skies above could be seen—ominous silhouettes serving as a constant reminder of vigilance and protection. Below the cliff, the valley was cleaved in twain by a winding river that gracefully flowed towards the expansive lake. This valley once bore witness to the remnants of Asatus, a once-proud kingdom that dared to challenge the might of Luminara for more land. The castle, now reduced to rubble, stood as a solemn testament to the consequences of such audacity. Yet, amid the ruins, resilient souls persisted, eking out an existence in a kingdom fractured and broken for years.

 

Seated at the very edge of the cliff, her legs dangling over the precipice, a young girl adorned in a powdered grey dress observed the panoramic view. Stains resembling flour and mysterious marks tainted her skirt. She Stossed white Jasmine petals into the breeze, watching them linger in the wind before disappearing below. Beside her, a deer luxuriously basked in the sunlight."You know you shouldn't make such a long trek up the mountain; you always get stuck up here, and I have to help you down," she chided with a playful tone, her voice carrying a feigned annoyance.

 

The valley below, once a battleground between kingdoms, now hosted a thriving menagerie of life. Nature had reclaimed the overgrown ruins, and various creatures had made it their home. The Bison, however, still roamed freely in the open fields around the mountain base, unwittingly working in favor of the kingdom.Her mismatched eyes—one dark green, the other a light blue—shifted upward, mirroring the curious gaze of the deer, as a voice resonated from the kingdom walls not far off, interrupting the tranquility. "Aurora!" Her father called, beckoning her to return. The brief respite in the sun was over, and duty called. With a smile, she acknowledged her father's call. "Coming, father." Aurora gave the deer's head a pet. 

 

“You wait till nightfall, and I'll return you to your home," she promised, standing and making her way through the wheat fields. As she walked, her fingertips grazed the tall plants, and a shimmer of light reflecting off metal pulled her attention toward another mountain perch far off in the distance. It might have been inconspicuous to someone else, but a smile graced her lips, knowing full well what it was. Aurora picked up her pace, eager to reach her father sooner.

Up above, "Agh!" Theodore shouted as Emeric skillfully dodged an attempted attack. Emeric's laughter mingled with the sounds of their swords clashing, echoing through the warm breeze. They practiced in their favorite spot on top of the mountain, a place they had frequented for years, knowing the mountain and the land like the back of their hands by now. "Be more nimble, Theodore! Your movements are too rigid," Emeric advised, smoothly dodging yet another thrust with seasoned grace. 

 

To be fair, Theodore was a formidable figure, boasting a broad chest and bulging muscles that necessitated a specially tailored suit for his armor. In contrast, Emeric, though well-built with a toned chest and muscles of his own, possessed a leaner frame, allowing him to move with more agility. Emeric pressed forward, executing a series of swift sword swings. Theodore, focused on defense, found himself off-balance when Emeric strategically knocked his leg. The result was inevitable – Theodore stumbled and hit the ground. Emeric, towering over him, blocked the sunlight as he held his sword menacingly at Theodore's neck. "Oh, piss off," Theodore grumbled, pushing the sword away.

 

 Emeric chuckled, sheathing his weapon. As best friends who grew up within the castle walls, Theodore was the sole confidant of Emeric's true identity as a prince. It was mandatory as a knight for Theodore to follow along in case something happened in the city. Even if no one knew the face of the prince - Emeric was still a prince. As far as anyone in the village knew, Emeric was just another nobleman. Extending a hand, Emeric helped Theodore up just as a familiar paternal voice wafted up from below. With a soft smile, Emeric proposed, "Shall we get a drink to soothe your sorrows?"

 

"You're buying," Theodore insisted with a smirk.

 

"Like I always do," Emeric replied, falling into step beside him as they descended the rocky steps back to the kingdom walls. The destination? Their favorite tavern that held a special place in both their hearts for more reasons than one.

Back below, Aurora made her way through the massive entrance that had been cut into the stone of the kingdom's walls. Its large, dark ebony wood doors were open for most of the day, but come sundown, they were closed and heavily guarded. The reason for such precautions remained a perpetual mystery to Aurora, as she never perceived any tangible threat. Nonetheless, this peculiar routine never deterred her from slipping out through the grates, ingeniously designed to prevent flooding during the spring thaw.

 

“Daydreaming with that fawn again, my girl?” Her father asked, joining her at the entrance. They meandered through bustling streets adorned with various vendors peddling their wares, intermingled with animated conversations among both nobles and commoners. "What else am I to do with my free time when I'm not serving loud, obnoxious men?" Aurora retorted, playfully bumping her father's arm. Passersby responded with warm smiles, their attention predominantly directed at her father.

 

"Franklin, save me a seat at the bar tonight. We want a magic show, Aurora!" a man hollered, prompting a nod from her father. Aurora, however, maintained a stoic silence, a tinge of annoyance evident. Being treated as mere entertainment was a familiar occurrence; she stood as one of the scant mystical beings remaining in the kingdom. Nineteen years earlier, the realm had been teeming with such beings, until Asatus's assault rendered them unwelcome.

 

Aurora's journey from being a laughingstock to gaining acceptance was a lengthy one. As an orphan taken in by a man she now called her father, she carried the added complexity of mystical blood. However, after a particular day when a group of kids left her in tears, her father decided he had had enough. The specifics of what transpired that day were unknown to Aurora, but following that incident, children no longer bothered her, and neither did their parents, nor anyone else.Her father had enough respect from the public that they wouldn’t step to him, at least not to his face.

 

"Don't pay them any mind; they mean no harm. They just appreciate your talent. You're very adept with that light thing... whatever it's called," Franklin attempted to assuage the fiery expression in his daughter's eyes, eliciting a genuine smile from her. "I know I am," she asserted matter-of-factly.

 

They reached the tavern in the middle of the city in their own time, her father turning the closed sign to open. "You closed up just to find me?" Aurora queried, grabbing the apron she had left hanging at the entrance, the door propped open. "What, am I not allowed to take a break? Ah, here they come." Franklin stationed himself by the door as Aurora confidently took her place behind the bar, a mischievous smirk adorning her lips. At least she would reunite with that beautiful man soon enough.

 

---

 

Aurora tied her long, unruly hair into a messy low bun, a reflection of its untamable nature. The patrons flowed in like the ale from the barrels lining the taproom, where metal mugs dangled. Her father maneuvered through the familiar crowd, taking table orders, while she remained behind the bar—a precaution against the handsy tendencies that emerged after a few beers.

 

In the quiet of the forests surrounding, the sun was beginning to dip low in the sky as Emeric and Theodore raced through the woods on their horses, the vibrant colors of green painting the landscape around them. Emeric's white stallion led the way, its powerful hooves pounding against the earth, while Theodore’s black horse followed closely behind. Their laughter and the rhythmic beat of hooves echoed through the serene forest.

 

As they approached the village below, the anticipation of seeing someone special quickened Emeric's heart. A day without her felt like an eternity, and the mere thought of her brought a radiant smile to his face. Emeric tightened the reins of his horse, slowing down as they reached the stable beside the tavern. Theodore, not far behind "If I were a worse man, I'd say the drinks were on you," Emeric teased, his eyes glinting mischievously. Theodore chuckled, shaking his head in response.

 

Dismounting from their horses, the boys tied off the reins. Men and ladies alike waved in greeting, their smiles reflecting the warmth of the day. Emeric reciprocated with a kind wave, grateful for the anonymity his concealed identity provided. His parents' decision to keep his face hidden allowed him to experience the village life without the burden of royal expectations.

 

Emeric's presence was well-known in the village, despite the absence of his true identity. His interactions with the people were genuine, unmarred by the weight of his noble status. Growing up, his father emphasized the importance of being part of the community, understanding their sentiments, and cultivating a sense of belonging. Emeric embraced these values, cherishing the opportunity to connect with the villagers on a personal level.

 

The door to the tavern swung open, and Emeric, ever the gentleman, held it open for Theodore. The room erupted in cheers and raised glasses as they entered. "Emeric!" the villagers exclaimed, their drinks lifted in salute. Emeric responded with a soft smile and a gracious wave. His popularity, rooted in both his looks and his genuine kindness, transcended the boundaries of nobility.

 

Aurora went about her normal tasks—pouring beer, breaking bread, and wiping down cups when one was left behind. Although her father may have found contentment in the routine of the tavern, Aurora yearned for adventure beyond its walls. Her father argued that the wild wouldn't put food on the table, but she believed the land provided for the worthy. Returning from the storage/kitchen area, a familiar name echoed through the crowd.

 

Setting down the bread, she strained to see the source, frustrated by her short stature. Pushing through, she finally glimpsed his face, barely acknowledging Theodore. Her eyes had always been fixated on him—Theodore had never stood a chance. Many had vied for her attention, seeking her father's approval for marriage, only to be thrown out by the protective Franklin. Romance held no appeal until he walked into the tavern one day. Initially dismissive, Aurora soon succumbed to his charm. He wasn't pushy, but his gaze, with soft blue eyes, left her blushing. Anticipating their order, she grabbed two mugs.

 

As the pair exchanged pleasantries with the crowd, Emeric's attention was drawn to one person – the object of his affection. Making his way to the bar, he took his regular seat, his dreamy eyes meeting hers. "Evening, darling," he greeted, his voice carrying a chesty charm with a hint of mischief. Emeric was dressed in a loose white collared shirt paired with dark black pants.

 

Theodore, unnoticed by her, stared at Aurora like she was an angel here to save him, her rowdiness is what caught his eye. She wasn't like the prim and proper girls fawning over the two of them any chance they got. She had eyes of someone always dreaming, and the different colors of them were something unique. "There she is, my friend!" Theodore spoke up, looking to Emeric, but when he looked at him, he was already staring. Theodore never said anything about his desire for her to him; it was obvious the two of them were infatuated with each other, the prince's wants always came first, no matter how infuriating it was.

 

Aurora's heart skipped a beat when he looked at her, a subtle smile playing on her lips while her eyes roamed over his outfit, handsome as always. "Boys.." She said softly acknowledging Theodore. In a subtle and tender gesture, Emeric slipped his hand into hers under the table, their fingers intertwining. Her skin felt soft and delicate in his grasp, eliciting a small smile as he looked down at her.

 

She felt his hands find hers, melting at the feeling of them engulfing her small ones, her cheeks flashed a light red looking up at him. "The usual, please," he requested, his eyes never leaving hers.

 

"You boys must have been busy, sparring again? You two smell like it." With a flick of her two fingers, the mugs moved into place in front of them, looking to Theodore while she stole her hand back as her father passed. Aware of the sweat that had accumulated under the sun's relentless heat, Emeric chuckled, "I'll be sure to bathe and make myself presentable in your presence next time I see you." His words carried a charming tone that never failed to captivate. 

 

Aurora noticed a cut on Theodoredore's cheek, reaching upward to touch it gently "Was he mean to you, good knight?" She feigned worry before a graceful laugh left her lips. The reluctance to let go of her hand was evident when her father approached, but Emeric's smile returned as he witnessed Aurora's caring gesture toward Theodore's cheek. "He's a big man; he can handle it," Emeric reassured, dismissing any concern about the minor cut he had inflicted on Theodore.

 

"Drink! Be merry," she declared before grabbing a knife, returning to the task she had before they came in, cutting bread. Wrapping his hand around his mug, Emeric clinked it against Theodore's in a playful toast. A few gulps later, satisfaction evident in his exhale, Emeric teased, "What, you think I abused this man?"

 

"Oh, come on now... I know that brain of yours works; you figure it out," she playfully retorted, matching his tone with a teasing edge. Emeric cast a playful glance down at his own body in response to her teasing insult, humor twinkling in his eyes. 

 

"I wouldn't be too sure about that, Aurora. I think you'd find his brain damaged from one too many nights of drinking," Theodore interjected, taking another gulp of his ale. Emeric playfully nudging Theodore with his elbow, "And who am I drinking with, Sir Brenton?" Reminding everyone of Theodore's recent defeat, Emeric explained with a grin, "He's just bitter because he lost today... again." Theodore paid no mind to the jab; his attention was diverted by the blacksmith's daughter, who decided to hang off his arm.

 

Aurora shook her head at the scene, considering the girl a bit of a nuisance, though she acknowledged she wasn't in a position to dictate her friend's company. Taking another sip of his ale, Emeric also observed Theodore growing comfortable with the blacksmith's daughter, shaking his head before redirecting his attention to his beloved.

 

"How is your day going, my love?" he inquired, his tone a tender blend of affection and anticipation. Aurora deftly sliced down with a knife, cutting off another chunk of bread to pile on a different plate. She cast a tired glance over at Emeric and began recounting her day.

 

"Well... I baked 30 batches of fresh bread this morning at dawn. When things got slow around noon, I went out to the wheat fields to think about nothing, really. It was a beautiful day," she explained, raising her brows at the end of her words, tilting her head as if disappointed by something. Even in the simple act of slicing bread, Aurora exuded a captivating beauty that Emeric couldn't help but admire. The recounting of her day, so different from his own, always held a special allure for him. Expressing his admiration, he remarked, "You look beautiful today."

 

"I thought maybe I'd see you out there, but no worries. A lovely fawn kept me company. At least she's not stinky like you," she added with a playful jab.

 

Passing the plate to her father, who approached, Aurora glanced at the two men in front of her. Franklin, her father, focused on Emeric and delivered a gruff warning. "Best not be bothering her during work hours. God knows you steal her away enough," he grumbled, earning a scowl from Aurora.

 

Respecting Fredrick's request not to bother Aurora during work, Emeric responded, "My apologies, Mr. Cooke." Aurora defended Emeric, saying, "Father, there's no need to be rude. I was just finishing up the bread. Leave the poor boy alone." Franklin, unmoved, turned his back and walked away. He then grinned at Aurora's defense of him, unable to resist teasing her, "Did you just call me a boy?" His head tilted with furrowed brows, feigning mild offense.

 

As Franklin walked away, Emeric pondered how he would react once the truth about his identity and their relationship emerged. Understanding the protective nature of a father, if he had a daughter like Aurora, he would be cautious of everyone too, especially with a good-looking older man like him.

 

Aurora, a bit embarrassed, looked back at Emeric once her father was out of sight. "Pay no mind, love. As long as you make me happy, he'll have nothing bad to say about you. Now, eat," she urged, pushing a plate of bread toward him. Emeric replied to Aurora's affirmation of happiness, "I'm happy to know I make you happy." Sipping his drink, he chomped down a piece of soft bread.

 

Aurora's attention was quickly diverted as she smacked Theodore on the back of the head. His hands had become a little too familiar with the blacksmith's daughter's body. "Are you trying to start a fight? Her father is glaring holes in your back," Aurora warned Theodore.

 

Turning her attention to the young girl, who had been looking back angrily until Aurora mentioned her father, Aurora declared, "Beat it before you get someone killed, you floozy." The atmosphere in the tavern was charged with unspoken tension as the girl shot Theodore a pointed look, silently urging him to intervene. Unfazed, Theodore merely smirked and gently pushed the girl away. "Mother has spoken, I'd run; she bites," he remarked callously, which, while rather rude, she wasn't one of the group, so why should he care?

 

The girl glared at both Theodore and Aurora before storming off, only to be intercepted by her father and escorted outside. Aurora, finding humor in the situation, seized Theodore's mug to refill it, placing it back in front of him. "Thanks for the watchful eye," Theodore expressed his gratitude with a kind smile, raising his mug in acknowledgment as Aurora nodded, "Someone has to."

 

Emeric chimed in, "Oy, I keep an eye on him! Only when he deserves it..." he added with a teasing tone, concealing his smirk behind a sizable mug.

 

Emeric always noticed the impact Theodore had on women. It was as if a certain tension trailed Theodore, accentuated by his imposing figure. Life within the castle confines became monotonous when everyone treated him like fragile glass. Yet, Theodore broke the mold by being the first person to best him in the arena, forging a lasting friendship. As Emeric matured and ventured beyond the castle walls, he uncovered a world far richer than he had imagined. It was when he encountered Aurora that his world illuminated with unprecedented brightness, her mere thought bringing a smile to his face.

 

The blacksmith's daughter's advances on Theodore soon left Emeric's mind, his focus back on his beloved. Emeric found himself incapable of articulating the depth of his feelings for her. The emotions swirling within him were beyond the reach of words, leaving him in a state of blissful completion whenever he gazed upon her. A decision had been made to keep her father in the dark for the time being. While Emeric's father was aware of his son's affections, the king remained oblivious to the identity of the one who held Emeric's heart.

The revelation of Emeric's true identity was inevitable, and he anticipated minimal disapproval from her father once the truth surfaced. However, the impending conversation with his own parents loomed, knowing they might harbor reservations about his union with a commoner. Despite the potential challenges, Emeric was resolute in his intention to make her his queen, as she illuminated his life with purpose.

 

Yet, a crucial piece of information remained concealed – Aurora was unaware that Emeric was her Prince.

 

"I missed you in the mountains today... but I'll make up for it, I promise, my love," he assured her, his fingers grazing hers with a knowing smile  

 

Leaning against the bar with crossed arms, Aurora redirected her attention to Emeric. She wanted him to enjoy himself without feeling guilty for doing so, As Emeric spoke, she shook her head, "You two are meant to have your fun; none of us are getting younger." However, her words trailed off as Emeric's hand grazed her, and the look in his eyes conveyed a deeper message. Her teeth grazed her bottom lip briefly before she pulled away, the arrival of more patrons disrupting the moment. "Midnight... don't keep me waiting," she directed towards Emeric, departing to fetch more mug.

 

Emeric smiled when he knew she took his message. The two men stayed for awhile after Aurora got pulled away chatting and playing drinking games like they always do, soon Theodore now drunk, began telling stories about his training days that Emeric loved listening to no matter how many times he had heard it before.A little later on Emeric stood up and left for a moment to use the restroom. 

As the night progressed, Aurora found herself pulled in different directions by various people and tasks, losing track of both Emeric and Theodore. "Come on! Give us a show!" a drunk woman demanded, and the crowd backed Aurora into a corner. With a resigned sigh, Aurora raised her hands, as if calming them down. With a huff she pulled herself up on the bar pushing a few mugs away until a few helpful patrons picked them up for her, all eyes were fixed on her and for the first time that night, the tavern was quiet.

 

she pressed her fingertips against the wooden flat surface. Slowly streams of all colors snaked their way out along the wood, they had a shimmer to them as if translucent flowing like water all the way down the entire bar causing everyone to lift their mugs. The streams shifted and rose up, taking softly glowing forms of animals that moved of their own accord, some jumping off the table and doubling in size.

 

Outside, Emeric had finished up his business and began to make his way back to the tavern before getting distracted by his stallion who was waiting patiently for him. He smiled softly and walked over to soothe the beautiful creature. He stroked the side of her head and brushed it's hair back. "There's a good girl hm?"

 

Emeric’s head darted back to the tavern hearing the uproar and then the silence. He raised an eyebrow as he came inside to be greeted by a majestic sight of glowing animals around him. He knew this was the work of one woman - his woman. With wonder present in his eyes as he made his way back to his regular seat. The sight of it never ceased to amaze him. After awhile, the forest scene left and then into dancing lights that gracefully intertwined before shooting up into the air, exploding into sparkles that gently descended back to the table.

 

The magic that ran through Emerics blood was different from hers. The source of his family's magic came from the dragons they trained. It was frequently considered a myth because the origin remained unknown, even to Emeric and his parents. Yet, inexplicably, dragon blood coursed through their veins, granting them extraordinary power.They could control and conjure fire at will. While their abilities were unique in their own right, they were nothing like what Aurora could do. Her power was...stunning, while Emeric thought his destructive.

 

 Aurora, feeling drained, let the sparkles reform into streams, flowing back into her fingertips until they disappeared. She offered the disappointed crowd a tired smile, and her father appeared out of nowhere, resting his hands on her shoulders. "Stop being vultures; that was lovely, darling," Franklin praised his daughter. 

 

Emeric looked back to Aurora, studying her face for a moment before she stopped the projections. He wished she didn't give in to these people, he knew she hated it but still he enjoyed the show. 

 

---

 

With the clock nearing 11, Franklin allowed Aurora to leave for the night. Heading through the kitchen door, she ascended a set of stairs leading to their modest living quarters. Grateful for her own room, she discarded her stained dress into a basket for washing, letting her hair fall freely from its messy bun. Despite a yawn, she resolved to stay awake for her meeting with Emeric. Opting for a freezing cold bath, after she was dry she dressed in a long white nightgown, the modal fabric allowing her skin to breathe in the hot summer night.

 

Emeric and Theodore eventually left to go back to their castle. He told Theodore he would be going to bed but as soon as he heard the castle asleep, he snuck right back out to his horse and made his way back to the tavern. He hated lying to Theodore, but anything for Aurora.

 

Moving to the window, she looked out it, a large smile coming over her face when she saw him waiting, A short ledge on her windowsill connected to a sturdy wooden lattice– sturdy enough for them to climb

 

He saw her appear at her window, waiting for her down below with a dark cloak to hide his face. He smiled brightly seeing her beautiful face. She was a princess if there ever was one, he thought. Climbing up to her window was no chore at all when he could have just to have a few moments with her alone. He adored Theodore, but he loved it most when it was just the two of them. He could have her all to himself with no prying eyes or pestering drinkers to pull her away from him.

 

Emeric hid his horse underneath the steps and climbed up the lattice to her window. He pulled down his hood as he came face to face with her watching as she opened the glass panels. Before either of them could say a thing, his lips met hers.

 

She felt herself on the verge of melting. The kiss, a desire she had harboured since the previous night, marked the convergence of pent-up emotions, a cascade of passion that had simmered within her heart throughout the day.

 

With each passing second their kiss deepened with the world around her fading into insignificance. The warmth of the kiss left them in silence so that now, only the rhythmic exchange of breath and the pounding of their hearts echoed. Aurora's fingers instinctively tangled in Emeric’s hair, pulling him closer,careful not to disturb his fragile balance.

 

Reluctant to fully pull away, she nevertheless distanced herself slightly, resting her forehead against his. "You are a dangerous man, my love, climbing walls for me," she uttered in a low voice, tinged with amusement. 

 

Her lips on his tasted like salvation, a sensation that enveloped him in a divine warmth. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he drew her closer, intensifying the kiss. The moments apart from those lips felt unbearable, and the ale only heightened his yearning for her. A soft groan escaped him as her hands tangled in his hair, it was a divine and satisfying feeling. Even as she attempted to pull away, he followed her lips, smirking softly when she eluded him. Opening his eyes, he met hers with a loving gaze. "I'd do much more than climb walls for you, darling," he assured, brushing some hair behind her ear.

 

As she withdrew further, she glanced down at the ground below. "Father will be occupied for a while longer. Should we run or stay?" Leaving the decision to him, she looked back at her empty room, a slight blush coloring her cheeks at the prospect of being alone with him in there for the first time.

 

Her words prompted a smile, and his eyes shifted between her bedroom and her face. "As much as I'd love to run away to the moon with you, it's cold tonight, and I don't want you falling ill," he said considerately. He looked around her at the coziness of her space that contrasted with the darkness outside.

 

His words sparked a chuckle, "The moon is an awful far ways away, but I don't go anywhere with fibbers," she scolded. Despite the night air lacking a chill, she admired his unwavering dedication.

 

"Are you going to invite me in?" he asked, an optimistic smile playing on his lips. "Oh yes come in, before father catches you." She urged, making room for him to climb through the window. 

 

 Stepping through the window, he removed his cloak resting it on a chair while examining the candlelit room. The soft glow highlighted trinkets and decorations, evoking a smile.The floorboards creaked beneath him, but the revelry downstairs masked the noise.

 

He chuckled softly now in the warmth of her room. Although the chill outside wasn't particularly biting, the allure of coziness transcended temperature.

 

"It's nothing special in here, just things father's gotten me, and you," she explained, smiling as she approached her dresser. Her fingers traced a small wooden figure of a knight and a princess.

 

His gaze moved to her dresser where it held a jewelry box, within  rested a small gold heart – a token of affection he had once bestowed upon her. This delicate emblem symbolized the vitality she breathed into his existence and the love that had enriched his life. A tender smile played on his lips as he beheld the sentimental necklace Turning back to her, he pulled her closer by the waist. "I've missed you so," he confessed, even though only a few hours had passed.

 

Surprised, she felt his arms encircle her waist, spinning her towards him. "You've just seen me," she laughed softly, her eyes softening as a hand brushed his cheek. “Oh but that was so long ago…” his voice almost held a whine to it, he was perhaps influenced by a touch of ale, though he was resolute in denying it. He leaned down once more to steal another quick kiss obsessed with them entirely. "You're warm," she noted, attributing it to the ale in his system. 

She had always welcomed his kisses, from the tender ones that barely grazed her lips to those that left her breathless, making the world whirl around her. Playfully, she teased pulling back, "You're a fool." She said while savoring the lingering taste of alcohol mixed with the subtle hint of spearmint that perpetually adorned his lips. "Tell me what you've missed of me?" she playfully inquired, her chin dipping shyly as she looked up at him through her lashes.

 

Tilting her chin up a bit so he could meet her eyes directly. In a husky voice, he queried, "What is there not to miss...?" Each word was punctuated by a soft kiss –  “Your scent…your hair…your eyes…your voice…your lips…” The final kiss lingered, a gentle pull on her bottom lip preceding a slight withdrawal. Gazing at her, he took a moment to appreciate her beauty.

As he gently lifted her chin, she rolled her eyes, yet the husky tone in his voice commanded her attention. His lips embarked on a journey, leaving delicate kisses after each enumerated detail. His constant kindness overwhelmed her; in a world that often deemed her an outcast, he had been the one to see beyond the surface, instantly falling for the girl he beheld.The aftermath of his final kiss left her instinctively leaning into him, a soft breath escaping her lips like a plea for more. Stars adorned her eyes as she gazed up at him, captivated by his presence.

 

"My gorgeous girl," he declared, brushing a few stray strands of hair behind her ear once more, "there isn't a single thing about you I don't yearn for when we're apart." His proclamation resonated with genuine affection, underscoring the profound connection he felt in her presence. The room, once a mere backdrop, became an intimate haven. Flustered, she exclaimed, "Oh, heavens, you can't possibly miss all of that."

 

 "Oh, but I do... every moment of every day," he assured her, accompanied by a playful grin. His thumb gently traced the outline of her bottom lip, savoring the way she leaned into his touch.

 

Within those stolen moments with her, he discerned a love that surpassed all others. Their desire for each other was profound, an exquisite desperation that defied boundaries. Although he couldn't help but yearn for a love akin to his parents', what he had discovered with Aurora exceeded all expectations. 

 

Her cheeks flushed with warmth a soft smile graced her lips  their eyes locked for a moment before her lips parted, expressing a yearning desire, "Won't you ever steal me away? For good, I mean. Not just for secret meetings late at night... I want to be yours. I should be yours." Frustration tinged her voice, nearing the edge.

 

Eager to walk into eternity with him, she couldn't ignore his persistent hesitance. She pursed her lips, falling into a thoughtful silence. Her hands slid down his forearm, intertwining their fingers. "Forgive me... I shouldn't push, I know," she uttered, glancing away with a hint of sadness, feeling the day's exhaustion creep up on her.

 

Emeric's gaze softened at her latest inquiry. His chin dipped contemplatively as he carefully chose his words. "You are mine," he corrected her sternly but gently, detecting the frustration in her voice. "Don't you ever forget that..." His voice, a delicate whisper. Seating himself on the edge of her bed, he guided her down with him, looking down to their fingers as they were laced together.

 

His firm and commanding demeanor ingrained his message deep within her consciousness;  she was his and he was hers married or not. Her heart yearned for the elusive happily ever after, reminiscent of the enchanting tales her father had woven during her childhood. “I know…I know” she wasnt going to push farther, she knew that there was something heavy that he carried on his shoulders from the day they first said ‘i love you’.

 

He had been so nervous to say it like the moment would shatter if he did. She believed after that day at some point he would open up to her and share whatever it was that he hid in his mind, she hadnt expected however, to wait this long. Sitting with him after her brief outburst, she found solace in the absence of anger in his gaze.

 

He knew the toll that the clandestine nature of their relationship took on both of them. He longed to declare their union proudly to the world, but as royalty, the repercussions were unpredictable.The weight of his customary duties loomed, and he hesitated to jeopardize their connection for fear of losing her. Yet, the longer he delayed, the more profound her sadness would become, and the longer he would carry the burden of concealing his true identity.

 

“You want me to talk to your father don’t you…?”  he inquired, a gentle smile playing on his lips wanting her to know that she was forgiven and he didn’t mind her push. He liked when she spoke up for herself when she didn’t get that opportunity at the tavern where she must please the villagers. He caressed her hair while he waited for a response.

 

 A blend of embarrassment and excitement, illuminated her eyes as he spoke, licking her lips with a soft laugh, she affirmed, "Of course I do," she paused for a moment her eyes searching his. “ But I want you to want to speak to my father.” She was quiet with her words now, removing a hand from his so she could lay her palm against his cheek studying his face like she had done for many nights.

 

The excitement in her gaze caused his heart to contract within his chest. "Of course, I want to," he responded to her, a subtle sadness lurked behind his gaze. "If things were under my control, we'd have our own home, and two children on the way by the next solstice," he said with a light-hearted smile and a soft laugh. 

 

Pressing his forehead against hers – a gesture that symbolized honesty between them. Her presence grounded him more than anything, and as he pondered words to comfort her without resorting to falsehoods, he closed his eyes.

 

She discerned the melancholy lurking in the depths of his eyes, a pang tugging at her heart, yearning to unravel the origin of such sorrow and alleviate it. Her smile widened as he spoke, joining in his laughter. "Twins, huh? Impressive to know you'd envision such a feat with me," she playfully teased, her eyes closing as their foreheads met, sharing the same breath.

 

"Your father intimidates me... he might banish me from the realm if he disapproves," he remarked, opening his eyes and withdrawing slightly before continuing. "I will speak to your father soon, I promise," he assured her, a prince's worth hinging on the fulfillment of promises. For Aurora, he always made good on his word. 

A furrow appeared on her brow as she countered his concern "He wouldn't dare if he knew I'd never forgive him."The idea of her father disapproving saddened her, questioning what reason he could possibly have. Emeric was a kind and loving man, always ready to provide the world for her. Pondering this, she looked back at him, reaffirming, "Time is our ally, my love. I trust you," assuring him regarding the impending conversation with her father.

 

The weight of her trust bore heavily on him, surpassing any other burden. He knew he must get accustomed to this blind faith she had,  since he would one day have the faith of all the hearts in the kingdom in his hands.

 

"If it eases your heart and mind, my father is already aware of you. He may not know your name, but he is cognizant of my love for you. And soon, your father will be too." He revealed with a mischievous grin. Upon hearing the news he had to share, she gasped, worrying about her father's perception. "If he hasn't pushed, he might think poorly of me," she sighed, hand against her forehead, momentarily succumbing to overthinking. 

 

With a gentle shake of his head and a soft chuckle, placing her hand down and drawing her closer. "A man who doubts my Aurora is truly foolish," he declared, sealing his words with another kiss before leaning back. Observing a yawn escape her lips, he smiled knowingly at her exhaustion, admiring her tireless work ethic while simultaneously worrying for her well-being.

 

The noise downstairs was starting to die down but she knew her father wasn't going to come up for bed until everyone was gone home, they had enough time still to just be with each other. A yawn escaped her, signaling her fatigue. Slowly moving up the bed, she nestled against her pillow, extending a hand invitingly. "Will you stay with me for a while? Just lie here, even if not for long." she asked, seeking his comforting presence in the quiet moments before slumber.

 

His eyes followed her as she gracefully laid down on the bed. "I would lay in this bed for eternity if you asked me to." Nestling beside her, he draped his arm around her waist while she moved into him, closing his eyes to savor the moment. The comfort of her bed surpassed that of his castle, solely due to her presence. Inhaling her sweet fragrance, he opened his eyes, anticipating a lifetime of such moments.

 

Whispering a tender "Sweet dreams, my love," he gently caressed her face as her eye lids dipped in silence. Reluctant to part from her serene form, he pecked her lips, covered her with a blanket, and, with a lingering gaze, moved from the bed so he could descend out the window rejoining his horse before riding off towards the castle.

 

Unbeknownst to Emeric, Theodore’s vigilant gaze observed him from the veranda of his room as he ascended the east hill under the shroud of night. The notion of Emeric stealing another kiss from the enchanting angel weighed heavily on Theodore’s heart. Why couldn't he be the one she noticed? Perhaps revealing Emeric's true identity would dissuade her from easily succumbing to his embrace. It was a troubling thought; Emeric was a cherished friend, and a woman shouldn't be the cause of their downfall. Yet, the yearning to merely touch her hand propelled Theodore towards an uncertain path, the outcome of which remained unknown.