Promises of Gold

7. Unrequited Love?

Oliver's POV;

As Cordelia stood there in confusion and shock, I began to almost laugh in relief. She was alright. She would not be harmed. Dear Cordelia had passed. Even if I had not understood why, I was relieved she would not be banished anytime soon. I awaited for James to explain why she had passed by denying his hand.

"By denying me, you have shown bravery and strength. You are bold and ready to use your strengths. I wanted to see that again from you. I knew you weren't easy to convince and you weren't weak. This test was designed to make you speak out and deny the desires of others and look for your own and include ones you care about." James explained, looking at Peter for the last bit.

Cordelia nodded still surprised by how the test had been designed. She also looked relieved. She would not be miserable and she had passed. She met my eyes and smiled. Her beautiful smile. It was impossible not to fall in love with her. Despite her being cold and quick to push others away, she was the most beautiful and witty woman I knew.

"You have now been accepted into Neverland. Welcome." James announced, allowing everyone to cheer. I cheered among them, happy to know Cordelia was safe.

***

"Hey, how are you?" Cordelia asked me after the ceremony finished. Her white gown and twisted hair looked beautiful on her. I was at loss for words yet again in her presence.

"I- I'm good. A tad nervous for tomorrow's test but I'm sure all will be well." I replied with a slight stutter.

"I'm sure you will pass. You're one of the smartest boys I know. I'll be cheering for you." She said smiling at me.

Her green eyes shined and I noticed that they had previously been more of a blue. When I looked more closely I could even see a slight red in them.

"My eyes? They change colours when I use my magic. It happened when I was an infant many times." She explained as if she could read my mind.

"Oh.. I'm sorry.."

"It's alright. Would you wanna walk with me? I need to talk about what happened today." She asked hopefully.

"I need to get some rest. I'm sorry. Maybe Peter will be able to?" I said. I didn't want to be alone with her, knowing I would be in a state of panic now that I recognized how I felt for her.

"Oh. Alright. Have a good rest, and good luck for tomorrow." she said looking a bit disappointed.

She walked away towards Peter and I assumed she asked the same question when I saw him nod. He smiled at her brightly and then I knew. Peter and her had something. I sighed and walked into my tent. As soon as I entered I saw James sitting on my bed with his signature smirk.

***

Cordelia's POV

"I'm very proud of you. You exceeded our expectations tonight." Peter told me as we walked side by side.

He had led me to a nearby lake. We walked through the sand barefoot, still wearing the wedding attire. I smiled up at him, realizing how the moonlight lit his face perfectly.

"I still have trouble believing I spoke that way. That I threatened James. I react harshly when I'm surrounded by nerves and people." I explained.

"You don't need to be ashamed. You did well. You stood up for yourself. There's no fault in that" Peter told me.

"No one has ever been so supportive of my powers before." I admitted with a slight blush.

"I've always been this supportive. Even last time you were here. Cordelia, could I kiss you? I keep hoping if you'll remember and I have a slight feeling if I kiss you, it may. When you left some said you would not remember if not for true love." Peter said.

"Kiss me?" I blurted.

"Yes. If you do not feel comfortable that's alright..."

I broke him off by reaching for him and kissing him slowly. He pulled away for a second before pulling me towards him and pressing his lips onto mine. He kissed me with passion and almost a hint of sadness. His arms were wrapped around me as mine were around his neck. I had never experienced something so personal and passionate before, at least that I remembered.

He pulled away slowly and looked at me with hopeful eyes. I then, remembered the purpose of the kiss and began to feel sad once more. I shook my head letting go of him.

"It's fine Cordelia. It was a beautiful kiss. You may remember due to someone else, but I will fight for you."

***
Oliver's POV

"What are you doing here?" I asked walking towards James.

James stood up and sighed. He walked towards my mirror and began to fix his hair. I scoffed. What an obsessed..

"Your test does not exist. You have passed already." James stated casually.

"Excuse me? How?"

"You love her no? That is enough for me. I will not separate you both. I may have seemed power hungry and arrogant, but I promise you that is all an act." James explained turning to me.

"How did you know?"

"I see it. It's obvious. Now I suggest you tell her. Before Peter gets her and she runs to him. Or me." James said with a smile.

***

Cordelia looked at Peter as they walked back towards the tents. She did not want to hurt him. She wanted to love Peter. But she could not. She did not know why but the kiss was not the way she imagined it to be. She felt nothing. Maybe it was the lack of memories but she knew if there was truly destiny between them, it would have worked.

"Peter, I am sorry. I know you love me and you know me. But I cannot love you. Not the way you want me to. I felt nothing. If there was true destiny between us, I would've remembered." Cordelia said, stopping.

Peter stopped and turned to her and nodded. He respected her and he knew if it was past, it was past. He needed to let her go, but he was not yet ready.

"I respect you Cordelia and yes I love you. And for that reason I will let you be. However, do not think I will not be passionately angry if you find someone new. My love for you burns like the sun and gives me a breath of fresh air. Something so unique and loved is not easily let go of" Peter admitted.

"I understand." Cordelia said softly.

Peter said nothing more and led her towards the tents. He walked Cordelia to hers and walked away without a word. Cordelia's heart hurt for him. As she walked into her tent, she saw Oliver standing there worriedly.