**When Bridgerton meets Once Upon a time in a compelling historical fantasy.**
Everyone knows the elite and the working class don't mix. Royal princes and noble ladies wed and fall in love all the time. But even look at a commoner for too long, and...
Neil and Dove stood on the expansive castle balcony, surrounded by intricate ironwork that framed the breathtaking view of the kingdom below. The distant mountains stood tall, their peaks kissed by the fading light of the sunset, while the kingdom stretched out before them, its people mere specks in the vastness of their world. The afterglow of the sunset bathed the scene in a warm, reddish tint, painting the sky with a touch of enchantment.
Neil's hazel eyes, filled with adoration, traced the contours of Dove's face, their gaze locking in an unbreakable bond. Dove smiled, biting his cheek, feeling time slow down as he eagerly anticipated Neil's next move. His cheeks flushed with a reddish hue, mirroring the sky above.
"What?" Dove's cheeks blushed with a reddish hue, his anticipation transforming into exhilaration. He stood on the precipice of something beautiful, eager to delve deeper into this moment with Neil.
"I'm incredibly grateful for this second chance, for the life that has brought you back to me," Neil's voice resonated with earnestness and affection, his words carrying the weight of his emotions.
Dove's heart swelled with a mixture of surprise and joy, unable to contain his emotions any longer. Neil interlaced their fingers, their hands fitting perfectly together. "Neil... I never thought I'd be here, standing with you. It's a miracle."
A tender smile graced Neil's lips as he brushed his thumb gently against Dove's hand. "It is, indeed. And I cherish every moment of it."
Their gazes locked, their souls entwined in a dance of unspoken love. In that unguarded moment, Neil leaned in, capturing Dove's lips with a passionate kiss. Time seemed to stand still as their connection ignited, a whirlwind of emotions surging through their bodies.
Their kiss was a symphony of longing and gratitude, their lips melding together in a fiery dance of rediscovered love. It was a testament to their shared history, their enduring bond that had weathered the storms of separation.
As they broke apart, a soft gasp escaped Dove's lips, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "But what about your first love, the girl you had lost? Are you truly ready to walk down this path with me?"
Neil's expression softened, understanding the doubts that lingered in Dove's heart. He took a step closer, his hand gently caressing Dove's cheek. From the depths of his being, Neil spoke in the third person omniscient, "Dove, the significance of second chances is that they allow us to rewrite our own stories."
"But don't you still want to be with her?" Dove asked unable to mask his fears and insecurity in his voice.
Neil paused for a moment, his gaze unwavering. "I didn't mean to fall in love with you. Instead, I walked into love with you, my eyes wide open, without even realizing it myself. Choosing to take every step with you. I didn't believe in fate or destiny, at least not like you or Pia. But I am starting to believe that we are only fated to do the things we'd choose anyway. And Dove, I choose you."
His voice filled with sincerity, Neil continued, "In different worlds, and different timelines of life, in a different version of reality, I keep finding myself wanting to choose you. To be with you. The girl I lost is a part of my past, and I still do miss her, but you, Dove, are my present and my future. You've filled a void in my heart that I thought would never be filled again."
Dove's doubts began to fade, his smile replacing his sadness with a newfound glimmer of hope. His eyes searched Neil's face, yearning for the reassurance he longed for.
'This is what it feels to be wanted and to be loved.' Dove thought as their lips touched each other again, seldom did their teeth collide and their kiss became a little messy but Dove enjoyed every little bit of it despite it not being perfect. They broke apart after a few moments to breath.
"Do you have any regrets about your decision for the coronation?" Neil asked.
"No after spending time with Cassius. I'm affirmative that he will be a good king to my people. So, it was in there and my best interest to merge the kingdoms of Cascadia and Alynthi. And now that Cassius is being crowned tomorrow, I'm feeling confident about my choice." Dove said.
"Are you sure though?" Neil asked skeptically.
"Neil, when I was a kid I always wanted to be a bird," Dove said.
"A bird?" Neil asked skeptically.
"Yes, so that I could have wings and travel anywhere I liked. That was my dream. I told you before as well, all I cared about was my people getting the ruler they deserved. It doesn't have to be me. I am confident that Cassius will be a righteous ruler. And I know Eryx will be by his side to guide him and help him out."
"I know but--"
"Neil let me speak. I already know you're feeling guilty and having thoughts about me missing out on an opportunity to rule. But what you don't realize is you're giving me something far more important. You're giving me a chance to fulfill my dream. I'll get to travel every day and I'll do it with someone I care so much about."
Neil closed his eyes and smiled as he engulfed Dove in a warm embrace.
And for the first time, he felt he was ready to have someone other than her by his side. He pressed the locket hanging on his neck and said in his mind hoping that she would hear him, 'Goodbye Pia. I think I can finally let you go. Thank you for being my first love.'
"Dove?" Neil asked.
"Yeah?" He questioned.
"Be my forever." He said, placing a kiss on Dove's fingers.
Dove let out a heartwarming smile and said, "Of course, I'm yours forever."
FIN
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