Reincarnated to Another World

reincarnated as a knight pt. 7

As he reached the gazebo, he put on a calm facade, though his eyes betrayed his emotions as they met Elise's. "Elise," he said softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "It's been a long time."

Elise looked up, her eyes widening with surprise and a hint of recognition. "Claude," she replied, trying to hide her own emotions. "Yes, it has been a while."

He wanted to take her hand, to tell her everything, but he held back, knowing that the timing wasn't right. Instead, he chose his words carefully, concealing his true feelings. "I'm glad to see you safe and well," he said genuinely, his heart aching at the distance he had kept from her.

Elise nodded, her gaze momentarily flickering with a mix of emotions. "Thank you," she replied, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Life has been...eventful."

Claude took a deep breath, gathering his courage as he looked into Elise's eyes. The weight of the revelation that Amaryllis and Elise were the same person had lifted a veil from his heart, and he knew that it was time to finally confront the truth that had kept them apart for so long.

"Elise," he began, his voice tender and earnest, "why did you leave? I've been searching for you, and all this time, I couldn't understand why you disappeared only leaving a note."

Elise's gaze met his, and he saw a mix of emotions flicker across her face—sadness, fear, and a hint of longing. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before she spoke, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

"I was scared," she admitted her words barely above a whisper. "I thought I didn't deserve you. You are the crown prince, destined for greatness, and I am just a commoner. I couldn't bear the thought of holding you back or becoming an obstacle in your path."

Claude's heart clenched at her words, understanding the depths of her insecurities and the pain she had carried. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his, a gesture of comfort and reassurance.

"Elise, you are not just a commoner to me," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "You are the woman who captured my heart, and nothing else matters. I love you, and I always will."

Tears welled up in Elise's eyes as she listened to his declaration. "But your engagement...," she whispered, her voice filled with longing.

"My engagement was forced upon me for political reasons," Claude said firmly. "It was never about love, and I don't want it to come between us. I want to be with you, Elise, and only you."

Elise's heart soared at his words, the weight of her fears beginning to lift. "But what if breaking off the engagement causes problems for the empire?" she asked, still concerned for his well-being.

Claude's eyes bore into hers with unwavering determination. "I am willing to face any consequences to be with you," he declared. "Your happiness is all that matters to me, and I will do whatever it takes to make things right."

As the truth spilled out, a sense of relief washed over both of them. In each other's presence, they found the strength to lay bare their deepest feelings. Emotions swelled within them, a potent mixture of love, hope, and newfound courage.

Elise stepped closer, feeling the warmth of Claude's embrace as he held her close. The walls they had built to protect themselves from pain were now crumbling, replaced by an unbreakable bond of love.

With tears of joy and gratitude, Elise whispered, "I love you, Claude, and I never stopped."

"I love you too, Elise," Claude replied, his voice full of tenderness.

As they stood in the gazebo, the air filled with a mix of emotions, Claude finally gathered the courage to ask the question that had been haunting him since they reunited.