DAY DREAM

CHAPTER FOUR

THE KISS

As I left the grand ballroom, a sense of adventure and curiosity filled me. Unsure of where exactly I was headed, I wandered through various corridors and explored different areas of the castle. There was an undeniable charm in the mystery of the castle's layout, even though I had lived there for a significant portion of my life.

After a bit of wandering, I approached a servant and inquired about the location of the garden. To my surprise, the servant appeared astonished, almost as if he expected me to be familiar with every nook and cranny of the castle. Nevertheless, he kindly provided me with directions, and I made my way there, eager to immerse myself in the beauty of nature that awaited.

The moment I stepped foot into the garden, I couldn't help but remove my shoes, relishing the sensation of the cool grass beneath my feet. A smile spread across my face as I indulged in my deep love for the outdoors and its serene allure.

Amidst the garden, I discovered a tranquil pond, its surface glistening invitingly. Without hesitation, I dipped my legs into the cool water, my senses awakening to the refreshing embrace. As I sat on the soft grass, my mind began to wander, questioning the reality of everything around me.

Suddenly, a deep voice shattered my thoughts, startling me from my introspection. I turned around to face a handsome figure, his presence commanding my attention. He addressed me as Isabel and expressed his concern about me running off, fearing it would give off the impression that I didn't desire our forthcoming marriage.

Caught off guard, I found myself gazing into his mesmerizing eyes, appreciating the allure he possessed. However, in that moment, my mind rebelled against the idea of marriage, causing me to hesitate in responding. He reminisced about our childhood, reminding me of the memories we shared by the pond where we used to play and share stories. Conflicted, I touched the water and replied, confessing that I felt too young to be married, let alone have children.

To my surprise, he seemed taken aback by my thoughts. He argued that, at the age of 17, I was indeed not too young, especially considering the norms of our kingdom. Confusion made its way into his voice as he questioned my reference to "kids," needing an explanation for my unfamiliar term.

Realizing the perplexity I had caused, I apologized for my lapse and clarified that "kids" were babies, the potential offspring of our union. His smile showed understanding, and then, out of the blue, he raised his hand and gently caressed my hair. Our eyes locked, and time seemed to stand still as we silently gazed into each other's souls.

With a sudden shift in the atmosphere, I broke eye contact, feeling the need to maintain some distance. Retrieving my shoes, I bid him good night and sought assistance from another servant to lead me back to my room. Strangely, the servant appeared unsurprised by my request, as if they had already been informed. Nonetheless, they guided me without a word, leaving me with a sense of mystery surrounding their knowledge.

Upon entering my chamber, I shed the weight of the elaborate gown, tiara, and corset, seeking comfort in the contents of the concealed wardrobe. Among the countless ballroom dresses, I managed to find a light pink nightgown. While I hesitated about its sheerness, I ultimately decided that it was a better option than the ball gown alternatives.

Slipping into the nightgown, I settled onto my large bed, instantly feeling its warmth and softness embrace me. Soon, the peacefulness of sleep overcame me, whisking me away into a world of dreams.

In the midst of the night, I awoke to find Michael, the one I was betrothed to, entering my room and crawling onto the bed. Shocked and bewildered, I immediately rose from my slumber, barely catching the flickering candlelight before it extinguished completely. Instinctively, I searched for a defensive object and stumbled upon a bread knife atop a jewelry box. Holding it defensively, I pointed it towards him, demanding an explanation for his audacious intrusion.

He appeared genuinely surprised by my defiance, his voice softening as he assured me that he meant no harm. Yet, my frustration persisted as I confronted him about his presence on my bed. Michael reluctantly disclosed that his father had encouraged them to begin producing heirs, emphasizing the importance of starting a family. The revelation made me blush, and I stammered, expressing the impropriety of his actions and the need for patience until our wedding night.

Silence hung heavy in the air as he absorbed my words, his gaze momentarily shifting to my nightgown. Sensing his scrutiny, I quickly shielded myself from his prying eyes. Resolute, I reiterated the importance of privacy, asserting that he should never enter my room without prior notice. Finally understanding, he seemed remorseful, leaning in to give me a chaste kiss on the cheek before leaving my bed and heading towards the door.

Just as he was about to exit, he bid me good night, closing the door with a gentle thud behind him. Left in solitude once more, I reflected on the whirlwind of emotions I had experienced. Despite the confusion and intensity of the encounter, one thing remained imprinted in my mind the sensation of that first, unforgettable kiss. It was a moment that transcended time, forever etched into my memory.