Beyond The Sands of Time

Chapter 5: Unspoken Comfort

After Kayden and Eliza departed, I remained seated on Ivan's lap due to my unexplainable exhaustion, making even the simplest tasks a challenge. I couldn't comprehend why my body had betrayed me in this way.

"Uhm... can you let me go?" I inquired, looking up at Ivan.

"No," he replied firmly.

"No?" I echoed, surprised by his response.

"No," he repeated, raising an eyebrow in response to my inquiry.

"Excuse me?" I chuckled dryly, my confusion apparent.

"I said no to letting you go. But there's something you need to hear before drawing any conclusions," Ivan explained, his voice softening.

"Huh?" I responded, still trying to process his initial refusal.

"I must say your ramble was quite adorable and amusing to watch," he admitted, causing a blush to creep onto my cheeks.

"As for your question, yes, I would accompany you to the garden visible from your window, but only once you've fully recovered."

"Why? Why can't we go right now?" I asked, frustration tinging my voice. "I'm tired of being cooped up in my personal chamber, and staring at the walls is driving me insane."

Unbeknownst to me, Ivan watched as I threw my little fit, his soft smile hidden from my view.

"I understand your frustration, Raven, but you really do need to rest," Ivan reasoned.

I pouted, thinking about returning to my chamber, which had become the last place I wanted to be.

"Alright," Ivan conceded, breaking the silence. "How about this? You can take my personal chamber for the time being. It has a balcony to keep you occupied, and that way, it won't be dull for you."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Ivan, I can't have you move out of your own chamber."

He chuckled warmly. "Who said you're making me move out of my chamber? I'm voluntarily moving out to accommodate you."

His considerate gesture left me speechless, and I couldn't help but smile in gratitude.

"No, I feel bad," I murmured, my voice tinged with guilt.

"It's alright, Raven. I spend most of my time in here, so don't worry; I can sleep here."

"Uhm, if it's okay, we can share?" I suggested, feeling my cheeks flush. "Only if you're comfortable with it, of course. I understand if you don't want to, since we're technically strangers who were just wedded. "

I realized I was rambling again, and my blush deepened. "I'm sorry, I do tend to ramble when I'm nervous or stressed."

"Didn't I say it's quite adorable and amusing when you ramble?" Ivan responded, his chest vibrating with laughter.

"Ugh," I muttered, burying my face in his chest. Despite the confusion and uncertainty, I couldn't deny the comfort I felt in his presence.

"If you're comfortable sharing the chamber with me, then who am I to say no to you, Raven," Ivan replied warmly.

Author's Note:

In this chapter, we witness a tender exchange between Cassandra and Ivan as their relationship takes an unexpected turn. As always, your support and engagement with their journey mean the world to me. Stay tuned for more revelations and emotions in the chapters to come.

With gratitude,
Ivory