𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

43

The time of day slowly crept to what seemed like a peaceful night of serenity. Beneath the graceful boughs of the ancient willow tree, you found refuge in a world of your own creation. The lush, green garden surrounding you was a tapestry of forgotten blooms and entwined roses, a testament to nature's resilience. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of a thousand blossoms, mingling with the earthy scent of freshly trimmed grass. Above, the night sky was a canvas adorned with an orchestra of twinkling stars, their silvery light showering the garden with a celestial glow. You sat in the embrace of the willow's long, weeping branches, their shadows dancing beneath the starlight. Yet as you gazed upon the starry expanse, your fingers idly traced the curve of your cheek, still tingling from the sting of Lady Historia's unexpected slap. Her audacity had left you bewildered. The memory of the moment replayed in your mind, the defiance in her eyes and the heat of the pain on your cheek.

Amid this enchanting serenity, you found solace, but also a moment of reflection. You pondered the complexities of the world you inhabited, where appearances and social expectations clashed with inner desires. The tranquil garden offered no judgment, only a respite from the tumultuous events of the royal court. As you rubbed your cheek, you couldn't help but wonder about the road ahead, the challenges, and the choices that would shape your future. The starry night sky above seemed to hold both answers and secrets, inviting you to dream and find your own path.

With the cool grass beneath you, you reached down to grasp a handful of the earth, the feeling of the soil and nature grounding you in the present moment. As you watched the leaves gently falling from the trees around you, you couldn't help but wonder about the world beyond the confines of the royal palace.

In the distance, you noticed the silhouette of Eren, standing on the edge of the garden, his figure dark against the starlit sky. There was something about him, a sense of strength and determination, that drew your attention. As your eyes met, it was as if an unspoken connection formed between you, a silent understanding of the complexities of your lives within the kingdom.

As Eren ascended the hill to reach the majestic willow, the leaves rustled in the wind, creating a soft symphony in the night. Your hand, still adorned with specks of grass and earth, rested on the ground. Eren knelt beside you, and as his fingers intertwined with yours, it sent a tingling shiver up your spine. For a moment, it was as if the world had faded into a quiet and personal realm.

"Venus..." Eren spoke softly, his voice filled with a quiet tenderness. He was dressed simply, in a grey woven shirt and black cloth pants, quite the contrast from the usual royal attire. Your surprise at the sight was met with his chuckle. It was a warm chuckle, something that seemed to deepen a feeling within your heart.

"Is something the matter?" he inquired with a genuine smile, his gaze locking with yours.

You smiled in response. "You look different, Eren, but in a good way."

Eren's smile deepened, and he leaned in, his fingers brushing yours as he responded, "Different?!... I was hoping for a compliment."

"Oh, hush. Now what about me hm?"

"About you?"

A hint of playful banter followed, "Yes... a Compliment for me? From you, Eren?"

Eren's smile never wavered as he nudged your shoulder playfully. "Why should I compliment you on things you already know? You're beautiful, Venus. You don't need me to tell you."

With a teasing grin, you couldn't help but retort, "Well, Eren, women do love compliments. It's something we're quite obsessive over." Laughter filled the tranquil moment as you shared a light-hearted exchange under the serene willow tree. The enchanting evening became a memory etched in both your hearts, where time seemed to pause in the quiet embrace of the night.