Once Upon a Story [ HIATUS ]

Untold Secret (2)

Word count: 1157
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Gatherings, protests and violent riots appeared at every corner of the kingdom. The oppression was fierce; magic shops, cafes and other fantastical attractions burned under the flame of fear.

Nyx watched the capital light up on fire as another fight broke out. It filled her with dread. Each day, the anger grew, and protesters marched closer to the castle gates.

"And this is what you enjoy reading?" Gareth asked as he snapped the book shut, visibly frowning.

"Does the romance not suit your taste?" Nyx quipped, to which he shrugged. "It is rather unrealistic."

"But that is the beauty of these stories," she pointed out. Glancing at the guard outside, she leaned close to Gareth. "Has the situation improved?"

His unease didn't reassure her.

"We've been ordered to use force if necessary," he answered, head bowed in shame. "I'm sorry."

She caressed his cheek. "You have done no wrong in my eyes. And that is all that matters."

"Your time is up." A guard stood in the room, spear at his side. Gareth clenched his jaw, annoyed they had been disturbed.

"The princess will decide that," he replied. "I am bound to her will and hers only. It is not of your authority to dismiss me."

"We only state the king's orders, and you've spent your allotted time, Sir Gareth." The guard continued to insist he leave, but Gareth demanded more time.

"If you'd like more time, you may speak to the king about extending your visiting hours."

"She is not a prisoner! She is your monarch and as much your master as the king!" he seethed. The man shrank under his glare. "Do not force my hand to commit fratricide for your audacity."

The door closed shut and locked. Gareth sighed, turning to Nyx, who was smiling. "What is it?"

"I didn't know you could get angry."

"I am a patient man, but those idiots know how to tip my temper." He brushed his hair back, easing his building headache. "Now, back to our conversation."

Nyx smirked. "You are interested."

"Hardly, but I will act to keep you interested in me." She pushed him, and to neither of their surprise, he barely moved.

"Thank you for the massage, Princess."

She frowned and shoved him again, fingers glowing white. He stumbled off the bed and onto his knees, shocked. She grinned at him from above.

"You were saying?"

"I retract my statement. You have proven your point," Gareth chuckled faintly. "May I return to your side?"

"I don't know; are you willing to agree that my romance is enjoyable?" she replied. Gareth stood, imposing his broad stature. Nyx inclined her head, waiting, and he did nothing for some time.

"The next full moon will arrive before you decide yourself–!" She cleared her throat, shocked by their new position. "You're quite close, Gareth."

Caged between his arms and the bed, Nyx held her arms to her chest, cheeks blooming red like roses. Her hand naturally caressed his cheek, running across the stubble of his jaw, and she lost herself in the soft shine of his caramel-glazed eyes.

Gareth lay a chaste kiss on her palm, never breaking his gaze. "Princess, you're blushing."

I'd be surprised if I weren't, she thought. "Somehow, I feel you're enjoying this more than I am."

"Any man would be elated to have the woman of his admiration in such intimate proximity."

"An ambitious statement."

"A one said with earnest thought."

His honesty shocked her. "You, my dearest knight, are insufferable."

She hid her face behind her hands, unable to look at him any longer. To make matters worse, he had yet to free her.

"May I at least think without you brooding above me?"

Gareth hummed, considering her request. "Then may I ask one thing in exchange?"

Peeking from the space between her fingers, Nyx narrowed her eyes, suspicious. "What are you planning?"

"Nothing; as long as you agree to grant me one favour, I will release you." His compromise was simple and held no ill intent. Well, technically, it didn't.

"I agree. Now, please release this poor damsel. Any longer looking at you, and I'll melt." Nyx's voice trailed to a mumble, thinking Gareth wouldn't pay much attention to her. But his heart had already sped to a rushing gallop. He almost lost his breath.

Now free to sit, Nyx patted her face, dismissing all the flashing images of Gareth's figure above her.

How troublesome, she whined, arms crossed. Gareth cleared his throat and bowed on one knee. His advance made Nyx giggle as she dropped her hands on her lap.

"You may state your request."

"Then I must say this before." His head remained down as he spoke. "Whether you accept or deny my selfish wish, I will stand by your decision without question."

"It must be serious. Tell me, Gareth, what is it you desire?"

He slowly raised his head. "You, Princess. You are what my heart desires most."

Nyx gasped, but the shock was temporary. Her smile was unmistakable as she looked at him with growing fondness. "I thought you knew never to make a lady cry, you big oaf. How dare you make me emotional?"

He grinned, cheeks mildly flushed pink. "I apologize, but I've held this love for so long, I can no longer hide it..." His eyes were hopeful and nervous.

"I do not know if you feel the same, and my status is not the most favourable, but I can assure you that no man would devote their life to you as I do."

He had taken both her hands and rested his forehead against them. "I promise you happiness and love until your last day. And this, I swear to you, not as your knight, but as a man in love with his Queen."

Nyx leaned down and laid her forehead against his ginger locks. She sniffled, holding back a myriad of tears. "A lovely speech, but goodness, Gareth, couldn't you have shortened it."

"And leave out the details of my admiration for the woman in my presence? You give me an impossible task, Princess." Amused by her, nonetheless, he presented her the final question.

"Nyx, would you allow this lovesick fool to court you?"

"I would, and I do." She kissed the top of his head and pulled him to his feet as she stood. "And a fool you are indeed."

"For loving you?"

Nyx shook her head and rose onto her toes, stealing a kiss from his lips. "For making me wait so long."

Gareth grasped her waist, pressing their bodies together as he relinquished the warmth of her lips. She tasted of cherries and honey and felt soft as a petal. When he pulled away, his lips still tingled, missing her heat.

"You have a sharp tongue, Gareth," she hummed. His hands laid firm on her hips, threatening her to say more.

"Do not tempt it, Nyx."

"I won't, Gareth." She smiled, arms around his neck and curled his hair around her finger. "But I will say that your idea of romance is quite appealing."

He brushed their lips together and whispered, "My love is more profound than a story, Nyx."

To this, she replied with a kiss. "I don't doubt it is, my dearest knight."