Fated To The Fae King

Chapter 10

▪️G O L N A R▪️

Even though I had been living in the Fae Kingdom for almost two months, its grandeur never ceased to amaze me; its opulence was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

Alaric moved with grace through the halls of the palace, his regal bearing never faltering. His every step resonated with the quiet confidence of one born to rule, his appearance a beacon of authority that never wavered. As I walked beside him, I could not escape the intensity of the gazes that bore into us–some filled with genuine curiosity, others tainted by the hostile whispers that followed our every move.

The Fae nobles, adorned in glistening attire that mirrored the splendour of their realm, regarded me with a scrutiny that bordered on disdain. I could almost feel the weight of their expectations, the unspoken question lingering in the air: could an individual of mixed blood, with orc and Fae lineage entwined, truly stand as their Queen?

The Council's suggestion of a public speech echoed in my mind. It would be a chance to address the realm, to bridge the gap between my orc blood and the pure Fae lineage that had always ruled these lands.

The pavilion where we would speak loomed ahead and I found it hard to ignore the tension, the undercurrent of dissent that crackled in the air. I took a deep breath, feeling the strength in Alaric's touch grounding me.

The whimsical structure, adorned with intricate vines and colourful blooms, reflected the natural beauty that surrounded the realm. It was here, beneath the open sky, that we would address the entire kingdom.

Alaric sensed my unease, his perceptive eyes meeting mine. Without a word, his hand sought mine, fingers intertwining in a reassuring grip that offered both warmth and solace amidst the swirling currents of uncertainty.

As our eyes locked, a silent understanding passed between us. His touch spoke volumes, a promise etched in the delicate lacework of our entwined fingers. The rustle of leaves and the distant hum of the kingdom beyond formed a backdrop to our unspoken connection.

"Don't worry, Golnar," Alaric's voice, a gentle murmur, broke the stillness. His lips brushed against my ear as he continued, "I won't leave your side."

His whispered words carried a soothing cadence, like a melody meant for my ears alone. In that intimate moment, the weight of the impending speech momentarily lifted. A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips, gratitude and affection intermingling in the silent exchange.

"Thank you."

As I whispered my appreciation, the words hung in the air, laden with a complex mix of emotions that I struggled to untangle. Gratitude, certainly, for the reassurance he offered in the face of uncertainty. Yet, beneath the surface, a torrent of conflicting feelings surged.

Our first kiss flashed vividly in my mind; an indelible memory etched in the recesses of my thoughts.

It was a moment bathed in moonlight, beside the tranquil shores of a reflective lake, beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient tree. The rippling water mirrored the celestial glow overhead, creating an enchanting backdrop for our clandestine encounter. Alaric's lips had met mine in a dance of vulnerability and longing, shattering the walls I had carefully built around my heart.

The taste of that kiss lingered, a bittersweet melody that resonated in my soul. In that stolen moment, I felt the undeniable pull of something more profound than duty or destiny. Something that I was not quite yet ready to process.

His kiss had left an indelible mark, and I found myself wrestling with the conflicting currents of my heart. A kingdom awaited our words, and the precarious balance between duty and desire became a silent battleground within me.