Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

32 ~ The First Kiss

"I don't want anyone else to have your heart, kiss your lips, or be in your arms because that's only my place."

Ruhanika

"Never say something like this again. I do not wish to become a vulnerability for you. I want to be your pillar of strength, Dev, your unwavering support. You mean more to me than words could ever express. It’s not my intention to see you weakened, not for me or for anyone else. You have a kingdom to rule, obligations to uphold. It was your strength, your honor, and resilience that drew me to you, that made me love you. Don’t ever lose yourself in the process of loving me, Dev." My voice was steady, but my heart was racing as I spoke, trying to make him see.

Deep down, I knew the dangers of him becoming dependent on me. Life was uncertain; the future always held shadows. If ever we were to be separated, I wanted him to carry on, to survive. As much as I loved him, I could never allow that love to become a shackle, one that might hold him back from the life and responsibilities he was meant to lead.

Dev’s gaze softened, his eyes dark and intent as they locked onto mine. "I have already lost myself in you, Rooh. Without even knowing it, you transformed me. Every part of me belongs to you now. No matter how much I try, I can't contain what I feel. I will always and forever be in love with you. You are the only one for me, and if life forces us apart, I will wait for you until my last breath," he vowed, his deep voice reverberating through the room like a promise carved in stone.

"Don’t…" I whispered, my voice barely audible as I reached up to stroke his cheek, his warmth grounding me. "Please, don’t love me like this. I am not worth this much, Dev. I won’t survive the pain of losing you." My words were as much a plea for him as they were for myself. His intense gaze held me captive, and before I could pull away, he drew me close, wrapping his arm firmly around my waist, anchoring me.

"It is not up to you to declare your worth, Rooh," he countered, his tone stern yet tender. "You deserve everything you have, and more. I would give you the world if I could. Don’t ever think less of yourself. I don’t like it. Not even for a moment."

I let out a shaky breath, feeling overwhelmed by the depth of his conviction, and leaned into his chest, wrapping my arms around him. I rested my head against his shoulder, breathing him in, unable to find the words to respond. He held me gently, as if I were something precious, cradling me in his arms like a child. I nestled deeper into him, allowing his presence to comfort me, and he ran his fingers softly through my hair, making me sigh as the tension slipped away.

Silence filled the room, each of us lost in the warmth of the other’s embrace, until a loud growl from my stomach betrayed my hunger. I instantly felt heat rush to my cheeks, embarrassed at the sound that had broken the moment. Dev chuckled, amusement lighting up his face.

"Come on, let's get some food for my darling," he teased, his eyes twinkling with affection. Before I could protest, he scooped me up in his arms, lifting me as though I weighed nothing, carrying me bridal-style. I gasped, gripping his shoulders.

"Dev, put me down! I can walk on my own," I insisted, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Of course you can," he replied with a smirk, "but that doesn’t mean you have to. Your man is perfectly capable of carrying you wherever you need to go." I rolled my eyes, but his playful grin made it impossible to be annoyed.

He set me down on the plush couch in the living area, then called for the attendants to bring us some food. I knew people were talking about us—the guards, the attendants—they whispered about what was brewing between us, even though no one dared to ask directly. They could talk all they wanted about me; I didn’t care. But the thought of them gossiping about Dev, questioning his intentions or his heart, made me uneasy.