Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

42 ~ Emotional Embers

"I have tried so many times to think of a new way to say it, and it's still I love you."

Ruhanika

I felt something soft brush against my forehead, and my nose scrunched up instinctively. The sensation persisted, and I let out a low groan, reluctant to open my eyes. Slowly, against my will, my eyelids fluttered open, and the first thing I saw was his face.

He was smiling softly, his dark eyes crinkling at the corners as he gazed at me. Still half-asleep, I sulked at the noise in the background, choosing to bury my face in the curve of his neck instead. My arms snaked around him as I curled closer, seeking comfort. He responded with a gentle pat on my hair, his touch soothing.

“Rooh, wake up, or you’ll complain later that I didn’t wake you,” he whispered in his low, velvety tone. The warmth in his voice made me want to melt into him. Instead of letting me go, he tightened his hold, pulling me further into his embrace. His long fingers stroked my hair in rhythmic movements, lulling me closer to sleep rather than waking me up.

I knew what he was doing. He hated when I left his side in the early morning, even if it was necessary. But I couldn’t linger; someone might come looking for me. The thought of getting caught like this—wrapped around him, utterly vulnerable—made my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

The room was still cloaked in darkness, the faint light of dawn barely visible through the windows. The tranquility outside tempted me to give in to sleep again, but I had to return to my chamber before anyone noticed. I stirred slightly, making an attempt to pull away, but his arms didn’t budge. If anything, he pressed me closer, the solid weight of him making me feel trapped yet comforted.

“Good morning to you as well, Dev,” I grumbled, giving up on my escape for the moment. “Just because you don’t want me to go doesn’t mean you have to crush me under your weight. I don’t plan on breaking any bones before our wedding.”

He let out a low chuckle, the vibrations resonating through his chest. His laughter was warm and deep, wrapping around me like a cocoon. “You’re so tiny,” he teased. “I’m not even putting half my weight on you, Rooh.”

I narrowed my eyes, my lips forming into a pout. “Just because you’re Hulk’s ancestor doesn’t mean you get to call me tiny. I am not tiny, okay? You’re just... huge!”

That set him off. He threw his head back and laughed freely, his amusement lighting up the otherwise quiet room. The sound was infectious, and despite my mock irritation, I found myself smiling along.

His laughter faded into a grin as he leaned down, his lips brushing my forehead in a tender kiss. Heat rushed to my cheeks at the simple yet intimate gesture.

“I desperately want to keep you here with me,” he murmured, his voice soft and laced with longing. “But I’ll let you go... for a little while. Just so I can bind you to me forever.”

The sincerity in his words made my heart ache in the best way. My fingers lightly traced his jaw as I replied, “Then I’ll be waiting for you to come and tie me to you. Because I can’t imagine living without you.”

I pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, and his smile deepened. Those few moments we shared were filled with quiet kisses and lingering embraces, each one more precious than the last. Finally, with great reluctance, he released me.

I slipped out of his arms, adjusting my disheveled clothes as I made my way back to my chamber. My bed felt cool and inviting as I sank into it, my mind replaying our moments together before exhaustion overtook me once more.

When I woke again, sunlight streamed through the windows, and the room buzzed with activity. Attendants moved about, organizing my belongings for the day, their chatter filling the space. As I watched them, my lips curled into a soft smile. Today wasn’t just any day—it was the beginning of forever with Dev.