Forever and Always

17 - Genuine Kiss

The day's events swirled in Varian's mind like a chaotic potion. Cassandra's kiss, a bold declaration that had left him speechless, still sent shivers down his spine. Fiona's veiled threat hung like a dark cloud, a reminder that their burgeoning romance wouldn't be a simple fairytale. But the warmth of his friends' support, their unwavering confidence in his and Cassandra's connection, offered a beacon of light.

Seeking solace, he escaped the confines of the castle walls as twilight deepened. He ventured out to the familiar clearing outside Corona, a serene haven where he often retreated to gaze at the star-dusted tapestry of the night sky. Tonight, however, the constellations seemed to hold no answers, their twinkling beauty unable to penetrate the fog of his emotions.

He let out a sigh, his breath forming a wisp of white in the cool night air. Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the silence.

"Quite a show, isn't it?" Cassandra stood beside him, her silhouette outlined against the luminous horizon.

Varian's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't seen her approach, his thoughts entirely consumed by the day's whirlwind. "Cassandra," he stammered, a mixture of surprise and nervous delight dancing in his voice. "What are you doing here?"

She shrugged, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Couldn't sleep," she admitted, her voice softer than he was accustomed to. "Needed some air."

A comfortable silence settled between them, punctuated only by the chirping of crickets and the gentle rustling of leaves. Varian felt an internal struggle. He wanted to confess everything – the confusion, the fear, the overwhelming joy that coursed through him at the thought of Cassandra. But the memory of Fiona's threat kept him tethered, a voice cautioning him to tread carefully.

Cassandra, ever perceptive, seemed to sense his turmoil. She tilted her head, her gaze fixed on a particularly bright star. "Varian," she began, her voice barely a whisper, "A couple weeks ago... back in the marketplace..."

The words hung in the air, a silent invitation for him to open up. Taking a deep breath, Varian decided to take the plunge. He might as well hear her thoughts, even if it meant facing a possible rejection.

"It was... unexpected," he confessed, his voice low. "Your kiss, I mean. And what you said..." He trailed off, unsure how to articulate the whirlwind of emotions that had taken him by surprise.

Cassandra turned to look at him, her moonlight-washed face unreadable. "I..." she started, then hesitated. "I guess I just..." She stopped again, frustration evident in her voice.

Finally, she let out a sigh, a sound of exasperation mixed with a hint of vulnerability. "Look," she said, her voice firm but laced with a touch of uncertainty, "the way I see it, we've always been on the same side. Fighting for what's right, even if it means going against the crowd."

Varian nodded, a wave of understanding washing over him. Their shared passion for justice, their defiance of societal expectations, had always been a bridge between them. "Exactly," he agreed, feeling a surge of confidence.

Cassandra continued, her gaze meeting his. "And lately... well, lately I can't help but notice... you." Her cheeks flushed a faint pink, a subtle blush that seemed to glow even under the pale moonlight.

Varian's heart hammered against his ribs. This was it, the moment of truth. "And I... I can't help but notice you too, Cassandra," he confessed, his voice growing stronger with each passing word. "More than just a friend, I mean."

The tension between them crackled like static electricity. Cassandra stared into his eyes, searching for a truth only he could offer. Then, a slow smile spread across her face, a smile that mirrored the one blooming on Varian's.