The World Above

Chapter 40: The Shadow

The boys were immediately called up for their duties leaving Isolde, Noxara and me to each other's company. We decide to have some tea in the garden.

As we settled into the garden with our tea, the conversation turned to love, laughter, and shared memories.

Isolde and Noxara began recounting their most memorable and romantic tales, each story a mix of humor and heartfelt moments.

Noxara leaned back in her chair, a mischievous grin on her face. "Let me tell you about the first time Arliss confessed his love for me. It was during one of my assassination attempts."

Isolde's eyes widened in surprise. "He confessed during an assassination attempt? That man sure knows how to pick his moments."

Noxara chuckled, nodding. "Oh yes, he does. I had managed to sneak into his chambers one night, but he was ready for me. We fought—a real fight."

"He had me pinned down, and just when I was about to get free, he looked into my eyes and blurted out, 'You have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen.' I was so stunned, I nearly lost my grip."

My jaw dropped. "He confessed in the middle of a fight? That's incredible!"

Noxara shrugged, a sly smile on her lips. "Well, I wasn't about to let him win that easily. I escaped, of course, but I couldn't stop thinking about his words."

"And then, a few days later, I saved him from another assassin. He looked at me, and I could see the recognition in his eyes. That was the beginning of our... unconventional romance."

Isolde laughed, shaking her head in amazement. "Only you, Noxara. Only you could turn an assassination attempt into a love story."

Noxara's eyes twinkled with mischief. "It's what makes life interesting, don't you think?"

Isolde then shared her story, a mixture of nostalgia and affection in her voice. "Aaron and I had an arranged marriage. At first, I was furious. I didn't want to be tied down to someone I didn't know. But Aaron... he was different. He was kind, patient, and oh so stubborn."

Noxara rolled her eyes playfully. "Sounds like our Aaron."

Isolde continued, a soft smile on her face. "He made it his mission to win me over. He'd leave little notes for me to find, each one more charming than the last."

"And his sense of humor—oh, it was impossible to stay mad at him. One night, after a particularly rough day, he brought me a bouquet of flowers and said, 'I know you're mad, but can you at least pretend to like me for a minute?' I couldn't help but laugh. That was the moment I realized I was falling for him."

I sighed dreamily. "That's so romantic."

Noxara snorted. "You mean cheesy."

Isolde laughed, shaking her head. "Maybe a little. But it worked. We grew closer, and eventually, I realized that I loved him for his kindness, his patience, and his unyielding determination to make me happy."

I listened intently, my heart warmed by their stories. Then, Isolde and Noxara turned to me, curious. "What about you, Haven? Do you have anyone special in your life?" Isolde asked.

I hesitated, a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Well, there is someone. His name is Felix. We met when he saved me from a drunkard one night."

Noxara raised an eyebrow. "Saved you? That sounds intriguing."

"Yeah, describe him to us." Isolde encourages me.

As I began to speak, I could feel the excitement bubbling up inside me, my thoughts immediately drifting to Felix. His image filled my mind, and I couldn't help but smile.