My Beast

9.

As Elizabeth exited the prayer room, a newfound lightness enveloped her heart. She sensed that a significant transformation had occurred between her and Kieran. The once-overbearing darkness felt like a blank canvas, ready to be filled with colors of hope and healing.

The following morning, Elizabeth returned with a small basket brimming with food, her anticipation bubbling beneath the surface. She spotted Kieran in the same spot, gazing at the wall as if it held the answers to his unspoken thoughts. The moment he caught sight of her, a warm smile broke through his pensive demeanor, igniting a comforting warmth within her.

"Good morning," she greeted cheerily, placing the basket between them.

"Good morning," he replied, his voice softer.

"Did you manage to sleep well?" she inquired.

"Not really. I was lost in thought," he admitted, finally shifting his gaze from the wall to take in Elizabeth's presence.

"Is this how you are every morning, my prince?" she teased, a playful lilt in her voice.

"Don't call me that. I despise the word 'prince.' I won't wear that crown ever again. Besides, I'm always like this... I can't feel emotions," he said, a weight in his tone.

"Oh..." she said, a frown settling on her face at the sudden shift in mood. "So, you rely on others' feelings and mimic them?"

"Exactly," he replied, a hint of sadness in his eyes.

Elizabeth's heart ached for him. "That must be exhausting-constantly wearing a mask just to experience something, even if it's not yours."

Kieran nodded, shadows crossing his features. "It's like walking through a persistent fog. I yearn to feel genuine emotions again, but the curse... obscures everything. Perhaps that's why I distanced myself from you before."

"But that version of you doesn't exist anymore," Elizabeth asserted, her voice steady. "You're here now, and that presents you with the opportunity to transform."

He met her gaze, and she noticed a flicker of hope reigniting within him. "I wish I could believe that, but I still feel numb. I can't express how I feel because I can't feel anything."

"You won't know until you try," she encouraged, her eyes sparkling with determination. "And you won't be alone in this. I'll be right by your side."

Kieran inhaled deeply, absorbing her words. "You truly mean that?"

"Absolutely! Together, we'll unravel this mystery," she replied, her smile illuminating the dim space. "Now, are you hungry? I brought your favorites-bread, cheese, and a bit of fruit."

His stomach grumbled at the mention of food, and he chuckled softly. "You certainly know how to entice a guy."

She laughed, the sound warming the air around them. "I do what I can. Now, dig in! We have a busy day ahead."

As they shared the meal, Elizabeth felt an undeniable connection grow between them. Each bite seemed to bridge the distance that had once separated their hearts. With every shared laugh and knowing glance, the darkness surrounding Kieran began to dissipate, revealing glimpses of the man he had been-and the man he could still become.

After their meal, Elizabeth leaned back against the wall, her expression turning serious. "So, tell me about the curse. What do you know?"

Kieran hesitated, his fingers tracing the scars on his arms. "I know it's linked to my past. There's a legend about the heart of a beast-the greater the love, the deeper the darkness. The person who cast this curse has used my feelings to imprison me."

"Really? Then we must find them," Elizabeth insisted, determination in her voice.

Kieran shot her an incredulous look. "Not. The Sun Court is filled with treacherous snakes, all vying for the crown."

"So, I take it they're from the Sun Court?" she asked, sensing his reluctance.

He sighed heavily, dragging a hand across his face. "Yes... I was in love with one of them, but I later realized she was merely using me for my power and status. My friends tried to warn me, but I was too infatuated to see the truth. Now I'm all alone. My friends, well allies, are somewhere in the realms. The curse wouldn't have taken effect if I hadn't loved her so deeply."

Elizabeth felt a mix of empathy and anger. "That's heartbreaking, Kieran. But you deserve a chance to break free from her hold. We can uncover the truth and confront this together."

Kieran looked into her eyes, searching for something. "You believe we can do this?"

"Absolutely," she replied with an unwavering conviction. "We'll gather information, seek out allies, and face whatever challenges come our way. You don't have to fight this alone"

"I know"

"I know what?" Luna came in dusting shelves and window panes. "Elizabeth and I are going on a quest later this evening"

"Why the evening?" Elizabeth Interrupted

"It's better at night. I always take my nightly walks. And since I'm your prince you have to listen to me."

"I thought you didn't like being called prince? Liar"

"I can't lie. Also, I never said I didn't like calling myself a prince. If it was up to me I would call myself king" he chuckled

"Oh my God, what..."

Luna sat back and watched them bicker like children, enjoying the sight.

"You guys are adorable"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes, laughter bubbling within her. "Adorable? Is that the best you can come up with, Luna?"

Kieran smirked, leaning back against the wall, his expression playful. "I'll take 'adorable' as a compliment. It's better than being called a monster, right?"

"Touché," Elizabeth replied, her smile wide. "But I'm still not calling you 'adorable' anytime soon."

"Fine, but you can call me 'king' whenever you want," Kieran shot back, winking at her.

Luna chuckled, shaking her head. "You two are insufferable. But I must admit, it's nice to see you both in such good spirits. Kieran, it's been ages since I've seen you laugh."

Kieran's expression softened, the shadows of his past receding just a little further. "It feels... good," he admitted, glancing at Elizabeth, who was busy arranging the remnants of their meal. "I didn't realize how much I missed it."

"See? Just like I said," Elizabeth said, her voice brightening. "You're more than just a beast. You have a heart capable of love and laughter."

Kieran met her gaze, the warmth in his chest growing. "And you're the first person who's made me feel like that in a long time."

"Don't get all mushy on me now," Elizabeth teased, her tone light. "We still have a quest to prepare for. What's the plan?

"Well, we're gonna have to start little by little. I know where one of the gems is. But it's gonna be tricky"

"Why so?"

"Me and this person don't get along. But before then there's a fae party coming up. I should be there."

"So .. you want me to accompany you?"

He looked at Elizabeth, "Yes. I want you to"

She nodded her head, "okay"