𝙱𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚢𝚊𝚕 𝚅𝚎𝚒𝚕

CHAPTER 12

You go through the motions of preparing for bed, trying to ignore the mixture of excitement, happiness and worry inside your chest. The soft sound of the fire crackling in the fireplace fills the room, a counterpoint to the thoughts and feelings swirling around you.

Finally, you lie down, pulling the blankets up around you. Your mind is still buzzing with thoughts of Prince Eris, the memory of his touch fresh in your mind despite the physical distance between you now.

You stare up at the ceiling, the shadows dancing in the dim light cast by the dying embers in the fireplace. The silence is almost too much, the only sound the soft breathing of other women asleep in the room. It's so different from the hushed whispers and gasps of pleasure you shared with Prince Eris only a few hours ago.

Night slowly overtakes the castle, the moon creeping ever higher into the sky. The sounds of the night fill the air, the occasional creaking of floorboards.

Finally, exhaustion overtakes you, and your eyelids droop, tiredness crashing down like a wave. You settle into a shallow sleep, your dreams filled with images of Prince Eris.

The morning sun filters through the curtains of your window, casting a warm golden glow over the room. You open your eyes, your thoughts immediately jumping to the events of the night before, your mind recalling the feel of Prince Eris's body pressed against yours.

You lay in bed for a moment longer, enjoying the feeling of the soft blankets wrapped around you. But there's an undercurrent of anxiety mixed with anticipation as you anticipate the day ahead.

You ring the bell that calls for a maid to come into your room. Soon enough, a young maid enters, her eyes lowered respectfully.

"Good morning, Your Highness," she says, her voice soft but cheerful. "How can I be of assistance?"

"Good morning," you respond, your voice betraying a hint of tiredness from the sleepless night. "Could you help me dress and pack, please? I'll be heading back home today, and I need to ensure I have everything I need for the journey."

"Of course, Your Highness," the maid responds, already gathering up your clothes and items laid out around the room. "I'll have you packed in no time."

The maid is efficient and courteous, soon you are dressed and your belongings packed in a travel trunk.

You look down at the trunk, the last of your items packed away, and a sense of finality settles in your chest. It almost feels as if you're packing more than just clothes and necessary belongings. You're packing a part of yourself, part of your heart, knowing it's going to stay here with Prince Eris while you head back home.

You are just about to step into the awaiting carriage when Prince Eris comes up behind you, his hand gently landing on your shoulder.

"Leaving so soon?" he teases, his voice warm.

You turn around to see him standing there, his eyes filled with a mixture of affection and amusement. He's dressed in his usual attire, the gold accents on his clothing glinting in the morning sunlight.

"I'm afraid so," you reply, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "Duty calls. I have to head back to Solaria and inform my parents of our engagement."

Prince Eris nods, his expression becoming more somber, his grip tightening slightly on your shoulder. "I know," he says. "I just wish you didn't have to go, not so soon after-" He cuts himself off, a muscle in his jaw clenching.

You understand his frustration, feeling it yourself. After the incredible night you had, the thought of leaving him is almost painful. But duty is duty, and you have obligations to your kingdom to fulfill.