Royal Secrets & Beastly Desires

9. No More Facades: Embracing Vulnerability

🌓🌙🌓🌙🌓

Draiden noticed how Dakota's laughter softened the edges of his hardened demeanor. She was relentless, but in a way that felt refreshing. He found himself drawn to her light, even as he fought against the urge to let her in.

"Are you always this playful?" he asked, his tone teasing but with a hint of curiosity.

"Only when I'm around someone who makes me feel like I can be," she replied, her gaze steady on him. "It's easy to be serious all the time, but life's too short for that."

He felt the weight of her words. "Maybe," he said, his voice quieter now. "But being serious keeps you focused. Keeps you strong."

"Strength isn't just about being serious, Draiden," she countered, taking a step closer, her eyes searching his. "It's also about being open. Letting people in, even when it's hard."

The intensity of her gaze caught him off guard. He could feel the walls he had built around himself trembling ever so slightly. "You think I'm afraid?" he challenged, but his voice lacked its usual bite.

"No," she replied, unwavering. "I think you're careful. But sometimes, it's okay to let those walls down. You don't have to carry everything alone."

For a moment, Draiden was silent, the weight of her words settling in. He had always prided himself on being untouchable, but Dakota was different. She was chipping away at the fortress he had constructed around his heart.

As the last skip of the stone faded into the ripples, Draiden turned to Dakota, his usual aloofness softened by her easy smile. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this relaxed.

"Not bad for a first try, huh?" he said, trying to keep his tone casual, but a hint of pride slipped through.

"First try? Please, I'll show you how it's done," Dakota challenged, picking up another stone. She tossed it with a flick of her wrist, and it skipped perfectly across the water.

Draiden raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Impressive. But I still think I can beat you."

"Is that a challenge?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Definitely," he replied, crossing his arms as he prepared for the next round.

As they continued to skip stones, Dakota's lighthearted banter filled the air. "You know, for someone who acts tough, you sure do take your stone-skipping seriously," she teased.

"I'm just focused," he shot back, but he couldn't help the small smile that crept onto his face.

"Focused? Is that what you call it?" Dakota laughed, her laughter infectious. "I call it being overly competitive."

"Competitive? Maybe. But I don't lose," he said, trying to sound serious but failing as his lips curled into a grin.

"I'll hold you to that," she replied, tossing another stone. "Maybe I'll take a picture of your face when I win."

"Good luck with that," Draiden said, shaking his head, but the corners of his mouth were still upturned.

As they continued this playful back-and-forth, Draiden felt something shift within him. Dakota's presence was like a gentle breeze, warming him without him even realizing it. He glanced sideways at her, the way she laughed freely, the way she made everything feel lighter.

"Okay, okay," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender as she prepared for another throw. "You might just be winning this round."

Dakota beamed at him, and in that moment, Draiden realized that maybe, just maybe, it was okay to let her see a little more of who he was beneath the tough exterior.