10 months later
"Thank you for coming over, Lilith," Collette cheered as I smiled, staring at her one-month-old baby.
Charles Windsor was the most adorable baby. When Collette went into labor, and I got news that she had given birth, I rushed over to see him. I hadn't planned to stay long, but one look at his tiny face made it impossible to leave. His eyes were big and bright, like little stars, and he had a wispy tuft of dark hair that stuck up in all directions. As I gently cradled him in my arms, Charles cooed softly, and a wave of tenderness washed over me.
"He's beautiful," I said, my voice barely a whisper, not wanting to wake the peacefully sleeping baby. I handed him back to Collette, who looked at him with the kind of love that made my heart ache.
Collette beamed at me, her joy palpable. "You're going to make a wonderful mother someday, Lilith," she said, her words soft but full of conviction.
The truth was, I couldn't stop thinking about that future. I glanced at the clock and realized how late it had gotten. The shadows outside had grown long, the sun dipping below the horizon. I stood up, smoothing out my dress.
"I should get going," I said, feeling a pang of guilt for leaving so soon, but I knew I had somewhere else to be.
Collette looked up at me, a hint of disappointment in her eyes, but she nodded. "Will I see you at dinner tomorrow?" she asked.
"Of course," I replied with a smile, and she nodded in response.
"What about August?" she asked, and I hesitated for a moment.
"I'm not sure... but I'll be sure to ask him," I said, trying to sound casual. Collette gave me a warm smile.
As I was about to leave, Collette gave me a thoughtful look. "Just know, I approve of your relationship. You don't have to hide," she said gently.
Her words meant more than she knew. I smiled back at her, feeling a sense of relief. "Love you," I said, leaning down to kiss baby Charles and then placing a quick kiss on her cheek.
After a quick goodbye, I slipped out of Collette's home, my heart pounding in my chest. The night air was cool and carried the scent of pine and earth. I moved quickly, my footsteps light as I made my way toward the forest.
The trees welcomed me with their familiar rustle, and the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a soft glow on the path. I hurried deeper into the woods, my anticipation building with every step. Soon, I reached the clearing, the place where August and I had shared so many stolen moments.
He was already there, leaning against a tree, his silhouette blending with the shadows. His eyes caught the sunlight as I approached, and they seemed to shine with a light all their own. My heart leaped at the sight of him, the love and longing I felt intensifying.
"Lilith," he said softly, pushing off the tree to close the distance between us. His voice was like a balm to my soul, soothing and familiar.
I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck as he pulled me into a warm embrace. For a moment, everything felt right again, like the world outside of us didn't exist. His heartbeat was steady against my cheek, grounding me in the reality of his presence.
"How is Charles?" August asked, his breath warm against my hair.
"He's growing well," I replied with a chuckle, pulling back to look into his eyes. We interlocked our hands, the connection a silent reassurance that neither of us wanted to let go. We began walking away from the kingdom, each step taking us deeper into the forest, away from the prying eyes and expectations of the castle.
"And how are you?" I asked, glancing up at him, searching his face for any sign of the weariness I knew he carried.
He let out a soft laugh, a sound that was both comforting and tinged with something darker. "Well, Roland stopped by earlier."
I frowned, concern immediately flooding my senses. "Is everything all right?"
"He's worried about me," August admitted, his voice dropping to a near whisper as if he was afraid the forest itself might overhear. "Thinks I'm being a coward by staying away from the castle. But it's safer this way, Lilith. If more men come looking for me, I don't want anyone caught in the crossfire. I can't risk putting you or anyone else in danger."
His words weighed heavily between us, the implications settling like a stone in my stomach. I squeezed his hand tighter, feeling the rough calluses that had formed from years of hard work and constant struggle.
"I wish things were different," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the rustling leaves. August nodded, his eyes softening as he looked down at me, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
"We will still get married, Lilith," he promised, his voice filled with quiet conviction. "I don't want you to live a life hidden away. You deserve more than that." He leaned down and kissed my forehead, the touch of his lips sending a warm shiver through me.
"As long as I'm beside you, I don't mind," I protested, as he shook his head with a hint of sadness in his eyes.
"I know you do," he said gently, "but I also know how much you love Collette and Cassian. Hiding you away at my father's estate... it would kill you, Lilith." The gravity of his words made me grow quiet, the weight of the situation settling heavily on my shoulders.
"So how much longer must we hide?" I asked, trying to steady my voice despite the turmoil within me. His gaze met mine, filled with a mixture of regret and resolve.
"Until I can ensure you're safe," he replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "I'm working on a plan, but it's taking longer than I hoped. Every day I delay means another day you live in the shadows." He squeezed my hand reassuringly, though the worry in his eyes betrayed his calm exterior. "I promise, Lilith, this won't be forever."
August pulled me closer. His lips met mine in a tender kiss, a silent affirmation of his love and determination. The warmth of his kiss was a balm to the unease that had settled over us, and I clung to him, feeling a sense of solace in his embrace.
When we finally pulled away, I looked up at him, my eyes still brimming with unspoken thoughts. "You promised you'd come to dinner tomorrow," I reminded him softly, trying to shift the focus to something more immediate and less fraught.
August smiled, his expression softening with a touch of reassurance. "I haven't forgotten," he said, his voice steady. "I'll be there. I know how important it is to you, and it's important to me too."
I nodded, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "Good. I'll look forward to it," I replied, feeling a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty.
The End
YOU ARE READING
Forbidden Flames
FantasyGrowing up wasn't easy for August, his father's reputation followed him but perhaps there was one individual who remained indifferent to the whispers and stares. Love knows no boundaries, but will they dare to cross the lines drawn by fate? A sequel...
