Cruel Love

Chapter 35

Aelynn's POV

Aelynn found it hard to believe it was real - their mutual feelings.

After opening up to each other, Marcus rushed to arrange a day off tomorrow so they could spend it together. Aelynn's excitement grew at the thought. She was impatient for tomorrow to get here. Marcus told her he'd return late and that she shouldn't stay up waiting.

And there she was, lying in bed, gazing up at the ceiling, a goofy, happy smile spread across her face.

Marcus is in love with me!

But the next morning came soon enough. With the first hint of daylight, Aelynn woke up early to get ready for their trip.

Entering the atrium, she caught sight of Marcus striding out of his quarters, fully armed and wearing his usual military outfit. Spotting her, his eyes lit up this very moment.

"Aelynn." 

He came to a halt in front of her, his gaze lingering on her with unmistakable longing. 

"I've missed you."

Locking eyes with him, she felt goosebumps ripple across her skin and whispered quietly.

"Me too."

Just as Marcus leaned in towards Aelynn, the kitchen door swung open, revealing Gráinne standing in the doorway.

"Good day to you, Master. Everything is already set and packed."

He cleared his throat and gave her a nod.

"Thank you. Ready to go, Aelynn?" Marcus shifted his eyes to her.

"I've never been more ready." She gave him a bright smile, and they went outside.

A pair of horses stood in the yard—Shadow, and beside him, a graceful white stallion.

"Why are there two of them? Am I not riding with you?" Aelynn asked disappointedly.
Chuckling, Marcus looked amused by her reaction.

"If I remember correctly, you were against the idea."

She touched his bicep and said playfully.

"Was I? You can do an exception for me, can't you?"

Marcus's expression shifted to seriousness in an instant, his deep voice moving her heart.

"For you I can do anything." He then swung onto Shadow, offering his hand to Aelynn, who gladly took it.

With the white steed in tow, they set off toward the city gate.

Leaving Velavium behind, Aelynn turned her head to Marcus.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise. I hope you'll like it." He gave her a meaningful look.

"Why do we need two horses if I'm with you?" She was curious.

"Patience is a virtue, Aelynn." Marcus jested.

"You're up to something!" Her eyes gleamed with a hint of laughter.

Unlike her home village, this area of the island was rather flat, yet teeming with rivers and lush greenery. Riding through the forest, Aelynn felt the cool air and reveled in the joy of being surrounded by nature again, her eyes closed.

When Marcus reined in Shadow, she came back to her senses and saw a sprawling sea of green grass and daisies come into view. The vast meadow shimmered under the warm rays of the sun, with a solitary oak tree standing tall beside a crystal-clear creek.