Crowned In Thorns

9. His Always

As Kalyna opened her eyes and carefully sat up, she would find herself in Aurelius's chambers. The soft light filtering through the curtains cast a gentle glow around the room, and the aroma of lavender filled the air.

Aurelius was seated beside the bed, his features filled with concern. "Kalyna," he whispered, his voice relieved, "You're awake. How do you feel?"

Her lips drew thinner trying to decipher what to say. She just stared at Aurelius's eyes for a moment.

"I'm fine. Thank you for accompanying me, I have to go."

Aurelius's concern deepened as he heard her words. He could sense her turmoil, and the distance between them was palpable.

"Kalyna, wait," he said, his voice soft but pleading. "Please, don't leave like this. There's so much we need to talk about. Our promise, what happened that day... it's all tangled up, and I can't bear the thought of you walking away without understanding each other."

He reached out to gently touch her hand, his eyes imploring her to stay.

She gazed on his hand holding her. As his words before echoed within her.

"As my partner in this journey?"

"But I warn you, I don't play fair."

Her breath becoming shallow as she pondered the times they had. She pulled her hand away as she walked back to his bed. She buried herself under the blanket, trying to isolate herself. It was a familiar feeling as her mind went back to the time they gave promise bow under a veil. His words echoed once again.

"I'm willing to embrace the storm if it means I get to call you mine."

She gently closed her eyes as her tears etched on her eyes.

Aurelius's heart sank at the sight of Kalyna retreating underneath the bedsheets. He could sense her turmoil, the walls she was building around herself.

However, instead of pushing away, he decided to take a different approach.

In that moment, he made a bold choice. He pulled back a corner of the blanket and slipped underneath, sitting beside her. His gaze met hers, his voice low and determined. "Let me be your storm, Kalyna," he murmured. "Let me embrace you, thorns and all."

She staggered when he watched him lie underneath the blanket with her. It sways her heart. She averted her gaze at him as she clasped her hands together, covering her sobs.

"It's all a game to you, doesn't it." She muttered.

Aurelius reached out and gently cupped Kalyna's face in his hands, his touch tender and heartfelt.

"No, my dear," he said softly. "It was never a game. Not to me. When I say I'm willing to embrace the storm, I mean it. I see your thorns, and I want them as much as I want the softness."

He leaned in, his forehead touching hers. "I want all of you, Kalyna. Even the parts that are sharp and prickly, because they make you the woman I've grown to deeply care for."

She was melting. She hated how fleeting it felt. His own warmth and words. She hated that she couldn't find any reason to unlove him. She couldn't find a way to rethink her thoughts about him. She wanted to sabotage herself even more, but it was so hard when he's around her.

She touched his hands against her cheeks as her tears ran down her closed eyes, letting out soft gasps from weeping. She slightly leaned her forehead to his.

She couldn't deny her feelings anymore. Her face is flushed from sobbing, it was burning.

"You really are a scumbag." She whined as she muffled her chuckled as the tears kept etching from her eyes.

Aurelius chuckled softly, his thumb gently wiping away her tears.

"Guilty as charged, my dear," he replied, his voice filled with genuine affection. "But it seems my scumminess has a charming effect on you. Who knew you liked bad boys?"

He leaned in closer, his breath tickling her ear as he whispered, "Don't worry, princess. You're the only one who can tame me."

She was flabbergasted as she hit his arm.

Aurelius grinned, enjoying the playful banter between them. He let out a dramatic sigh and feigned a wounded expression.

"Ah, my princess, such cruel treatment. I might have to start wearing armour to protect myself from your wrath," he teased, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

She sighed on this sight of him, she stared as she smiled. He maybe the future King of this land, she can feel that he will dearly hold her world.

Aurelius reached up and gently brushed away a stray lock of hair from her face. His touch was feather-light, his eyes glimmering with affection.

"You smile like a ray of sunshine," he whispered, his voice filled with a tenderness that contrasted with his earlier teasing. "I can't recall the last time I felt such contentment in someone else's presence."

He leaned in closer, his lips gently brushing against hers, a gentle promise of the love they shared.

"You are worth everything to me, Kalyna," he whispered, his words a sweet affirmation.

"So, then." She whispered with anticipation. The memories washed over her. Their secret glances, secret moments, learned conversations, and their stowed away moments. She grew fond of him, and she won't ever let him go.

"My heart is yours, Aurelius Ashbourne."

Aurelius's eyes widened at Kalyna's words, a mixture of surprise and elation flooding his veins. He had expected a reaction, but those three words sent his heart soaring to new heights.

He pulled her close, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. "And my heart is yours, Kalyna Vitaliana," he murmured into her lips. "Always."

As the evening unfolded, the hours turned into hours of sweet caresses and lingering sighs.

Later, as they lay tangled in the covers, their breaths in sync, Aurelius pulled Kalyna close, his arms encircling her in an embrace that felt like home.

"I love you, Kalyna," he murmured against her skin, his lips soft against her shoulder. "You're my god given solace."