He's a battle-hardened knight; she's from the modern world.
He faced the unthinkable; she was sheltered in comfort.
His body and soul bear scars, while she still believes in wonders.
He seeks redemption and peace, and she craves true love.
But in hi...
Elizabeth sat before the mirror while Niamh wove a garland of fresh flowers into her light hair. As the girl looked at her reflection, the mirror's surface seemed to possess an otherworldly glow, colder and more radiant than any ordinary looking glass. The woven flowers highlighted the tenderness of her face and the delicate blush on her cheeks.
"You look wonderful!" Niamh beamed with contentment at the results of her artistic work. "You could easily pass for a fairy. Truly." Their joyous laughter filled the room.
"Thank you, Niamh!" Elizabeth couldn't help but give her own reflection a content smile. Her blue eyes seemed to shine even brighter in this enchanted land compared to the familiar confines of her home. They took on an almost ethereal azure hue and appeared larger and more captivating.
Back at home, she would apply layers of makeup, hoping to please Dan, but her eyes remained lifeless, betraying the pain she carried within. And she realised that beauty didn't guarantee happiness in a relationship.
Yet here, without a trace of makeup, she looked more gorgeous than ever before. Her natural beauty was revealed in its full force. A flowing, light pink dress gracefully clung to her slender figure, and something awakened inside her, a long-forgotten recognition of her worth as a woman. Now her newfound confidence shone from within.
When Elizabeth stepped outside, her heart pulsed with anticipation. Her eyes instinctively searched for someone special, someone who had ignited this spark within her, though she didn't dare acknowledge it.
But instead, she stumbled upon the person she least wanted to meet—Dan. Her boyfriend fixed his gaze on Elizabeth, but for a moment, he didn't seem to recognise her. Speechless, he gaped in surprise. At first, there was a hint of admiration in his eyes, but it quickly transformed into a growing fear of Elizabeth's captivating transformation. His gaze turned sharp, and he clenched his jaw.
"Why are you all dressed up?" he asked.
Elizabeth met his gaze with unwavering resolve. Unlike before, she did not feel the familiar rush of shame and guilt. Deep down, she knew Dan noticed how beautiful she looked, and his furious reaction stemmed from his inability to accept it. Why was he always so disapproving? Didn't he understand this only pushed her away from him?
"Do you like it?" she asked with a genuine smile.
Dan scanned her from head to toe, a bitter smirk forming on his lips. "I think this dress is for a slimmer figure."
Despite the barb, Elizabeth's laughter rang out, surprising Dan with its suddenness. She knew that this dress fit her perfectly, and his attempts to undermine her worth were pathetic. It was a strange sensation, realising she no longer cared for his opinion as much as she once did. She had started to trust her own eyes and believe in her own feelings. It was as if she had finally broken free from his controlling influence, though Dan still tried to hinder her on this path.
Caught off guard by Elizabeth's laughter, Dan couldn't mask the panic in his eyes. He was used to manipulating her insecurities to keep control. But now, faced with an unyielding and self-assured Elizabeth, his grip on her began to slip.
Fortunately, Calum and Elara, the fairy children, rushed out from behind the bushes and interrupted their conversation. They began dragging Elizabeth away to play a game, and she allowed it. It was the perfect opportunity to distance herself from Dan.
"Come play with us, Dan!" she called over her shoulder. Her eyes radiated with mirth, as she already knew his response.
Dan scoffed. "I'm not a child." His irritation intensified as he watched Elizabeth's sparkling eyes and captivating smile.
Unfazed by his dismissive remark, Elizabeth followed the children, their laughter echoing through the air as they made their way toward Niamh's garden. With each step, the distance between Elizabeth and Dan grew, leaving him behind with an expression of displeasure on his face.
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