(RAYA'S POV)
My eyes widened at his words. Does he really love me? But why? Why'd he love someone tainted like me?
I looked up at him hesitantly, “Why? Why do you love me despite knowing I'm someone else's wife?”
He sighs and looks me deep in the eyes, “I'd have given up on my love if you were happy with him. But the sorrow in your eyes, they pulled me in, to give you the love you deserve and need. I want to hold you, make you feel loved and protect you from any harm. Please,” he took a deep breath and whispered, “Allow me to be your light in this darkness.”
His words render me speechless, I took a deep breath and managed to speak, “Even if I reciprocate your feelings, we cannot be together due to my situation.” I let out a pained sigh and looked down, “The court would never accept a woman with a child as the Crown Prince's lover. I do not wish to be a burden on you.”
He cups my cheeks and makes me look into his eyes, “I have lost myself in your splendid soul, where the line between longing and joy has blurred into a beautiful, aching symphony.” His eyes are like a liquid pool of gold and his words hold no lies. He gazes into my eyes with a fierce determination, “They won't say anything if they know what's good for them.”
“And…what about Eryx? Would you love him despite not being yours?” I ask nervously. I need to know if he'll accept my child. Remarriage isn't unheard of, but they often ask to leave the children along with the Father's family. I cannot lose my child after everything.
“Eryx is a part of you. How can I not love him?” He says gently as his fingers massage the back of my neck, “Whatever is yours, is mine. I want to share all your sorrows and joys. I see how happy and content you look when you hold him. I'd never take away your happiness.”
My eyes tear up as I think about everything. Could this really be my chance at love? His eyes don't seem like they're lying. Can I trust him?
Sensing my nervousness, he pulls me close and rests my head on his chest, “Lily, no need to rush. I'm simply telling you how I feel. You can take your time. I suggest laying low now while I investigate Caius. I don't want him to harm you.”
I let out a sigh of relief, his heart beat soothes my nerves. “Understood. I'll try to be unsuspicious. Let me know if you need my assistance.”
I pull away from him, my heart is beating fast. I've never felt something like this. Is this gratitude or affection I feel towards him?
I can feel a strange flutter in my heart as I return to her Majesty's chamber. She looks up at me with a smile, “Dear, took you long to return. Can you please organise these documents for me? It's hard to navigate through them unorganised.”
“Of course, your Majesty,” I sat down and organised the documents. “You're such a great help,” she says smiling, “I really appreciate your help.”
The rest of the day went by in a breeze. I return home tired and let Lisa take care of Eryx while I rest.
In my sleep, I have a pleasant dream. A beautiful meadow surrounds us, small wild flowers blooming in every corner. Birds chirp around while I lay on Icarus's lap. I see Eryx, he seems to be a little bigger and trying to catch a butterfly with his small hands. This peace and calmness…can this really become the reality?
It almost hurts to wake up, but I have to. I wake up and see Icarus trying to move. I hoist him up and he happily kicks his feet.
“Someone's feeling playful today. Let's go take a walk in the garden,” I secure him in my arms and go to the garden. The seasonal flowers are in full bloom. Eryx looks at the flowers with amazement, his joy filling my heart with happiness.
“It seems the two of you are having a good time,” I halt at the sound of that deep voice. Turning around, I greet him respectfully, “Greetings, my Lord. We were taking a walk so Eryx can get some fresh air.”
He looks down at Eryx and smiles, “He looks happy and healthy, you must be taking good care of him,” he cups my cheek with one hand and pulls me close, “You're such a beautiful work of art. I almost feel afraid to let you go out.”
“Um…why is that?” I ask nervously, his touch makes me want to flinch away, but I keep my ground to not anger him.
“What if someone tries to steal you from me?” He bends down and presses a kiss to my neck. “My Flower looks the best in my garden,” he whispers and slowly licks the nape of my neck, causing me to shiver.
“But if my flower tries to fly away like a bird, I won't hesitate to cut off its stem,” there's an underlying threat in his words that makes a shiver run down my spine.
Eryx starts crying and I use it as an excuse to get me out of that situation. I can feel my soul shaking, that wasn't an empty threat.
The way he handles things, he seems to be capable of doing anything to get his way. Does he suspect me?
I can feel the paranoia settling in. Feeling as if I'm caught in a cage, surrounded by predators, afraid of being eaten. Instead of cowering in fear, I decided to strengthen my resolve. I must survive, for my freedom and my son's future. I remind myself,
"To survive is to rise above the ashes of despair, transforming every setback into a stepping stone toward a stronger self.”
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Thanks for reading!!!
YOU ARE READING
Flower
Fantasy"Your Father has chosen your husband. He'll now lift your veil. So behave yourself," she squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. I keep my gaze down as I wait in anticipation, clutching my hands tightly to stop my body from trembling. Mother has always t...
