'A Princess and a Commoner: Star Crossed Lovers'

Beneath The Frost

(ISADORA'S POV)

The morning light streamed through the windows, bathing my chambers in a warm glow as Elise adjusted the lace of my gown. I couldn't believe I was doing this without Julian. Why did he have to leave for Astoria? The timing felt almost deliberate, as if fate had orchestrated it. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. This wasn't just about cake tasting. It was about Gabriel, about the undercurrent of emotions that still lingered—buried, but never truly forgotten.

"You seem a bit on edge, my lady," Elise said softly as she pinned my hair up.

I offered her a small smile, but it felt forced. "I'll be fine. It's just... nerves."

"Gabriel is the best in the kingdom," she reassured me.

I know that he is. I nodded slightly, suppressing the urge to roll my eyes. Who didn't know? It was obvious, not only from his skill in the kitchen but in the way he held people's attention.

As Elise finished, the reminder weighed on me. The kingdom. The alliance. My father. Julian. With a heavy heart, I left my chambers. Each step down the castle's winding corridors felt heavier than the last. It wasn't just the cake I was about to taste—it was the thought of facing Gabriel again, of pretending everything was fine. But I told myself firmly, I was over it. Over him.

When I reached the kitchen doors, I paused, taking one last deep breath before pushing them open. Gabriel was already there, his back turned to me as he meticulously arranged trays of cake options. The sweet smell of vanilla, almond, and sugar filled the air, stirring a sharp sense of familiarity.

He glanced up when I entered, his eyes locking with mine for a brief moment before he gave a polite bow. "Princess Isadora."

"Gabriel," I replied, keeping my tone neutral, though his name felt strange on my lips.

"Ready to get started?" He gestured toward the cakes laid out before us.

I nodded, stepping closer. I was surprised by how little the sight of him stirred within me. It was strange—comforting, even. Perhaps I've finally moved on, I thought, almost relieved. There was no spark, no fluttering in my chest. I could do this. I could be in his presence without feeling like the ground was shifting beneath me.

The tasting began in silence, both of us focused on the task at hand. The flavours danced on my tongue—rich, sweet, balanced perfectly. I made notes on each one, ensuring I stayed professional, detached.

But the silence grew heavy.

"You seem quiet," Gabriel said, slicing into another cake. "Something on your mind?"

I hesitated, then forced myself to keep it light. "Just trying to make sure I make the right choice. The cake, I mean."

He raised an eyebrow, his tone shifting slightly. "The cake, right."

I glanced at him, catching a flicker of something in his eyes—frustration? Sadness?

Gabriel set the knife down and turned fully toward me. "Is this really what you want, Isa? I mean, Princess Isadora?"

His question caught me off guard, sending a ripple of unease through me. "What do you mean?"

He stepped closer, his eyes searching mine. "Is this truly the life you want? Marrying Julian? Tying yourself to a future that's been decided for you? Do you even love him?"

His words hit like a blow, leaving me momentarily speechless. I opened my mouth to respond, but nothing came out. My thoughts were tangled, conflicting. "You shouldn't be asking me that Gabriel,it's none of your business." I shake my head,pulling my focus on the cake.

"That's not what I asked," Gabriel said, his voice low, gentle, but firm. "Do you want this?"

I struggled to find the words, my heart pounding. "I... I don't know."

Gabriel took another step, close enough now that I could feel the warmth radiating from him. His hand reached out, brushing a lock of hair behind my ear. "You're not the kind of person who settles for a life of calm and predictability. You crave adventure, passion, something real. Something that challenges you. You want to be free."

I shook my head, stepping back, trying to distance myself from the pull he seemed to have over me. "It's not that simple. You don't understand."

"I understand more than you think," he said softly. Before I could react, his hand slid around my waist, pulling me closer. My breath hitched. His hand felt impossibly warm against my waist, the proximity making the air between us thick with tension.

My heart raced. The intensity of his gaze held me captive. It was overwhelming. Everything about this moment felt like a spark ready to ignite into something dangerous, uncontrollable.

"I—" I began, but the words caught in my throat.

Gabriel leaned in, his breath warm against my cheek. "Tell me you don't feel anything, and I'll stop. But if you do... if there's still something here between us, don't lie to yourself."

I stood frozen, my heart pounding in my ears. Our faces were inches apart, the tension between us palpable.

"No, Gabriel," I whispered, trying to pull away, but my resolve faltered. I took a step back, and he released me, though his gaze never left mine. As I turned to leave, his voice stopped me cold.

"I love you," he blurted out, his voice cracking with emotion. "I still love you. I want you. You're all I can think about."

I spun around, stunned.

"I'm sorry for telling you to leave the bakery, but put yourself in my shoes,you would've done the same," he continued, stepping closer. "Even after everything, after you lied about who you were... I still want you. You as a princess and you as Isa, the villager. You're both the same to me, and I love you regardless."

His confession hung in the air between us, heavy, raw. I felt my heart lurch, emotions crashing into me like a wave. Before I could stop myself, I closed the distance between us, my hands gripping the front of his shirt as I pulled him toward me. But before anything more could happen, the kitchen doors swung open with a loud creak.

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