Kaidën emerged from the shadows, his eyes locking onto Calantha's.
"Thank you for coming," he said, his voice low.
Calantha's pulse quickened.
"I couldn't resist," she replied.
Kaidën smiled, his eyes crinkling.
He took her hand, leading her deeper into the garden.
The scent of roses enveloped them.
As they walked, Kaidën's expression turned serious.
"Calantha, I need to tell you something," he said.
They stopped beneath a trellis, its roses blooming above them.
Calantha's heart beat faster.
"What is it?" she asked.
Kaidën's gaze held hers.
"From the moment I met you, I knew you were different," he said.
His eyes shone with sincerity.
"I've come to realize my feelings for you go beyond duty and loyalty."
Calantha's breath caught.
"I care deeply for you, Calantha," Kaidën continued.
"I think I may be falling in love with you."
Calantha's cheeks flushed.
Kaidën's hand gently brushed hers.
"You don't have to say it back," he said.
"I just needed you to know."
He smiled softly.
"When you're certain, whenever that may be, I'll be here."
Calantha's emotions swirled.
Calantha's eyes locked onto Kaidën's, her heart racing.
She felt the warmth of his hand, the gentleness of his touch.
"Thank you for telling me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kaidën's smile softened.
"I wanted to be honest with you," he replied.
They stood there, surrounded by the night and the roses.
The silence between them was filled with unspoken emotions.
Calantha's thoughts swirled.
She felt drawn to Kaidën, but fear held her back.
What if her heart wasn't ready?
Kaidën's eyes never left hers.
As if sensing her turmoil, he stepped closer.
"Calantha, I promise," he whispered.
"I'll wait for you, no matter how long."
His words wrapped around her heart.
Calantha tiptoed, her arms wrapping around Kaidën's neck.
She pressed her lips to his, a gentle, sweet kiss.
Kaidën's hands settled on her waist, pulling her close.
Their bodies swayed together, lost in the moment.
Calantha broke the kiss, her eyes sparkling.
"I'll tell you when the time is right," she whispered.
Kaidën's smile hinted at understanding.
His thumbs traced gentle circles on her waist.
As they stood entwined, a figure watched from the shadows.
Hidden behind a column, the figure's eyes narrowed.
Their gaze lingered on Calantha and Kaidën.
A mix of curiosity and calculation danced in their eyes.
The figure melted into the darkness.
Unseen, unheard, but far from forgotten.
Kaidën's eyes never left Calantha's.
His thumbs continued their gentle caress.
"I'll wait," he whispered.
Calantha's smile hinted at promises.
Together, they strolled through the garden.
The moon cast a silver glow.
Their footsteps echoed through the night.
As they walked, the mysterious figure reappeared.
This time, on the garden's periphery.
The figure watched, transfixed.
Calantha's laughter carried on the breeze.
Kaidën's smile mirrored hers.
The figure's gaze turned calculating.
A plan began to form.
The figure vanished into the darkness.
YOU ARE READING
The Reluctant Bride
Ficción histórica"When duty demands sacrifice, can love conquer all? In a world of royal politics and ancient alliances, Princess Calantha Valtania is forced into a marriage with Prince Kaidën Valorian of Eldrida. But Calantha's heart rebels against the arrangemen. ...
