𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐫

Royal Garden

***THIRD PERSON POV***

        The castle gardens bloomed in vivid colors, the air sweet with the scent of roses and lavender. Marvel stood at the entrance, his usual princely composure in place, though a spark of anticipation flickered inside him. He had spent weeks exchanging letters with Duchess Glimmer, each note revealing more of her wit and charm. Now, they were finally going to meet.

         He heard light footsteps approaching, and when he turned, his breath caught. Glimmer walked toward him, her gown glimmering like starlight, but it wasn't her attire that struck him, it was the playful gleam in her eye, as if she were already planning a joke he hadn't heard yet.

         She stopped before him and gave a curtsy, overly formal and exaggerated, a teasing smile on her lips. "Your Highness," she said with mock seriousness.

         Marvel couldn't help but grin. "Duchess Glimmer," he replied, bowing with equal theatricality. "I see you're well-versed in royal etiquette."

          She chuckled, straightening up. "Only when absolutely necessary."

          "Well then," Marvel offered his arm, his eyes twinkling. "Shall we walk?"

         Glimmer took his arm but leaned in slightly, her voice low and mischievous. "Is this the part where we stroll quietly and exchange pleasantries about the weather?"

         Marvel raised an eyebrow, playing along. "That's what they'd expect, isn't it? But... no parents or advisers today. We could always skip straight to racing through the garden."

       Glimmer laughed, her eyes lighting up. "Careful, Marvel. I've been known to outrun more than a few noblemen in my day."

        He tilted his head, accepting her challenge. "Oh, is that so? I suppose I'll have to see that for myself."

         They began their walk down the garden path, but the air between them was light, filled with a bubbling energy. Marvel nudged her gently. "So, all those letters... were you secretly trying to impress me?"

        Glimmer feigned shock, her hand to her chest. "Me? Impress you? Oh no, Your Highness, I was simply trying to get through all that formality. It's exhausting, isn't it?"

        Marvel chuckled. "You're right about that. Half the time, I was reading your letters with a grin on my face, thinking, 'Finally, someone who gets it.'"

          "Good to know I wasn't the only one." Glimmer gave him a playful glance, her tone teasing. "I've been told you're quite the charmer, though. Were you holding back in those letters, or is this as smooth as you get?"

          Marvel pretended to look offended. "I'll have you know, I was being extremely charming in those letters. My best work, really."

          Glimmer burst out laughing, shaking her head. "If that was your best, I'm afraid I'm not impressed."

        They reached a patch of wildflowers near the fountain, and Marvel let go of her arm, turning to face her fully. "Alright, Duchess, if you're not impressed, how about a game?"

          Glimmer narrowed her eyes, clearly intrigued. "What kind of game?"

          Marvel grinned. "See that tree over there?" He pointed to an oak tree a little further down the garden. "First one to the tree wins."

        She raised an eyebrow. "And what do I win?"

        Marvel stepped closer, his smile playful. "Bragging rights, of course. What more could you want?"

          Glimmer smirked, stepping back to get into position. "I'll take those bragging rights, then. Ready?"

          "Go!" Marvel shouted before she was fully ready, darting forward.

         "Hey! No fair!" Glimmer laughed, chasing after him.

        They raced through the garden, laughter trailing behind them, neither caring much about royal decorum. Glimmer was fast—faster than Marvel had expected—and she managed to pull ahead, her gown fluttering behind her like a silken banner.

         With a burst of speed, she reached the tree first, leaning against it with a triumphant grin as Marvel jogged up, pretending to be out of breath. "I let you win," he panted.

        Glimmer rolled her eyes. "Sure you did."

        He leaned against the tree beside her, still smiling. "Alright, you've earned your bragging rights. Just don't tell anyone how easily you beat me."

         She tilted her head, pretending to consider it. "I don't know... it could be useful information to have."

        Marvel laughed and nudged her shoulder gently. "You're trouble, Glimmer."

         "And you love it," she teased back, catching his eye with a mischievous glint.

         For a moment, they stood there under the shade of the oak tree, the world quiet around them. The formalities were gone, replaced by a comfortable, playful ease. The letters had been a fun exchange, but this—this was the start of something real.

        Marvel straightened up and extended his hand to her. "Shall we head back before someone comes looking for us?"

        Glimmer took his hand, still grinning. "Lead the way, Your Highness."

——————

Guess who's ready to come back?

That was the shortest break but I'm back!

A few things though, I will not be updating as much as I used to. I'll be update every now and then. The only book that will get constant updates is, "Breaking The Arena" mostly because I already wrote it once.

Though I'm excited to say that chapter 1 of "Fate Of The Crowned Hearts" will be going out tonight!

If you don't follow my instagram I highly recommend that you do as sometimes I will be posting teasers on there and when chapters will come out.

And that's all!

          -Charlotte<3