Calantha woke up to the warm sunlight streaming through the windows. She stretched, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep.
Kaidën lay beside her, fast asleep, his gentle snores filling the room.
Calantha smiled, gently shaking his shoulder.
"Kaidën, wake up."
Kaidën groggily opened his eyes.
"Five more minutes," he murmured.
Calantha laughed.
"You have duties to attend to," she reminded him.
Kaidën snuggled deeper into the blankets.
"Just five more," he pleaded.
Calantha's eyes sparkled mischievously.
She straddled him.
Kaidën's eyes fluttered open, a sly grin spreading.
"Ah, wake me up like this every morning," he whispered.
Calantha's cheeks flushed.
"You're impossible, Kaidën."
Kaidën's eyes sparkled with mischief as he flipped Calantha over, changing positions.
"Time for breakfast," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.
Calantha giggled, her heart racing.
"Not that kind of breakfast," she teased.
Kaidën's lips curved into a sly smile.
"Oh, this kind, then," he said, gently kissing her.
His lips trailed down to her stomach, leaving a path of tender kisses.
Calantha's laughter turned to soft sighs.
Just as Kaidën's kisses deepened, a knock at the door interrupted them.
"Lord Kaidën, the king awaits your presence," a voice called out.
Kaidën groaned, his forehead falling onto Calantha's stomach.
" Duty calls," he muttered.
Calantha smiled, running her fingers through his hair.
"You'd better go."
Kaidën reluctantly rose, pulling on his robe.
"I'll make this up to you tonight," he promised.
Calantha's eyes sparkled.
"I'm holding you to that."
Calantha sat by the bed, lost in thought as the sound of the shower created a soothing background hum. She stared out the window, her mind wandering.
It was hard to believe how much her life had changed. Marriage had been forced upon her, and she'd resented Kaidën for it. His rough, demanding nature had initially intimidated her.
But now...now she felt differently.
Kaidën's gentle touch, his soft words, and thoughtful gestures had slowly chipped away at her defenses. He'd shown her a side of himself she never thought existed.
Calantha's thoughts swirled.
Is this what love feels like?
The warmth in her chest, the flutter in her stomach, the desire to see him smile...it was all so foreign, yet familiar.
She recalled the way Kaidën's eyes crinkled when he laughed, the way his voice softened when he spoke to her.
Did she love him?
Calantha's cheeks flushed.
Perhaps.
Possibly.
Yes.
The realization hit her like a gentle wave.
She loved Kaidën.
The shower stopped, and Kaidën emerged, his hair dripping wet.
"Lost in thought?" he asked, towel-drying his hair.
Calantha smiled, her heart skipping a beat.
"Just thinking," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kaidën approached her, his eyes searching.
"About?"
Calantha's gaze met his.
"Us."
Kaidën's face softened.
"And?"
Calantha's lips curled into a gentle smile.
"I think I'm happy."
Kaidën's eyes lit up.
"Happy?"
Calantha nodded.
"With you."
How cute 🦋
YOU ARE READING
The Reluctant Bride
Historical Fiction"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. ...
