Faylith

Chapter 2

I let out a groan as the morning sunlight flooded into my luxurious bedroom, casting a warm glow on the ornate tapestries and intricate wood carvings that adorned the walls. The gentle murmur of the maids going about their morning tasks filled the air, occasionally punctuated by the clink of porcelain as they prepared breakfast trays. Slowly, I sat up, feeling the weight of the plush fur blankets still draped over me. My gaze swept across the grandeur of my surroundings, taking in the exquisite elven craftsmanship that adorned every corner of the room. As I propped myself up on one elbow, I noticed the head maid Kasula approaching, her neatly tied gray hair a testament to her unwavering loyalty to the Baelnorn family, evident in the gentle determination etched on her face.

"Princess Sylvaria, it's time to wake up. You have a meeting with King Baelnorn later today, but the rest of your day is clear," Kasula informed me in her gentle voice, her footsteps soft on the ornate rug. Reluctantly, I dragged myself out of the warmth of my bed, my body protesting the movement after a night of fitful sleep. Kasula guided me to my vanity to prepare for the day, her touch as comforting as ever. As I settled into the plush chair, I couldn't help but grumble, "If I have no engagements today, shouldn't I be allowed to sleep in?"

Kasula's reflection in the mirror showed her raised eyebrow, a silent response to my complaint before she reached for my hairbrush. With delicate care, she tenderly combed through my long, silvery-white locks, each stroke a reminder of my royal lineage. Despite my persistent requests, she always refused to trim it, insisting that it was a symbol of my heritage.

"Remember, you're a princess, you can't spend all day sleeping," Kasula gently reminded me, her words gentle but firm. "Why don't you study in the library or practice painting? Faylith should be painting outside today; I can ask if you can join her."

I couldn't help but feel a jolt in my heart when her name was mentioned, causing my ears to twitch involuntarily. Kasula seemed to pick up on my feelings for Faylin, even though she never mentioned it. I smiled and nodded as she signaled for another maid to attend to my request. After gently brushing my hair, Kasula dressed me in a gorgeous purple dress adorned with delicate black flowers. The snug corset accentuated my waist, and the collar elegantly framed the sides of my neck.

As Kasula carefully fastened the laces of my corset, I quickly made my way towards Faylith. In the background, I could still hear Kasula gently scolding me for running in the hallways. The fabric of my dress billowed out behind me as I clutched it in my hands, lifting it to quicken my pace. My heart raced in my chest as I weaved through the luxurious corridors. The exquisite paintings blurred into a whirlwind as I descended multiple flights of stairs in our magnificent, lavishly adorned castle. Finally, I emerged into the open air. The sun's warm rays embraced my skin, and the gentle breeze was a welcome caress.

The courtyard is an enchanting oasis, meticulously designed with a delightful variety of colorful flowers and lush greenery. Winding pathways lead visitors to different charming areas that all meet at the central focal point. At the heart of the garden, there's a beautiful white gazebo adorned with intricately entwined climbing vines and rare yellow spider lilies, creating a truly captivating and mesmerizing scene.

And then there's Faylin, standing in front of an easel. Her hair sparkles like sunlight, and her skin emanates warmth. I pause in wonder as I look across the courtyard. I'm immobilized by the sight of her from a distance. Every time I see her, it feels like I'm caught in a trance. The world falls silent around me, except for the gentle whisper of the breeze. My chest tightens as my heart beats faster. I feel the warmth spread across my face as I watch her paint. She always paints the flowers in the garden. She looks ethereal standing there. Her yellow dress hugs her figure and billows out into a voluminous skirt. The dress has a square neckline and gracefully draping sleeves. I hesitate for a moment before taking a step forward.

She turns around slowly, and her emerald eyes meet mine as she hears the faint echo of my footsteps. Her golden hair gently dances in the breeze, catching the sunlight in a dazzling display. A radiant smile blossoms across her face, lighting up her features. Setting down her paintbrush, she rushes toward me, her cheeks tinged with a delicate pink as she envelops me in a warm and tender embrace. Despite her small frame, she radiates a sense of comfort and familiarity as I rest my chin on her head and wrap my arms around her.

"Faylith, I've missed you so much. It feels like an eternity since we last met," I murmur, my voice filled with longing.

Faylith tilts her head back, her cascading blonde locks framing her porcelain features, and her melodic voice washes over me, sending shivers down my spine.

"I'm sorry, Sylvia. Orin has been taking me with him on his expeditions. With our wedding approaching, your father insists we spend more time together," she explains, her expression a mix of joy and unease.

A pang of bittersweet longing tightens my chest as Faylith's words serve as a reminder that she will never be mine. Pulling away from her, I take a step back, feeling the weight of guilt as I'm reminded that Faylith is my brother's betrothed.

I try to change the subject, turning my focus onto her painting, hoping to distract myself from the complex emotions swirling inside me.

"What are you painting today?" I ask gently, walking beside her as we head to her easel. An array of vibrant flowers covers the canvas, each petal and leaf lovingly depicted in intricate detail. Paint stains her pale fingers, adding a touch of color to her delicate hands. I think she looks the most beautiful when she's painting, completely immersed in her art.

"I'm painting Amaryllis," she whispered, her eyes reflecting the tranquility of her artwork. I couldn't help but smile as I settled onto the nearby bench, finding comfort in the familiarity of our routine. Our days were filled with effortless conversation and the soothing sounds of her brush against the canvas. Despite her impending marriage to my brother, I cherished these moments, finding happiness in observing her artistic process from a distance.

As Faylith finishes her painting and tidies up her art supplies, a gentle breeze wafts through the air, signaling the end of our time together. I hold her close, not ready to say goodbye. "I hate to leave. I'll see you again tomorrow, right?" I linger, savoring the moment before reluctantly letting her go. Her soft smile and rosy cheeks fill me with warmth. Time stands still as I become captivated by her mesmerizing eyes, every detail drawing me in. My gaze eventually falls to her lips, and as I lean in, the air seems to thin. Faylith's lips parted ever so slightly, and I felt her intense gaze locked on me. Her lips feel so soft against mine. She tastes as sweet as she smells. I feel her tense up as I kiss her, yet she doesn't pull away. I have to force myself to stop. I slowly pull away from the kiss, savoring the lingering sensation of Faylith's soft lips against mine. Nervously, I glance down at Faylith. A rosy blush colors her cheeks, and her breaths come in quick, uneven gasps, her chest rising and falling with each inhale. A warm, tender smile spreads across my face as I watch her wide-eyed astonishment, seeing the mix of surprise and delight in her eyes, realizing that our unexpected kiss has left her visibly stunned.

As she stood before me in the softly lit courtyard, I hesitantly took a step back, reaching out to gently hold her hand. Taking a deep breath, I bowed, feeling the cool breeze against my skin, and kissed the soft skin of her knuckles before gazing into her eyes for a lingering moment. Her beauty, illuminated by the moonlight, became a memory I promised never to forget. Slowly, I let go of her hand, still feeling its warmth, and turned away, making my way back into the grand castle for the upcoming meeting, her presence lingering in the air.