The Immortal King (Wizardy Romance)

The Heart's Awakening+

Emotions were running high as Lincoln, with a firm and commanding demeanour, ordered Charlene to follow him into his private chambers. Once inside, he presented her with a proposition that struck her as both unbelievable and utterly absurd, overwhelming her senses. In a turn of events she could hardly fathom, he suggested that they should marry. This unexpected proposal came on the heels of rampant rumours regarding him and Lady Lana's so-called relationship, which had spread like wildfire throughout the court. The catalyst for these rumours was someone who had taken clandestine pictures of them whenever the chance occurred, and those images were now circulating among the nobility.

"Tensions are escalating, and I suspect that Lana's part of the rebellion," he explained, his voice steady yet laced with urgency. "And I believe I already know all the names of the rebels. So, I will not be marrying her, but you instead." He felt undeniable emotions for her that were intensifying by the moment, and he wanted to make those pay who thought he'd make the same mistake as his father.

Charlene, still reeling from his unexpected suggestion, questioned him with disbelief, "Marrying a stranger simply because of a rebellion?" Her voice was filled with astonishment, and she found herself quietly tracing the strong curve of his jaw with her eyes, captivated by the very face that had occupied her thoughts incessantly. Her heart fluttered rapidly in her chest, a chaotic blend of hope and trepidation coursing through her veins. The reality that she was irrevocably in love with the immortal king weighed heavily on her mind, and the very notion of him proposing marriage felt like monumental news, far too significant for her to easily digest. The swirling emotions within her left her feeling dizzy.

"Surely you must have someone you genuinely care for, your highness?" she ventured, her voice dropping to a lower, softer tone, as if admitting the truth of her own feelings and vulnerabilities was an insurmountable challenge. "I am not good enough for you," she murmured, unable to meet his gaze. All she could focus on was him, and the weight of her insecurities pressed down upon her like an unyielding burden. "Even if you're looking for a woman with no magic."

"This arrangement will provide some stability to those who believe that I won't produce an heir, and it will effectively distract the rebellious members of the coven long enough for me to catch them in the act. This will allow me the opportunity to maintain control over my kingdom." The stakes were incredibly high, and the implications of such an arrangement loomed heavily over both of them, leaving an unsettling amount of uncertainty hanging in the air as they contemplated what their future might hold. The tension crackled between them, a mixture of fear, hope, and the undeniable pull of their growing connection.

"I can't agree to it, your Highness." She didn't want an arrangement, she wanted true love.

Charlene's refusal lingered in the air, a painful echo that seemed to hang between them. Lincoln's eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and desperation.

"Charlene," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "you don't understand. This isn't just about politics or rebellion. It's about us. I've kept my distance to protect you, but every day apart feels like an eternity. I can't bear to see you in danger. I now know my true enemies.  Lana was just acting on my part.''

Charlene's heart pounded as his words washed over her. She struggled to keep her composure, her resolve wavering. "Your Highness, you can't expect me to believe that you truly care for me. I'm just a tool in your strategy."

"No," he interrupted, stepping closer, his gaze intense. "You're not just a tool. You're everything to me. I've fallen for you, Charlene, and it terrifies me because I can't lose you. This marriage is the only way I know to keep you safe and close."

Tears welled up in Charlene's eyes as she looked up at him, seeing the raw vulnerability in his expression. "I... I don't know what to say. How can I trust that this isn't just a fleeting decision?"

Lincoln reached out, gently cupping her face in his hands. "Because I've never been more certain of anything in my life. I need you by my side, not just as a shield, but as my partner. Please, Charlene, give us a chance."

Charlene's breath hitched, her emotions a whirlwind of fear, hope, and longing. "I want to believe you, but it's so hard. All my life, I've been told I'm not enough, that I'm just a girl with no magic. How can I be what you need?"

Lincoln's grip tightened, his eyes blazing with determination. "You are more than enough, Charlene. You're brave, kind, and so much stronger than you realize. Together, we can face anything. Let me prove it to you."

Charlene felt the last of her defences crumble. She reached up, placing her hand over his. "Alright, Lincoln. I'll marry you. But not as part of a plan—because I want to be with you, too."

Lincoln's expression softened with relief and joy. He pulled her into a fierce embrace, whispering into her hair, "Thank you, Charlene. I swear I'll make this right for both of us."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the weight of their shared decision settled around them. The future was uncertain, but for the first time, they faced it together, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.