Lucian led Leila to a secluded garden within the estate, an oasis of tranquility where the sounds of the palace faded into silence. Flowers of every color blossomed along winding paths, their petals shimmering in the dappled sunlight.
He gestured for her to sit on a stone bench near a small fountain, and she settled in, gazing around at the breathtaking scenery. “This place is… incredible,” she said softly, feeling a sense of calm settle over her.
Lucian sat beside her, his expression thoughtful. “It was my mother’s favorite place. She believed that beauty and peace were just as important as strength and power.”
The vulnerability in his voice took her by surprise. She glanced at him, feeling a spark of empathy. “You don’t talk about your family much.”
“Some memories are best left undisturbed,” he replied, though his gaze softened. “But I’ll tell you this much—our world is not as peaceful as it seems. Power struggles define us, each noble house vying for influence. Every alliance, every feud, is a careful balancing act.”
Leila listened intently, absorbing his words. She realized that Lucian’s life was far from simple; he bore a responsibility that went beyond personal ambition. For the first time, she saw him not just as a protector but as a person shaped by burdens he hadn’t chosen.
“Thank you for trusting me with this,” she said, her voice gentle.
Lucian met her gaze, a faint smile touching his lips. “You’re stronger than you realize, Leila. And strength, in this world, is rare.”
The warmth in his eyes stirred something deep within her. In that moment, she felt a sense of belonging—not just in this world, but with him.
YOU ARE READING
Between Realms of Love
RomanceOne drunken mistake-and I found myself in another world, tangled in a whirlwind romance with a noble who seemed too good to be true. For a while, it was everything I'd ever dreamed of. But misunderstandings don't wait, and betrayal shattered it all...
