BOUND BY ROYALTY

CHAPTER 16

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The afternoon sun hung high in the sky, its golden light filtering through the towering trees as we rode along the forest trail. The crisp autumn air carried the scent of damp earth and pine, a welcome change from the polished marble and perfumed halls of the palace.

I inhaled deeply, savoring the rare moment of freedom. It had been weeks since the empire's anniversary, and the days that followed had been filled with endless lessons on royal affairs and courtly expectations. Aleron had been equally busy, caught up in matters of governance, and though we saw each other often, we rarely had moments alone in the daytime.

Today, however, was different.

Aleron had suggested a ride through the royal hunting grounds, away from the scrutinizing eyes of the court. I had hesitated at first, but something about the way he had said just us made me agree.

Now, as I guided my horse through the winding path, I stole a glance at him. He rode with effortless ease, his strong frame perfectly balanced atop his black stallion. He looked at home in the wild, his usual regal air softened by the way the wind tousled his golden like hair.

"You're enjoying this," Aleron observed, his voice breaking the comfortable silence between us.

"I am," I admitted. "It's... peaceful."

A small smile tugged at his lips. "Good. You need more of that."

I rolled my eyes. "And you don't?"

He huffed a quiet chuckle but didn't argue. Instead, he nudged his stallion closer to mine, our knees almost brushing as we slowed to a trot near a small clearing. The trees opened up to reveal a quiet meadow, the grass swaying lazily under the soft breeze.

"Let's rest here for a moment," he suggested, already dismounting.

I followed suit, sliding off my horse and stretching my legs. The sunlight was warm against my skin as I removed my gloves and trailed my fingers through the tall grass.

Aleron walked toward a large, smooth rock and leaned against it, watching me with something unreadable in his gaze.

"What?" I asked, narrowing my eyes playfully.

"Nothing," he said, though there was an odd hesitancy in his tone.

I arched a brow, waiting.

He sighed, reaching into the pocket of his coat. "I wanted to give you something."

My curiosity piqued as he pulled out a small wooden box and held it out to me. "Go on," he urged.

I took it cautiously, glancing up at him before opening the lid.

Nestled inside was a delicate silver pendant, the craftsmanship simple yet refined. At its center rested a small gemstone, a deep blue that caught the sunlight beautifully.

I traced the cool metal with my fingers, my heart tightening. "Aleron, this is..."

"It belonged to my mother," he said softly.

I looked up sharply, his words taking me by surprise.

"She used to wear it all the time," he continued, watching me closely. "She once told me that this stone was a reminder no matter where you stand, no matter what others expect of you, never forget who you are."

I swallowed hard, my fingers tightening around the pendant.

"I want you to have it, Lucian."

My chest ached at the sincerity in his voice. "I can't take this, Aleron. It's....."