Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)

56 . The Garden Confession

Alaric stood in front of his mirror, exhaling slowly as he adjusted the collar of his pale blue tunic. The silver embroidery along the edges shimmered faintly in the morning light that filtered through the windows. A white cravat was tied neatly at his throat, pinned with a sapphire brooch—subtle, yet elegant. His deep navy trousers were pressed and tucked into polished black boots, and a lightweight cloak the color of twilight hung from his shoulders. Gabriel had helped him choose this look, saying it matched the clarity he now carried in his heart.

“I’m ready” Alaric whispered to his reflection. And for the first time in weeks, he meant it.

He arrived at the palace just as the sun broke free from the horizon. The guards nodded and opened the grand doors. A steward led him through the marbled corridors to the indoor garden...Lucian’s favorite spot.

The garden was bathed in filtered sunlight, with vines trailing from the glass ceiling and the scent of lavender and citrus blossoms in the air. A small fountain gurgled softly in the background.

Lucian stood near a marble bench, dressed in a dark crimson tunic with gold accents, a long white cape flowing behind him. He turned as Alaric entered, his smile soft but uncertain.

“You came,” Lucian said, voice low.

“I said I would,” Alaric replied, then offered a small smile. “You wrote. I had things to say too.”

There was a brief pause, heavy with everything unsaid.

Lucian gestured to the bench. “Sit with me.
Alaric sat and asked Lucian about conditions at border areas,
" The monsters have been aggressive again—especially near the villages where the drought is worst”

Alaric nodded, concern flickering in his eyes. “You’re always pushing yourself so hard… Are you okay?”

Lucian chuckled faintly. “Still alive. Still sane. Barely.” He pulled something from the small basket beside him. “Here. I brought these from a merchant caravan on the way back. It's a new treat—candied plums infused with rosewater and a bit of spice.”

Alaric eyes twinkled,took one and bit into it. The tangy-sweet syrup burst in his mouth. “Mmmm....this is incredible” he mumbled, eyes fluttering shut.

Lucian watched him, mesmerized. “You look… happy.”

“I am” Alaric said, licking a drop from the corner of his lips—but missed a smear just under his lip.

Lucian reached forward gently. “Here....” His fingers brushed against Alaric’s skin as he wiped the juice away. The air around them seemed to still, thick with something fragile and electric.

Their eyes met.

A beat.

Another.

“I… I’ve been meaning to talk about the kiss,” Lucian finally said, voice barely above a whisper. “Back at the banquet, after you were accused. I wanted to protect you. When I kissed you… I meant it. But after that, I didn’t know how to face you. I was afraid. If you didn’t like it—if it hurt you—then I owe you an apology.”

Alaric’s heart thudded. He looked down at his hands, then up again. “I… liked it too. At the time, I didn’t know what to do with those feelings. But you believed in me. You held me and listened when I felt so alone. And now, after thinking it over… I realized I liked it. And also… you.”

Lucian’s eyes widened. “I… I too like Alaric. I’m so happy to hear it.” His shoulders dropped in a long exhale, relief evident in every line of his face. “I’ve always been afraid I wasn’t enough" Now he is at peace,
Lucian had seen how Cedric looked at Alaric, how Gabriel watches over him and others.... he wanted to hide Alaric from their sites.