Alliance. (Heavily editing)

Past

'The reason we can't let go of someone is because deep inside we still have hope'.

We sat around the fire, leaning against a tree. We were both gazing at the beautiful view of the sun setting in front of us. Sprawled near a cliff -our bed rolls were spread all around us.

We were sitting really close. My thigh was brushing his. I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks-

"Tell me about your family "

"What?" I stared at him dumbfounded by the question.

"Tell me abo-"

"I know what you just said but you already know everything about my family"

"Did you ever had any sisters or brothers?" He asked.

"No, If Amin counts as a sister than yes, I do have a sister". I smiled and wondered how was Amin.

"Who is Amin?" He asked while positioning himself so he directly faced me, his blue eyes boring into mine.

"A very good friend."

"What about your family?" I asked him and soon realized my mistake. "His family is dead lia..you idiot, what have You done? " my brain scolded. Cale wasn't looking at me, he was looking far away beyond the cliff, lost in distant memories. I silently cursed myself for asking him such a vulnerable question even though I didn't meant to, the question just slipped out of my mouth but that was no excuse. He remained silent and I was about to apologize when-

" I had a sister and of course my parents and Alina......My parents were very loving and my father even though he was a king...never acted like one towards me, always making sure that he  spent enough time with me. Teaching me from how to spar - to how to rule a kingdom and my sister...." He smiled while looking downwards.

His dark brown hair almost appeared golden under the flames.

"She was an adorable little soul, always demanding that I order the kitchen staff to make more chocolate cakes and apple tarts, whenever I asked her what she wanted for her birthday her answer always remained the same - books. Dozens, hundreds, thousands of books. No number was enough for her always wanting more..." His eyes were glowing under the light of the fire. Filled with unshed tears. Shimmering and waiting to be free.

I felt something tug in my chest. I had never seen such emotion in him. I wanted to comfort him- hold him. what was happening to me?

"And Alina, she was the most fierce, beautiful and enthralling women I knew. I always thought if there were a women I would marry it would be her.." He sighed and I could see the expression of sadness on his face.

"Did she loved you?"

"Much more than I deserved". He gave me a sad smile and looked away.

After awhile I asked the question that had kept me curious all along.

"Cale, why did you agreed to marry me? "

Cale looked up towards me after a moment, he said;

"For protection. When your father came up with this agreement, I refused. But he made me realize how much importance an alliance holds. I didn't wanted to do anything with my people or with the crown to be more precise . But I knew I had to do this, the crown had landed on my head for better or worse. I couldn't let down my father, I had to carry on his legacy.....They wouldn't have wanted me to just blank out...." He whispered "when I heard the news that due to King Doreem my parents and everyone had......" He trailed off.