The Path to Redemption

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒯𝓌𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓎-𝐸𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

↞･:*✵*:･↠

The rest of the ball was boring, to say the least. Nothing else exciting happened, besides when Velut—who eventually returned to the ballroom—somehow managed to sneak a little too much alcohol. It was quite an entertaining sight, to be quite honest, with Velut pestering me to dance with him, a drunk grin on his face. I couldn't help but laugh as the other nobles stared. He was always fun to have around.

The festivities ended early in the morning before the sun had the chance to make its way into the sky. Nobles all bowed to Gale before they left, thanking the royal for hosting the ball and inviting them. Vera was one of the last to leave, sending me a knowing glance that was oddly sincere before addressing the King.

I had insisted on helping clean up, telling the staff that it was the polite thing to do and that I wouldn't take no for an answer. They allowed me to assist in clearing the ballroom, and I did, up until the room—once full of tables, food and a lively band— was empty. It was as if no one had ever been here to begin with.

Gale eventually managed to find me after I'd finished. My mind was in a haze even if I didn't feel tired. No matter how tired my body got, I never felt the desire to sleep due to the nightmares that followed. But seeing Gale, I allowed myself a breath, smiling as he approached. I was safe. I was all right. For now.

"Enjoy the party?" Gale asked, looking me over. I nodded, nearly falling onto his chest as he stood across from me. What I would give to be able to just leap into his arms and let him encase me in a blanket of warmth.

"Yeah," I nodded, pushing a strand of curled hair behind my ear. The hairstyle crafted for me by the maids earlier was probably a mess by now, seeing how much I'd been jumping around with Velut towards the end, laughing with him. That was probably the best part of the night—besides dancing with Gale. That was definitely at the top.

"I'm glad. I'm....I'm sorry that we didn't get much time together," Gale laughed airily, and I did the same.

"It's all right, I understand your being King and all." I grinned, and Gale shook his head.

"Sometimes I wish I wasn't--with all the attention I get," he huffed, causing me to laugh, covering my mouth with my hand.

"That reminds me," I began, sauntering towards Gale until I was inches from the royal. I gave him a slap on the arm, and Gale gasped, letting loose a laugh as I walked past him.

"What was that for?" he asked, catching up with me in no time, the two of us starting for the stairs.

"You made fun of me. The dance, remember?" I replied slyly at which Gale paused. "You really thought I wouldn't remember?" I joked, causing him to roll his eyes.

"I didn't think you took it to heart," he mumbled. The two of us climbed the stairs at a decent pace, not wanting to travel too fast, nor too slow. It seemed we both wanted to prolong the conversation as long as we could even if it meant walking slower than usual—which I didn't mind. Any moment with Gale was a good one.

"I didn't," I admitted, turning to look at Gale. His gaze met mine, and I felt myself blush lightly as I looked away.

"Did I tell you how beautiful you look in that dress?" He suddenly spoke, causing my cheeks to burn even more. My heart rate picked up speed at his words, and I let out a small, nervous laugh. I hoped he wouldn't notice how flustered I now was. It was crazy how easy it was for me to get flushed by him. Perhaps it was because I now believed his words were genuine, true.

"I believe you did," I answered, nodding.

"Well, I'd like to tell you again." He flashed me an ardent glance before looking back at the stairwell.

"Thank you-" It was my turn to look at him. "for the dress. I liked the designs."

"I thought you would," Gale smiled, acknowledging that he knew me well. The two of us were now at the top of the stairs, and I turned towards my chambers, expecting Gale to head towards his, but he didn't. I looked at him with a frown, cocking a brow.

"Where are you going?" I asked, watching as Gale continued to walk steadily beside me, the silver on his attire glistening.

"I can't walk you to your room? Isn't that supposed to be what a gentleman does?" he asked, a fake innocence in his words.

"I suppose it is," I grinned, looking up at him, taking in his features as we both continued, our shoulders occasionally brushing together. We stopped as we came to my door, both wishing the conversation could continue though we both knew it was late and that we should be getting to bed. "Well, this is my room," I announced, noting afterwards how idiotic it sounded. Turning to my door, I pulled on the handle.

"Aria?" Gale's voice caused me to pause as I looked at him. He was a few feet from me now, watching me carefully, his eyes glistening with captivation as they scanned my body swiftly before resting on my face.

"Hmm?"

"Remember back when we were travelling, when I...well...recruited you?" he asked, and I nodded, smiling slightly at the memory. I remember how frightened I'd been when I'd first met him, how intimidated.

"Yeah, I do," I sighed, the memories bittersweet. I'd enjoyed those days, back when we'd been on the road, travelling nonstop. But all of the secrets, all of the things I'd kept from both Velut and Gale—all of the things I wished I didn't have to hide. I almost yearned to go back to then, when the only thing I feared was losing my own life. Now I feared losing everyone around me, everyone I loved.

"I miss then," Gale admitted, speaking my thoughts.

"Me too," I confessed, allowing Gale a small, saddened smile, my voice soft. How I wished to tell him how much I missed our relationship, also. How I missed talking to him as we did back then, with only the moon to hear our conversations. I missed having him near me all of the time, in more than just the prospect of physicality.

"Aria, I-" Gale started, taking a step towards me, though he stopped himself. It seemed he was unable to find a way to say the things he wanted. I knew the feeling.

"Gale?" My voice was quiet, calm, concerned. Instead of a response, Gale's eyes met mine, and I held his gaze, not willing to back down. Not wanting to.

The forest green shade of Gale's eyes were enticing as they stared into mine. Gale's lips parted slightly as if he was about to speak up though he didn't. He relished the silence, using it to say things he couldn't with words. His gratitude, his yearning, his admiration, never faltered, shining brightly, almost as if it were there for me to see. For only me to see.

"Gale, are you—"

I was cut off as Gale rushed towards me, pressing his lips against mine, the familiar feeling making my body spark with something other than lightning. His hands cupped my chin gently, his touch burning my skin as he lifted my face higher towards his. Taken aback by his movements, my eyes widened, only to close as I melted into the kiss, my hands landing on his as they continued to hold me.

How long I'd been lost, trying to tie down feelings that I believed to be unrequited though it seemed I was mistaken. For here, now, I couldn't help but savor the feeling of his lips against mine, almost fearing that I would never get to feel this way again.

Gale's hands left my face as they wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer, my arms resting on his shoulders. When he pulled away, I nearly dived in again, desperate for this moment to last, for it to never end. Even forever would not be long enough.

I could feel his breath against my face, tickling my skin as I rested my forehead against his, my eyes still closed. Only when Gale moved away from me did I look at him. He looked flushed, just as I felt. I was about to speak when he did before I could, his words not quite what I'd expected.

"I-....I'm sorry," Gale spoke airily and rushed as he pressed a hand to his forehead, looking torn as he brushed back stray hairs that had fallen loose. Without another word, he turned, walking down the hallway and towards his room, leaving me standing next to my door, alone once more.