"I do not know why Azimir, but I like you very much," Aylin confessed and wrapped her arms around his waist, ignoring the place they were in. She had long forgotten where they were and how prone they were to curious eyes.
All she had in mind and heart was Azimir and his sentiments. She had long wished to express her thoughts before him. But her stubborn and wilful nature stopped her every time she took a step in his direction. Aylin did not dislike his attempts at pursuing her. She did not loathe his proactiveness in professing his liking and fondness for her. She did not despise his touch or his kisses, nor did she find him repulsive.
To Aylin, Azimir was the man she wished to spend her life with. This time, her thoughts did not stun her, albeit it was just a few days since they met each other. She had come to accept him and his affection for her and she trusted him to protect her heart and her feelings towards him.
"I have been the Commander of Aranill for quite some time now." She started, not breaking away from his embrace and Azimir was more than willing to have her close to his heart. "People have shown their true self a lot of times, some in front of me, not even caring to hide their despicable thoughts while some have been quite considerate enough to hide their jealousy behind their smiles."
Aylin's tone was dripping with sarcasm and Azimir listened to her intently, not missing out on anything related to her.
"Other than my family, nobody believed in my abilities and all the time, until I became the General Commander, I was insulted and demotivated. Even my friends who had played with me since childhood started to distance themselves once I revealed my wish to join the royal army."
Every word the left Aylin's delicate lips sent waves of torture through Azimir's heart. His heart ached for her and at the same time, he was undeniably proud of her. She had not given up on herself at the most crucial point of her life and it was enough of an assurance to him about her.
"Even His Majesty, the Alpha King doubted me and was unwilling to have me contend for the position of the Commander. It was only when I emerged victorious that he stopped with his ridicules and started to accept me for who I was."
Aylin's sheer hatred in her voice did not go unnoticed by Azimir. But he was not shocked by it. The woman in his arms had suffered a lot and it was only when she proved herself to everyone that she got the recognition she deserved. Yet, all of it was fake. Most of them around her were not genuine with her and Azimir's hold around her tightened, his fury arising instantly.
"During my training and from years of experience as the Commander of Aranill, I have started to read people and their expressions. And you have been sincere towards me since the beginning. I will not deny that you are the most charming man I have had the pleasure to meet in my life, Azimir. Something about you intrigued me."
Azimir's lips quirked up immediately, his anger disappearing with every word from her lips. The wolf in him was beyond satisfied and in bliss to hear her profess her true and hidden emotions before them.
Azimir wanted to observe her expression, look at her in the eyes and hear her disclose her feelings. But the moment he tried to break free, Aylin stopped him by wrapping her hands tightly around his waist.
"Please. Can we stay this way until I finish speaking?" She begged, her voice turning soft and wary. She sounded broken and Azimir's heart shattered into pieces on hearing her plead with him. He did not have to look at her to see her sadness and desperation. It was quite evident from the way the air around them had turned gloomy.
"Please," Aylin begged again when she did not receive any response from him, afraid to meet his eyes in the state was she in. The thread of composure had broken and nothing she did could rejoin the broken ends. She had to let out all her thoughts, ones which she had buried deep in her heart and hoped for the man to not reject her.
Azimir sighed lightly, anguish filling him on hearing the woman's plea. But he did not force her anymore and hugged her again, giving her the assurance she needed. Although he was silent, Aylin did not mind it anymore and her agitated heart calmed on feeling his strong arms entrapping her in his embrace.
"Thank you." Aylin sighed in bliss, enjoying her solitude with the Alpha of Ideni, the one who had shown his truest form towards her.
The couple remained quiet for some time with Aylin enjoying the warmth the man was providing her and Azimir enjoying the feel of her body against his. Even the day seemed more enjoyable and the flowers seemed to be blooming with full vigor. The birds were chirping merrily as though they were celebrating for them and Azimir had never found life to be so blissful after his parents had passed away.
"I will be honest with you." Aylin started again and Azimir who had his eyes closed opened them in wonder.
"At first, I intended to never fall for anyone. I just wanted to fulfill my duties and take good care of my family. I do not know why but you captured my attention and my feelings towards you started to develop, despite us meeting for the first time only two days ago."
Azimir could sense the fragrance of the flowers in the air and his feelings mirrored the season. Spring was blossoming on Ideni with full vitality. He was in awe to experience the magical moment and he understood the reason behind it, Aylin.
"I tried hard to ignore my new and confusing emotions. But I could not."
"I am glad you could not." Azimir intervened and Aylin chuckled at him, her grievance vanishing on hearing his satisfied words.
"I do not think I can hide my feelings anymore. It is true I like you and it is true that I would wish to spend my remaining life with you. But.."
Aylin pulled away from him and Azimir looked at her with a frown.
"Our commitments may hinder us from being together."
Azimir's frown deepened but he did not argue with her on this for it was the truth. He realized what was troubling her and why she had hesitated to reveal his thoughts all this time. Despondency flashed through his eyes but it was just momentary. A notion entered his mind and Azimir's face brightened up at once when he thought of the only possible way he could be with Aylin.
"I have a solution, Aylin."
"What is it, Azimir?" Aylin looked at him, her eyes sparkling in hope and Azimir was sucked into those cerulean orbs immediately after. Her eyes held the entire world and Azimir had never found himself to be in such peace.
"There is a way where we can be together and we will not have to give up on anything."
"How?"
"If I become the Alpha King, neither of us will have to sacrifice and we can be together forever."