They took turns using the glass to drink, I don't know how many times this had happened, and I could see Taneaya's face turning red from being drunk.
Her face turned gloomy again.
Eran tried to distract Taneaya from her sadness. He teased her by saying, "You know, Taneaya, I always thought crown princesses shouldn't cry."
Taneaya smiled weakly, "Ah, that's just an old stereotype. I'm not a fairy tale crown princess, I'm an ordinary human with feelings."
Eran patted her shoulder gently, "That's right. And there's nothing wrong with crying. Sometimes, it's how we express our feelings."
Taneaya nodded, her tears starting to flow again. Then she clung to her knees for a moment.
Eran leaned against the wall below the window, giving her support. "I know this is hard for you, Taneaya. But you are not alone. I've never in my life tried to comfort someone sad or crying, I'm confused, but I've often heard, that if you're sad you just need someone to listen to you."
Taneaya's lodging room was silent. Eran and Taneaya sat under the reflected moonlight from the window, Taneaya's face full of tears, an expression of deep sadness. She tried to speak, but her voice was cut off by her unstoppable crying.
In a low voice, Taneaya began to tell the story of her feelings that overflowed after hearing the words of some people in the tavern earlier.
"It's just so heavy, Eran. My father, he's... I believe he's a just man, but in almost every region of this kingdom, I've heard hateful words against my father, I've tried to hold back, but just now after hearing it firsthand, it broke me."
She talked about how the village of Hollowfield was devastated and suffering from the terror of the underground cult. She expressed his sadness, but at the same time, she also felt that he could not blame the people in the village. Seeing the conditions and hardships faced by the villagers, Taneaya felt compassion and was devastated.
"All of this makes me so sad, Eran," Taneaya said as she roughly wiped away her tears.
Eran felt his heart touched by Taneaya's pain. He knew that Taneaya was a strong and resilient person, but at this moment, Taneaya was like a fragile woman.
"Taneaya, your father was a wise ruler," Eran said gently. "I'm sure he must have thought of all the lands he ruled, including this village."
Hearing Eran's words, Taneaya was even more devastated. She missed the presence of her father who had always supported her. She could no longer hold back her tears.
"Eran," Taneaya continued in a hoarse voice. "My father was a great man. I don't know how he was able to take on so much responsibility."
Eran sensed the love and longing Taneaya had for her father. He understood how heavy a burden a leader carried.
Eran didn't know what to say. He wanted to support Taneaya, but he felt that words would never be enough to take away the sadness his friend was feeling.
Suddenly, Eran brought himself closer to Taneaya and hugged her tightly. Taneaya returned the hug tightly, letting her tears fall relentlessly. Eran felt the vibration of her warm heartbeat bringing calm and warmth to Taneaya.
"My father once told me that a man's heartbeat is the perfect sedative for women," Eran said, then continued in a whisper. "So...cry all you want Taneaya."
Taneaya's cries broke out even more, but Eran held her gently. He tried to give her support and comfort, reminding her that she didn't have to be strong all the time. A woman also has the right to express her feelings, cry, and feel vulnerable.
At that moment, the relationship between Eran and Taneaya grew. They realized that togetherness and support are invaluable in their journey as members of the Band of de Sun.
Not long after, the atmosphere became calmer. Eran and Taneaya held each other, feeling each other's presence. In the silence, Eran noticed Taneaya and realized that she was only wearing a loose T-shirt. Since Taneaya was asleep in Eran's arms, her cleavage was visible. Eran felt his chest rippling, but he tried to take his mind off it.
However, Taneaya suddenly looked up at Eran, and without saying anything, their gazes met. Taneaya grabbed Eran's face gently, and in an instant, their lips met. They were surprised by the action, but neither tried to pull away.
Eran felt a tremor in his chest. This was a moment he had never imagined before. He felt like he was swept away by a strong wind of emotion. However, as time passed, their lips moved gently together, creating an intimate vibe between them. Their tongues welcomed each other.
When they finally broke the kiss, they stared at each other, speechless. Silently, they felt there was an indescribable bond that had been established between them. Awkwardness and nervousness came over them, but they knew that the kiss was an expression of feelings that could not be expressed in words.
"Taneaya... I..." Eran stammered.
Taneaya looked at him warmly. "There's no need to explain, Eran. I feel it too and maybe this is what we've been looking for all this time."
Once in the cozy inn room, the atmosphere between Eran and Taneaya heated up even more. They kissed each other passionately, lulled into soft, voluptuous touches. As they broke their kiss, they looked at each other with gazes full of desire and love.
Eran felt the tremors of emotion flowing between the two of them. He saw Taneaya's sad eyes and heard her labored breathing, which made his heart beat even faster. So close to Taneaya, he felt like nothing could stop him.
Taneaya gently removed Eran's shirt, revealing the layers of clothing that separated them. Their bodies merged into one deep intimacy. Taneaya sat on top of Eran, teasing him with her mesmerizing gaze.
Slowly, Taneaya moved her fingers from Eran's chest to his face. Eran could feel his heart beating faster, full of passion and unbearable desire. He couldn't help but feel this happiness with Taneaya.
"You know Eran...from the beginning, I was very curious about you. I don't know what that curiosity is. Every day this curiosity gets bigger...maybe..."
But suddenly, Taneaya fell into Eran's arms with a limp body. Eran was surprised and worried, checking Taneaya's condition quickly. Taneaya had fallen asleep because she was too drunk.
*****