Aurora sat in front of the mirror, her long golden hair cascading down her back like a river of sunlight. She was lost in thought, her fingers combing through the tangled locks. Suddenly, a faint rustling sound came from the window, and she knew who it was.
"Aster, what are you doing?" she whispered, her eyes fixed on the reflection of the window behind her.
Aster's handsome face appeared, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers. "I had to see you, Rory," he said, his voice low and urgent.
Aurora sighed, putting down her comb. "Why do you keep doing this? If you're caught, you know the consequences."
Aster's eyes narrowed. "I know, but I can't help myself. I need to see you, to know you're still mine."
Aurora's gaze dropped, her cheeks flushing. "Aster, we've been over this. I'm getting married in two days. "
Aster's face darkened. "You can't be serious. You're really going through with it?"
Aurora's eyes met his, a hint of sadness in them. "I have to, Aster. I have no choice."
Aster was silent for a while like he was starting to understand what she was saying but she guessed she was wrong to think so.
Her heart raced as he drew near, her body responding to his presence. Aster's fingers traced the curve of her jaw, his thumb brushing against her lips. She felt a shiver run down her spine as he leaned in, his mouth inches from hers.
"Aster, stop," she whispered, her hand on his chest. "We can't keep doing this. It's too dangerous."
Aster's eyes pleaded with her, his face inches from hers. "Just one kiss, Rory. One kiss to remind you of what we have."
Aurora's resolve weakened, her lips parting slightly. Aster's eyes lit up with hope, but she shook her head, her fingers pushing against his chest. "No, Aster. We can't. I'm getting married to Lord Adrian. I can't keep risking everything for us."
Aster's face fell, his eyes clouding over with disappointment. He stepped back, his hands dropping to his sides. "I know, Rory. I just can't help myself. I love you."
Aurora's heart ached at the pain in his eyes. She loved him too, but she couldn't let her feelings rule her. She had a duty to her kingdom, to her family. She took a deep breath and stood up, her eyes locked on his.
"I love you too, Aster. But we just cannot be together, if we're caught it would mean war between both kingdoms."
Aster's face twisted in frustration. "I know, I know. But I can't help how I feel. And I can't bear the thought of you marrying him."
Aurora's voice was firm but gentle. "I have to, Aster. It's my duty. But that doesn't mean I don't love you. It means I have to make a sacrifice for the greater good."
Aster's eyes searched hers, then he nodded slowly. "I understand. But I can't promise to stay away. I need to see you, to know you're still mine."
Aurora's heart skipped a beat at the possessiveness in his voice. "Aster, please. Don't make this harder than it has to be."
Aster's face hardened, his eyes flashing with determination. "I'll do what I have to, Rory. I'll find a way to be with you, no matter what." And with that, he turned and disappeared into the night.