I woke up with a sense of determination I wasn't quite used to. The events of the past few days had been a whirlwind intense moments with Aeliana, her lingering touches, the way she looked at me, all of it was starting to fuck with my head.
I couldn't stop thinking about her, about us, and it was starting to annoy the hell out of me. I'm not the kind of person who does relationships, let alone dates. I'm more of a hit-it-and-quit-it type, but Aeliana was different, and that was pissing me off.
I could still feel the heat of her lips against mine, the softness that belied her strength. That kiss had done something to me, something I couldn't shake. It was like a goddamn curse. I didn't want to admit it, but she was getting under my skin, and the worst part? I kind of liked it.
"Fuck," I muttered, running a hand through my hair as I paced around my room. This wasn't me. I wasn't the kind of woman who got all worked up over someone, especially not someone like Aeliana, who was sweet and good and everything I usually avoided.
But here I was, thinking about her, wanting more than just a one-time thing. I was actually thinking about taking her on a date. A fucking date.
I had no idea what I was doing. Dates weren't my thing. Hell, I could barely remember the last time I even went on one. I was more used to late-night rendezvous that ended before dawn, not planning some romantic shit that involved more than just sex.
But for some reason, the thought of spending more time with Aeliana, of doing something that would make her smile, was lodged in my brain like a goddamn splinter.
What the hell does one even do on a date? Flowers? A stroll under the stars? Dinner by candlelight? I snorted at the thought. That wasn't me. I wasn't the candlelight-and-roses type. But then again, maybe I could do something that was more...me, but still special enough to impress Aeliana.
I needed advice, and as much as I hated to admit it, there was only one person who could give me that Zephara, my grandmother. She knew me better than anyone, and if there was anyone who could help me figure this shit out, it was her. Even if it meant enduring her endless teasing.
I made my way to Zephara's office, my mind racing with half-formed ideas of what a date with Aeliana could look like. Maybe something outdoors, something that involved a bit of action. A hike? A sparring session? But then again, that might not be romantic enough. Fuck, why was this so hard?
Zephara was sitting behind her desk when I barged in, not bothering to knock. She looked up from the stack of papers in front of her, one eyebrow arching as she took in my expression. "Well, well, if it isn't my favorite granddaughter," she said with a smirk. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
I dropped into the chair across from her, crossing my arms over my chest. "I need your help," I admitted begrudgingly.
Her smirk widened. "This must be serious if you're coming to me for advice. Let me guess, it's about a your girl."
I scowled. "How the hell do you always know?"
"Because I know you, Ciara. And I've never seen you this worked up over anything that didn't involve a pretty face."
"Yeah, well, this Aeliana different," I muttered, feeling a strange sense of vulnerability creep up on me. "I want to take her on a date."
Zephara leaned back in her chair, looking amused. "A date? You?"
"Don't look so surprised," I snapped. "I'm capable of doing more than just breaking hearts, you know."
She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Oh, I have no doubt about that. But this is new for you, isn't it? Actually wanting something more?"
I nodded, hating how much she was seeing right through me. "Yeah. It is."
Zephara's expression softened, and she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk. "So, tell me about this girl. What's she like for you?"
"She's…different," I said, searching for the right words. "Strong, stubborn as hell, but there's something about her. She's good, you know? And she's not afraid of me, which is weird. Most people are either terrified of me or want something from me. But Aeliana…she's just real."
Zephara smiled, and for once, it wasn't a teasing one. "Sounds like you've got it bad, Ciara."
"Don't start," I warned, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. "I just want to do something special for her. But I have no fucking clue what I'm doing."
"Well," Zephara said thoughtfully, "you could always take her to the garden. It's peaceful there, and it's beautiful at night with all the lights. You could set up a little picnic, maybe bring some wine. It's simple, but it could be just what you need."
"A picnic?" I echoed, the idea not sounding as bad as I would've expected. "That could work."
"Of course it could. And you could even show her a bit of your world. Maybe a little sparring, something that shows her who you are. It doesn't have to be all hearts and flowers, Ciara. Just be yourself."
I sighed, feeling a bit more relaxed now that I had a plan forming in my head. "Thanks, Zephara. I appreciate it."
"Anytime, darling," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "Just don't screw it up. And if you do, well, you know where to find me."
I rolled my eyes, but there was a warmth in my chest that hadn't been there before. Zephara always knew how to get me out of my own head, and now that I had an idea of what to do, I was starting to feel more confident.
I got up from the chair, already thinking about how to put the plan into action. I'd need to gather some things, maybe talk to the kitchen staff about preparing some food, and I'd definitely need to make sure the garden was set up just right. But before any of that, I needed to find Aeliana and ask her on the date.
I left Zephara's office, heading towards the part of the castle where Aeliana was usually found. My heart was pounding, a mixture of nerves and excitement bubbling up inside me. This wasn't like me, and it felt weird as hell, but I couldn't back out now. I wanted this, wanted her, and I was going to see it through.
As I wandered the halls, I started thinking about how I'd ask her. Should I be straightforward? Casual? Maybe even a bit cocky? But as soon as I saw her, all those thoughts vanished. There she was, just ahead, her long hair catching the light as she moved. She looked beautiful, and I could feel my pulse quicken at the sight of her.
"Aeliana!" I called out, trying to keep my voice steady.
She turned, a smile spreading across her face when she saw me. "Ciara, what's up?"
I strode over to her, trying to hide the nervousness that was bubbling up inside me. "I, uh, wanted to ask you something."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. "Oh? What is it?"
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "How do you feel about going on a date with me?"
Aeliana blinked, clearly surprised. "A date?"
"Yeah," I said, trying to sound casual. "Nothing fancy, just…something nice. You and me, tonight. What do you say?"
She hesitated for a moment, and I could see the gears turning in her head. But then she smiled, and it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. "I'd like that, Ciara. I'd like that a lot."
A rush of relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but grin. "Great. I'll pick you up later, then."
She nodded, and as she turned to walk away, I couldn't stop the excitement that was thrumming through me. I had a date. A real fucking date. And even though it scared the hell out of me, I couldn't wait to see where this would lead.