As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the palace gardens, Augustus arrived at Nerina's chambers. He opened the door gently, his eyes lighting up when he saw her already standing, looking out of the window.
"Sorry, I kept you waiting," he said softly, stepping closer. "How is your body feeling?"
I turned towards him, my dark hair cascading over my shoulders, her expression soft. "I'm fine," I replied with a small smile. "I even tried taking a walk around my room earlier."
Augustus smiled, relieved. "That's good to hear." He extended his arm toward me. "Like I said yesterday, there's something I wanted to show you, Rina. Will you be alright if we walk a little?"
I linked my arm with his, the warmth of his touch giving her comfort as they made their way through the palace halls. Ember eagerly trotted behind them, his small frame moving excitedly as if hes' afraid to lose sight of me again.
The evening air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from the palace gardens. The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of gold and orange.
As he led me outside to the gardens, the vibrant colors of the flowers softly glowed under the dimming sky, illuminated by the moonlight and flickering lanterns. They walked along the path until they arrived at a secluded area by a small, serene pond.
My breath got caught at the sight before me: a beautifully crafted wooden boat, gently floating on the water, surrounded by delicate lanterns that cast a warm, golden glow over the garden. The reflections on the pond's surface made the scene feel like something out of a dream.
Augustus paused beside her, his gaze tender as he watched her take in the scene. "This place," he began softly, "Is something I've been working on for you. I've wanted to show you for a while, but with everything that's happened, it didn't feel like the right time... until now."
My eyes widened in surprise, touched by the beauty of the place he had created for her. I turned to him, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's breathtaking... You did this for me?"
Augustus smiled, warmth radiating from him as he gestured towards the boat again. "It's my way of showing you how much you mean to me, Rina. This place is a reflection of you—serene, graceful, and full of beauty. He then gestured toward the boat. "Shall we take a ride?"
I nodded, a soft smile curving her lips as Augustus took her hand and helped her into the boat. Ember settled near the edge of the pond, watching as they boarded.
Once they're settled, Augustus gently rowed them across the still waters, the soft glow of the lanterns surrounded them. The reflection of the stars and the moon shimmered on the pond's surface, casting a dreamlike aura over the entire scene.
As they drifted in peaceful silence, Nerina leaned her head on Augustus's shoulder, the tranquil atmosphere making her feel safe and cherished. The soft sound of water lapping against the boat and the gentle creaking of the oars blended with the quiet evening, and for the first time in a long while, Nerina felt truly at peace.
Under the soft glow of the moonlight, Augustus gazed deeply into Nerina's eyes, his hand gently brushing against her cheek. The air around them seemed to still, the world fading away as they shared this intimate moment.
"I love you, my nymph," he whispered, his voice soft but filled with unwavering sincerity.
My heart swelled as I looked into his eyes, my hand finding its way to his. "I love you too, my ice king," I breathed, my words carrying all the emotions she had held in her heart.
As if drawn by an unspoken force, they slowly leaned toward each other, their lips meeting in a passionate, tender kiss. The warmth of the moment surrounded them, the gentle sound of the water and the flickering lanterns creating a perfect backdrop for their embrace.
The kiss deepened, a reflection of their unbreakable bond, as if in this one moment, all their shared struggles, love, and devotion culminated into something timeless. The stars above seemed to shine brighter, as if witnessing a love that transcended everything else.
When they finally pulled away, both breathless, they rested their foreheads against one another, content in the knowledge that their hearts were forever intertwined.