The next morning, Valeria couldn't bring herself to meet Asher's gaze. He was gathering his belongings, preparing to return to the Lohra estate.
"Alright, I have everything. Lock the door behind me, okay?" Asher said.
Valeria stood in the doorway of her bedroom, keeping a deliberate distance.
Asher sighed and closed the gap between them, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her against his chest. A gasp escaped her lips as she looked up at him, wide-eyed and flushed red.
"What are you doing? Just leave already, idiot…" she stammered, flustered.
Asher frowned, his tone firm. "Is this how it's going to be now? We're pretending like nothing happened? Like you weren't moaning and writhing beneath me last night?"
Valeria's eyes widened in shock, and she smacked his chest with all the strength her embarrassment could muster. "Asher! Don't say things like that! You brute!" Her voice was a mix of indignation and mortification.
She paused, looking down as her cheeks burned even redder. "I… I really enjoyed last night," she murmured. "It meant a lot to me."
Asher's expression softened instantly, his voice lowering. "It meant a lot to me too. I don't want you to regret it or feel bad about it. What we did wasn't wrong even so we are not married, Valeria."
Valeria couldn't look at him. Guilt clawed at her chest as the weight of her actions sank in. She was married to the king. And Asher was a knight. They weren't married, weren't bound by any promises. What they had done was sacred, yet completely forbidden. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought of the king finding out.
Still, she couldn't deny the truth—she didn't regret it. Asher had been gentle and patient, the polar opposite of her experiences with the king. She had given herself to him fully, something she could never even imagine doing with the man who claimed to be her husband.
Asher's voice interrupted her spiraling thoughts. "I know you're overthinking this. Don't," he said, his hand gently lifting her chin so her eyes met his. "Last night was perfect for me. I'm glad it was me who got to show you what love should feel like. Please, don't feel bad about it."
Valeria let out a shaky breath. "I don't feel bad about it, but… you know it was completely wrong. I'm married, Asher. And what… what did last night even mean to you?" she asked hesitantly. She wouldn't be mad at him if it was just some fun for him because he was bored. He never promised her anything more.
Asher smiled faintly, his gaze unwavering. "It meant everything to me. I know you're still married, but as long as I'm here, I won't let him take you back. You're mine now."
Valeria scoffed, rolling her eyes despite the warmth spreading in her chest. "First of all, I'm my own person. I belong to no one. Second, I hope you protect me because if the king ever finds out, he'll kill you first and then lock me away, probably in a tower."
Her voice was serious, and Asher knew she wasn't exaggerating. Still, his lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Like I swore last night, I swear it again. I'll protect you with my life, my lady." He dropped to one knee in an exaggerated fashion, clutching his chest as though making a solemn vow.
Valeria laughed, shaking her head. "You're impossible, you know that? But fine, I'll take you up on that oath. Now, get up and leave before it gets too late."
Asher stood, but not before stealing a quick kiss. Valeria's face turned red again. "I'll leave now, but I'll be back soon. I'll ask Lord Lohra if I can stay here and protect you every second of the day. I've hated leaving you here alone."
Her heart warmed at his words. The thought of having him by her side was comforting, even if she wouldn't admit it out loud. "Are you sure? I'd have to deal with your ugly face every day." She teased, smirking.
"I'm sure. Even if your sharp tongue drives me to my grave, it's worth it. Besides, you didn't seem to mind my face last night, not with how much you couldn't stop kissing me."
"Asher!" she shrieked, hitting his chest again as he laughed. "Just leave already!"
Grinning, Asher walked to the door but paused when Valeria's voice softened. "And… come back to me soon."
He turned, his grin widening. "Your wish is my command, my lady. Don't miss me too much."
She rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face was undeniable. "You're such an idiot. And stop calling me 'my lady.' You never did that before."
Asher leaned casually against the doorframe, as though he didn't want to leave. "Too formal? Should I call you 'sweetheart'? Or 'my love'? Or maybe 'my beauty'?"
Valeria raised an eyebrow, her tone playful. "Call me whatever you want, but… am I really your love?"
Asher's teasing demeanor faded as his face turned serious. Dropping his bag, he strode back to her in a few quick steps and pulled her close. His lips claimed hers in a passionate kiss that left her breathless.
When he pulled away, his voice was steady, but his eyes burned with emotion. "You're my everything, Valeria. Since the day we met, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you. Your attitude drove me crazy, but it only made me fall harder. I don't know when exactly it happened—maybe when I saw you half-dead after the wolf attack—but I fell head over heels for you."
Tears welled in Valeria's eyes. Few people in her life had ever loved her unconditionally. Hearing his confession made her heart ache in the best way. "I think I fell for you too… I just wish we had met before the king forced me to marry him. Everything is such a mess."
Her voice trembled, and Asher immediately pulled her into his arms. "It'll be okay," he whispered. "I promise. You have me now."