Days passed, and I settled into my new life in Avalon. Henry's tours became my favorite part of the day, and I cherished our moments together. His kindness, intelligence, and passion for his kingdom drew me in.
One morning, Henry entered my chambers with a mysterious smile. "Close your eyes," he whispered.
I obeyed, curiosity piquing.
"Open," he said.
Before me stood Yelena, my loyal maid from childhood. Her warm smile and familiar eyes brought back a flood of memories. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I rushed into Yelena's embrace.
"How?" I asked Henry, overwhelmed.
"I sent for her," he replied. "I wanted to bring a piece of your past into our future together."
My heart swelled with gratitude.
Yelena's presence brought comfort, and we spent the day catching up. Henry's kindness and dedication to his kingdom reassured me.
But amidst the comfort, a nagging question lingered: why hadn't he touched me?
He had no mistress, no hidden agendas. Yet, no intimate gestures either.
One evening, as we strolled through the castle gardens, I gathered courage.
"Henry, may I ask something?"
"Always," he replied, his eyes sparkling.
"Why haven't you...touched me?" I whispered.
Henry's expression softened.
"I vowed to give you time," he said. "To let you heal, to trust me."
His fingers brushed mine, sending shivers.
"I want our love to be built on trust, not duty."
My heart swelled.
"You're worth waiting for," he whispered.
Emboldened, I took another step closer.
"Henry?"
"Yes?"
"May I have a kiss?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
I couldn't wait any longer, I wanted him to kiss me already.
Henry's eyes sparkled with intrigue.
"Meet me outside when it's a bit dark," he whispered, his voice low and husky.
I nodded, anticipation coursing through my veins. Later that evening, i went out to meet with him. Henry invited me to a moonlit stroll through the castle gardens.
The night air was crisp, and stars twinkled above. The sound of a lone violinist drifted through the gardens, adding to the enchantment.
As we stood beneath the arbor, Henry's eyes locked onto mine, filled with affection.
"Ariel," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.
His hands cradled my face, thumbs tracing my cheeks.
"In the midst of royal duties and kingdom affairs," he said, "you are my sanctuary."
His lips brushed mine, soft as a summer breeze.
The world melted away, leaving only us.
Our first kiss was a symphony of emotions.
I couldn't feel my legs anymore as they had become weak from his touch the moment he held me by the waist.
Time froze.
The stars aligned.
Our hearts beat as one.
Henry's lips danced with mine, a gentle waltz of love.
Tears of joy prickled at the corners of my eyes.
I felt home.
I felt loved.
I felt cherished.
As we broke apart, gasping for air, Henry's eyes shone with adoration.
"Forever," he whispered.
"Forever," I echoed.
Our lips met again.
This time, the kiss deepened.
Passion ignited.
Love flared.
In that moment, our love became eternal.
As we broke apart, gasping for air, Henry smiled.
"Magical," he whispered.
I nodded, my heart racing.
We strolled further, hand in hand, the night's magic surrounding us.
The violinist's melody changed, and Henry pulled me into a gentle dance.
Under the stars, with Yelena's return and our first kiss, I knew I'd found my happily ever after. Yelena's presence brought normalcy to my life, and Henry's affection grew.
We explored Avalon together through the evening and I learned more about its people and culture. Henry's love for his kingdom was contagious, and I found myself falling deeper in love with him.
The night became darker so we went back to the castle. As we sat on the throne room balcony, Henry turned to me.
"Ariel, from the moment I met you, I knew you were special."
My heart skipped a beat.
"I'm glad I didn't scare you off," I teased.
Henry chuckled.
"You couldn't scare me if you tried."
His eyes locked onto mine.
"I love you, Ariel."
My heart soared.
"I love you too, Henry."
In that moment, surrounded by the kingdom's grandeur, our love became the greatest treasure. We continued our conversation, lost in each other's eyes, when suddenly, one of the guards burst in, his urgency palpable.
"Your Highness, we are under attack," he exclaimed, his voice piercing the tranquil atmosphere.
Henry's expression transformed from serene to stern, his eyes flashing with concern. "Where?" he demanded, already striding toward the door. The guard hesitated before speaking,
"Zorvath' forces have breached our eastern border, sire." Henry's jaw clenched, his face set in determination.
"Summon the council and my brother."
"You" he gestured towards another soldier "prepare our defenses."
"Sire, your brother has not returned from his journey to Zorvath."
The soldier spoke with fear in his eyes.
Henry's eyes widened in fear, he turned to me, his eyes locking onto mine.
"Stay safe, Ariel. Go to your chambers, I'll return to you." And with that, he vanished into the chaos, leaving me reeling.
Henry's reassuring smile faded from my mind as I retreated to my chambers.
But my thoughts refused to settle.
Where was Prince Solomon?
I hadn't seen him since the day I chose my personal guards.
What was going on?
The castle's environment seemed deceptive.
An undercurrent of tension lurked beneath.
I sensed it. And now, what did the soldier mean by Solomon hasn't returned.
My heart quickened.
Something was amiss.
Suddenly, the castle's torches seemed to cast ominous shadows.
I couldn't shake the feeling.
That darkness gathered beyond Avalon's gates.
Waiting.
Watching.
For the perfect moment to strike.
And I was trapped in the midst of it.
The wind howled outside.
My chamber door creaked.
I spun around.
"Who's there?" I called out.
Silence.
Only the darkness replied.