Elowyn stirred awake, her eyes still closed. A comforting warmth surrounded her, akin to being wrapped in a soft blanket—yet strangely firmer.
What is this? It's so warm… so comfortable… But why does it feel different?
Slowly, she opened her eyes, only to be met with Ashan's sleeping face mere inches from hers. His black hair was tousled from sleep, yet his features remained effortlessly handsome.
Elowyn's face turned bright red in an instant. Her body froze. Her heart pounded wildly against her chest.
Did I… Did I hug him all night?
I'm crazy! What was I thinking?!
Carefully, she pulled her hands away from him, but her gaze refused to leave his face.
His face… was he always this good-looking?
Before she realized it, her hand began to move toward him, drawn in by an unfamiliar sensation.
It's happening again… I'm losing control over my body… Why? Why am I feeling like this?
Her soft fingers brushed against Ashan's cheek. A strange warmth flooded her, making her breath hitch.
My body… it's heating up… What is this feeling? I've never felt this before…
Just then, Ashan's eyes fluttered open, his golden irises calm and unreadable.
Elowyn gasped and instantly jumped out of bed.
"S-Sorry! I didn't mean to touch you! It was my fault!" she stammered, looking away with a flushed face.
Ashan sat up and smiled. "Are you alright? You weren't in great shape yesterday."
"What do you mean?"
"I think you had a bad dream," he replied. "You hugged me like someone was trying to take you away."
Elowyn lowered her head. "I… I'm really sorry."
"You don't have to apologize," Ashan said gently. "If something is troubling you, you can talk to me—no matter what it is."
"No, nothing's wrong… really."
Ashan didn't push further. Instead, he put on his white shirt and patted her head lightly.
"Everyone goes through difficult times," he said. "Some pains are hard to bear alone. But if you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember—you have me. Got it?"
Before Elowyn could answer, Ashan left the room.
She stood frozen, her face burning even hotter than before. Her body trembled from an emotion she couldn't name.
That's where it all started.
…
That morning, Maria was busy preparing with the maids, ensuring everything was perfect for the arrival of their guest. Excitement gleamed in her eyes as she bustled around the house.
Ashan entered the room, catching her attention.
"Son! You're up early," Maria said, grabbing his hand. "I was just about to come find you."
Ashan chuckled. "Mother, you seem really excited. You must truly like Grandfather."
Maria nodded.
"Of course! After my parents passed away, he treated me like his own daughter. He did everything to make me happy. So, yes—I love him dearly."
"I see," Ashan said, smiling. "He's arriving this morning, right?"
"Yes, he should be here soon. Oh, by the way—where's Elowyn?"
"She's in my room, changing. I think she's putting on the dress you gave her yesterday."
Maria's face lit up.
"Oh, that's wonderful! She said she'd wear it. By the way, is she troubling you? We allowed her to stay in your room because she was scared to sleep alone."
"Don't worry, Mother," Ashan reassured her. "She's doing fine. She's not a bother. Eventually, she'll move to her own room."
"Maria, how do I look?"
A deep voice interrupted them, and they turned to see Leone standing before them. He wore a regal coat, a striking blend of black and gold.
Maria's eyes widened. "My god… Even after all these years, it still looks amazing on you." She approached him with admiration.
Ashan observed the coat with interest. "Father, that really suits you. But I've never seen it before."
Leone looked down at it fondly. "This was the last gift your grandfather gave me before leaving for Shenzurai. I thought today would be the perfect time to wear it."
Maria beamed. "It's perfect."
Leone turned to Ashan. "Son, shouldn't you start getting ready?"
"I will, Father. I just woke up." He stretched. "I think Elowyn is still changing. I'll go check on her."
Leone nodded approvingly. "Good. Take care of her as much as you can."
…
After freshening up, Ashan changed into his new clothes.
Is Elowyn done? She should be by now…
He sighed.
Because of her, I can't even use my room freely.
Knocking on the door, he called out, "Elowyn, are you ready? Can I come in?"
A few seconds later, her voice answered. "Come in."
Ashan stepped inside—and froze.
Elowyn stood before him, dressed in an elegant light-blue gown. The fabric draped beautifully around her, enhancing her delicate frame. With her silver hair cascading over her shoulders and her bright blue eyes gazing at him, she looked like a princess from a fairytale.
"H-How do I look?" she asked shyly. "Do I look… weird?"
Ashan stared in awe. She's asking if she looks weird?.
Without a word, he turned around and left the room.
Elowyn gasped. "Wait—why did he leave? Does he… hate how I look?"
Her heart sank. Embarrassed, she covered her face with her hands.
A few moments later, Ashan returned—this time holding a single red rose.
Elowyn peeked through her fingers. "Ashan? What's wrong?"
"Stand up," he said, walking toward her.
Confused, she obeyed.
Ashan gently tucked the rose into her hair before stepping back to admire her. A smile crossed his lips.
"Now," he said, "you're one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen."
Elowyn's eyes widened.
"If you don't believe me," Ashan continued, "turn around and check the mirror."
Slowly, she turned to look at her reflection. Her breath caught.
Ashan stepped beside her, his gaze meeting hers in the mirror.
"I have to admit," he said, "this is the first time I've seen you look this stunning. I really like how you look."
Elowyn bit her lip, her cheeks turning red as she averted her eyes.
"Why?" Ashan teased. "Is it awkward to hear that you're beautiful? You're such a shy girl." He chuckled.
"Anyway, I'll be waiting outside. Take your time."
Elowyn watched him leave, a soft smile forming on her lips. But in her heart, she didn't yet realize that the happiness she felt at that moment was something more.
To be continued…