Return to Glory

Decisions

The days went by quickly after Alex and Aidan's first s****l encounter and during those, aside from their pleasant routine, they had been able to add this saucy new activity to their day-to-day. And, though the brunette considered herself almost anything but classy, the sheer amount of times they'd been practicing the activity was enough to make even her blush.

Before she could even notice it, more than a month had passed since she had first arrived. However, though the time had flown by without her being able to register it, things felt so comfortable, it was almost like she had been cohabiting with the young prince for years. She knew well she had never been so calm or blissful and it all felt like some fairytale dream. Despite her negative side reminding her every now and then that she was neglecting even her mother for her own selfish desires, her more logical side also liked to mention that the other woman was excellent at adapting to every situation that was presented to her and was surely well.

As each day passed, and the relationship with Aidan bloomed even more, she slowly became more convinced that she was willing to leave the kingdom behind, and let things evolve on their own. After all, she was not part of the conflict. And neither was the prince.

Watching the blond stuff a forkful of mashed potatoes into his mouth, some of it leaving bits behind on his heavy beard, Alex made the decision. "I'm not taking you back to Echeveria," she announced.

The prince's eyes lit up more than ever. "Are you serious?" His voice still indicated his enthusiasm.

"Yes. I'm torn in making this decision, but I've developed such an affection towards you, I don't want you to be unhappy." She knew she was basically confessing she had strong feelings towards him, but she couldn't care less. It wasn't like she was ashamed of admitting that. Though she wasn't very interested in discussing what was going on between the two; she was more than happy to just let things flow naturally.

"But you're going to be leaving?" His tone changed abruptly, even sounding slightly despaired.

"Well, yes, I can't stay forever…" she stated truthfully as she ate much calmer than the first time she had tried Aidan's cooking.

"Why not?"

The words caught her off-guard. She liked the idea and had considered it herself, but not only could she not invite herself on her own, she also had other things she needed to tend to at the citadel. Including her mother.

"I should go back to see how my mother is doing," she replied, unsure if she should add the other bit.

Aidan seemed a bit disappointed, but there was a determination in his emerald eyes that Alex had never seen before. "Then go, check on her, and come back. Forever."

The brunette's face burned red. She hadn't really thought of that. Her fantasies were just based on their day-to-day, following their routine, enjoying their company and now bodies, but she had never considered the option of "forever". Yet, now that the blond had proposed it, her heart was racing, and even her gut was telling her it was the best decision she would ever make.

"I… are you serious?" Aidan hadn't been much of a jokester, aside from the occasional pun or innuendo, but she was scared it might be too good to be true.

"Yes. Marry me," he added and Alex's head began to spin. Things had escalated too quickly. She didn't have a single doubt; in the moment, it was everything she could want. But it had come like an avalanche. "Damn. I love you, you know? I know I still hadn't said it, but it's true. Marry me."

It was true. They hadn't said the words yet, which was fine, since both pretty much knew it just from their interactions. Alex felt that a month had been too little time for such a development, but they lived together every single waking moment of the day. And their interactions had been nothing but perfect.

"How?" was all she could think of asking.

"In the town, where I buy stuff. Or not there and we can have our own ceremony alone here. Whatever you want. Just stay with me as my partner for life."

Aidan was never one to talk much, but as he requested all this of her, the words flew from his mouth with all the despair of someone who was losing the most important thing in his world.

Alex watched him with loving eyes. She didn't even want to go back just to make sure her mother was well. If it were for her, she'd just take Aidan's offer then and there and would never leave. "Yes," she replied, smiling. She felt like a silly maiden, but was unexpectedly happy with the idea. She enjoyed knowing she was great at her job, but had discovered now that this life of peace and quiet was much more rewarding.

Aidan's large hand wrapped around hers as a huge, joyful grin stretched across his face. Clearing his throat to calm down his more than evident glee, he stated, "Okay, you will go back to the citadel and ensure your mother is well, then you will come back and stay with me."

He made it sound so simple. Alex wondered if it was possible he didn't even know how hard it was to find this cottage. He probably didn't, as he knew the way to and from that village he said he frequented when he needed some specific supplies. The brunette supposed she should go there, with his indications, and from that point start towards the citadel. As she had wandered so long in the forest, she had no idea how long it would take for her to go and come back, but it surely would not be just a few days.

As she began to calculate an estimated amount of time, a loud, insistent knocking at the door startled them both.