Chapter 11
826 Words
Serena
Silence filled my chamber , and only the flickering candle cast warm shadows upon the walls . I was just about to lie down to sleep . In a week , I would be leaving this place forever . My bags were half - packed , my heart half - healed .
Suddenly , the door creaked open .
“You’re not asleep ?” Toren’s voice broke the silence .
“No ,” I answered curtly , “but I was about to .”
“Come . I want to show you something .”
“Now ?” I blinked . “It’s late , and I’m not going anywhere with you .”
“I’ll be waiting by the gates ,” he said simply .
“Then pitch a tent there for all I care , I’m not coming .”
He shrugged . “As you wish ,” he said - and in the next second , he tossed me over his shoulder .
I gasped , hitting his back with my fists . “Toren ! Put me down this instant !”
But he only smirked , ignoring my protests .
Moments later , we were far from the castle , standing in a breathtaking place . A silver moon stretched over a quiet field . The sound of a nearby waterfall softened the night , and the stars blinked above us like ancient eyes .
He finally set me down .
Toren
“I don’t want you to leave ,” I said quietly . “I don’t care if you’re a servant or a princess or anything in between . I just want you . Only you .”
Her eyes met mine . “You shouldn’t say that .”
“Why not ?”
“Because you already belong to someone else . To her - to Maretta . “
I stepped closer , frowning . “What are you talking about ?”
“She’s the one you said you loved since the childhood . The one you believe is the king’s niece . How can I ever compete with that ?”
“You don’t need to compete with anyone . Maretta .. she’s not you .”
“But she’s the one you were about to give everything for . How do I know you won’t leave me when things get complicated ?”
Her voice cracked . She turned away , whispering , “You already did once .”
“Serena ..”
She straightened her shoulders , eyes glistening in the moonlight . “I didn’t come to this place to fall in love . I came for revenge . I thought you were responsible for my father’s death . But I was wrong . It was someone close to him .. his friend ..”
I froze . “Your father ?”
She nodded . “Marshal Frostvale . He was my father .”
The air left my lungs .”You .. You’re his daughter ?”
“Yes .” Her voice wavered . “ You admired him , didn’t you ?”
“ I worshipped him ,” I whispered . “ He was everything I wanted to be .”
My chest tightened . She looked so strong , yet so heartbreakingly fragile .
“I’m sorry you had to carry this alone ,” I said , stepping closer .”And I’m sorry for what you thought of me .”
“I don’t hate you , Toren “ she said . “But I can’t stay .”
She turned to leave .
I couldn’t let her go .
I caught her wrist , pulled her back - and she fell against me , breath catching . For a second , neither of us moved . Then I kissed her .
And she kissed me back .
Her lips trembled against mine , soft and uncertain at first . But then she leaned in , and my arms wrapped around her like they were made for it . The world fell away - no war , no lies , no blood , no names . Only her .
Her fingers tangled in my shirt , and my hand rested on the small of her back , anchoring her to me . Her breath was warm and rapid , her heart pounding in time with mine .
When we finally pulled away , I rested my forehead against hers .
“I never let you go again ,” I whispered . “No matter what happens . I’ll fight anyone - anything - to keep you by my side .”
She didn’t speak . She didn’t need to .
In that moment , I knew she believed me .
And that was enough .
- Writer
