A PLACE ONLY FOR YOU
906 Words
The doors to Lincoln's private chambers closed softly behind them.
For a moment...
Silence embraced the room.
Octavia stood motionless, her emerald-green eyes wandering from one corner to another.
She had expected elegance.
She had expected luxury.
But nothing...
Nothing could have prepared her for this.
The room was magnificent.
Towering arched windows overlooked the moonlit kingdom of Eldoria, while sheer black curtains embroidered with silver threads danced gently in the evening breeze.
A grand fireplace burned quietly, filling the room with warmth.
Shelves carved from ancient ebony stretched from floor to ceiling, lined with hundreds of books collected over generations.
A polished grand piano rested near the balcony doors.
Several paintings hung upon the walls—not portraits of kings and queens, but breathtaking landscapes of mountains, oceans, forests, and distant cities.
Everything reflected strength.
Everything reflected discipline.
Yet somehow...
The room also felt peaceful.
Safe.
As though nothing evil could ever cross its walls.
Octavia smiled.
"So..."
"This is where the Crown Prince disappears whenever everyone is looking for him."
Lincoln chuckled softly.
"It happens more often than you'd think."
She slowly walked across the room, admiring every detail.
"You have wonderful taste."
"My mother says I have too many books."
Octavia laughed.
"I don't think there's such a thing."
Lincoln smiled.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
---
She stopped before one of the enormous windows.
The entire kingdom glittered beneath the stars.
"It's beautiful."
Lincoln walked beside her.
"It always reminds me..."
"...how much there is to protect."
She looked at him.
"You carry a lot on your shoulders."
"It's part of who I am."
She nodded gently.
"I think that's one of the reasons people respect you."
Lincoln remained silent.
He wasn't used to someone seeing beyond the title.
---
"Close your eyes."
Octavia blinked.
"What?"
He smiled.
"Just for a moment."
Laughing softly, she obeyed.
"I hope this isn't another surprise."
"It is."
She heard footsteps.
The faint sound of a drawer opening.
Then...
"Alright."
"You can look."
Slowly opening her eyes...
She found a beautifully wrapped gift resting in Lincoln's hands.
The ribbon was midnight blue.
At its center rested a single silver rose.
"For me?"
Lincoln nodded.
"Happy Birthday, Octavia."
She accepted it carefully, almost afraid to disturb its perfect wrapping.
Inside...
She found a delicate silver necklace.
Hanging from it was a beautifully crafted emerald pendant that shimmered whenever it caught the light.
Her eyes widened.
"It's..."
"It's beautiful."
"I had it made especially for you."
Her eyes slowly filled with tears.
"No one's ever..."
She couldn't finish her sentence.
Lincoln gently smiled.
"You don't have to say anything."
Without thinking...
She stepped forward and hugged him.
This time...
Lincoln wrapped his arms around her without hesitation.
Neither of them spoke.
Some moments were too precious for words.
---
A gentle knock interrupted them.
A palace servant entered, carrying a silver tray.
"Your Highness."
"The refreshments you requested."
Lincoln thanked him quietly.
After the servant left...
Octavia looked at the tray.
Fresh fruit.
Warm pastries.
Hot chocolate.
Her favorite strawberry tarts.
She looked at him in surprise.
"You remembered."
"I remember everything you tell me."
Her heart skipped.
He hadn't bought expensive gifts to impress her.
He had simply paid attention.
That meant far more.
---
Later...
They sat before the fireplace.
Talking.
Laughing.
Sharing stories from childhood.
Octavia told him about climbing fruit trees with the neighborhood children back in Ashford.
Lincoln admitted that, as a little boy, he had once hidden from his tutors in the palace library just to avoid another afternoon of etiquette lessons.
"You?"
She laughed.
"The perfect prince?"
"I wasn't always perfect."
"I'd like proof."
"I'm afraid all the witnesses have become very loyal."
She laughed so hard that tears formed in her eyes.
Lincoln found himself smiling simply because she was happy.
---
Hours passed unnoticed.
The fire burned lower.
Outside...
The stars seemed brighter than ever.
Lincoln opened the balcony doors.
A cool breeze drifted into the room.
"Come."
"I want to show you something."
She followed him.
The private balcony overlooked the entire kingdom.
Below them...
The palace gardens glowed beneath moonlight.
Fountains sparkled like liquid crystal.
Beyond the palace walls stretched forests, rivers, and the distant lights of Eldoria.
Octavia rested her hands upon the marble railing.
"I've never seen the world look so beautiful."
Lincoln stood beside her.
"I've stood here countless nights."
"But tonight..."
He looked at her instead of the view.
"...it feels different."
She turned slowly.
"Different?"
He nodded.
"I've always admired this view."
"But tonight..."
"...I'm not looking at the kingdom."
"I'm looking at you."
Octavia's cheeks warmed instantly.
Neither of them looked away.
The night breeze played gently with her orange-red curls.
Without thinking...
Lincoln reached out and carefully tucked one loose curl behind her ear.
His fingers brushed lightly against her cheek.
"So beautiful..." he whispered.
Her heart beat so loudly she was sure he could hear it.
She lowered her eyes shyly.
"I don't think anyone has ever looked at me the way you do."
He answered softly,
"That's because no one sees you the way I do."
For a long moment...
The world around them disappeared.
No palace.
No titles.
No duties.
Only two hearts quietly finding their way to each other beneath a sky filled with countless stars.
And neither of them knew...
That this peaceful night would become one of the memories they would cherish forever.
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