#6
610 Words
Two weeks had passed since Aric had left the palace. Lina didn’t know where he had gone or why, only that his sudden departure left an unexpected void in her heart. She wandered the grand halls aimlessly, feeling more alone than ever.
Each day seemed to drag on endlessly. Without Aric’s commanding presence, the palace felt cold and lifeless. Lina tried to occupy herself with various activities, but nothing seemed to hold her interest. The books she once found fascinating now felt dull, the beautiful gardens outside seemed less vibrant, and even the comforting presence of Mary couldn’t fill the emptiness she felt.
Lina spent most of her time in her room, staring out the window at the vast expanse of forest that surrounded the palace. She wondered where Aric was and what he was doing. The thought of him facing danger without her knowledge made her heart ache.
One afternoon, as she sat by the window, Mary entered with a tray of food. "You haven’t eaten much today, Lina," she said gently, setting the tray down on the table beside her. "You need to keep your strength up."
Lina sighed, glancing at the tray of food. "I’m just not hungry, Mary."
Mary gave her a sympathetic smile. "You miss him, don’t you?"
Lina looked down, her cheeks flushing. "I don’t understand it. He’s so... difficult. And yet, I can’t stop thinking about him."
Mary sat down beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Love is often complicated, child. It’s clear that Aric cares deeply for you. He’s risked much to keep you safe."
"I know," Lina whispered, her eyes filling with tears. "But it’s more than that. I feel like a part of me is missing when he’s not here."
Mary nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You have a bond with him, Lina. It’s something rare and powerful. Give yourself time to understand it."
As Mary left the room, Lina turned her attention back to the window. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the landscape. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was happening out there, something she needed to be a part of.
Later that night, Lina lay in bed, unable to sleep. Her thoughts were consumed by Aric. She remembered the intensity of his gaze, the gentleness of his touch, and the way he had spoken to her with such raw honesty. Despite his rough exterior, she knew there was a tenderness within him that he rarely showed.
Unable to bear the loneliness any longer, Lina got up and walked through the darkened halls of the palace. She found herself standing outside Aric’s chambers, the door slightly ajar. Hesitating for a moment, she pushed it open and stepped inside.
The room was just as she remembered—dimly lit and filled with an aura of strength and mystery. She walked over to his bed, running her fingers over the smooth, cold sheets. Sitting down, she closed her eyes and imagined him there, beside her.
"I miss you, Aric," she whispered into the silence. "Please come back soon."
As the days continued to pass, Lina’s longing for Aric grew stronger. She realized that her feelings for him ran deeper than she had admitted to herself. It wasn’t just his protection she craved, but his presence, his strength, and the connection they shared.
One evening, as Lina sat by the window watching the sunset, she made a silent promise to herself. No matter what, she would find a way to understand her feelings and the bond she had with Aric. And when he returned, she would be ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, together.
- Writer
