The Bravery Soul

Chapter 13 The Bravery Soul

Phoenix only laughed, pulling her back into his arms. “Fine. I’ll shut up — for now. But just so you know, I meant every word last night.”

Princess rested her head against his chest, her heart fluttering. Deep down, she knew he meant it — and that scared her, but also made her feel safer than she’d ever felt before.

Princess was still curled up in bed when she heard noises from the kitchen — clattering pans, the faint sound of a knife on a cutting board.

Curious, she sat up slowly, wincing a little from the soreness, and grabbed the blanket around her shoulders before walking toward the sound.

When she peeked into the kitchen, she saw Phoenix standing there in a plain white shirt, sleeves rolled up, hair still messy from sleep, carefully flipping something in a pan.

“Phoenix…” she said softly.

He turned, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. “I told you to stay in bed, babe.”

Princess blinked. “You’re… cooking?”

“Trying,” he said with a small shrug. “Don’t expect a five-star breakfast, but you need to eat after last night.”

Her cheeks turned red immediately. “Y-you don’t have to say it like that…”

He chuckled, setting the pan down and walking over to her. “Why not? It’s the truth. You wore yourself out — or maybe I wore you out.”

Princess lightly smacked his arm, pouting. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it,” he teased, kissing the top of her head before guiding her to sit down.

She watched as he placed a simple plate of eggs and toast in front of her. It wasn’t fancy, but the fact that he had made it made her chest feel warm.

“Eat,” he said, sitting across from her. “You need strength if you’re going to stay here with me.”

Princess hesitated for a second, then smiled softly, picking up her fork. “You really aren’t going to let me run away, are you?”

Phoenix leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on hers. “No, babe. You’re mine now. Get used to it.”

For the first time, Princess didn’t argue. She just ate quietly, her heart feeling strangely light.

When she looked up, Phoenix was still watching her with that quiet, serious expression — the one that made her feel both nervous and safe at the same time.

Maybe, just maybe, this was the peace she had been searching for all along.

Princess was focused on her food, trying hard not to look at Phoenix staring at her like that.

Just as she lifted a piece of toast to her mouth, Phoenix suddenly leaned across the table and stole a quick kiss from her lips.

“Phoenix!” she gasped, almost dropping her fork, her cheeks turning bright red.

He just grinned, completely unbothered. “What? You looked too serious. I had to remind you you’re mine.”

Princess pouted, trying to hide her smile. “You can’t just kiss me whenever you want!”

Phoenix smirked and leaned closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “Babe, after last night, I think I can.”

Her face turned even redder, and she quickly turned away, shoving another bite of toast into her mouth to avoid answering.

Phoenix laughed softly, standing up and coming behind her chair. He bent down and kissed her cheek this time, lingering just long enough to make her heart flutter.

“Finish your breakfast,” he murmured near her ear. “We have all day… and all night, babe.”

Princess froze, her whole face hot, and Phoenix walked away with a smug grin, clearly enjoying every second of her reaction.

For the first time, she didn’t feel the urge to run.

Instead, she smiled shyly to herself.

Princess stood quietly on the terrace, her hands resting on the railing as she stared at the breathtaking view in front of her. The sky was painted in soft colors of the setting sun, but her heart felt heavy.

She didn’t even notice Phoenix until his warm arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her against his chest.

“Hmmm…” he murmured softly near her ear. “What are you thinking about, babe?”

Princess bit her lip, hesitating before finally whispering, “I’m… worried.”

Phoenix turned her gently to face him, his brows furrowing. “Worried? About what?”

Her voice trembled. “About what happened last night. What if… what if I get pregnant? What kind of life will I have? I’m scared, Phoenix.”

Phoenix tightened his arms around her, holding her so close she could hear his heartbeat.

“Listen to me, Princess,” he said in a firm, steady voice. “I am here. I will never leave you — not even in your darkest time.”

Her eyes filled with tears.

“Believe it or not,” Phoenix continued, brushing a tear from her cheek, “I will run to you even if it’s through hell. You hear me? We might be young, but my love for you is deeper than the sea.”

Princess’s lips trembled. “Phoenix…”

He cupped her face gently, forcing her to meet his intense gaze.

“Don’t worry about anything,” he said softly but with conviction. “I’ll marry you, Princess. I’ll talk to your parents myself. I’ll make sure they know I’m serious about you.”

A tear finally rolled down her cheek, but this time it wasn’t from fear — it was from relief.

Princess threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. “You better not break your promise,” she whispered.

Phoenix smiled faintly and kissed the top of her head. “Babe, I’m not just promising. I’m making it happen. You’re my forever — starting now.”

The world around them seemed to disappear as they stood there on the terrace, holding each other under the quiet sky, ready to face whatever came next — together.