POV Aiden
"Damn... I should stop dwelling on the past," I murmured, wiping away the few tears forming at the corners of my eyes.Night was falling fast. It was time to head back.If I was late again, the little princess would definitely scold me.
With a deep sigh, I started walking toward the castle.This world still felt surreal medieval, harsh, and filled with dangers I barely understood.At first, I had dreamed of becoming stronger, maybe training to be some kind of knight or adventurer.
But reality had hit quickly: traveling alone, without money or skills, would be nothing short of suicide. And besides...
My life was tied to Ciri now.
An orphan, sold into the service of the royal family of Cintra, my fate had become inseparable from hers. Climbing the stairs leading to her room, I paused for a moment, watching the soldiers training down in the courtyard.Their swords flashed in the twilight, every move precise and controlled. A pang of longing struck me.I wanted to learn, to defend myself not just for me, but for her too.Ever since I'd gotten this second chance at life, I lived with a constant fear of losing everything again.
"AIDEN! WHERE ARE YOU?!"
Ciri's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.I shook my head and hurried toward her room.Standing before her door, I took a deep breath and knocked.
Footsteps sounded inside, and a second later the door swung open.There she was white-haired, arms crossed, pouting furiously.
"Aiden! You're late again!" she exclaimed, stomping her foot.
I smiled apologetically, softening my gaze to calm her down.
"Sorry, princess. I… got distracted."
"The stars again?" she huffed, her pout deepening. "Why are you always staring at them? You should be with me!"
I knelt a little to meet her eyes."Princess... I'm just a servant. It wouldn't look good if I stayed by your side all the time. And besides... you're engaged, remember?"
She made a disgusted face, sticking out her tongue.
"Engaged to that pig? Ugh! I'd rather run away!"
"Shhh, princess... that's not something to say out loud," I murmured, glancing toward the hallway.
She shrugged dramatically, letting out a heavy sigh. "Whatever. I don't care. Anyway, I called you to tell me a story, like always."
With a playful smile, she bounced onto her bed, excitement lighting up her face.My heart clenched a little.More than anything, I wanted to protect that smile.
"Alright, princess. What story would you like tonight?" I asked, sitting at her side.
"Peter Pan! Tell me Peter Pan again!" she giggled, her eyes shining.
I chuckled and began.
---
At the end of the story, Ciri yawned, a sleepy smile softening her features.
"There you go, princess. Time to sleep now," I whispered.
I stood up to leave, but before I reached the door, her voice called out, small and trembling.
"Aiden?"
I turned back to her. "Yes, princess?"
She hesitated for a long moment, her eyes serious, almost fragile.
"You'll always be here for me... right?"
The question hit harder than I expected.I walked back to her, placed a gentle hand on her head, and smiled the best smile I could give, even as my heart ached.
"I don't know, princess. Life... it can pull people apart. Even when they don't want it to."
She lowered her gaze, sadness flickering across her face.It was almost too much to bear.
"But..." she whispered, "I don't want you to leave. Grandmother is mean for forcing me to marry that... pig. I would have preferred... you."
I blinked, stunned for a second, then smiled warmly.
"In other words, you just want someone to spoil you, princess?" I teased, ruffling her hair.
"Of course! I'm the princess!" she declared proudly, lifting her chin."And when I'm queen, I'll make you marry me!"
I laughed softly, shaking my head.
"Princess... you're destined for great things. I'm just a servant. Our paths are... very different."
But deep down, I wanted to believe.I wanted to protect her for as long as life allowed me to.
"Goodnight, princess. Sweet dreams," I said, walking to the door one last time.
---
POV Ciri
As I watched him leave, I curled up under my blankets, hugging my pillow tightly.The moonlight spilled across the rooftops, painting the world silver.Above, the stars shimmered, as if they could hear my quiet, desperate wish.
"Why can't Aiden and I stay together forever?" I whispered, a tear rolling down my cheek.
Outside, a shooting star crossed the sky.Remembering what Aiden had once said, I closed my eyes, clasping my hands together.
"Please... if there's any magic in this world, any hidden power in the stars... let Aiden and I be together. Let no fate tear us apart."
Opening my eyes, I looked up at the stars one last time before sleep took me a fragile, stubborn hope blooming deep inside my heart.