The sun had dipped toward the horizon, painting the evening sky in breathtaking hues of amber and rose. Our carriage moved steadily along the winding roads, flanked by knights on horseback, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. The rhythmic clatter of hooves against the dirt road filled the silence between us.
I sat across from Aurelius, stealing quick glances at his striking features. He lounged lazily, one leg crossed over the other, his elbow resting against the window ledge as he supported his chin in his palm. The setting sun cast warm red hues across his face, illuminating his gray eyes as he gazed outside in quiet contemplation.
For a long moment, neither of us spoke. I didn't know what to say, and he seemed in no hurry to break the silence.
Then, his voice drifted through the stillness, rich and smooth.
"Princess…or" He paused slightly tilting his head he continued "Should I say, wife?"
My heart faltered at the word—wife. My fingers, which had been nervously fidgeting in my lap, froze. Slowly, I lifted my gaze to meet his.
"Tell me, Princess, what would you prefer to be called? I shall obey." His lips curled into a knowing, smug smile.
I opened my mouth, but for a moment, no words came. Then, before I could stop myself, I stammered, "A… Amara, y-your highness."
I quickly dropped my gaze, embarrassed at my own nervousness. His lips twitched in amusement.
"No need to be afraid—I don't bite." His voice held undeniable amusement. "And don't call me that. You're my wife now, you're allowed to say my name."
He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. "Come now, say it. Amara."
I hesitated before murmuring, "Aurelius… Is that alright now?"
"Perfect." He smirked, as if pleased with himself. Then, with an almost casual air, he added, "I must admit, my mother spoke of your beauty, but I doubted her."
He tilted his head slightly, his eyes darkening with something unreadable. "Now that I've seen you in person, I must say… she wasn't lying." He paused, then murmured, "From the moment I laid eyes on you, I found it impossible to look away. You are quite the beauty, Princess Amara."
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I struggled for a response, and before I could think, I blurted, "Y-you are quite beautiful yourself, Aurelius."
He let out a low, amused chuckle. "That, I am."
As the night deepened, the carriage came to a halt near a river, the moonlight shimmering across the rippling water. The knights set up camp nearby, their voices carrying through the cool night air as they laughed and spoke amongst themselves.
I remained in the carriage, watching from the window as Aurelius stepped away to bring me food.
A short while later, he returned, placing a bowl of steaming meat into my hands. "Eat this," he said simply.
I glanced at him. "What about you, Aurelius?"
"You eat first. I'll have mine outside." Without another word, he turned and stepped out of the carriage, leaving me alone once more.
I took a small bite, my gaze unconsciously drifting toward him again. He sat among his men, laughter slipping from his lips, the firelight casting warm shadows across his face. His hair, tousled by the evening breeze, framed his elegant features.
For a long moment, I simply watched him, my thoughts tangled in disbelief. My husband.
The words felt foreign. Surreal.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't realized he was looking back at me. When our eyes met, he smiled. My heart jolted, and I quickly averted my gaze.
By midnight, I woke up feeling uncomfortable in the cramped seat. Shifting slightly, I glanced ahead and found Aurelius lounging lazily, his eyes closed as if he were asleep.
I sat up slowly, careful not to make any sudden movements, not wanting to wake him. Yet, as if sensing me, his deep voice reached my ears.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, opening his eyes and looking toward me.
I jolted slightly, caught off guard. My gaze snapped to his face.
"I... I can't help it. I'm not used to sleeping in such cramped seats. I've barely traveled anywhere beyond my kingdom," I admitted, lowering my gaze, my cheeks warming.
He sighed. "Forgive me, princess, but we can't help it. Traveling at night isn't safe on these roads." His gaze flickered toward the river outside, and after a brief moment, an idea seemed to spark in his mind.
Turning back to me, he extended his hand, a playful glint in his eyes.
"If you can't sleep, dear wife, how about we take a night stroll?" he asked with an amused smile.
I blinked at him innocently. "Really?"
He nodded. "Yes. Now, shall we?"
Hesitantly, I placed my hand in his, and he helped me out of the carriage.
The cool night air brushed against my skin, making me shiver involuntarily. Aurelius noticed instantly. Without a word, he took off his coat and draped it over my shoulders.
Surprised, I blinked up at him. "Thank you," I murmured.
He smiled. "Come, let's go near the river."
Taking my hand, he led me toward the water's edge.
The camp was silent, everyone was lost in sleeping. We strolled quietly along the riverbank, the sound of the flowing water the only thing filling the air.
I gazed at the shimmering surface, then up at the moon and stars above. The sky stretched endlessly, thousands of stars twinkling against the velvety darkness. It felt alive, as if it were breathing.
"Isn't it beautiful?" I whispered, mesmerized.
Aurelius followed my gaze, his lips curling into a soft smile. "That, it is."
I turned my gaze toward him, only to find him already looking at me.
"But I believe it's even more beautiful because I'm gazing at it with you," he added smoothly.
My breath hitched, and warmth rushed to my cheeks. Quickly, I looked away.
"Ugh... let's walk some more," I coughed slightly, trying to escape the moment.
He chuckled but followed without protest.
For a while, we walked in silence until I hesitated, then spoke up.
"Can I…?" I trailed off, embarrassed about how to phrase my request. "Can I go into the river to wash my face and feet… and—" My face burned even more.
Aurelius immediately understood. "Go ahead, but be careful. Don't go too deep," he said, pointing to a nearby tree. "I'll be right there." He turned away, walking toward it, leaning against the trunk with his arms crossed, facing the opposite direction like a true gentleman.
Still blushing, I hurried behind a bush to relieve myself.
Once done, I wandered toward the water, my eyes shining with amusement. I removed my shoes and dipped my feet in. A shiver ran up my spine at the cold touch, but I smiled, enjoying the sensation.
Leaning down, I washed my hands and face before splashing the water playfully with my feet.
A giggle escaped my lips.
Aurelius, true to his word, remained turned away.
But just as I was about to step out, my foot slipped on a smooth rock.
My eyes widened.
"Ahhh!"
SPLASH!
Water surged around me as I tumbled in.
Aurelius's head snapped toward me the moment he heard my yell and the water's disturbance. His eyes widened before he rushed toward me.
I struggled to regain my footing, but he waded in and extended his hand. Without hesitation, I grasped it, and he pulled me up.
For a moment, he simply stared at me.
Then—
Laughter.
A deep, full-bodied laugh burst from his lips.
"What…" he chuckled, "what exactly were you doing?" His laughter only grew louder.
I turned my face away, mortified. "I slipped on a rock," I muttered, squeezing my eyes shut and biting my lip.
"Ha-ha!" He laughed even harder.
"Stop laughing! It's not funny!" I pouted.
"I'm sorry—" he coughed lightly, trying to regain composure. "But I just can't help it."
Before I could protest further, he bent down and—
Lifted me into his arms.
Princess-style.
My eyes widened in shock.
"W-what are you doing?" My voice came out shaky.
"We don't want you slipping on another rock, do we?" he teased, amusement twinkling in his gray eyes.
I blushed furiously, quickly lowering my head and wrapping my arms around his neck.
Just like that, he carried me back to the carriage, opened the door, and gently set me down inside.
I let go of his neck, shifting uncomfortably in my damp dress.
"Stay here. I'll fetch you a dry one from your belongings," he said before stepping out.
I sat there quietly, waiting. Soon, he returned, handing me a fresh dress.
"Here. Change into this. I'll be outside," he said, placing it in my hands before closing the door behind him.
I quickly undid my dress ribbons, slipping out of the wet fabric before putting on the dry one.
Once dressed, I opened the door.
"Aurelius," I called softly.
He turned to face me. "Are you done?"
I nodded.
He walked back and stepped inside. I quickly shut the door behind him.
"Sleep now, Amara. The night is long," he murmured, glancing at me.
Then, he leaned back and closed his eyes.
I placed my damp dress under the seat before lying down, closing my eyes as well.
The night passed peacefully, and by midday, we finally arrived at Aurelius's homeland—my new home.
As the carriage rolled to a stop before the grand palace, Aurelius stepped out first before turning toward me. His hand extended, his fingers slightly curled, waiting for mine.
Hesitantly, I placed my hand in his, and he helped me down.
Before I could take in the magnificence of the castle, a woman approached—elegant, regal, yet warm in her presence. The Queen.
His mother.
Queen Seraphina.
I quickly curtsied and bowed my head. "Your Majesty."
But before I could lower myself fully, she reached forward and grasped my shoulders, gently stopping me. "Oh, dear, there's no need for that."
I blinked, slightly startled.
Her lips curved into a radiant smile. "You are my daughter-in-law now. There is no need for formalities between us. Just call me 'Mother'—that will be enough."
I hesitated, but her warmth made it impossible to refuse.
"As you wish, Mother."
Her eyes sparkled at my response. "Good." She took my hands, leading me inside as she asked, "How was your journey? The roads weren't too rough, I hope?"
"It was alright, Mother. I quite enjoyed the scenery along the way."
She beamed. "Good, good. And how was my son? He didn't bore you, did he? Or did he do someth—"
Aurelius cleared his throat, cutting her off. "Mother."
Queen Seraphina merely laughed, throwing her son a teasing glance. "Fine, fine, I won't tease you—this time. Now, come quickly, both of you."
And just like that, I was led into my new home, my new life.