Luna's POV
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Extra Chapter 1 – Honeymoon (POV Luna)
The journey to our honeymoon destination was a quiet one.
For the first time in what felt like forever, there were no looming threats, no battles to fight, no responsibilities to uphold. It was just Rhydian and me, leaving behind the weight of the world for a few stolen moments of peace.
The carriage rattled gently as it moved through the dense forest, the golden rays of the afternoon sun filtering through the thick canopy above. Birds chirped softly in the distance, their melodies blending with the rustling of leaves. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, grounding me in the moment.
I glanced at Rhydian, who sat beside me, his arm casually draped over the back of the seat. His gaze was fixed on the path ahead, but there was a rare softness in his expression. It was still strange, seeing him like this—relaxed, free from the burdens of war and duty.
"Are you nervous?" he asked, breaking the silence.
I blinked, turning to him. "Nervous?"
He smirked, his fingers brushing lightly against mine. "You keep fidgeting."
I hadn't even realized I was doing it. My hands were gripping the fabric of my dress, twisting it absently. Letting out a small laugh, I shook my head. "I guess… it just feels strange. Being away from everything. No threats, no council meetings. Just us."
Rhydian's hand found mine, his warmth steady and reassuring. "I know what you mean," he murmured. "But maybe… we deserve this. A little time just for ourselves."
I nodded, though a part of me still felt restless.
The carriage finally slowed as we reached a clearing in the forest. My breath caught the moment I saw it—a secluded wooden cabin, nestled between towering pines and overlooking a crystal-clear lake. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, and the soft golden light spilling from the windows made it look warm and inviting.
Rhydian stepped out first, then turned to offer me his hand. The moment I took it, he pulled me against him, his lips grazing my temple.
"Welcome to our honeymoon, my queen."
A smile tugged at my lips. "It's beautiful."
And it truly was. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could breathe.
A Moment of Domesticity
Inside, the cabin was even cozier. The walls were lined with dark oak, a plush fur rug sprawled in front of a stone fireplace. A small wooden table sat near the window, and a large bed covered in thick blankets dominated the room.
Rhydian placed our bags down, stretching his arms before turning to me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"So, what should we do first?"
I arched a brow. "You mean besides settling in?"
His smirk widened. "I was thinking of cooking something."
I laughed. "You? Cooking?"
He scoffed in mock offense. "I'll have you know, I make an excellent stew."
"I'll believe it when I see it."
Rhydian rolled up his sleeves and got to work, pulling out ingredients from the small pantry. I sat on the counter, watching in amusement as he chopped vegetables with practiced ease. The rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board was oddly soothing, and for a moment, I let myself simply enjoy the sight of him—so at ease, so effortlessly mine.
"Here." He suddenly held out a spoon toward me. "Taste."
I leaned forward, letting the warm broth hit my tongue. My eyes widened. "Rhydian… this is actually good."
He grinned. "Told you."
I laughed, shaking my head as I reached for a piece of bread, but before I could take a bite, he smeared a bit of sauce on my nose.
"Hey!" I gasped, swiping at my face.
He chuckled, looking far too pleased with himself. "Oops."
"Oh, you're in trouble now."
I grabbed a handful of flour from the counter and threw it straight at him. Rhydian barely had time to react before his chest was covered in white dust. His shocked expression lasted only a second before he lunged at me, wrapping his arms around my waist and spinning me around.
Laughter filled the cabin, mingling with the crackling fire.
For once, everything felt light.
A Midnight Swim
After dinner, Rhydian convinced me to take a walk to the lake. The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. The moon hung high in the sky, casting silver ripples across the water.
I stood at the edge, dipping my toes into the cool water. Rhydian, already shirtless, waded in with ease, his silver eyes glinting mischievously.
"Come on," he beckoned.
I hesitated. "It's cold."
He smirked. "I'll warm you up."
I rolled my eyes, but before I could protest further, he splashed water at me.
"Rhydian!" I shrieked, stumbling back.
He only laughed, the sound deep and unrestrained.
Narrowing my eyes, I took a deep breath—and jumped in. The cold was a shock at first, but before long, I was floating, weightless beneath the moonlight.
Rhydian swam closer, his hands finding my waist beneath the water.
"See?" he murmured. "Not so bad."
I sighed, resting my head against his shoulder. "No, not bad at all."
His arms tightened around me. "Luna," he whispered, his voice softer now. "I love you."
My heart clenched. Not because I doubted it, but because I knew—with every part of me—I loved him too.
I tilted my head up, pressing my lips against his. The kiss was slow, unhurried. A promise beneath the moonlit sky.
And for the first time in a long time, I let myself believe that we had forever.
Firelit Confessions
Later that night, we sat by the fireplace, wrapped in a shared blanket. The flames flickered, casting warm shadows across the wooden walls.
Rhydian traced circles on the back of my hand, his expression unreadable.
"What's on your mind?" I asked.
He exhaled slowly. "The future."
I tilted my head. "Ours?"
He nodded. "For so long, everything has been about survival. Fighting. Protecting. But now… we get to choose what comes next."
I swallowed. "And what do you choose?"
His eyes met mine, steady and unwavering. "You. Always you."
Emotion welled in my chest.
"You're my home, Luna." His voice was barely above a whisper. "No matter where we go, as long as I have you, I'm exactly where I'm meant to be."
I leaned in, pressing my forehead against his. "Then we'll build that future together."
He smiled, a small, intimate thing. "Together."
As the fire crackled and the night wrapped around us, I finally let go of the past and embraced the future.
And with Rhydian beside me, I knew—our story was only just beginning.
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To be continued...