Inside the Palace
I sat on the edge of the bed, gently rubbing my damp hair with a towel after a long bath. The chill from the night Market still lingered on my skin, but the warmth of the water had helped ease it away. Aurelius had prepared the bath for me, quietly attentive as always, and I had taken my time soaking and washing away the dust of the day.
Now, with my hair nearly dry, I brushed it out and let it fall loosely over my shoulders. The firelight flickered across the room, casting soft golden hues that danced along the stone walls.
Aurelius entered moments later, freshly bathed, his bare chest glistening with droplets of water. His damp hair clung to his forehead and trailed water down his shoulders and back. Under the soft glow of the fire, he looked almost otherworldly—strong and quiet, with eyes that caught the light like molten gold.
I cleared my throat quietly, trying to steady myself in his presence.
After a moment, I rose from the bed and walked over to him. He had picked up a towel to dry his hair, but I reached out and gently took it from his hand.
"Let me," I said, meeting his gaze.
He didn't resist—just smiled, slow and calm.
"As you wish," he replied softly and took a seat on the edge of the bed, facing away from me.
I climbed up behind him, settling on my knees. Draping the towel over his head, I began to dry his hair with careful, slow movements.
He let out a faint laugh, the corners of his lips curling.
"If you keep going like this, I might fall asleep," he murmured, eyes closed.
I blinked, realizing how delicate I'd been. "Should I do it more roughly, then?" I asked, flustered.
His voice dropped into a husky tone. "No. Keep going. I wasn't complaining. I like it... like that."
I swallowed, quietly finishing the gentle rub before picking up a comb and running it through his hair with the same careful touch.
Once we were both finished, we lay down side by side on the bed, facing each other. The warmth of the fire crackled in the silence, lulling us into stillness.
My eyes grew heavy, and before long, sleep claimed me. The night Market, the walking, the lights, and the laughter—it all caught up to me the moment my head hit the pillow.
A long moment passed in silence.
Then Aurelius opened his eyes.
He turned slightly toward me, studying my sleeping face. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he reached out and brushed a few strands of hair away from my cheek, his fingers lingering near my skin.
His gaze stayed on me, unmoving. There was something unreadable in his eyes—something deep and distant.
So peaceful… he thought.
But behind that serenity, memories stirred. Old ones. Ones he hadn't dared to revisit in years. Not until now. Not until she came into his life.
He sighed quietly.
Is this fate… or is this my punishment?
To meet again like this.
His thumb traced the curve of my cheek lightly, as if afraid I'd disappear if he touched too hard.
He closed his eyes, a deep frown settling on his face as the weight of the past pressed down on him. Haunted by shadows he thought he'd buried long ago.
He pulled his hand away from my face and quietly slipped out of bed, his movements swift and silent. The calm expression he wore had faded, replaced by something unreadable. He walked toward the balcony, each step heavier than the last, as if trying to silence a storm brewing in his chest.
Once outside, Aurelius looked up at the night sky, eyes closed, drawing in a slow, deep breath.
The silence stretched.
Then, his voice rang out low and cold, cutting through the still night like a blade.
"Come out."
A moment passed—and then, with a soft thud, a figure landed on the balcony floor, soundless but sure.
It was a man. Tall, lean, and with the same air of confidence that Aurelius carried. His name was Enrique Darus—the youngest son of Aurelius's uncle, who was the brother of his late father. Not many knew of their true relation. In fact, no one knew Aurelius's real family, not even his mother. He kept his blood ties buried deep, never speaking of them to anyone.
"How amusing, brother," Enrique said with a chuckle, brushing invisible dust off his coat. "How did you know I was here? I was concealing myself quite well. No creature could've sensed me… but then again, you always ruin the fun."
Aurelius narrowed his eyes, stepping forward. "Cut the nonsense. Why are you here?"
Enrique sighed dramatically. "Must you always kill the mood? Do you ever not wear that scowl? Lighten up, brother."
Without waiting for a reply, he walked over to the cushions arranged on the balcony and threw himself down lazily.
"I said, stop babbling and get lost," Aurelius snapped, his voice sharper now. "Didn't I tell you last time not to come looking for me?"
"Oh, come now," Enrique replied, waving him off. "I heard you got married. Naturally, I had to visit and offer my congratulations. And of course—" his eyes lit up mischievously, "—meet my sister-in-law. Speaking of which… where is she? Can I see her now?"
He shot up from his seat and headed toward the curtain-draped doorway.
"Stop."
Aurelius's voice dropped lower, dangerously calm.
"Take another step and I'll hang you upside down on that tree."
He pointed at a nearby tree below the balcony, his expression cold and unwavering.
Enrique froze, his deep green eyes blinking innocently. "You're so mean, brother. You always make me feel guilty."
Aurelius pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'll introduce you to her later. Not now. She's sleeping."
"Really?" Enrique's mood instantly brightened, like a child who'd just been promised a treat.
"Yes. Now go," Aurelius said firmly. "Come back some other time."
Enrique sighed, then grinned again. "Alright, alright. Oh, by the way—Father sends his best wishes. He misses you."
Aurelius's expression softened just slightly. "Tell Uncle I'll visit him soon. Thank him for the wishes. Now leave. I don't want anyone seeing you here."
Enrique chuckled, closing the distance between them and clapping a hand lightly on his brother's shoulder. "Don't worry. No one can see me. You're the only one who's ever been able to crack my spells."
He took a step back and gave a playful wink.
"Good night, brother. I'll be back soon to meet her."
With that, he leapt off the balcony and vanished into the darkness, leaving no trace behind.
Aurelius let out a long breath and shook his head with a faint smirk.
"Stupid boy."
He remained there for a moment, staring into the distance, the night breeze brushing through his hair. Then finally, he turned and walked back inside.
Slipping under the covers beside me, he laid down and closed his eyes—his mind anything but quiet.
And soon, morning came.
I woke up alone in the vast, quiet room. Aurelius wasn't beside me. The spot next to me was cold, as if he had left long ago.
A soft knock broke the silence. My ladies-in-waiting entered, bowing politely.
"Good morning, Your Highness," they greeted in unison.
"Good morning," I replied with a warm smile.
"Please, allow us to prepare your bath," Samira said gently, guiding me toward the bathing chamber.
The water was already drawn and fragrant with rose petals. They helped me undress and step into the tub. The warmth was soothing, helping shake off the last remnants of sleep.
Once I was clean, Samira chose a soft peach dress with elegant puffed sleeves. She helped me into it while Ayna laid out the accessories. I stepped out into the closet area and sat in front of the mirror.
"Her Majesty asked us to bring you to her once you're ready," Samira said while brushing out the wrinkles in my gown.
"Alright," I said, nodding. "Just brush my hair first."
Ayna moved behind me and gently ran the brush through my hair, smoothing out the tangles. Samira applied a light dusting of powder to my face and dabbed a subtle reddish tint on my lips. Then she clasped a delicate necklace around my neck, pairing it with elegant earrings.
Once I was fully dressed and ready, they led me through the hallways toward the Queen's private garden.
When we arrived, Queen Seraphina was already seated comfortably beneath the shade of a tree, sipping tea as she admired the blooming garden. The air was fresh, the sky a bright blue, and birds chirped nearby—it was a peaceful sight.
I smiled and approached her with a slight bow. "Good morning, Mother."
She turned her head toward me, her face glowing with calm elegance. "Good morning, child. Did you sleep well? How was your first day in your new home?"
My thoughts flicked back to last night—the warm glow of the night market, Aurelius's hand holding mine, the unexpected kiss that still lingered on my lips.
I blushed without realizing it.
The Queen noticed immediately, her smile deepening.
"Judging by your expression, I take it my son has been keeping you quite entertained," she teased gently. "Come now, don't just stand there. Sit beside me."
Still flustered, I nodded and took the seat next to her.
"It was a good day, Mother. I like it here… and Aurelius… he's been kind to me," I said, voice softer than usual.
"Good," Queen Seraphina nodded with satisfaction. "He'd better be. If he dares mistreat you, I'll make sure he regrets it. Don't hesitate to tell me if he ever gives you trouble—I'll beat his royal behind myself."
I couldn't hold back my laughter.
But the moment the sound escaped, I stiffened, realizing it might've been inappropriate. "Ah… apologies, Mother. That was rude of me."
She waved her hand lightly and chuckled. "No, no, dear child. I told you already—no need to be so formal with me. I'm truly happy to have a daughter at last. Treat me like your real mother, alright? I'll make sure you feel all the love I've longed to give a daughter of my own."
Her words were sincere, and something warm bloomed inside me.
She went on, her voice softening, "I never cared much for the high-society etiquette either. I wasn't born a noble. I grew up in the mountains with my mother, just a simple country girl, until I met His Majesty. That's when my life changed."
She smiled fondly, lost in memory.
I blinked in surprise. "You weren't born a noble?"
Her story stirred my curiosity. I hesitated for a moment, then spoke.
"Mother… may I ask how you met His Majesty the King?"
She smiled gently. "Of course, child. I'd be happy to share the story with you.
My father was a royal knight—one of the most trusted men of the previous king, King Theodore's father. I used to visit the palace with him ever since I was a little girl. That's how I met Theodore. We were just children back then, and we used to play together whenever I visited. We would often sneak out of the palace and roam the streets freely. Theodore never liked being confined inside the palace walls."
She paused, gazing into her teacup, her smile softening with nostalgia. "Then one day, my father passed away from an unknown illness. It broke my mother. Every corner of our house reminded her of him, and she couldn't bear it anymore. So she took me, and we left the city to live with my grandmother in the mountains, hoping to find some peace.
We lived there like ordinary people for almost four years. Slowly, I began to forget the city life… and even Theodore. But then one day, he showed up—no longer a prince, but a king—riding into the village with his royal guards to ask for my hand in marriage. He came straight to my mother."
She giggled, the memory lighting up her face. "I was so shocked, I didn't know what to say. I still remember the villagers' faces when they saw a royal proposing to me. For all those years, I thought Theodore must've moved on and forgotten me. But he hadn't. He remembered me. And when he asked me in front of everyone, I cried. I couldn't say no."
She looked at me and smiled again. "That village gave me two blessings—Theodore, and later, Aurelius. It will always be lucky for me."
I smiled brightly, warmed by her story.
"Maybe it truly is a blessed place, Mother."
She nodded, her smile faltering just a little. "Theodore loves me so much… He never took another wife, even though I couldn't give him any children."
She lowered her head slightly, trying to hide the sadness in her eyes, but I saw it.
I reached out and held her hand gently.
"Mother, it's not your fault. And didn't God send you Aurelius when you needed a child the most?"
She looked up at me in surprise, and then smiled with genuine warmth. "You're right, child. Aurelius was truly a gift from the heavens."
She suddenly brightened. "Come now, I've kept you busy with my story, and you haven't even tasted your tea. Try this." She personally poured me a cup and handed me a piece of pudding.
"Thank you, Mother," I said, accepting both with a smile.
She nodded. "Good. Now, tell me—how do you like my garden? Is it beautiful?"
I looked around, amazed by the vibrant colors and the peaceful atmosphere.
"It's very beautiful, Mother. I really like it here," I said, grinning like a child.
We ended up spending almost an hour in the garden, talking and laughing, before the Queen offered to personally give me a tour of the palace. I couldn't refuse.
We walked side by side through the grand halls and elegant corridors, exploring every corner she held dear.
By the time the sun began to set, I returned to my chambers and found Aurelius sitting in the wine cellar, relaxed on a chair, sipping wine and gazing out of the window.
The moment I entered the room, he sensed my presence. He turned around, a slow smirk spreading across his face.
"I see you've grown quite fond of my mother's company," he said, eyes twinkling with mischief.
I gave him a pointed look. "Why? Are you hoping we'll start a dramatic mother-in-law and daughter-in-law feud already?"
He chuckled, lounging back in the chair with his wine glass in hand.
"No, on the contrary. It's good that my mother and wife are getting along so well. That way, I won't have to be caught in the middle, choosing sides."
I rolled my eyes at his overly pleased expression. "Stop with the gibberish and just tell me—where have you been all day? I haven't seen you since morning."
I walked over and sat beside him, expecting a casual answer. Instead, he tilted his head, his smirk deepening.
"We've only been married two days, and already you can't stand being away from me? I'm flattered," he teased.
I bit my lower lip and shot him a glare. "In your dreams. I didn't miss you. I just noticed your absence, that's all."
I turned my face away, trying to avoid the intensity in his gaze.
He didn't respond right away. Instead, he stood up slowly and approached me with silent, deliberate steps. When he reached me, he placed his hands on the table behind me, trapping me between his arms.
His face was just inches away now.
The warm hues of the setting sun filtered through the window, casting soft golden light over his features. His stormy gray eyes sparkled beneath thick lashes, and a few strands of black hair had fallen messily over his forehead. His chiseled jawline and the way he looked at me so intently made my heart falter.
For a brief second, I forgot to breathe.
I turned my face away in a rush, trying to regain control over my traitorous heart. "Wh-What are you doing?" I whispered, feeling the heat rush up my neck.
He didn't answer. Instead, his fingers gently took hold of my chin, guiding my face back to him.
"Look at me," he said softly.
His voice was low, filled with something deeper than teasing. His eyes searched mine as he leaned in closer.
"I don't care whether you missed me or not," he murmured. "Because I did. Ever since I laid eyes on you, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you. Your face follows me, even when I try to focus on something else. I don't know what kind of spell you've cast on me… but I'm caught in it."
His words stunned me.
My breath hitched, and I stared at him, unsure of how to respond.
He studied my reaction, then asked again, his voice almost a whisper, "Tell me the truth. Did you really not think about me?"
I hesitated. My lips parted, but no sound came. My heart was pounding so loud it drowned out my thoughts.
"I... I did," I finally admitted, closing my eyes tightly, as if saying it out loud made me vulnerable.
When I opened them, he was smiling.
"I see I'm not the only one, then," he said softly. "And for that honest little confession…" he leaned in closer, his eyes darkening slightly, "…I should probably reward you."
I blinked, confused. "What?"