The wooden carriage rocked gently over the winding mountain road, lantern light dancing across the polished panels. Rain‑soaked earth clung to the wheels, but inside, the air was warm with the heat between them. Hinata sat opposite Raikage A, her lavender eyes bright in the lantern glow. His hand hovered over hers on the cushioned seat.
"Why do you look so troubled?" he asked softly, voice barely rising above the clip‑clop of hooves.
She drew a shaky breath. "I fear… everything. My husband, my duty, our villages—" Her words faltered as his thumb brushed her knuckles, grounding her in this forbidden moment.
He leaned forward, closing the space between them. "Tell me what you feel," he murmured.
Hinata swallowed. "I feel alive… but guilty. I want you, yet I fear what I've become." Tears glistened on her lashes.
He reached across, cradling her cheek. "Guilt is proof of your heart," he said, voice gentle. "But desire… desire is proof of our truth."
Their eyes locked. She leaned into his palm, trembling. "Promise me one thing," she whispered.
"Anything."
"That this—us—won't destroy you." Her voice cracked.
He cupped her face with both hands, thumbs stroking her cheeks. "I would bear any storm for you," he vowed. His lips hovered at her temple, then pressed a tender kiss there. "No shame. Only this moment."
She closed her eyes, savoring the press of his lips, the strength of his vow. Outside, rain pattered against the carriage roof; inside, two hearts confessed in the gentle sway of stolen intimacy.
To Be Continued…