Aurelia Delensar blinked slowly, her voice laced with nonchalance. "Oh, so you don't have a room."
Caelum Valtaris softened his breath, waiting for the princess's decision. Every motion of Aurelia's seemed magnified in his eyes—the flutter of her lashes, the rise and fall of her chest like a budding flower, the way her teeth gently pressed into her lower lip. His thoughts wandered recklessly, imagining time freezing in that moment, just the two of them together. He could die happily in that eternity.
But alas, time moved on after a mere second.
His mistress decided not to reward her knight with any generosity.
"You'll be on watch tonight, Caelum. Do your best ^v^," Aurelia chirped, her tone light but dismissive. She considered patting his shoulder for encouragement, but the thought of the hard armor stinging her delicate palm made her hesitate. Her hand instead rested back on the doorframe.
"Goodnight," she smiled, and with a soft "click," the door closed behind her.
Caelum stood outside, momentarily stunned, then let out a low chuckle. It was fitting. The same princess who had publicly dismissed him a year ago wouldn't soften over something as trivial as him sleeping outside her door. His Queen Isolde was never one for mercy.
The next morning, the magic barrier over the capital briefly lifted, and Caelum escorted Aurelia out of the Kingdom of Delensar. With swift, agile movements, he navigated the rooftops, carrying her effortlessly through the city gates and into the open countryside. The heavy golden armor he wore seemed weightless as he moved, leaving only a faint trace of crimson bloom in the air.
Aurelia nestled in Caelum's arms, her back against his broad chest. The summer breeze lifted the hem of her dress, occasionally revealing her pale calves and the laced boots she wore. She gazed eagerly at the horizon, where the sun rose, painting the sky with a rich, golden hue.
"Brother once told me," she began, her voice filled with wonder, "that far to the south lies a city where the sky never darkens. They experience seventy-two sunsets in a single day, each one followed by a new sunrise. Isn't that fascinating, Caelum?"
"Hmm," was all the knight offered in response.
Aurelia was used to his silence. In the palace, she often spent her days alone, her brother and Queen Isolde always occupied. She didn't care for the company of the other noble children, so she'd entertain herself by counting the shadows cast by the sun on the high palace walls.
"The bards say it was once the dwelling of the Holy Light on earth," she continued. "The Holy Light's temple was built there, becoming the heart of faith in Delensar."
A more eloquent knight might have replied, "You are my eternal faith," earning a smile of approval. But Caelum remained silent, his thoughts and desires churning within him, threatening to consume him. He was clumsy and timid around Aurelia, afraid that even his breath might startle her. If he revealed his true self, she would surely reject him.
Yet, today, Caelum made a small step forward. "My lady," he asked, "would you like to visit Vesperia Wastes?"
Aurelia's heart stirred at the mention of the city of eternal light, but she shook her head. "Not yet. I need to write to my brother first, so he doesn't worry." She pulled her hood back on, her sharp chin and soft lips barely visible in the shadow. "I'm going to nap again, Caelum. Goodnight," she murmured, settling comfortably in his arms.
When she awoke, they had reached a small town. The inn was clean and tidy, but Aurelia noticed the absence of her familiar golden knight. "Caelum?" she called, receiving no response. Just as she began to wonder where he'd gone, the door creaked open, and the aroma of roasted lamb filled the room.
She turned, ready to praise Caelum for his thoughtfulness, but her expression froze. A stranger stood in the doorway—a tall, muscular man with dark skin and hair tied into a high ponytail. His loose shirt clung to his frame, the fabric straining against his chest. He exuded a wild, dangerous aura, like a creature of the night.
Aurelia stepped back, her guard up. But seeing the tray of food in his hands, she assumed he was a servant. "How dare you enter a guest's room without permission?" she scolded, her voice cold.
The man paused, setting the tray down and arranging the silverware before looking up. "My lady," he said in a deep, familiar voice, "it's me."
Aurelia's eyes widened in shock. "Caelum? What… how…?"
"I traded my armor for coin," he explained, kneeling before her with a pair of delicate silk slippers in his hands. The contrast between his dark, calloused hands and the pristine white shoes was striking. He reached for her ankle, his touch sending a jolt through her.
"Ah!" she gasped, pulling back instinctively. Caelum's grip was firm but gentle, his golden eyes hidden beneath lowered lashes. "The floor is dirty," he said simply, his voice steady.
Aurelia's fastidious nature took over, and she allowed him to slip the shoes onto her feet. "I need to bathe," she declared, her tone imperious.
"Eat first," Caelum insisted, his concern evident.
"No, I must bathe now!" she snapped.
Caelum didn't budge, his silent resistance clear. Aurelia hesitated, surprised by the intensity of his emotions now that the armor was gone. She felt a strange unease, realizing that Caelum was not like the obedient servants she was used to. He was dangerous, even if the Bloodbound Oath bound him to her.
"Once we reach the next town," she said coolly, "I'll need a maid."
Caelum's eyes widened in confusion. "My lady?"
But Aurelia offered no explanation. She turned and walked toward the bathroom, locking the door behind her. The sound of the latch clicking echoed in the quiet room, leaving Caelum alone with his thoughts.