Kaillas felt a bit of bashfulness at her compliments. He had always felt shame in how he raised his sisters. Those first initial years he had been pretty much absent from their lives. He had felt like an imposter and the weight if their family's death hung over them like a dark cloud. It had been a hard adjustment and they had gotten into more fights than he could count.
Perhaps one day he woukd take her on a trip through the kingdom so she could see everything. Sometime in the future. Kaillas always hesitated leaving the palace. Not for his safety but for his sisters and now his wife to be. His parents and brother had been murdered in cold blood in the middle of the night. For whatever reason, the assassin hadn't finished the job. There was always this sinking fear that he would return and kill the rest of them. Even though it had been almost seven years since their passing he was always holding onto some fear.
"Anything you could ever need is in the royal jewels. And if for whatever reason its not, you are more than welcome to purchase any jewelry you desire." He had more money than he could spend in a life time. He didn't care about the price tags.
Kaillas gave her fingers a slight squeeze as he led her away from the congestion of people and into the gardens. Had he not been on a mission he woukd have stopped and let her stroll through them leisurely. But he had someplace in mind for them to go.
There were a few people in the gardens but nothing like the courtyard. In the back of the gardens was a hedge maze. The hedges were half a foot taller than Kaillas was, giving them the privacy he was looking for. It wasn't a very large maze but it was beautiful nonetheless. There was a magnificent fountain in the center. He would take Ophelia there later. For now. He found themselves a quiet dead end fornthen to occupy in the back of the maze.
He knew the hedge maze inside and out. He had walked it so much as a young king he knew where every path led. Its how he was able to get them to cornered off dead end in the maze. He could hear a cpuple of people laughing loudly as they tried to navigate their way through it. As long as they were quiet, they shouldn't get caught.
Ophelia follows Kaillas through the gardens. Though she wishes that she could walk a little slower to take it all in, she keeps pace with him. There will be time to look at it all later after all. She appreciates the moment of privacy away from the bustling crowds. The tranquility of the garden and the allure of the maze intrigue her. As they reach a secluded dead end, Ophelia smiles lightly at Kaillas, appreciating his thoughtfulness in finding such a peaceful spot.
She takes a moment to soak in the surroundings, admiring the neatly trimmed hedges and the intricate design of the maze. The sound of laughter from afar reminds her of the world beyond their hidden sanctuary, but she focuses on the present moment, relishing this moment they can share.
“This is amazing,” She comments lightly, admiring the maze. It’s also impressive that he knows his way around so easily. She imagines that he must spend a lot of time in here. She can see why. It’s quiet and secluded. The privacy the tall hedges afford is nice. Being royalty means constantly being in the public eye. Hiding away here offers the perfect break.
Though she’s happy to admire the view, she does wonder why he’s brought her out here. The leave and quiet is nice but she assumed there’s a specific reason for it.
"I spent a lot of my time here when I was first coronated," Kaillas admitted. "I would get lost in the maze for hours at a time but it offered me some peace and quiet." He was never truly lost. All he needed to do was shout and someone would have come and fetched him out. But he never did. "Eventually, I memorized the maze. I could find my way out in my sleep now."
He leaned back against the hedge. It was strong enough to support some of his weight so long as he didn't fall back into it completely. "I come here when I need some time alone now. Not many people walk through the maze unless there is an occasion too." Other than a proposal or two, it's hardly ever utilized by anyone other than the staff keeping up with the trimmings.
Here in the privacy of the maze, he felt more confident to reach out and grab her waist, pulling her towards him. He didn't pull her flush against him as he wished he could. There were still several things holding him back, her age most importantly. He would wait until her twentieth birthday before he attempted to even initiate anything other than an innocent kiss. After she had time to learn a few things. And of course, nothing without her expressed permission. While he hoped that one day she would let him touch her, if she never did, he would respect that.
Ophelia's heart flutters as Kaillas unexpectedly pulls her closer, his touch both gentle and restrained. She can sense the longing in his actions, tempered by a respect for her boundaries. It is a delicate balance that he maintains, and it spoke volumes about his character. The way he so deeply cares about her own comfort is touching. It means a lot to her.
In the peaceful seclusion of the maze, she leans into his embrace, finding solace in his presence. She is a very affectionate person so she’ll happily take whatever he’ll give her. She’s admittedly rather touched starved since she has been so alone since childhood. Hugs and cuddles are a great weakness.
With a soft smile, Ophelia lifts her gaze to meet his. "Thank you for everything, Kaillas," she murmurs, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and affection. "You've been so good to me.” She got lucky with him as a husband and she knows it. Things could have been much worse for her.
Surrounded by the lush greenery of the maze, she finds solace in his company. Time seems to slow down as she enjoys the simplicity of being together, the world outside fading away. She will cherish this moment with him for years to come.
Kaillas hesitated as she leaned into him. It wasn't something he had been expecting. He had never been a very affectionate person. At least not once he had been turned over to squire for a knight and eventually end up in the army. Affection just wasn't a thing. If you got hurt, you had to man up. Men woukd take a whore to bed and be done with them as soon as they were satisfied. Most of what Kaillas could remember was a harsh life.
And yet despite all of this, he felt drawn to Ophelia. He wasn't sure what it was. They had only known each other for a couple days and yet he felt a longing to be by her side. He wished they had met under different circumstances. That perhaps they would have met at a ball and it was love at first sight. Or at least an infatuation. He wished this had been done right instead of them both being forced into a marriage. But if this hadn't been forced upon him, he didn't know if he would have ever taken a woman to be his wife.
"You do not need to thank me," he said softly. He hesitated before reaching uo a hand to place on her gentle cheek. And it was again that he noted their differences. How could a man like Kaillas ever truly deserve a woman like Ophelia? His scar was ugly and it made him look rugged and beastly. Everyone only ever saw him as a means to grab power. It was one thing he missed about the army, everyone was real with each other.
His thumb traced her bottom lip before he realized what he was doing. "Have you ever been kissed, Ophelia?"
Ophelia sighs softs as he sets his hand on her cheek, his touch tender and sweet. She lightly leans into his touch. It pains her to see how hesitant he is with all of this. Her own insecurities threaten to rise to the surface. She knows that she’s young and inexperienced. It worries her that he may not want anything to do with her because of that.
The arranged marriage isn’t how she wanted to start a relationship. It’s a little silly but she has always hoped for a fairytale romance. While this may not be how she wanted them to meet, she’s just happy that they did. She’s quickly growing fond of the man and she’s glad that they are in each other’s lives now.
As his thumb traces her lip, a faint blush creeps across her face. The question he poses catches her off guard. She contemplates her answer for a moment, wondering if she should be embarrassed. "No, I have never been kissed." Until this moment, she’s never had the desire to experience it.
Standing here with him, she finds herself longing for things she’s never once even thought she wanted. It’s strange the effect that Kaillas has on her. She isn’t sure why things with him are so different. She’s had suitors before but she’s always been cold when they tried to smooth talk her or even hold her hand.
Kaillas smiled as he saw the faint blush. It shouldn't please him so how such a small act had her cheeks heating. It also shouldn't please him that he woukd be her first and last kiss. He wouldn't have cared if she had kissed anyone before him. He wouldn't have cared if she had bedded a man before him. But it did something to him to know he would be her first of everything.
Still gazing down at her, he pushed off the hedge wall and stepped further into her. Not enough to crowd and he didn't trap her in. Her back was open to the hedge hall. He didn't want to seem like he was pressuring her or backing her into a corner. He never wanted to make anyone feel like that.
He dipped his head, their noses almost touching. "May I kiss you?" He asked. He wouldn't do anything without verbal consent. His eyes flickered behind them, as if just reassuring himself that no one was there. Even though he had heard the last of the residents exit the maze already.
Ophelia's heart skipped a beat as Kaillas stepped closer, his actions and the intensity of his gaze leaving her breathless. The blush on her cheeks deepens as his proximity intensified. Were it anyone else, she would be nervous and threatened to have them so close to her. With him, she feels safe.
Her eyes lock with his and she can't deny the effect he has on her, even as she struggles to make sense of her own emotions. The question he poses holds a weight beyond its simplicity, conveying his understanding of the significance this moment held for her. Her breath hitches in her throat when she realizes just how close they are. Their noses are nearly touching.
A soft, almost breathless response escapes her lips, "Yes, please." Her voice trembles slightly, revealing the blend of nerves that courses through her. Despite that she wants this, she can't help but be nervous. This is a first for her after all.
Kaillas let out a breath of relief as she said yes. He didn't know what he would have done if she said no. He would have respected her wishes of course but the turmoil he would have felt would have never been resolved.
His hand on her waist tightened slightly and his other cupped her cheek, titling her head up to meet him. He lowered his head further, finally connecting their lips. The kiss was soft, light. He wanted to ease her into the feeling of it. He pulled back for a moment, gaging her reaction, before leaning back and kissing her more.
This second kiss was a little harder than the first. Nothing like the kisses of passion in the bedroom, but still more. He wouldn't go so far as using his tongue nor teeth. He was afraid that would scare her. That was for another time.
His hand slipped from her cheek to her neck, trying to get a slightly better hold on her. He wasn't trying to man handle her. He would never do anything of the sorts. At least, not without expressed permission. When he finally broke apart from her, he leaned his forehead against hers, panting slightly at a loss of breath.
The nerves bubbling up inside of her grow as the distance between them close and Kaillas's touch intensifies, his hand tightening on her waist and his fingers cradling her cheek. She melts into the kiss, savoring its softness. With each passing moment, she feels herself being drawn deeper into the kiss.
As he pulls back momentarily, Ophelia's lips tingled, her breath uneven with anticipation. The way Kaillas gauges her reaction shows his attentiveness, his desire to ensure she is comfortable and receptive to his advances. It means the world to her. She meets his gaze, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and desire, silently giving him permission to continue.
The second kiss deepens, carrying a hint of longing and a yearning for more. She matches his intensity, though this is much tamer than she knows it could be, something she is grateful for at the moment.
When they finally break apart, their foreheads pressing together, her breathing mirrored Kaillas's panting. She savored the closeness, the shared breaths, and the raw emotions swirling between them. She's never felt anything like this before.
Her kisses were as every bit of soft as Ophelia was. It instilled Kaillas' fear that one wrong touch and she would break. She was so soft, so sweet, and he was not. He was hard and sharp. He was terrified to hurt her.
His eyes were shut as he leaned against her. He was soaking in this moment. He listened to her breaths. And he if he listened just close enough, he coukd feel her heart beating in her chest. He was sure she coukd hear is. It was pouding. He was worried it was about to jump out of his chest.
He wanted to stay here, hidden in this maze and kiss the night away. But he wasn't sure if she was up for something like that. And their missing presence would be noticed soon enough. It was nearing dinner time and he didn't want to keep their guests waiting.
He gave her one kiss, two, and then he finally pulled away from her. He was reluctant to let go of her entirely but they couldn't very well be found entangled like this. Even after they married, there was only so much public displays of affection that were tolerated. And Kaillas was not a public person. He didn't like showing his affections in the eyes of others. Even with his sisters, he rarely hugged them in person.
"Come now, dinner will be shortly," he murmured, offering her his arm. "We can speak later, after you've seen Katya." Speak, or kiss, whichever one was more enjoyable at the time.
Ophelia cherishes the tenderness of their kisses, savoring each moment as if time has slowed down just for them. As Kaillas holds her, she leans against him, feeling the weight of his worries and vulnerabilities. The rapid rhythm of his heart nearly comforting.
When Kaillas finally pulls away, she reluctantly let him go. She recognizes the need for discretion, the boundaries they would have to navigate even as their relationship blossomed. It saddens her that their affections have to be hidden, but she knows the world they live in demand such restraint. Things will be better after the wedding but they'll still have to keep things to a minimum.
"Of course," she replies softly, her voice carrying a hint of longing. "Dinner shouldn't be delayed on our account." She knows that they need to go back to the gathering but she's reluctant to do so. People will notice if they're gone for too long. She doesn't want to draw suspicion and get caught. Granted, they aren't really doing anything wrong but gossip can ruin lives. As they make their way toward the dinner gathering, her mind keeps wandering back to those moments that they just shared together.
She hopes that they'll be able to step away again. These rare moments where they can be alone are something she's starting to look forward to.
Kaillas lowered her head to speak in her ear, his lips brushing against the skin ever so slightly. "Will you let me come to your rooms tonight? We will only talk." He had no intentions of anything else other than perhaps a few light touches. He would use their conjoined door so no one would ever know. He wouldn't risk her reputation. Ladies at court coukd be brutal.
He straightened his back and only walked as close to her as acceptable. He had a lesierly stroll. He was in no rush to get back to the others. If he had a choice, he woukd have stayed in that hedge until night had fallen and it was time for them to retire.
The sun was almost set by the time they returned. Lanterns were lit, lighting up the courtyard. There were a few people dancing, including Elora and Katya. He felt some relief seeing both of them safe and sound. He caught eyes with a steward and motioned for them to start bringing out dinner. It was pushed out in carts and placed on tables set aside.
Kaillas brought Ophelia over to their designated table and took the glass of wine that was offered to him. This was the part he didn't like, speaking to the court. Speeches were not his strong suit. He looked at Ophelia. He had heard about how she had handled the court that morning at breakfast. "Would you like to invite them to eat?"
Ophelia feels a flutter of anticipation as Kaillas's words brushed against her ear. The rebelliousness of his request stirs something within her. She has never been one to break the rules. While he assures her that their meeting would be innocent, the idea of sneaking around does excite her. The fear of getting caught is her only hesitation. After a moment of consideration, she nods. “I would enjoy that,” She agrees softly. The door connecting their rooms suddenly seems like a wonderful thing.
Knowing that they need to be respectable and proper in front of everyone, she maintains what is deemed to be an appropriate distance between them. She stays as close as she thinks she can get away with, though.
As they arrive back at the courtyard, the festive ambiance catches her attention. The lanterns illuminated the scene, casting a warm glow upon the dancing figures. Relief washes over her as she spotted Elora and Katya enjoying themselves. She smiles, reassured by their presence and excited to speak with them when given the chance.
Kaillas's motion to the steward to bring out dinner draws her gaze, and she follows him to their designated table. Accepting the glass of wine, she took a small sip to steady herself. The prospect of addressing the court twice in one day makes her slightly nervous, but she it’s something she must overcome.
Not wanting to deny such a simple request, she takes a deep breath, gathering her thoughts, before raising her voice to address the gathering. "Ladies and gentlemen of the court, esteemed guests," she begin, projecting her voice with confidence. "I extend a warm invitation to all of you to join us for dinner. Please, join us at the prepared tables and enjoy yourselves.”
Food was placed upon the tables and refreshments were available for those that wished for anything other than wine. Pitchers were carried around the courtyard, refilling eager glasses. Kaillas himself had already downed his first glass which was quickly refilled.
Separate plates were set on their table. Ones that had been tasted. This way, there was no room for contamination or risk of poison if the only two touching the food were just the king and his bride. He offered a thankful look to the servant's that placed it on the table. He might not have been verbal with his thanks but he was grateful all the same.
He looked down at Ophelia. "You did wonderfully, my lady." Soon she would be his wife. A notion that he once dreaded he now anticipated. "Perhaps I should have you deliever all of my speeches." He hated public speaking.
He took her plate first and started placing a few items of food on it. He placed it I front of her and grabbed his own food. Pork chops, baked potatoes, some vegetables. He settled in his seat next to her.
"Would you like to dance with me after dinner?" He asked. "These festivities will go on long after midnight. At least the drinking and dancing."
A smile tugs at her lips when she hears Kaillas's praise, feeling a warm sense of accomplishment. She appreciates his support and the acknowledgment of her efforts. The notion of delivering his speeches makes her chuckle softly. "While I would be happy to do so, I'm afraid the court would tire of my voice after a while," she replied in a teasing manner, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
As the servants deliver her food, she makes sure to thank them. She picks up her fork, savoring the flavors on her plate, and listens to the lively chatter and laughter surrounding them. The atmosphere is enchanting. Everyone is so happy and full of life.
Feeling more at ease now, she actually finishes her first glass of wine and gets a refill. This will likely be it for her. Her tolerance is not high since she doesn’t drink often and she’s well aware of that fact.
When he suggests dancing after dinner, her eyes lit up with delight. "I would love to dance with you," she respondes, her voice filled with enthusiasm. She’s thrilled that he asked. She didn’t think that Kaillas is the type to enjoy dancing so she’s happy that she appears to be wrong.
This event seems like it will go on for quite awhile based on what he’s saying. She’s not certain that she’ll make it to midnight but she’s willing to give it a try.
Kaillas took a bite of his food, swallowing and washing it down with some wine before looking back at Ophelia. A flaw of his, or at least as he saw it, was that he was a wonderful dancer. It was all apart of being a master swordsman. He had to be light in his feet, graceful. The best way to learn was through dance. And he was so wonderfully good at it.
He dropped a hand beneath the table and subtly touched the crook of her arm, an affevtionate gesture in his eyes. "This will go on for a while. Likely after midnight. I didn't anticipate either of staying that long which is why I had Katya set to meet with you later. But if you wish to stay longer I can reschedule her for tomorrow. She won't mind." In fact, the princess would likely enjoy getting to stay out a little while longer.
He took another sip of his wine as he gazed out on the crowd. Most of everyone had setted into seats along the table, grabbing food. Katya was still dancing on the floor with some lord's son. He was too old to do anything with her other keep his hand high on her waist. He was being utterly respectful but he still kept a watchful eye. He didn't like it when his sisters got any male attention.
Kaillas finished his plate rather quickly. When served all in one course, he was a fast eater. Always had vern, even before leaving the palace. His plate was taken away as soon as he had placed his utensils down and his glass of wine had been filled. This woukd be his last glass, not that he was feeling any of the effects of it.
He sat back in his chair, just watching. Had he felt truly scandalous, he would have placed his hand on Ophelia's thigh. But he felt like he had done enough with her today. Perhaps another day he would try. Perhaps somewhere a little more quiet.
Ophelia enjoys her meal, savoring each bite as she listens to Kaillas's words. The touch of his hand on her arm beneath the table sends a shiver of warmth through her. She appreciates his consideration, his willingness to reschedule the meeting with Katya if she wishes.
She glances at Katya on the dance floor, her eyes filled with amusement as she observes her spirited movements. It’s not hard to tell what Kaillas is thinking right now, espically since she knows how protective he is if his sisters. Not that she can blame him after what happened with his family.
With her plate cleared away, she set her utensils down and took a sip of wine. The lively atmosphere around them, the music, and the laughter, all contributed to the joyous ambiance of the celebration. She leans slightly closer to Kaillas, her voice low as she responded to his suggestion.
"I think it’s best to let Katya have her freedom. If she wants to stay out later tonight, I don’t wish to hinder her. I have no qualms with rescheduling.” She wants the girl to have fun. They will have plenty of opportunities to speak later on. It’s not as though their conversation is urgent.
Ophelia glances toward the girl once more, a smile gracing her lips. She’s sure that she'll have stories to tell after tonight and she looks forward to hearing them when the time is right.
She rests her hand gently on top of Kaillas’, looking over to him. “Shall we go join everyone on the dance floor?”
Kaillas blinked, almost startled as Ophelia spoke to him. He had been too focused on watching Latya dancing with that boy, even as everyone else had slid away to eat. They woukd need to have a talk. Not only was he too old for her she was too young to be thinking about such things.
He nodded his head. He woukd Catalina tell her the new later. After she had settled down to eat. But she still needed to be in bed by eleven. "She will be thankful for it. I'll make sure you have time tomorrow." The wedding was less than a week away. Time was of the essence.
He looked down as he felt her hand on his. He raised his thumb to just softly caress the side of her hand. He gave her a gentle smile and nodded his head. "Yes, let's." He got to his feet, taking her hand to lead her to the center of the dance floor. Katya had thankfully parted from her partner to watch as they approached. The dance floor had cleared entirely to let them dance together.
The music paused for a moment, letting then get into position, before a more upbeat song began to play. Kaillas knew the steps well. His feet guided along the makeshift floor.
As Kaillas takes Ophelia's hand and led her to the center of the dance floor, a surge of excitement courses through her veins. The crowd parts to give them space, and she could feel the curious gazes of the courtiers upon them. But in that moment, all that mattered is her and Kaillas.
As the music starts, she follows his lead, matching his steps with grace and fluidity. She revels in the feeling of being in his arms, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. She is swept away by the rhythm, the energy, and the joy that surrounds them. Dancing is a something that was was taught at a young age so she’s able to keep up without a problem.
The dance floor seems to shrink, the world narrowing down to just the two of them. Her eyes lock with his and she can’t help but smile, feeling a deep sense of contentment wash over her.
They twirl and spun, their movements synchronized. Ophelia marvels at Kaillas's skill,l and his poise, having not expected this of him. It was clear that dancing was like second nature to him. She couldn’t begin to fathom why but she certainly isn’t complaining.
Kaillas was spinning her around the floor. They moved well together. They were the perfect partners, at least on the floor. Everything faded away from him. The people as they watched from the sidelines and even as a few joined the floor with them.
Kaillas had never enjoyed dancing, not like this. It always felt like a chore to him. Even dancing with his sisters, he could only dance for a song or two before he was done. But with Ophelia, he felt like he could dance all night.
As the third song began to play, they were interrupted by his sister Elora, stealing Kaillas away from Ophelia. But she wasn't left alone for long. Ambrose, his Hand, stepped in and took Ophelia I'm the dance.
"I don't believe we've had a chance to meet," he said, "My name is Ambrose. I'm the king's hand. We were stationed with each other in the army." He had been there the day Kaillas had received the news of his family's death.
As the third song begins, she smiles as Elora approaches them. She steps away so the two siblings can dance together. It’s sweet to see how much Kaillas loves his sisters.
Happy that Kaillas and Elora are getting to spend some time together, she prepares to step off of the dance floor for a quick break. That does not happen. Before she has a chance to step away, she’s approached by a man who introduces himself as the king’s hand. She’s been wanting to meet him so she’s happy to take this chance to do so.
It's a pleasure to meet you," she replies, completely sincere. She’s heard a little bit about him and is aware that he and Kaillas have known each other for years. It’s her assumption that they’re friends. Or at least as close to friends as possible.
Regardless of if he and the king are friends or not, she knows that Ambrose has a position of high power in the kingdom. It would be best if she gets on friendly terms with him.
Ambrose looked down at Ophelia, sending her in a twirl before brining her back to him to continue the dance. He raised his eyes slightly to look at Kaillas and his sister, smiling at how happy he looked.
"I don't know what you've done but he is infatuated with you," he said. "I have never seen him behave this way for a woman before. And especially not one he's only known for a day or two."
He lowered his voice as he brought the princess closer to him. The music should be loud enough that no one would overhear but it was better safe than sorry. There were always listening ears around here. "Be careful with him," he murmured, "He may not seem like it but he is a fragile man. He's been through too much. I can't watch him go through anifhsd heartbreak."
He remembered the day Kaillas was told of the news of his family. He remembered the day the palace raven came in and they new it wasn't good news. He woukd never unhear the king's screams. Kaillas didn't even cry that much when he got the wound on his face. In fact, Ambrose had never seen him cry before that day.
While the dance itself is fun, she’s merely waiting for the conversation to begin. She knows that the king’s hand didn’t come over here and introduce himself merely to be nice. There is more to it. She understands that.
Ophelia’s expression softens as she listens attentively to Ambrose's words. She can sense the genuine concern in his voice. It’s good to see first hand that the king’s hand actually cares about him. She knows that in some courts, the advisors would sell the king out in a heartbeat. It’s reassuring to see that this isn’t the case.
"I appreciate your honesty and your concern for Kaillas," Ophelia replies lightly. "I can see that he carries the weight of his past on his shoulders, and I would never want to add to that burden. I assure you that I will handle his heart with the utmost care."
“Thank you for looking out for him," She adds, sincerity coloring her voice. "Your friendship means a great deal to him, and I can see why. The life of a king can be a lonely one. He is lucky to have someone looking out for his well-being.”
Ambrose wasn't sure how he liked that answer. It felt almost rehearsed. He supposed only time would tell if her words were truth or simply said to satisfy an answer. While she sounded sincere, many people at the court knew how to sound truthful and yet mean the opposite of what they said.
"Tell me about yourself." They knew very little about the princess other than her age and name and that she was prime for child bearing. Not a fact that Kaillas nor Ambrose took well to hearing. "We've heard so little about you."
Perhaps it was a good thing they hadn't heard much. Usually when a royal was well known, it meant that there was something wrong with them. That they were a terrible person or did awful things. Or were put in awful situations such as Kaillas had. Most monarchs knew him because of his family's deaths. That's all they knew about him. And it irritated the king any time they offered sympathies when visiting or visited.
Kaillas was laughing at something Elora said. Probably something provocative. He spun her around until she was dizzy on her feet before pulling her back in.
