The sun had barely risen, casting a golden glow over the training grounds, but Arianne was already awake. Sleep had evaded her, her mind consumed with thoughts of Rian and the dangerous emotions he stirred within her. She needed to focus on her training, on proving herself. Yet, every time she closed her eyes, she saw him standing beneath the moonlight, waiting for her to admit what she already knew in her heart.
She stepped onto the field, gripping the hilt of her sword tightly. Today, she would not let emotions cloud her judgment. Today, she would be a soldier, nothing more.
A Grueling Trial
Commander Alden's voice rang across the field. "Today, we test endurance. This is not a battle of strength but of will."
The recruits lined up, tension thick in the air. Arianne found herself beside Rian again, their proximity making her pulse quicken. He said nothing, but she could feel his eyes on her.
The trial began. They ran, climbed, carried weighted sacks, and sparred under the relentless sun. Sweat dripped down Arianne's back, her muscles ached, but she refused to falter. Kael pushed ahead, grinning at her. "Try to keep up, Princess."
She rolled her eyes but forced herself to match his pace. By the time they reached the final challenge—climbing the treacherous cliff overlooking the valley—her body screamed for rest. But she wouldn't stop.
Neither did Rian.
As they climbed, the rocks crumbled beneath their grip. Halfway up, Arianne's foot slipped. A gasp escaped her as she lost her balance.
But before she could fall, a strong hand caught hers.
Rian.
Their eyes met, his grip firm and unyielding. "I've got you," he said softly.
Her heart pounded. "Let me go. I can do this."
He hesitated before releasing her hand. Arianne steadied herself and climbed the rest of the way on her own. When she reached the top, she turned back to see Rian watching her, something unreadable in his expression.
Pride? Admiration? Something deeper?
She pushed the thought away.
A Dance of Fire and Ice
That night, the recruits gathered around the fire for a rare moment of rest. Laughter and music filled the air as some danced, others shared stories of past victories and losses.
Arianne sat near the edge of the gathering, Kael beside her. "You did well today," he admitted. "Didn't even need the General to save you."
She smirked. "I never did."
Across the fire, Rian watched her. He sat alone, swirling a cup of ale, his thoughts seemingly miles away.
Kael nudged her. "Why do you keep running from him?"
She stiffened. "I'm not."
Kael chuckled. "You can lie to yourself, but you can't lie to me. It's written all over your face."
Before she could respond, Rian stood and walked toward her. "Dance with me."
Arianne's breath caught. The music softened as if the world itself had paused to watch them.
"I—" She hesitated.
Kael grinned and nudged her forward. "Go."
Rian extended his hand, his eyes locking onto hers. Slowly, she placed her hand in his, and he led her toward the center of the gathering.
The moment his arms encircled her, the world faded. They moved together in perfect harmony, their bodies swaying in rhythm with the melody. Arianne felt the heat of his touch, the way his fingers rested gently against her back.
"You've been avoiding me," he murmured.
She swallowed. "I've been training."
Rian's gaze burned into hers. "So have I. But that doesn't mean I've stopped thinking about you."
Her heart clenched. "We can't—"
His grip tightened slightly. "Then why are you still here, dancing with me?"
Arianne had no answer.
A Night of Confessions
Later that night, unable to sleep, Arianne wandered back toward the cliffs. The wind was cool, the stars glimmering above. She needed air. Space.
But she wasn't alone.
Rian stood at the edge, staring out at the dark horizon.
"You shouldn't be here," she said softly.
He turned, his expression unreadable. "Neither should you."
Silence stretched between them before Rian spoke again. "Why do you keep pushing me away?"
Arianne hugged herself. "Because if I don't, I'll fall. And I don't know if I'll be able to stop."
Rian took a step closer. "Then fall."
She looked up at him, her heart hammering against her ribs. "It's not that simple."
"It is," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know who you are, Arianne. And I don't care about duty or rules or the things keeping us apart."
Her breath hitched as he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His touch sent a shiver down her spine.
"Tell me you don't feel this," he murmured.
Arianne closed her eyes, willing herself to speak—to deny the truth. But when she opened them, all she saw was him.
"I can't," she admitted.
A slow, knowing smile crossed his lips. "Then don't fight it."
Before she could protest, Rian cupped her face and kissed her.
It was soft at first, hesitant, as if he were waiting for her to pull away. But Arianne didn't. She melted into him, her hands gripping his tunic as his arms wrapped around her. The world fell away, leaving only them, their hearts beating as one.
When they finally broke apart, Rian rested his forehead against hers. "No more running," he murmured.
Arianne nodded, breathless. "No more running."
As the stars watched above, they stood together, bound by a love that neither duty nor war could break.