Enclosed Garden of Caereth
Three days after the Anathema ended.
The skies of Elysvarre were clear, creating an atmosphere filled with hope. For the first time in weeks, there was neither the fog of will nor glyphs lingering in the air, allowing for clarity and renewal. Birds returned to sing in the royal garden, their cheerful melodies echoing the happiness that filled the space. Amidst the glistening foliage, a ray of sunshine touched Fitran's face, bringing a warmth he had long yearned for, akin to a comforting embrace from the Past. As he caressed the soft leaves, a new hope blossomed in his mind—hope for freedom from the burdens that had long bound him.
Fitran stood outside the gates of the enclosed garden of Caereth. He wore a long dark blue cloak, devoid of military insignia or magic, which served as a clear symbol of his desire to shed the identity that weighed him down. Clad only in the simple attire of an everyday man, he emphasized his humility and his rejection of the trappings of his past. Yet, beneath this unassuming appearance, there burned a fire of hope—a longing to prove that love and happiness were more important than all the titles and responsibilities he had ever borne—a quest to discover his true identity in a world that often imposed roles upon him.
This morning, he was neither The Inheritor, nor Lord Fitran, and not even the bearer of will.
He was just a man responding to the invitation of the woman he had chosen. Waves of nostalgia washed over him as he envisioned Sheena's face, her warm smile, and the calming gaze of her eyes. Fitran's heart raced, recalling moments when everything seemed possible.
The garden gate creaked open.
Sheena appeared behind it. Her golden hair flowed freely in the breeze. The simple white dress with a purple ribbon fluttered gently. There was no crown. No symbols of will. As if she were a creature from his dreams, woven from morning sunlight.
"Sorry for the wait," she whispered, her voice akin to the gentle flow of a river.
Fitran shook his head. "I waited because I wanted to. Not because I had to."
Sheena smiled. Not a political smile. Not a puppet smile. A human smile. In her smile, there was warmth that erased all sadness, inviting an intimacy that came silently.
They walked side by side along the garden's stone path. On either side, white and purple roses bloomed, the color combination giving passion to each of their steps. Sheena walked slowly, her fingers occasionally brushing against the petals of the roses—and this time, nothing turned to gold. Yet, a different kind of change was felt in the air around them; there was something enchanting and magical.
"Every night I think of you," Sheena began, her gaze unwavering from Fitran's face. "Not as my protector. Not as a hero. But as the reason I endure." Her voice trembled, filled with a profound honesty.
Fitran turned, silent. As their eyes met, it felt as if time stood still, and the world outside melted into the warmth of the feelings they had just discovered.
Sheena continued, her tone soft, "When I chose to change my curse, I was afraid of losing everything. But the truth is... I was only afraid of losing you."
Around them, the fresh scent of roses wafted in, as if witnessing this intimate moment with sacred silence. Sheena's heart raced, responding to all the unspoken words between them, making it a symbol of deep and buried feelings.
Fitran stopped walking.
He gazed into the violet eyes that were no longer hidden behind politics or magic. His look was deep, as though tracing every layer of Sheena's soul, feeling the vulnerability they shared.
"I feel the same," he whispered, his voice soft yet firm. "Victory, honor, kingdoms... none of it matters compared to the way you look at me without fear, like the moonlight piercing through the darkness of night."
Tears welled in the corners of Sheena's eyes, reflecting their winding journey. "That's why I'm here," she replied softly. "To find strength in my fear."
Sheena clasped the black ribbon still wrapped around her wrist. Within each strand of fabric lay memories of the past, but also hope for a new future.
"Then, shall we... try to be ordinary today?"
Fitran smiled faintly. "That is my wish." His smile brightened his face, creating a warm feeling in the stillness of the night.
In the middle of the garden, the servants had set a round wooden table adorned with a clean white tablecloth. Simple food was presented: fresh-baked bread, soft cheese, honey, and herbal tea from the northern fields of Elysvarre. Each dish held a touch of love and care, once again reminding them that each bite seemed to celebrate their new decisions in a life that has long awaited to be reborn, underscoring the value of small joys over grand displays of wealth.
There was no luxurious wine. No gilded plates.
Sheena poured tea for Fitran and for herself. As the strong scent of tea filled the air, she felt a tranquility she had never experienced before, as if time would never move again. Each drop seemed like a promise, a hope nestled in each cup.
"Before all of this," he said, "I once dreamed of being able to do something as simple as this: sitting, drinking tea, and talking. Such moments seemed elusive in a life dominated by chaos." He gazed at Fitran, his eyes shining softly like morning light illuminating the leaves, indicating a profound yearning for connection.
Fitran picked up his cup. "I once dreamed of having dinner with family. But war and the weight of the past took that away." He recalled the moments lost, and in his heart, he prayed that today could be a place to carve out new memories.
"Today... let's reclaim that dream," he said with fervent hope. His voice was gentle, piercing the long-standing silence around them. In that moment, the world outside the garden seemed to vanish, leaving only the two of them in a warm embrace of time regained.
They drank tea in comfortable silence, savoring the fleeting yet profound moment. Every second felt like a personal victory over the constraints that had once bound them. It tasted like a long-buried happiness, reminiscent of childhood joys, as if they were slowly learning to allow themselves to feel it and let it touch their souls with the warmth of shared experience.
Sheena set down her cup. Gently, she reached for Fitran's hand, feeling the warmth and strength flowing between them. "There's something that has always intrigued me," she said. "Why have you been so patient, waiting for me to open up? Even before I trusted you." She felt an emotional resonance in her voice, signaling the evolving nature of their relationship.
Fitran looked up at the blue sky. "Because I used to be just like you."
Sheena fell silent, feeling a warmth inside her urging to be revealed. There was always a small window in her heart ready to embrace this comfort, a moment where she was not alone in her emotional journey.
"In the past," Fitran continued, "I too felt as if my life was being written by others. I was called a hero. People regarded me as a symbol. They praised me, but never asked what I truly desired."
He gazed at Sheena, his voice soft yet firm, as if he wanted to build a barrier between them and the outside world where hope and fear intertwined. "When I see you... I see myself. And I vow not to do the same to you."
Tears glazed Sheena's eyes, a reflection of their struggles and interconnected hopes. She grasped Fitran's fingers—cautiously, yet this time without fear. Between them lay an invisible bond weaving together their past and the hope for the future, a link that formed a bridge toward understanding and empathy, encapsulating their journey towards healing.
"Fitran..." Sheena whispered, her voice barely audible against the gentle breeze. "I know we have chosen a shared will. But I don't want you to feel bound by my choice."
Fitran gently kissed the back of her hand, imbuing it with meaning. The soft twilight light reflected on Sheena's face, creating a beautiful shadow that intensified this moment, as if freezing the warmth in this precious time.
"It's not an obligation," he said. "It's my desire."
Sheena nodded, her eyes filled with conviction. "Then... may I ask one more thing?"
"Of course."
"Would you... dance with me?"
Fitran was taken aback, surprised by the request. "I'm not good at dancing," he replied, though a glimmer of light in his eyes seemed to flicker with anticipation.
"Neither am I." Sheena smiled softly, her gaze shining brightly, as if defying uncertainty. "But we can learn together."
In the midst of the garden, surrounded by gently swaying roses, Fitran and Sheena stood facing each other. The fragrance of the flowers enveloped them, creating a tranquil atmosphere that made the world beyond seem distant.
There was no music, but the rhythm of their heartbeats formed a beautiful melody.
The only sounds were the wind, birds, and the rhythm of their heartbeats, speaking louder than unspoken words. In that silence, they understood each other—a promise of courage.
Fitran placed his hand on Sheena's waist, while she rested her hand on his shoulder. Their heartbeats gradually became synchronized, as if in perfect concord with each step they took together.
The first step was awkward, yet wrapped in the awareness of the beauty of the moment. Their hands seemed to communicate without words, ascending the walls of fear that once confined them.
The second step was firmer, trust shining in their eyes, bringing a warmth that embraced their souls. With every movement, they danced between the shadows of their past and the hopes of a new beginning.
The third step transformed into harmony, a symphony that ignited their spirits. They became one, as the world witnessed a new miracle unfolding between them.
Their eyes met, not as wielders of power, nor as symbols of politics, but as two souls making a choice. In that gaze, warmth flowed, as if the world around them faded and only the two of them felt connected.
Not because of a curse.
Not because of a contract.
But because of Sheena's love.
Every step they took seemed to tell a story, as the soft melody of the night provided a perfect backdrop for their new tale. A gentle breeze whispered in their ears, as if conveying unspoken promises and rekindled hopes, creating an atmosphere ripe for transformation and new beginnings.
In the distance, among the shadows of the garden, Lady Iris and Hector Alfrenzo stood watch. The guards bore witness to two hearts uniting, remembering a time when love had seemed impossible for them all.
Hector whispered, "They have succeeded in rewriting their fate. But that also means... the old powers will try to rewrite it as well." Concern etched on his face, yet a glimmer of hope sparkled in his eyes.
Iris nodded slowly, her gaze reflecting a deep understanding and respect for their choices. "I know, but tonight, I will allow them the freedom they have fought so hard to obtain—a freedom that tears down the walls that have confined their dreams, reminding us all that true liberation stems from love and bravery." Her voice trembled softly, evoking memories of the freedom they once dreamed of and fought for, reinforcing the stakes of their commitment.
Hector looked up at the sky. "May this night be not just a pause... but the beginning of something new." In his heart, he prayed that love would guide Fitran, breaking old chains and allowing him to forget Rinoa.
Sheena rested her head on Fitran's chest, feeling a profound sense of tranquility awaken within her. She could hear his heartbeat, like a song only they could hear, a melody that signified their closeness and mutual understanding. In that moment, fear and doubt vanished, replaced by the calm that came from being together, creating a safe space amidst the storms of their past.
"I am no longer afraid."
Fitran kissed the crown of her head. Each kiss seemed to bolster their confidence, solidifying their unshakeable bond.
"Because we choose not to be afraid."
And in that garden, beneath the quiet, shining stars, two free souls danced, painting a narrative no longer dictated by curses... but by a love untainted, a romance that had weathered many trials, forging them into stronger, bolder individuals, filled with passion, like the bright stars shining in the dark night sky.