The royal feast was in full swing. Music, laughter, clinking goblets, and the chatter of nobles filled the grand hall. Guests danced, drank, and feasted with abandon. Yet amidst the revelry, Ella felt dozens of eyes on her, especially those of the other young ladies, who shot her glances sharp enough to pierce armor.
Nathan noticed her tension and gently placed his hand over hers. "Are you alright, Ella?"
Ella exhaled slowly. "I'm fine, your grace. I… I just need some air."
"Then let's go." Nathan's voice was calm but insistent.
Ella blinked, surprised. He was the crown prince, he couldn't just leave a royal feast like this. What was he thinking?
"Your grace, I—" she began, but Nathan gently lifted her hand and guided her to the front of the high table.
"Excuse us, Your Majesty," he said to his father. "May we be excused? Lady Ella is feeling lightheaded and needs a bit of air."
King Aldos waved them off with a smile. "Of course, son. Go spend some time with your lady. We'll meet after the feast for the alliance discussions."
"Thank you, father," Nathan bowed, then turned to King Burchard. "Your majesty."
Finally, he bowed to his mother. "Your highness."
Ella curtsied to each in turn, then allowed Nathan to lead her outside.
The garden air was a balm. Soft breezes and the subtle scent of flowers eased the tension in her chest. She felt herself relax, nerves untangling with each breath.
They settled on a bench by a small pond. The water lapped gently, fish darting through it, adding a serene soundtrack to the garden's beauty.
Ella opened her eyes and found Nathan already watching her.
"What is it?"
"Nothing," he said, his voice quiet. "I just enjoy looking at you, Ella."
His closeness made her heart flutter. He inched nearer. "You're very beautiful," he whispered, eyes locked on hers.
Ella averted her gaze, trying to regain composure. "Back in the ballroom… the king referred to me as your lady, but you didn't correct him. Why not?"
Nathan's lips curved slightly. "Maybe… I'm hoping that one day, it will become true."
Her heart raced. She had thought they would just remain friends. But in this life, this rebirth… it made sense he would want more. It was natural. He could never lose her that way; their fates were intertwined.
"Nathan… I—"
He took her hand, steady and firm. "Ella… I won't rush you. I will wait as long as it takes for you to be comfortable. I promise I won't force you, and I won't touch you unless you ask me to."
Even the thought made shivers run down her spine.
He stepped closer, their faces inches apart. Nathan drew a deep breath, restraining himself. "After all… we have many, many lifetimes together."
Her cheeks burned. The simplicity of his words carried power, a pull that made her knees feel weak. No wonder other women hungered for his attention.
Suddenly, he stood, lifting her with him. "Let's walk around the palace grounds. You'll need to grow accustomed to the place… I hope you'll be spending a lot of time here with me."
Ella clutched his arm without thinking, letting him guide her. Nathan's satisfaction was nearly palpable.
They walked into the training grounds, where Nathan and his brothers honed their skills with sword and bow.
Ella let go of his hand and approached the archery targets, trailing her fingers over the wood, memories of her father flooding back.
"That's my girl! Soon, you'll be better than any knight in the land," she remembered him saying.
"Your father… was he an archer?" Nathan asked.
"Not professionally," she replied. "But he was damn good. He taught me everything I know."
"Would you like to try?"
Her eyes sparkled. It had been years since she had held a bow. She had let herself sink into despair, become a damsel in distress… but not today.
"Can I?" she asked eagerly.
Nathan handed her a bow and quiver. She lifted it, feeling its weight, her excitement growing with every breath.
He stepped behind her, adjusting her stance, aligning her arms, guiding her arrow.
"Be careful," he whispered.
Ella nodded. She drew the bow, took aim, and released. The arrow flew true, striking the bullseye.
Nathan's voice broke into a wide grin. "Wow, Ella… you're incredible!"
Her smile was radiant, lighting up her entire face. "Thank you so much!"
Nathan's gaze softened, tracing the line of her red gown and the sparkle in her eyes. "We can do this again…" he murmured, "…when you're dressed for it."
"You'd do that?" Ella asked, excitement dancing in her eyes.
"Tomorrow?" Nathan offered. "I'll arrange a training course for just the two of us."
Ella dropped the bow and hugged him, leaving him frozen in surprise. "Thank you, Nathan. Truly."
"Anything for you, Ella," he said, embracing her gently, reluctant to let go.
Later, the feast concluded. Kings, lords, and generals convened in the palace study. Nathan, as crown prince, joined them for royal discussions, preparing for his eventual rule.
"As we all know, an alliance between our kingdoms would be mutually beneficial," one lord explained. "Trade would flourish, our military strength increase… both realms would prosper."
Heads nodded in agreement.
Lord Morrell spoke cautiously. "Pardon me, Lord Boleyn, but why the sudden urgency for this alliance? Our kingdoms have coexisted peacefully for generations. Trade has been fair… Why is this now so critical? Are we being told the full truth?"
King Burchard and Lord Boleyn exchanged measured glances.
After a tense pause, King Burchard stood. "Because… a Great War is coming."
Concern rippled across the room.
"A war that could reduce our kingdoms to ashes," he continued. "And we believe that an alliance with Meria is our best chance to stand strong when it comes."