Ella fluttered her lashes as the soft morning sunlight spilled across the room, warming it with a golden glow. Sleep had eluded her, her mind replayed the events of the night before, over and over.
Nathan's arms were still wrapped around her waist, his chest pressed lightly against her back. The memory of their kiss, of his lips against hers, set her cheeks aflame. She gripped the bedspread, recalling how he had guided her gently to the bed, unbuttoned her blouse, and left her in her sheer white chemise. She had barely breathed as she admired the strength and elegance of his form, every curve and contour igniting something deep within her.
Yet when the moment had seemed poised to go further, Nathan had simply held her close, nuzzling her back and whispering, "Good night, Ella." And then he had tried to sleep, though the restless energy in his body betrayed him.
Even now, as the sun brightened the room, Ella's thoughts swirled. Why hadn't he pressed forward? Did she do something wrong? Or had he simply controlled himself out of respect for her?
When she turned to look at him, Nathan's honey-brown eyes met hers, and both their faces flushed instantly.
"Good morning, Ella," he murmured.
"Morning…" she replied, her voice soft. "Did you sleep well?"
A faint smile curved his lips. "I didn't sleep a wink."
Ella's brows furrowed. "Why not? Did I… make you uncomfortable?"
Nathan shifted slightly, pulling her closer. "Of course not," he said, his voice warm. "I just… had a hard time controlling myself."
Her cheeks burned as she pressed her face against his chest. "Controlling yourself?"
He tilted his head, gazing down at her, the intensity of his look sending a shiver through her. "I didn't want to scare you. I promised I wouldn't touch you unless you wanted me to. I'm a man of my word."
Ella's blue eyes widened, and she bit her lower lip, her pulse quickening at the way he looked at her. Nathan's lips curved into a low, knowing smile. "Are you sure you wouldn't… want me to?"
Before she could answer, a knock echoed through the room. "Your grace! The ceremony will be starting soon!"
Nathan cursed under his breath, then pressed a quick, heated kiss to her lips. "Alright, I'll be right there," he said, then disentangled himself and headed toward the bathroom, leaving Ella breathless.
*
The knighting ceremony was held in the grand palace hall, a vast, ornate room decorated with banners and polished teakwood tables. Guests and knights filled the hall, their murmurs fading as attention turned to the front.
At the long table, two larger chairs awaited the crowned princes of Gavaria and Meria, flanked by smaller chairs for their companions. Nathan stood behind Ella, gathering her hair into a neat low ponytail.
"A noble lady should never leave her hair so carelessly down," he said softly, cupping her face and planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Never hide that beautiful face."
Across the hall, Prince Adam Burchard walked hand in hand with Lady Julia Boleyn, annoyance creeping across his features. "You look… fine, Julia," he murmured. "But let's try to keep it formal. We're in public."
Julia pouted but stayed quiet, settling beside him. Adam's gaze wandered subtly, distracted by something, or someone else.
Nathan's tall, silver-haired figure soon drew Adam's attention. The Merian prince was imposing, every inch the regal figure of a knight. When the master of ceremonies began, Adam leaned closer to whisper.
"Welcome to our kingdom, Prince Nathan," he said.
"The pleasure's mine, Prince Adam," Nathan replied, a polite smile on his lips.
The ceremony began in earnest. "We welcome the crowned prince of Gavaria, Prince Adam Burchard, and his lady, Lady Julia Boleyn!" the master of ceremonies announced. Applause echoed through the hall as they waved to the crowd.
"Secondly, we welcome the crowned prince of Meria, Prince Nathaniel Aldos, and his lovely lady, Lady Ella Morrell!"
Ella waved, her hand trembling slightly with nervous excitement.
As Nathan whispered guidance to calm her nerves, Adam found himself noticing a figure beside Nathan, a woman partially hidden by the silver-haired prince's imposing frame.
Who was she?
Curiosity sparked in Adam's mind, a seed of fascination that would not soon fade.