The morning sun piped the widows casting a beautiful glow over the palace walls, Aurora walked hastily through the corridors, she was excited for the day, Alistair had promised her a tour of the palace today,and she couldn't wait, but for now she had important court matters to attend to.
As the afternoon sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow over the palace gardens, Alistair offered his arm to Aurora. She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, feeling the warmth radiate from him as they strolled down the cobbled path. Today, he had insisted on showing her more of the palace grounds, a place she was still growing accustomed to.
They walked past towering hedges shaped into elegant spirals, and Aurora marveled at the colorful blooms that dotted the landscape, each flower meticulously tended. She couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty surrounding her, a beauty she was now a part of.
"This is one of my favorite places," Alistair said, gesturing toward a serene courtyard framed by marble pillars. In the center, a fountain trickled softly, the water catching the late afternoon light.
"It's stunning," Aurora murmured, her gaze lingering on the intricate carvings on the fountain. "You must have so many memories here."
Alistair nodded, a gentle smile touching his lips. "I used to come here as a boy, whenever I needed a quiet place to think. My father once told me that a true ruler finds peace in solitude, and I guess this became my sanctuary."
Aurora looked up at him, admiration shining in her eyes. "I can see why. It's peaceful... like a world untouched by the palace's demands."
They continued their walk, Alistair guiding her down a secluded path lined with ivy-covered walls. The air was filled with the faint scent of jasmine, and Aurora felt a surge of warmth and comfort in his presence, a feeling she cherished more each day.
As they reached a small garden enclosed by high hedges, Alistair paused, turning to face her. The sunlight dappled through the leaves, casting a gentle glow over them. Aurora's heart raced as his gaze lingered on her, his eyes soft and filled with something she couldn't quite name.
"Aurora," he murmured, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was gentle, his fingertips grazing her skin in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. "I'm glad you're here... with me."
Her cheeks flushed, and she felt her breath catch as she looked into his eyes, seeing the depth of his feelings mirrored there. "I am too, Alistair. More than I ever thought I could be."
He stepped closer, his hand moving to cradle her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek in a tender caress. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them standing amidst the quiet beauty of the garden.
Slowly, he leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a gentle, lingering kiss. Aurora closed her eyes, letting herself melt into the moment, her hand resting on his chest as she felt his heartbeat beneath her palm. The kiss deepened, a shared passion igniting between them, and for that fleeting moment, all her doubts and fears disappeared, replaced by the certainty that she belonged by his side.
When they finally pulled apart, Alistair's eyes held a warmth and devotion that took her breath away. He rested his forehead against hers, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"Aurora," he whispered, "whatever challenges come our way, I want you to know that I will always be by your side. You're my partner, ... my heart."
Aurora's eyes sparkled with unshed tears, her own heart overflowing with emotion. "And I'll stand by you, Alistair. Through everything."
They stood there in silence, wrapped in each other's arms as the sun set, casting a golden glow over the beginning of their future together.