The morning sun bathed the camp in hues of gold and amber, but Arianne barely noticed. Her thoughts remained tangled in the memory of Rian's kiss, the way his touch had set her heart ablaze. She had promised—no more running. But what came next? Could she truly balance her duty as a soldier with the love that threatened to consume her?
She sat by the fire, absently tracing patterns in the dirt. Kael plopped down beside her, offering a piece of bread. "You're quiet this morning. That's never a good sign."
Arianne forced a smile. "Just thinking."
Kael studied her, his playful smirk fading. "Thinking about him?"
She stiffened. "Why would you say that?"
Kael tore off a piece of bread and popped it into his mouth. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe because I saw you sneaking off last night. And because the General has been watching you all morning like you're the only person in the world."
Arianne's cheeks flushed. "It's not like that."
Kael chuckled. "Sure, and I'm next in line for the throne."
A Tension That Won't Fade
Training that day was grueling. Commander Alden had no patience for weakness, and he pushed them harder than ever. Arianne welcomed the challenge, hoping exhaustion would rid her of the thoughts plaguing her mind.
But Rian was always there—sparring with recruits, leading formations, his every movement a reminder of last night. And every time their eyes met, heat flared between them.
During the midday break, Arianne found herself alone near the water barrels, gulping down water when she felt a presence behind her.
"I meant what I said," Rian murmured.
She turned to find him watching her, his gaze intense. "You'll have to be more specific."
He stepped closer. "No more running."
Arianne's heart pounded. "I'm not running."
Rian smirked. "Then why are you avoiding me?"
She sighed, glancing around. "Because we can't afford distractions."
His expression darkened slightly. "Love isn't a distraction, Arianne. It's a reason to fight harder."
She swallowed, her resolve wavering. "We'll talk later. Somewhere private."
His jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Tonight."
A Forbidden Meeting
Night fell, the stars glistening like scattered diamonds. Arianne slipped away from the camp, her pulse quickening as she reached the secluded grove beyond the training grounds.
Rian was already there, leaning against a tree. When he saw her, his expression softened. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't come."
She took a deep breath. "We need to talk."
He nodded. "Then talk."
Arianne hesitated. "This… us. It's dangerous. If anyone finds out—"
"I don't care who finds out."
Her breath hitched. "Rian—"
Before she could finish, he reached for her, his fingers grazing her cheek. "Tell me you don't want this, and I'll walk away."
She opened her mouth, but the words refused to come. Because she did want this. More than anything.
Rian took her silence as an answer. He closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that stole her breath. This time, there was no hesitation, no restraint—only passion and longing.
When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers. "We'll find a way, Arianne. No matter what."
She closed her eyes, letting herself believe him. If only for this moment.
Shadows of the Past
As they made their way back to camp, voices reached them before they could slip back unnoticed.
"You're sure?" one of the voices whispered.
"Positive. The princess and the young prince—they're here. Hidden among the recruits."
Arianne froze, her blood running cold. Rian stiffened beside her.
Someone knew their secret.
And now, everything was at risk.