The Messenge (Iva and Nick) novel Chapter 416

Date

The morning sun streamed through the windows of Iva’s small chamber, casting golden light across the worn wooden floor. She stood before the mirror, her hands smoothing the fabric of the simple blue dress she had chosen from the cupboard.

The dress was soft, the color a pale, gentle blue that reminded her of the sky on a clear day. She had brushed her hair until it shone, though she had no ribbons or pins to adorn it, and she had pinched her cheeks to bring some color to her pale face.

She looked at her reflection and barely recognized the woman staring back. The dark circles under/ her eyes had faded slightly in the days since her rescue, and the hollow gauntness of her cheeks had begun to fill. She looked less like a ghost and more like a person-a person who was about to go on a date with the man who claimed to be her mate.

The thought made her stomach flutter with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.

A knock at the door made her jump.

She crossed the room and opened it to find Caleb standing in the corridor, his smile warm and genuine. He was dressed simply-dark trousers and a white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, revealing forearms corded with muscle.

His dark hair was slightly disheveled, as if he had been running his hands through it, and his eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice low and warm.

Iva felt her cheeks flush.

“Good morning.”

He extended his hand, and after a moment’s hesitation, she took it. His grip was gentle but firm,

his palm warm against hers.

“Ready?” he asked.

She nodded, her heart fluttering. “Ready.”

They walked through the winding paths of the castle grounds, the morning sun casting dappled shadows through the ancient trees. The air was fresh and clean, scented with wildflowers and freshly cut grass.

Iva followed Caleb’s lead, her hand still clasped in his. She was acutely aware of the warmth of his palm, the way his thumb traced small circles on the back of her hand, the way his presence made

her feel both safe and uncertain.

“Where are we going?” she asked, her voice soft.

Caleb glanced at her, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

“It’s a surprise.”

Iva frowned, though there was no real frustration in it.

“I don’t like surprises,” she admitted.

Caleb laughed-a warm, genuine sound that made her stomach flutter.

“You’ll like this one. I promise.”

She sighed, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

“You keep saying that.”

“Because I keep being right.”

She shook her head, but she couldn’t suppress the warmth that spread through her chest.

They walked in silence for a while, the only sounds the crunch of gravel beneath their feet and the distant song of birds. The path wound through gardens and meadows, past fountains and statues, until finally, they emerged into a clearing.

Iva stopped.

The lake stretched before her, its surface shimmering like liquid silver in the morning light. Wildflowers dotted the banks, their colors a riot of reds and yellows and blues. A massive oak tree stood at the water’s edge, its branches casting cool shade over a wooden bench that overlooked the lake.

“It’s beautiful,” she breathed.

Caleb watched her, his expression soft.

“I’m glad you like it.”

He led her to the bench and gestured for her to sit. She did, and he settled beside her-close, but not too close. Close enough that she could feel the warmth of his body, but not so close that she felt crowded.

On the bench between them sat a wicker basket, its contents hidden beneath a checkered cloth.

“I thought we could have a picnic,” Caleb said, his voice almost shy. “Nothing fancy. Just… simple.”

Iva’s heart swelled.

“That sounds perfect.”

He unpacked the basket with careful hands-fresh bread, cheese, fruit, a bottle of sparkling water. Simple fare, but presented with such care that it felt like a feast.

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds the gentle lapping of the water against the shore and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.

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