"Your Highness," Oriana attempted to interject, her words a gentle plea, but Arlan, fully immersed in the intensity of the moment, appeared impervious to her protests and rationale.
Engaging her in a fervent kiss, Arlan’s hand moved with purpose to the back of her head, deftly removing the headwrap that enveloped her and releasing the cascade of her long locks. His determination was palpable, his grasp unwavering as he sought to anchor her to him without relent.
Oriana, caught in a whirlwind of confusion, couldn’t fathom why Arlan was behaving in such a manner, especially at a crucial juncture when they needed to confront the looming threat of the witch. Yet, his actions spoke louder than her unspoken questions.
’What has come over him?’
Before she could ponder further, her back met the yielding embrace of the soft mattress beneath. This formidable and commanding man had firmly ensconced her beneath him on the bed, having released her lips but now fixing his gaze upon her, his own breath uneven.
Breathless and taken aback, Oriana met the gaze of those ocean-blue eyes, possessing a depth she had never before witnessed.
He regarded her in silence, his gaze reminiscent of...
’Why is he looking at me like this? What does it signify?’
His blue eyes resembled calm waters, concealing whatever thoughts churned beneath the surface.
Oriana shifted her hand from his shoulder to gently touch his cheek. The significance of the night faded from her mind as concern for what occupied his thoughts took precedence.
"Your Highness, are you alright?" Her voice, a soothing murmur, hung in the air.
In response, only silence emanated from him. His gaze persisted, studying every nuance of her face, as if attempting to etch it into his memory.
"What’s happened?" she inquired once more.
Still, he offered no reply. Instead, his gaze now reflected emotions as though he feared never seeing her again.
"We’ll be alright," Oriana reassured him. "I’ll be alright."
In response to her comforting words, his gaze shifted to her swollen lips once more, and he kissed her again. This time, Oriana yielded, reciprocating his kiss, her hands tenderly caressing his cheeks as if seeking to console him.
’There is still time.’
Attempting to console herself, Oriana couldn’t shake the concern rooted in his persistent silence. None of her questions received answers. Perhaps he sought a moment of tranquility with her before confronting the impending danger.
He turned toward the door, and she felt a surge of anxiety. Despite her distress, Oriana mustered the strength to move her fingers, silently reciting a spell. Her intent was to employ her magic and halt his departure, but...
’My magic doesn’t work on him.’
Once again, the realization struck her, a fact she had momentarily forgotten. She recalled her initial attempt to use magic on him during their first encounter, which proved futile. Magic had never been her primary concern, but now she regretted not delving into a solution.
’Don’t go. Stop. Please.’
Her plea echoed loudly in her mind, but it remained unheard as she helplessly witnessed him exit the room, the door closing behind him.
Once the door behind him was closed, the tough expressions he was carrying on his face shattered the next moment. He closed his eyes for a moment to calm his haywire emotions. The woman he loved the most, he had to leave her and he would never get to see her ever again.
His moist eyes carried the regret that he didn’t even get enough time to spend with her. Only if he knew things would turn this way, he would have never bring her to the palace in the first place. He would have never tried to search for the killer of his mother and would have hidden her from this world only to have her for himself and spend his life with her somewhere in hiding. But....they were not meant to be.
’I never harbored any resentment towards you, Oriana. Not once did I ever hold any hatred towards you. If there’s anyone I despise, it’s myself. I loathe my own helplessness, my inability to protect those I care about despite possessing power. All I did was to love and shield you from the harm. Today I will rid any possibility that could ever harm you. I will protect you from that witch once and for all and for that, I.....’ tears rolled down his eyes, ’but...there won’t be even a next lifetime for me.’
Closing his eyes, he vanished from outside Oriana’s chamber.
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