Chapter 4 Love (1)

Rhys entered his father's study, the tension palpable. Lord Alistair, seated behind his desk, held a serious expression as he looked up from a pile of documents.

"Rhys" Lord Alistair said, his tone grave.

Rhys approached, heart racing. "Yes, Father?"

Lord Alistair pulled out a gleaming insignia, the symbol of the royal guard. "You're to become the Commander of the Royal Guards."

Rhys's eyes widened. "Finally!?"

"Yes," Lord Alistair said, his gaze cold. "Despite our family's disdain for the royal court, our pledge binds us. You must go."

" I've heard the capital is dangerous," Rhys replied, unease creeping into his voice.

"Exactly. The capital is rife with treachery. The king's health is failing, and you'll need to navigate a web of intrigue. Remember, your loyalty is to the role, not the people."

Rhys nodded, feeling the weight of his father's words. "I understand."

"Good," Lord Alistair said, his eyes sharp. "Prepare yourself. And be ready for what's coming."

With a heavy heart, Rhys left the study, the enormity of his task sinking in. Eldoria awaited, and with it, a future fraught with danger and duty.

---

Vallis sat alone, the flickering light of a single candle casting wavering shadows on the walls. The room was adorned with dark wood and rich fabrics, creating an atmosphere both opulent and somber. He brooded over the results of his recent dark ritual, a practice that had granted him newfound powers. The price for such power, however, was his own emotional experience. To harness the full extent of his ability, he needed to truly understand and embody love.

He mulled over his choices, his gaze lingering on Ruby, his servant. She had been a loyal companion, her presence a constant source of comfort in his otherwise tumultuous life. Ruby was eighteen, two years older than him, with a gentle beauty that had slowly woven itself into Vallis's thoughts. He wondered if she could be the key to unlocking this emotional threshold.

In the days that followed, Vallis began to subtly shift his approach. His interactions with Ruby became increasingly personal. He complimented her with earnestness, noticing the way her eyes would light up at his words. "Ruby, your attention to detail is unmatched," he said one day, admiring the fresh arrangement of flowers she had placed in his study.

Her cheeks flushed with pleasure. "Thank you, my lord. It's always my aim to make your space as pleasant as possible."

As Vallis showered her with small tokens of affection—a delicate locket, a silk scarf—Ruby's responses grew warmer. Each gift was a step closer to bridging the emotional gap between them. They spent more time together, their conversations drifting from the mundane to the personal. Vallis found himself drawn to her laughter, her kindness, and the way she listened to him with unwavering attention.

One evening, Vallis invited Ruby to his private quarters under the guise of discussing estate matters. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of candles, casting a warm, intimate light that danced across the walls. Vallis's heart pounded as he closed the door behind them, the sound of the latch clicking echoing in the quiet space.

Ruby looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Vallis approached her slowly, his hands gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Ruby, there's something I need to tell you," he said softly, his voice carrying a tenderness he hadn't expected to find within himself.

Ruby's breath hitched as Vallis's fingers lingered on her cheek. "What is it, my lord?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "I've come to realize how much you mean to me. Your presence has become more than just comfort; it's a source of genuine affection and admiration."

A flicker of surprise crossed Ruby's face, but it was quickly replaced by a soft, hopeful smile. "I've felt a connection growing between us as well. I never imagined it could be so… strong."

With a mixture of reverence and desire, Vallis gently cupped Ruby's face and kissed her. The kiss was tentative at first, a gentle exploration of burgeoning feelings. But as they both surrendered to the moment, the kiss deepened, growing more passionate. Ruby responded with equal fervor, her hands finding their way to Vallis's shoulders, pulling him closer.

Their clothes were soon discarded in a flurry of movement, revealing the vulnerability and raw desire they felt for each other. Vallis undressed Ruby with a mixture of reverence and urgency, his hands tracing the contours of her body. Her skin felt warm and inviting beneath his touch, and he marveled at the softness of her flesh.

They lay together on the bed, their bodies intertwined in a way that felt both primal and profound. Vallis took his time, savoring every sensation, every gasp and moan that escaped Ruby's lips. He explored her with a mix of tenderness and fervor, his kisses trailing down her neck and across her chest, eliciting soft, breathless responses.

Ruby's fingers tangled in Vallis's hair as she arched her back, her eyes fluttering closed in ecstasy. Vallis's movements were deliberate and focused, each touch and caress an attempt to convey the depth of his newfound emotions. He whispered softly to her, his words a mixture of reassurance and adoration.

"I love you, Ruby," Vallis murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I've never felt this way before."

Ruby's eyes met his with a mixture of surprise and joy. "I love you too, my l...Vallis."

As they continued to make love, Vallis's mind raced with the realization that this was the first time he had truly experienced this feeling. The emotions were intense and exhilarating. He felt a powerful connection to Ruby, a bond that transcended the physical and reached into the very depths of his heart.

In the aftermath, as they lay together in the dim light of the room, Vallis's heart was full. He had discovered something profound and transformative, a genuine love that felt deeply and sincerely. Ruby's presence beside him, her body warm and relaxed, was a testament to the powerful emotions they had shared.

For Vallis, this moment marked a significant shift. The ambitions that had once consumed him were now tempered by the warmth of real affection. As he held Ruby close, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings, but one thing was clear: he had found something rare and precious in the midst of his tumultuous existence.

The night passed slowly, each heartbeat a reminder of the love that had blossomed between them. Vallis and Ruby lay entwined, their breaths steady and their hearts beating in unison. For the first time in his life, Vallis felt truly alive, and the future seemed to hold a promise of new possibilities, both daunting and exhilarating.

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Love: Deep, genuine affection and connection with Ruby, marking his first experience of true love.

Lust: Both physical and emotional longing, evident in their intimate actions.

Gratitude: Appreciation for Ruby's acceptance and affection.

Vulnerability: Exposure of his true feelings and insecurities through their intimacy.

Joy: A sense of happiness and fulfillment from their relationship.

Excitement: The thrill of discovering and engaging with new, intense emotions.