Whispers 'neath the Moon

Prince Raiver walked softly into the chambers where Naria lay sleeping, her petite frame cloaked in dark black sheets that seemed to swallow her whole. Her hair, a cascade of golden sunlight, flowed around her, while her eyes, the green of nature, were closed and veiled by long, night-black lashes. The Prince settled himself beside her, careful not to disturb her slumber, and whispered, "I have waited for you my entire life, yet this night feels endless, as though eternity refuses to grant me rest." Slowly, Naria stirred, her gaze meeting the Prince's dark ruby eyes that sparkled in the chill of the night. As she reached out to touch him, her skin shivered with pleasure.

Naria's voice was dry from the nap she had been taking when she spoke to the prince, "My prince, what brings you here?" The prince's face lit up as he replied, "I couldn't resist seeing you again," and traced his finger down her lips, "What have you done to me?" His voice was low and seductive.

Rubbing her eyes, Naria looked at the prince and asked, "Am I hypnotizing you?" The prince stepped back and responded, "No, you've made me crazy about you...Naria, I want you to know that tomorrow, in front of everyone, you will be mine and only mine, and no one will be allowed to touch or hurt you."

Remembering the queen's words, Naria let out a gentle chuckle and said, "I understand that, my prince, but tomorrow has not yet come." She stood up and looked him in the eyes, feeling the cold black marble beneath her bare feet. "The king visited me yesterday," she said, lowering her head, "and he said some things and cursed you."

Raiver tightened his fist and clenched his jaw, "What did he say to you?"

Naria looked up at the prince, her eyes meeting his, as he spoke. "I will be your future wife, I have no choice, but I'm sorry, Prince, I will not obey the king," she said firmly. She glanced at his reaction and sat down on her bed, her mind racing with what would come next from the prince's mouth.

"You don't have to listen to him or anyone. As soon as the ceremony is done and the sixty days of Crimson passes, I will take you away from here," the prince said, bending his knees next to Naria and touching her hand. "Even if you don't love me, please trust me just this once."

Naria froze at his reaction, wondering how he knew what she was thinking. She bit her lower lip and tried to speak, but the prince interrupted her. "You don't know many things about me, it's true, and I don't know anything about you. But believe me when I say, I vow to make you happy and unleash your talent."

Raiver's confident eyes gave Naria a look of trust, and she found herself agreeing to his request. "Just this once, Prince," she said, releasing her hand from his grasp. "In return, may I ask you a favor? Dragging me here and forcing me to marry you is at least something you can do for me," she looked straight into his eyes.

Yes, she came here against her own will and the sudden wedding didn't make any sense to her, so at least he could compensate her with something that she will need to go through because of him.

"Yes, anything. Just say a word," the prince replied.

Naria chuckled at his eagerness to please her. "Well, since you asked," she began, "I would like to explore the kingdom and see all its wonders. I want to meet the people, learn about their lives and their struggles. Can you make that happen?"

The prince smiled, "Consider it done. I will show you everything this kingdom has to offer, and more."

Naria smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Perhaps this marriage wouldn't be so bad after all.

"But this is not what I want… I have a different request for tomorrow."

Naria and Raiver talked the whole night, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they sat on the balcony, looking out at the cold night. The moon was shining brightly, casting a soft glow over everything. They talked about everything from their childhood memories to their hopes and dreams for the future.

As the night wore on, they didn't even notice when the moon vanished and the sun began to rise. They both had stayed up all night, lost in their conversation.

Raiver stood up, stretching his arms. "The maids will be here soon to make you ready for today. Impress them," he said with a grin.

Naria smiled back, feeling a little nervous about the upcoming ceremony. Then she gently touched Raiver's hand. "Please, don't forget what I asked you for," she said softly.

Raiver nodded, his eyes serious. "This is my priority right now," he said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze before he turned and left the room to prepare for the day ahead.