1.16: Nightly Rendezvous

The days turned into weeks, and she spent her days helping around the palace and training with the guards. Training wasn't as lively without the general, but a new general, Aaron, had been appointed to supervise the guards. He welcomed her presence and allowed her to train with the men. Although he seemed rather gruff and anxious about her.

She found she loved to spend time in the gardens, thinking about life, tending to the flowers. The servants had made a fuss the first time they saw her digging in the dirt, but soon they let it go.

Once the queen even visited her, complimenting the health of the blooms. She made reports through Liam to her father on the peace efforts and upcoming alliance. She cautioned him not to invade and told him of the strength the two kingdoms could have united.

Her mission meter had been stuck at 40%, and she was sure she knew why. So far, in her grief, they had left her alone and had mentioned none upcoming marriage plans. She knew that her time was dwindling. She had been spending plenty of time with the prince. He often found her in the garden and sat with her to talk while she tended the roses. He would walk her to and from meals with the family, where she ate with the king and queen in awkward daily conversation, and had not pushed her.

Today, as Setia was pruning the blooms, the prince approached with his face in a grim line. Setia put down her shears and sat on the nearby bench, patting the seat next to her. He shook his head and paced in front of her.

"My father has requested an audience with us." He said finally. Setia sighed. She knew this was coming.

"It will be about the wedding." Setia said. Niall nodded. He turned to look at her. His eyes were bright.

"You loved him. Elarion." Niall posed it, so it wasn't a question. Setia nodded.

"I think I did." She admitted. Niall stepped closer to her and reached out for her hands. He cushioned them on his own. He stepped closer to her and stared deep into her eyes.

"Do you think you could love me too?" He asked, his eyes vulnerable. Setia smiled softly.

"Yes. I think I could. I just felt like I needed time." She explained, looking down at the ground. He placed his hand beneath her chin and tilted her head up.

(Ding! Love meter increased to 65%)

"We may have to go through with this wedding, but know I will never rush you. We can take things as slow between us as you need." He said. She nodded.

"Thank you, Niall. Let's go see your father." She placed her hand in his, and he led the way.

The audience chamber was empty, save for the king sitting on his throne at the center of the room. A herald announced them, and they slowly approached the dais. The king waved at them as they approached, beckoning them closer.

"My son, Princess Setia, thank you for coming." He said. He leaned back in his chair. His brown hair glimmered in the sunlight, and Setia marveled at how he'd kept his youth.

"You summoned us, your Majesty." Setia curtsied low, and bowed her head. Niall bowed briefly.

"The time has come for us to discuss the alliance. I know you were just put through an ordeal, and so I have wanted to give you time, but the situation is precarious, and the groups on the outskirts are still being raided." He said grimly. Setia inclined her head. She looked over at Niall. She reached for his hand and clasped it gently. The face she felt like she had known forever.

"We are ready to formally make the alliance." She said. The king's eyes widened. He looked at his son. Niall nodded and smiled.

"We will have the wedding in a week's time! I will formally abdicate my position and pass it down to you, my son." He smiled proudly. Setia fell into a deep curtsy again.

"Thank you, your majesty." She said.

(Ding! Mission complete meter increased to 60%)

The next week went by slowly, as every moment they needed Setia to discuss some detail or another with the palace decorators. There hadn't been a wedding in the palace since the king was married years ago, so the people were eager for a celebration. It certainly showed. She was constantly prodded and poked about colour schemes, guest layouts, invitation lists, types of candles, types of chairs, music, food. It was endless. She was about ready to tear her hair out.

"Rest easy, my dear. The day is almost upon us." His amused voice rang in her ear, and she felt his lips graze her cheek in a sneaky kiss. She giggled and pushed him away.

"That's easy for you to say! You just have to show up and look nice." She growled. He smiled widely. She smacked his arm, admiring the pretty woven Elven engagement band on her ring finger.

"Go make yourself useful." She said to him. He swooped in for a kiss on her lips before leaving her with another of the palace decorators. She sighed.

By the end of the day, she was utterly exhausted and ready to collapse into her bed. She shut the door to her suites and sighed heavily, leaning against the doorframe. She kicked off her slippers and moved forward until she plunged, face first, onto her bed.

"Eli, we're almost there." She said to her wrist cuff. Eli appeared on the bed and patted her head gently.

"There there, once the wedding takes place, things should be sealed." He said optimistically. She stared at the ceiling, thinking of what might become of everyone here after she leaves this world. Will the peace remain? She could only hope.

She changed into a nightgown, and crawled under the soft covers, snuggling into her pillow. She was buzzing with anxiety about the morning, knowing that before she knew it, her time in this world would end.

Knock, knock, knock. Came the rattle at her terrace doors. She frowned and got up, moving to the doors she opened them and looked out. Prince Niall was standing there, in his black velvet tunic and breeches, his auburn hair hanging on his face, and his bright green eyes shining mischievously.

"I couldn't wait until morning." He said, flushing slightly. He trailed his fingers down her cheek, and his gaze roamed her thin satin nightgown. Her arms and shoulders were exposed. "Can I come in?"

Setia swallowed audibly and nodded, stepping back so he could enter the room. She blushed, realizing the state of her dress. Her nipples had beaded against the fabric in the cold air, the thin fabric clung to her curves.

"I wasn't expecting to see you tonight." Setia said, standing as he perched himself on the edge of her bed. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Well, I just felt so lonely, and we're going to be married tomorrow…" He said. She laughed.

"Isn't it bad luck for the groom to see the bride the night before the wedding?" Setia gasped. Niall held his hands out for her. She stepped into his embrace. He gripped her hips, pulling her forward and resting his forehead on her abdomen. She wrapped her arms around his head, stroking his hair.

"I think we'll make our own luck." He mused. She sighed and looked down at him. He looked up at her. "I wanted to see you." He purred and pulled her down so she was lying across the bed. He lied down beside her, propping himself on his elbow.

"I am happy to see you." She admitted. She'd been a bundle of nerves, and already in his presence, she was feeling relaxed. He gripped her hips again and pulled her body flush against his. He stared into her eyes.

"I am excited about tomorrow." He murmured and began trailing kisses down the side of Setia's neck. She tilted her head to the side and let out a breath of pleasure. She trailed her fingertips over his chest.

"I think I am too." She said. She felt up around his shoulders and kneaded them. He groaned and moved his lips to hers, kissing her hungrily. He nibbled at her lower lip. Their tongues danced in a unique rhythm. His hands trailed up her back, over her bare shoulders. Down her sides, and his fingers grazed the side of her breast, she gasped.

He pulled back to look into her eyes, then gently his hand cupped her mound, rolling her nipple between his fingers. She moaned softly and tilted her head back. Niall bit where her shoulder meets her neck. She gasped.

She felt all of him against her, a hard hot line flush with her body. Her body felt hot and sensitive, and she could feel their contact at every location. She rubbed her hips against his slowly, feeling the hard ridge of him through his pants. He groaned against her.

His hands grasped her ankles, pushing them apart, then slowly they trailed up her legs, over her thighs, to the hem of her nightgown bunched around her waist. She trembled. His hand grazed over her stomach, aiming lower…

"Wait." She gasped, opening her eyes. His eyes were filled with passion as he stared at her. He stopped immediately and waited for her to speak.

"We should wait for our wedding night." She said, with a blush. She knew she was just nervous, but what was one more day? Niall closed his eyes momentarily and nodded. When he opened them, he smiled.

"I got carried away." He mused, pecking her on her lips. She snuggled up against him. He curled around her, draping his arm over her waist.

"You can stay, though." She said, her eyes slowly drifting shut. She felt him chuckle.

"I'd like that."