Tharros Apology

Tharros Apology
❤️ Tharros Apology ❤️

Nyxoria halted her sparring with Dika the moment she caught sight of Tharros approaching them from the corner of her eye. The guards who had gathered to watch the fight quickly returned to their posts, sensing the shift in the air.

"I will be around somewhere to give you two some privacy," Dika murmured, taking back her second sword from Nyxoria and sliding both into their sheaths.

Nyxoria grinned and gave her a nod, watching as Dika strolled off.

"I sent someone to take her to the garden," Tharros' deep voice pulled Nyxoria's attention back to him. "At least that will keep her busy for a while."

Before she could respond, Tharros did something that completely caught her off guard.

He knelt down.

Right there in front of her, on both knees, with his hands wrapped around hers.

The murmurs around them grew louder as guards and castle staff stole glances at the sight of their Emperor kneeling before his bride.

"I know what you want to say," Tharros spoke first, his gaze not shaking. "And before you do, let me say this, I am sorry, Nyxoria. I haven’t had the chance to truly apologize for what I did to you. I shouldn’t have fought you. I shouldn’t have hurt you. And I almost ruined you." His voice was raw, his grip tightening around her hands. "It was never my intention to harm you, I swear by the gods, not my intention. Please… forgive me."

Nyxoria stared at him, speechless for some seconds. She had expected a conversation, maybe a small apology when they were back in his chamber, but not this. Not him kneeling in front of her like this. and then cleared her throat before speaking.

Clearing her throat, she finally spoke. "Please, get up, Tharros."

"I won’t until you forgive me."

"I already have," she assured him. "Now get up."

He studied her face, as if searching for any sign of doubt. "Are you sure, Ria? You won’t hold any grudges against me for what I did to you at your uncle’s palace?"

Nyxoria nodded, her expression soft. "I’m sure. Now, get up before your knees start to hurt."

Tharros exhaled, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he finally stood.

"So, can I hug you, Ria?" Tharros asked, his voice soft.

Nyxoria had barely nodded when he pulled her into a tight embrace. His strong arms wrapped around her, and with their height difference, he rested his chin gently on top of her head.

"I thought I would never hear your sweet voice again," he murmured. "I’m sorry... I let my anger get the best of me."

"Stop apologizing," Nyxoria replied, her voice muffled against his chest. "I was at fault too. I shouldn’t have pushed you."

Tharros pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her before pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

"Now that we’ve settled that," he said, a teasing glint in his eyes, "I have to tell you, your last strike with Dika left your stomach completely open for an attack. If I were your enemy, I would’ve taken you down."

Nyxoria smirked. "Oh? So you know a thing or two about sword fighting?"

Tharros scoffed. "Not just a thing or two, I know a lot."

"Really?" She arched a brow, playful doubt in her expression.

"Yes." His eyes moving around as if searching for someone.

"Who are you looking for?"

"Vyrelen," he said, then shook his head. "But I just remembered, I sent him to do something for me. If he were here, he would tell you plenty about me. Talking about myself just makes me sound like I’m bragging."

"So how old were you when you held your first sword?"

Nyxoria crossed her arms. "So? How old were you when you held your first sword?"

"I was one."

Nyxoria blinked. "One year old?"

Tharros pointed at her raised eyebrows, smirking. "See? That face says you don’t believe me. This is why I wanted Vyrelen to say it himself instead of me."

Nyxoria chuckled. "Alright, I believe you."

Tharros shook his head. "No, you don’t." He put his hands behind his back, grinning. "But that’s fine. I’ll prove it. I can help you perfect your defense better and Dika's too."

"Thank you, Tharros."

"As my bride, you ought to be strong," he said, his voice turning serious. "Just in case someone tries to use you to get to me."

"I am strong," Nyxoria reminded him. "And soon, I’ll get my wolf. Then we can fight once again and see who’s really stronger between us."

Tharros grinned. "That’s no problem, Ria."

What he didn’t say was that no matter how strong she became, he would never go all out against her again, even when they fought back at her Uncle's place, he was just using 0.01 percent of his strength. She had no idea just how powerful he truly was.

†††††

Castle Garden:

Dika had followed the guard, a werewolf, to the garden. He was handsome, with dark brown eyes and short black hair, standing just about her height.

"This is beautiful," she whispered to herself, her fingers grazing a white rose. The scent was divine. She plucked one gently.

"Yes, it is, my Princess," the guard agreed. Then, with a small smile, he added, "If I may say, you look beautiful, and the flower would look even more stunning in your hair."

Dika’s dark skin did well to hide the blush creeping up her face. She nodded at the guard. "Thank you…?"

"My name is Waiter my Princess," he responded.

"Thank you, Waiter," she said, a small smile forming on her lips.

Waiter grinned and stepped closer, reaching for the flower in her hand. "Here, let me." He took the delicate bloom and carefully moved to place it in her hair, just above her cornrows.

But before his hand could touch her, Vyrelen appeared out of nowhere, grabbing his wrist in a tight grip.

They both froze as they looked at Vyrelen in front of them.

"Are you calling for death?" Vyrelen’s voice was dangerously low, his grip tightening around the werewolf’s arm. "Who gave you the audacity to touch what belongs to me?"

Waiter flinched, a soft crack echoing from his arm as pain flashed across his face. Vyrelen finally let go, knowing the werewolf’s healing would take care of the damage, but his warning was clear.

"You have one second to get out of my sight," Vyrelen growled.

"I—I am sorry, my Lord!" Waiter stammered before getting out of the garden, running as fast as his legs could carry him.

Dika, who had been watching the entire scene unfold, turned to Vyrelen, her arms crossed. "Were you paid to ruin my love life over a single kiss?" she asked dryly.