Kingdom Iris

Emelia’s gaze was transfixed on him as she took in his deep brown eyes, reflecting a childlike innocence that seemed almost unreal given the chaos of their current situation. His presence was bewitching, and she wondered how he could manage to remain so gentle in the midst of war’s destruction.

Memories of the times they spent together flooded her mind. She remembered standing beside him in the bright sunshine, watching small animals make their way through the dense underbrush. He would challenge her to compete in archery, capturing the serenity and mutual understanding they experienced whenever they were apart from the courtly atmosphere. He provided a warmth and comfort she had not shared with any other man. Emelia stared off into the distance, her heart heavy with emotion. “Yes,” she whispered softly, her voice trembling with uncertainty, “But I don’t know what will happen in the future.”

He smiled at her and took her hand in his. “Your yes is all I need, Emelia,” he said, gazing into her eyes. “But I don’t want you to feel any pressure. Take all the time you need to make your decision.” He released her hands, but his eyes never left hers. To break the tension, he raised his glass in a toast. “And no matter your answer, I hope we can remain friends.”

With a gentle bob of her head, Emelia acknowledged his invitation and smiled warmly in appreciation. Her lips curled upwards in gratitude as she uttered, “Thank you,” her eyes crinkled at the corners. She raised her glass of wine to his as they clinked them together and shared a blissful moment in agreement before continuing their meal. They continued to laugh and chat, happily dining together in companionable bliss as the night wore on.

* * *

The sun rose early the next morning, and Leon, accompanied by Emelia, rode along a dirt path into the town. His soldiers followed behind with carts overflowing with blankets, cloaks, and sacks of grain, vegetables, and cured meats. The town’s citizens had gathered in anticipation of their King’s arrival, and when they saw him, they erupted into cheers. Leon waved back to the people as he passed, knowing his presence was a sign of security and protection. Their appreciation deeply humbled him.

Leon and Emelia strolled down the cobblestone path of the town side-by-side. He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “Remember what I told you last night.” A blush rose to her cheeks as a soft smile played on his lips. He stepped into the cobbled street and called back to her, “But again, no pressure.” With that, he turned back around and helped some citizens with their carts, pushing them further down the road.

Emelia’s lips tugged into a warm smile as she glanced around the bustling streets of the kingdom. She felt a deep sense of love and belonging as she strolled past shops with vendors selling fragrant, freshly-baked goods. She took a deep breath and could smell the sweet aroma of spiced loaves of bread, cookies, and cakes emanating from the bakeries. She loved this kingdom like her own.

Emelia smiled even wider, the warmth of the memory washing over her. She remembered when Leon had first brought her to town. It was the first time she had ventured out from Cornea and her isolated cottage. As she watched him, he moved through the crowd handing out blankets to those in need. Finally, his gaze caught hers, and he smiled. As he walked towards her, his dark eyes shone in the sun’s light. He stopped a few feet away to hand a cloak to a little girl, tussling her hair affectionately before walking the rest of the way to stand beside Emelia.

Emelia shivered at the freezing air and inhaled deeply to fill her lungs. Her breath frosted in front of her like a little vapor cloud, and her sinuses burned with the cold, leaving a tightness in her throat. She coughed, shifting on her feet to fight off the chill, and then spoke up again. “I’ve been meaning to ask,” She said, her voice slightly hoarse, “How are the frontlines?”

He adjusted the leather gloves that once belonged to his father, cleared his throat, and said, “Holding steady.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of his wool coat while they walked down the cobblestone streets of the bustling town. The sound of clanging pots and chatter echoed through the air. A few more people waved their greetings as they passed by, including a mother carrying a bouquet of yellow roses for tonight’s ball. “We’ve definitely been thankful for the support from Kingdom Macula.”

Leon looked around the marketplace, surprised at how empty it was now that everyone had gotten their goods and returned home. He felt a small, soft hand on his jaw and gazed down to find Emelia’s deep brown eyes staring up at him. “What happened?” Her slender fingers delicately traced the scar down the right side of his jawline. His body quivered with pleasure as his heart fluttered. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to indulge in the moment, leaning into her hand.

He smirked and raised an eyebrow, saying, “An Alana soldier got lucky. Simon warned me to be careful, saying no woman would want to marry the King with a mangled face.”

She smiled shyly as she pulled her hand away and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s a war wound,” she said softly. “It makes you look... distinguished.”

His face lit up with an amused grin as he chuckled, “Distinguished? I guess that could be one way to put it.” His laughter echoed off the walls of the small town.

“Leon, you’re handsome, regardless of a little scar.” Emelia’s face was on fire. She didn’t know where the courage had come from to express such intimate thoughts, but she spoke the words with a gentle certainty. Her eyes darted to Leon’s face. His deep brown eyes were wide in surprise, and his lips parted as if to say something in response. Had she gone too far? Emelia knew she cared for Leon, but was she beginning to see him as more than a friend? She hesitated before admitting, “If you could only see how many scars I have from tumbling out of trees while hunting.”

Leon’s face heated up, and his ears tingled. He was sure his cheeks had turned fire-engine red. His heart raced at the thought of Emelia without clothing. He nervously fidgeted with the collar of his cloak, clearing his throat before leaning in and whispering near her ear, “Well, who knows... Maybe someday I’ll get a chance to see them.”

Emelia felt her cheeks grow hot and her heart flutter as she recalled Leon’s response. Her stomach knotted and released like a wave, giving the distinct sensation of a flock of butterflies taking flight. “You’re being awfully flirtatious today,” she said, gaze heavy with curiosity. “What’s gotten into you?”

Leon gently took her hands into his large hands. His dark eyes sparkled with desire, and his gaze fixed upon her face with such intensity that it caused her to quiver. “You - of course,” he said in a low voice that sent shivers down her spine.

The sudden, loud call of “Sir!” from several nearby soldiers brought their moment to a sharp halt. “Time to head back,” one of them said, his voice echoing.

He sighed softly and said, “Looks like we have to get going.” Leon gently caressed her arm, the warmth setting off a fire throughout her body, contrasting sharply with the frigid winter air.

“Yes, of course,” Emelia’s face lit up, and she nodded eagerly. They set off on the winding dirt path that led back to the grand castle in anticipation of the ball later that evening.