Part 32

I felt nervous. Finally, after all this time I am going to meet him in person. Excitement and nervousness settled in the pit of my stomach.A little bit of fear and self-consciousness overtook me when I looked at myself. I was covered in dirt and dried blood. How can I go to him like this?The queen looked at me knowingly and gestured me toward the bathroom."I will take my leave now. Mia must be waiting." She said walking towards the door gracefully."Wait, where should I meet him". I asked a bit unsure."Get dressed and follow your instincts you will get to him." She said and chuckled before closing the door behind her. I sighed.With that, I walked toward the bathroom and when I opened the door I got stunned. The view before me was nothing short of magnificent - an understatement, in fact. The back wall was lined with long, stone-framed windows that overlooked a snow-covered landscape. The cosmic sky above was a beautiful mix of pink, purple, and grey hues, adorned with twinkling stars that sparkled like diamonds.Without hesitation, I left the windows open to fully immerse myself in the beauty of this magical place. And there, before me, was a huge bathtub that looked like a mini swimming pool. To the right of it, I saw a beautifully carved, floor-length mirror with a cabinet filled with an array of towels, shampoos, conditioners, toothbrushes, slippers, and other amenities. To the left, I saw a collection of swimsuits, body scrubs, oils, and other items.As I stepped into the warm water, I felt my body immediately relax. The cold wind softly blew against my face, and the soothing sounds of chirping birds enveloped me, offering a sense of peace and comfort in this unknown land. "So good," I mumbled into the quiet air surrounding me.After I cleansed myself properly I stepped out of the small pool half-heartedly, wrapped a towel around and dried my hair with a dryer. I opened what I thought was a walk-in closet which looked somewhat similar to the one in William's castle but here I found the clothes which were similar to what I owned in my human world. It was exactly my style of clothing which made me smile brightly. The other side of the closet had beautiful gowns and matching shoes of all types along with jewellery. I paused and chewed my bottom lips softly. I looked at a white knee-length off-shoulder gown. Will he like this dress or will he think that I am trying to impress him? I shook my head of those thoughts before hurriedly untying the towel from my body and sliding myself into the beautiful dress. The fabric was soft and snug against my skin and instantly brought warmth to my cold body. The outfit was perfect when I looked into the mirror but frowned looking at my face. I looked tired and exhausted. I found few cosmetics on the table and I quickly took a compact powder and tapped it on the dark circles.Excitement bubbled in my stomach sending a tingling feeling all over my body. I wanted to meet him so badly yet still I was a bit hesitant to step outside this room. What would he look like in person, will he like me or hate me for deciding to fight along with the vampires? Will he resent me?I sighed. It's not the time for useless thoughts, let's face it. I thought and stepped outside the room. There was a large set of double doors on the farther side of my left. I followed my instincts and headed towards the large set of double doors on the far left. As I walked, the sparkling lights from the hanging chandeliers and the moonlight reflecting off the walls illuminated my path like sparkling diamonds.The sound of classical music drifted towards me, and I felt my heart race even faster. Pushing open the double doors, I was immediately transported into a beautiful garden, just like the one I had seen in my first dream when I met Stanley.Words failed me as I took in the stunning scenery before me. The sight was simply breathtaking, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions rushing through me. It was as if every flower, every tree, and every blade of grass was radiating beauty and life, filling me with a sense of wonder and awe.The misty path through the garden looked so inviting, flanked on either side by a riot of colorful, vibrant flowers. As I breathed in their enchanting fragrance, I felt my nerves begin to calm down. This place felt more like home than any place I had ever lived before.With newfound courage, I took a deep breath and stepped onto the path, allowing the mist to engulf me as I walked. My heart skipped a beat as I felt the fog begin to lift, revealing a clear pathway ahead of me. It was as if the garden was guiding me towards him.The sense of wonder and curiosity that filled me was indescribable. With each step I took, I felt my spirits lift, my heart swelling with joy and excitement.As the path cleared, there stood the man of dreams with his back facing me. I stopped on my track. He looked just the way I imagined him to be. I wanted to make my presence known but I couldn't make a sound. My palms started to sweat and nervousness consumed me once again. It felt like years since I'd seen him in person at the ball when It's barely been a few months.My stomach was a fluttering mess when he turned his head and locked his eyes with mine. The smile on his face made me melt inside. "Handsome was an understatement. Perfection. A pair of light blue eyes sent a wave of happiness through my soul. He was gorgeous. I was frozen like a statue. I couldn't find the strength in me to tear my eyes off him. Something in those lightning eyes was holding me captive and refusing to let go. It made my heart flutter even more and I felt like it will stop any moment now.The way he smiled held me captive and refused to let my body move. I felt like I was in a trance. If anything, I was drowning further in the way he looked at me. It was strange how natural it felt just to stand there, lost in his gaze as if nothing else in the world mattered. Every inch of me yearned to be closer to him, to feel his touch and to bask in the warmth of his love."Kristen." My name sounded like music when he spoke. It was beautiful, like the sound of waterfall, which we would listen to from a distance. I wanted to hear him call my name over and over again.I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my own lips."Stanley," I whispered, his name rolling off my tongue like the sweetest melody. When he looked at my lips, I felt my heart skip a beat, my breath catch in my throat.As we stood there, lost in the moment, a small glow of heat began to spread throughout my chest. It was as if my very soul recognized him, responding to the magic that flowed between us.With a soft smile, he took a step towards me, and my heart swelled with joy and longing. At that moment, I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be, standing before the man I loved more than anything in the world."At last, we meet," I said, my heart bursting with anticipation as I stood before him. As I spoke, I could feel his gaze on me, and my cheeks flushed at the intensity of it. His body froze for a moment, his head tilted in curious amazement, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of desire coursing through me.Suddenly, his hands were on my cheeks, and I looked down, overwhelmed by the intensity of his touch. The warmth of his hands shot through me like an electric current, and I couldn't help but lean further into him, my heart pounding with desire.As I looked up at him, a single tear rolled down my cheek, my emotions raw and unbridled. In that moment, I knew that I was completely and utterly in love with him."I am sorry for not coming soon," he said, his voice heavy with regret. The sound of his words washed over me, and I felt a sense of warmth and comfort enveloping me, like a soft blanket on a cold winter's night.With a deep sigh, he pulled me closer, and I could feel the beating of his heart against mine. At that moment, I knew that I had found my true soulmate, and nothing would ever come between us."You are here now," I said, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I covered his hand with mine. The panic that had been building inside me suddenly dissipated, replaced by a deep sense of calm.But as I held his gaze, memories of my dream began to resurface, and a desperate need to cling to him took hold. Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him close to me as if my life depended on it.He smiled down at me, and I felt my heart soar with love and happiness. As he hugged me back, I snuggled into the warmth of his body, feeling safe and protected in his embrace.In that moment, everything felt perfect. All of the doubts and fears that had been plaguing me melted away, replaced by a deep sense of contentment and belonging. I knew that I had found my true home and that nothing would ever come between us.."I've dreamt of this moment my entire life, Kristen," he said, his eyes locked on mine. "And now that it's finally come true, I couldn't be happier." I've longed to see you for so long, but circumstances have always kept us apart. "I'm sorry for any pain you had to endure because of my absence."As he spoke, his voice was filled with sincerity and regret, and I couldn't help but feel my heart ache for him. Looking up at him, I could see the pain etched on his face, and I knew that he had suffered just as much as I had."Stanley, none of these is your fault. You don't have to be sorry about it. You were always there to guide me and I held onto the hope that one day I will escape those monsters and meet you. Your voice and my father's words to come to Forks land gave me hope and you did save me as you promised.""I am happy now, here with you. I couldn't wish for anything more." I said. His bright eyes glistened with tears and a few of them escaped and fell on my face. His eyes softened and his hand reached up to my hair tugging a loose strand behind my ears. I closed my eyes when he brushed his hand softly around my jaw. My heart hammered in my chest.You have gone through so much pain, and I wish I could have been there to protect you from it all," Stanley said with a tender voice.I looked up at him, and the love in his eyes made my heart skip a beat. "But now, I promise to never leave your side, to always be here for you, to love you and protect you for as long as I live," he continued, his hand caressing my face.I felt tears prickling at the corner of my eyes, and I leaned into his touch, savouring the warmth of his hand on my skin. "And I promise to never let go of you, to cherish and love you for all eternity," I whispered.I was lost in a world of my own, wondering if he felt the same, if he wanted me as much as I wanted him. I could feel my heart racing in my chest, sending shivers down my spine as I leaned in closer to him. Suddenly, he chuckled, interrupting my thoughts. It was as if he could read my mind, and before I knew it, his soft, plump lips were pressed against mine. Time seemed to stand still as we kissed, and I felt like I was floating on cloud nine. We lost track of time, and it was only when the sun began to rise that we realized how long we had been there.When I woke up, I found myself snuggled in his arms beneath the shade of a tree. He looked so peaceful and serene, like an angel who had fallen from the heavens to be with me. As I gazed at him, my heart fluttered with joy and love.As his eyes slowly fluttered open, he caught me staring at him, and I felt my cheeks turn crimson. But as he smiled at me, all my doubts and fears melted away, and I knew that I was right where I belonged - in his arms.He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Why do you keep staring at me?" He asked in a playful tone while wrapping his arms around me gently. "I am afraid if I close my eyes, all these moments will become a dream again." "Everything feels like a dream." I said this and placed my head on his chest snuggling closer."This is real." "We are real." I am not going to take my eyes off you, even for a moment. I will keep you safe and protect you with my life." His words felt real, and I snuggled against his chest, smiling."I know.""We should go now." A long day awaits you. Everyone in the kingdom is happy for your return, and you must meet them also, your friends." He said, caressing my cheek.I felt a sudden pang of guilt for forgetting about them, and I sat up straight, looking at him with a worried expression."How are they?" Are they alright? "Did the vampires harm them?" I asked him with wide, frightened eyes."They are safe and unharmed." They must be resting now. I will take you to meet them once they are awake. Okay?" He asked, smiling. I sighed in relief.He took me to my room. "You must be hungry." His deep, silky voice was soft as he turned and pulled the chair beside him out for me. My cheeks burned brightly as I gave him a small nod and muttered, "Thank you," as he pushed the chair in for me before sitting down with a small smile on his full lips. The food was already present before we entered.I forced my eyes to glance down at the food in front of us instead of staring up at him. He was the most handsome man I had ever met. My stomach growled at the sight of food, and it made him chuckle. He placed various fruits on my plate beside a piece of bread and butter. The food was delicious, and the fruits were sweet. We both ate in silence for a few long minutes, despite the desperate urge I had to stare at his beautiful face and never glance away."I can't believe you are here." "It still feels like a dream." He said. His eyes never left mine, which made me blush. My heart swelled at his words, and I felt a warm sensation spread through my chest. I couldn't help but smile at him, even though I knew my cheeks were turning red. "Like I said," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.He reached out and took my hand, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "I'm so glad you are here," he said softly, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. "I can't imagine my life without you now." I felt a lump form in my throat at his words, and I squeezed his hand tightly. "I don't want to ever leave," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I want to stay here with you forever."He smiled, his eyes twinkling with happiness. "Then you shall," he said, leaning across the table to place a gentle kiss on my forehead. "I'll never let you go." A moment of silence passed between us, but it was a comfortable one."The queen said you were imprisoned by Edmond." "May I ask why?" I asked hesitantly, as this question had nagged me for a long time. His smile slowly disappeared, and he let out a sigh."There is something that is too complicated to explain in one conversation." I will tell you in time." He spoke softly, his blue eyes glowing in the daylight.I couldn't help but notice the sadness that flickered in his eyes as he spoke. I wanted to press him for more information, but I could sense that it was a sensitive topic, so I decided not to push him any further."I understand," I said."Kristen," his deep voice started softly, his eyes still sad as his hands reached up and brushed gently over my cheek. I looked up into those bright blue eyes, and before I could speak, I heard the sound of Mia's soft footsteps."Kristen," she said, and she ran happily towards me. I laughed."Yes, Mia," I said, tapping her small nose."Are you alright?" She asked with puppy eyes."Yes, I am perfectly fine," I said, smiling."Grandma wants to meet you." "Come with me." She said and started pulling my hand with her tiny fingers. I glanced at Stanley, who was smiling at her too, before getting up from the seat and joining me.