Caring or scary?

Enrico's POV

My heart raced as I listened to Kiara's plan. The thought of her venturing into the dangerous Mist Mountains sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't bear the idea of her being in harm's way.

"Kiara, are you out of your mind? It's too dangerous! I can't let you go," I protested, my voice filled with concern.

Kiara's eyes narrowed at me, shining through. "Enrico, we've discussed this before. I need to negotiate with the witch kingdom. They hold valuable information that could help us in this battle. I can't just sit back and do nothing," she insisted.

"I give you my support, then, sister-in-law." The emperor said.

"Can the quadruplets remain in the palace until I'm back?" She didn't ask me, but the emperor.

"Sure, be safe, sister-in-law," he said, and she nodded.

As the meeting with the Emperor concluded,

Once outside the hall, I and Kiara walked in silence until we reached a room. Once we were alone, I exploded.

"Kiara, how can you be so reckless? Have you forgotten what happened with Lou? She nearly killed you once, and you want to walk into another dangerous situation? I can't bear the thought of losing you."

I felt frustration creeping in; my voice tinged. I was desperate to stop her, but would she listen to me? She was no longer the old Kiara who would listen to others but never herself.

"But Kiara, it's not worth the risk! You have to think about our children. What if something happens to you? How can I live with that? Please don't do this to them." I pleaded, my eyes welling up, but I couldn't let tears fall off.

That was a sign of weakness. I needed to make her understand that I am her husband and she'd do as I said.

"The decision is final, Kiara. I am your husband, and you would do as I said no matter what!" With a stoned look, I said, I wasn't asking her; I was ordering her.

"And I would do as you've said? You never played the role of a good husband, so you do not have the right to decide as a good husband."

She spoke, her voice going up with every word. My blood boiled over at Kiara's words. The accusing tone in her voice cut me deeply, igniting a fire of hurt and anger within me.

"Don't throw that at me, Kiara. I have been trying my best to change that because I want to protect you and our children. I have to shoulder some responsibilities of our kingdom with everything I have. I know I'm not a good husband but I am trying to be one." My voice cracked with emotion as I vehemently defended myself.

Kiara's gaze remained unyielding, and her tone became more resolute.

"Yes, you've been trying to protect us, but being a husband is more than that. It's about respect, understanding, and making decisions together. I can't let fear dictate my actions, Enrico."

"I have to do what I believe is right for the people. I don't need you to decide for me. I will do that myself. The emperor already agrees, so we are done talking about this."

My heart twisted with a sense of helplessness. I realized that my attempts to assert control were pushing Kiara further away; I could only let her lose as a free bird.

"But I can't bear the thought of losing you," I whispered, the desperation in my voice lying bare.

Kiara's expression softened, and her voice was gentle as she reached out to touch my hand.

"Enrico, I understand your concerns. But I can't let fear dictate my actions. We have to do everything we can to protect the kingdom, the people, and our family. Trust me, I won't take any unnecessary risks," she assured me, but I wasn't assured.

I felt a lump form in my throat, and I realized that I couldn't change her mind no matter what I said or did. She was not going to go back on her words; I knew that.

"Kiara, can you reconsider, please? The kids can't lose both of their parents..."

I choked out, my voice filled with emotion. I at least hoped she would see the desperation on my face.

Kiara's eyes glistened with tears as she looked deep into my eyes. "Enrico, I know the risks, but I have to do this. I promise I'll be careful. I'll come back for our children," she whispered, her voice filled with hurt.

"And me?" I asked.

"I will come back for you too. I promise… Trust me."

My heart ached at her words, his voice trembling. "Just promise me, Kiara. Promise me that you'll come back safely. Promise me that you won't leave me alone," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper.

I didn't like this feeling. I never felt this for Kate, but now that I did for Kiara, it was all too complicated.

Kiara nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I promise, Enrico. I'll come back to you, no matter what," she vowed in her voice.

With a heavy heart, I watched as Kiara stepped into the carriage and disappeared into the distance.

The sound of my own heartbeat echoed in my ears as I realized that I couldn't let her face this danger alone. I made up my mind in an instant.

I quickly mounted my horse and rode after Kiara, his heart pounding with every step. When I was close enough, I switched places with the man who was driving the carriage.

"I am sorry, Enrico," I heard her say.

She opened the carriage, and our eyes met. "Enrico, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice showing shock and relief.

I looked at her with my eyes filled with determination. "I'm here because I care, Kiara, and because you're sorry for leaving," I said, a small smile playing on my lips.

"I choose to come along, to support you, and to protect you. Our first target is the witch kingdom."

Kiara's eyes widened in surprise, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Thank you, Enrico. Thank you for being by my side," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.

And so, myself and Kiara embarked on their dangerous journey together, facing the perils of the Mist Mountain and the challenges that lay ahead.