Chapter 4

The castle lay shrouded in silence, its imposing stone walls bathed in the pale, ghostly glow of the moon. Shadows danced in the corners, weaving a tapestry of darkness that seemed to breathe with every flicker of the torches. It was the hour when even the bravest of souls sought refuge in sleep, and the only sounds were the distant hoot of an owl and the whispering of the wind through the ancient trees.

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silver glow over the land. A woman, clad in a humble servant's cloak, moved with quiet determination through the shadowed paths. The cool night air whispered against her skin, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the distant murmur of the castle's nighttime activities. Her heart pounded with anticipation and fear as she approached the secluded path where her lover awaited.

Grey stood under the ancient oak, his silhouette sharp against the moonlight. His eyes, usually so full of warmth and mischief, were now clouded with a storm of emotions. As Samantha drew near, the silence between them was thick with unspoken words and unasked questions.

"Samantha," Grey's voice broke the silence, laced with a mixture of hurt and confusion. "Why didn't you tell me you were getting married?"

Samantha's steps faltered, her brow furrowing in bewilderment. "What wedding?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yours, Sam," Grey's tone grew more intense. "With that prince of Oryn."

"What?" Samantha's eyes widened in shock. "I'm not getting married. What are you talking about?"

"So you're saying my father lied to me?" Grey's voice was edged with frustration and disbelief. "You're telling me that the chief commander would lie to me about today's meeting?"

"I didn't know about the wedding," Samantha pleaded, her eyes filling with tears. "Please believe me, Grey. I love you."

Grey's gaze softened, his anger melting away at the sight of her distress. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her trembling form, pulling her close. "I believe you, Sam," he murmured, his voice soothing. "I believe you."

Samantha buried her face in his chest, her tears soaking into his shirt. "I don't know why they would say such things," she sobbed. "I would never marry anyone but you, Grey."

Grey stroked her hair gently, his heart aching at the sight of her pain. "We'll figure this out together," he promised. "No one will come between us, not your father, not the prince of Oryn, no one."

Samantha clung to him, her fears gradually subsiding in the warmth of his embrace. "Thank you," she whispered. "For trusting me."

"Always," Grey replied, his voice firm with conviction. "We'll face whatever comes, together."

"I would cross a thousand nights to be with you," he said, taking her hands in his. "But we must be cautious. The danger grows with every passing day."

She nodded, understanding the unspoken words. Their love was a secret, one that could never see the light of day. But in the dark of the night, away from prying eyes and the constraints of duty, they found a freedom that neither could deny.

"Kiss me" ,she demanded her voice barely a whisper.

Complying to her wishes Grey took her in his arms embracing her under the moonlight,.

Grey escorted Samantha back to the secret door near the quarters, their footsteps silent against the stone floors. The shadows played tricks in the dim light, but they knew this path well. Just as they reached the door, Maya, a maid, saw them embracing each other. Her eyes widened, but she stayed hidden, her curiosity piqued. It wasn't every day that one saw the son of Lord Thelma in a clandestine rendezvous with one of the castle's princess the one she was made to serve, her face showed confusion but one thing she learnt in this grand walls is to always keep your head down and ears wide , never release someone secret so she went back to the servant quarters.

Samantha removed the cloak, making sure to hide it carefully before slipping back into her bed. She closed her eyes, her mind drifting to dreams of a happy life beside Grey, the son of Lord Thelma. Grey, who was following in his father's footsteps, would one day become a noble man.

They had met at one of the many balls hosted in the castle. Samantha had been bored, suffocating in the formality and dull conversation, until Grey had approached her. His smile had been infectious, and he saved her from the tedium by offering his company. They had stayed until late at night, talking and enjoying the evening with liquor they had stolen from the royal stash.

Those nights had become their secret. Each ball became an adventure as they explored the castle together. It was during one of these escapades that they discovered the east wing, a place long abandoned and forgotten by others. It became their hideout, a sanctuary away from prying eyes.

The east wing had a sense of mystery and abandonment. Cobwebs draped the corners, and dust coated the surfaces of antique furniture. The air smelled of aged wood and forgotten memories. Yet, in this forgotten space, Grey and Samantha found a world of their own. They would sit on an old, tattered couch, sharing stories of their lives, their dreams, and their fears. Grey would tell Samantha about his father, Lord Thelma, and the expectations placed upon him. Samantha, in turn, would share tales of her childhood, her hopes for the future, and the freedom she longed for.

One night, as they sat together in the dimly lit room, Grey reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, ornate box. Samantha's eyes widened in surprise as he opened it to reveal a delicate locket. Inside was a tiny portrait of the two of them, painted with exquisite detail.

"I had this made for you," Grey said softly, his eyes locking onto hers. "So you can always carry a piece of us with you, no matter where we are."

Tears welled up in Samantha's eyes as she took the locket from him. "It's beautiful," she whispered. "Thank you, Grey."

They embraced, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. The east wing became their refuge, a place where they could be themselves without fear of judgment or repercussions. They filled the room with tokens of their affection letters, small gifts, and mementos of their time together.

Every ball hosted in the castle became an opportunity for their secret meetings. They would slip away from the crowded ballroom, their hearts pounding with excitement as they made their way to their hidden sanctuary. The thrill of their secret romance added an extra layer of enchantment to their encounters.

One evening, after another delightful escape to the east wing, Grey held Samantha close as they gazed out of the dusty window, watching the moonlight dance on the castle grounds.

"One day," Grey murmured, "we won't have to hide. We'll be able to be together without fear."

Samantha leaned her head against his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his promise. "I believe you," she said softly. "And until then, we have this place.

Samantha's eyes drew close as she taught of all her ravenous adventure with Grey, Grey is a striking figure, standing tall at 6'3" with a build that speaks of both power and grace. His muscular physique is the result of countless hours of rigorous training, evident in every movement he makes. Broad shoulders and a well-defined chest taper down to a trim waist, highlighting his athleticism and strength. His arms are particularly noteworthy, their muscularity accentuated by prominent veins that trace intricate patterns just beneath his skin. These arms, both powerful and tender, are often wrapped around Samantha, who delights in the feel of his strength and the security it provides.

Grey's presence is further magnified by his captivating grey eyes. These eyes, the color of storm clouds, have a depth and intensity that draw people in. They seem to pierce through to one's very soul, revealing a keen intelligence and an underlying intensity. When Grey looks at someone, it's as if he's seeing them completely, and this penetrating gaze has an almost magnetic quality. His eyes are framed by dark, expressive eyebrows that add to the intensity of his expressions.

His face is a study in classic masculine beauty. A strong, defined jawline gives his face a commanding presence, while his high cheekbones and chiseled features could belong to a statue carved by an old master. His skin has a healthy, sun-kissed hue, suggesting a life spent outdoors. Grey's lips, perfectly shaped and often curved into a confident smile, are both inviting and expressive, hinting at a charm that is impossible to resist. It's no wonder that he is a highly sought-after bachelor, his looks alone could captivate any young woman, but there's so much more to him.

Adding to his allure is his prowess in sword fighting. Grey's exceptional skill with a blade is legendary, and he moves with the fluid grace of someone who has dedicated years to perfecting his craft. His swordplay is a blend of precision, speed, and raw power, making him a formidable opponent. This talent is not just a physical skill but also a testament to his discipline, focus, and determination. Watching him spar is like watching a master artist at work, each movement precise and purposeful, each strike a blend of art and combat.

Despite his imposing exterior and his formidable skill set, Grey has a softer, more tender side that he shows to those he cares about, particularly Samantha. He is protective and caring, his strong arms providing a safe haven for her. There is a depth to his character that goes beyond his physical attributes and fighting abilities; he is thoughtful, kind, and possesses a wisdom that comes from experience and introspection.

In social settings, Grey's charisma shines through. He has a natural ease and confidence that draw people to him, and his deep, resonant voice commands attention when he speaks. Whether discussing serious matters or sharing a lighthearted joke, he engages with a sincerity and warmth that make others feel valued and heard.