The prince's gaze flicked to the fragile creature in her arms. His face was unreadable, but the way his eyes lingered on the tiny, battered body told her everything she needed to know.
Without a word, he stepped aside, giving room for her to come in.
Evangeline hesitated for a short moment before stepping over the threshold, clutching the cat as if it were a shield against the palpable tension that hung in the air.
The inside of the cottage was small but neat. A stone hearth crackled with a modest fire, casting a warm glow across the space. The furniture was simple with wooden chairs, a rough-hewn table, and a single soft looking sofa near the fire.
But it was the prince who commanded all her attention.
Even in the dim light, he looked devastatingly handsome. His golden hair fell in messy waves over his forehead, sticking slightly to the sweat on hi skin. The dark circles under his piercing blue eyes somehow made him look even more attractive, h looked like a depressed boy she just wanted to give a hug but she knew that jeweled sword would be lodged in her chest before she even came an inch close to him.
The veins on his forearms were visible as his sleeves were rolled up. He radiated royalty and elegance, even in this cottage in the woods.
How did the saying go, you can take the man out of the city but you can't take the city out of the man… or something like that.
Evangeline had to look away before her thoughts spiraled into uncharted territory.
"Put her there," the prince said gruffly, nodding toward the small table near the fire.
Evangeline moved to the table and gently laid the cat down on the soft cloth that was already spread across it. She brushed a hand over its fur, checking its breathing. "What is her name?" she asked softly, not entirely sure why she was asking for that information.
The prince didn't respond immediately. He crouched beside the table, his large hands moving with surprising gentleness as he examined the cat.
"Willow," he responded finally.
"Thats quite unique," Evangeline said, "what inspired it."
"Thats none of your business," oh he was quick to put her in her place.
Evangeline couldn't help but notice how close he was. She nearly jumped out of her skin when his arm brushed against hers as he leaned forward, and the warmth of his body seeped into her side, making her hyperaware of every inch of space between them… or lack of space.
For a man who looked like he could snap necks without breaking a sweat, he was alarmingly tender with Willow. His fingers carefully checked the injuries, his expression was soft.
"She's stable," he muttered after a moment, his voice low but calm.
Evangeline nodded, her heart still beating too fast. "I gave her some warmth earlier, but she needs food and water soon."
The prince stood, his full height towering over her as he walked to a small cupboard near the hearth. He moved with an easy grace that belied the tension in his shoulders.
"And how do you know what she needs? Are you some cat expert?" he asked, his tone was hard but he was genuinely curious.
Evangeline snorted softly. "You could say that," she was about to tell him about her veterinary courses but she stopped herself before she could make that mistake and oust herself.
That earned her a glance—a quick flick of his eyes over her before he focused on what he was doing. She didn't miss the way his lips twitched, though, as if he were holding back a smirk.
He returned with a shallow dish of water and a small piece of bread. "This should do for now," he said, placing them on the table.
Evangeline nodded, carefully helping Willow lap up the water. The cat was weak, but she drank steadily, her tiny body beginning to relax.
"She's truly strong," Evangeline murmured, stroking the cat's head.
The prince didn't respond immediately. Instead, he leaned against the table, crossing his arms over his chest as he watched her. His gaze was intense, and she felt it like a physical weight on her skin.
"What's your name?" he asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
Evangeline glanced up, meeting his piercing blue eyes.
"Evangeline," she said softly.
He nodded once, his expression unreadable. "I'm Candor."
She blinked, "Candor," she repeated the name as though she was testing how it sounded.
"Dont say my name like that," he said sharply.
Her brows scrunched together in confusion. "Like what?"
"Like you're trying to seduce me."
"What?" she was astounded.
Evangeline frowned, unsure how to respond to his claims and starting an argument wouldn't exactly be wise. "Well… it's nice to meet you."
His eyes flicked to her again searching. "Is it?"
There it was… that wall he had built around himself was showing, thick and unyielding. She could almost feel it physically as it surrounded him.
"It could be," she said lightly, trying to ease the tension. "Depends on whether or not you plan to stab me when I'm asleep."
Aurelian's lips twitched again, this time into the faintest hint of a smirk. "I'll think about it."
Evangeline rolled her eyes, but she couldn't ignore the way her stomach flipped at the sight of that almost-smile.
The two of them fell into a strange rhythm after that, working together to care for Willow. Candor was quiet, his movements were hyper focused, while Evangeline filled the silence with soft murmurs to the cat.
The tension between them ebbed and flowed, each moment stretching into something heavier and harder to ignore.
At one point, Candor reached across her to grab a cloth, his arm brushing against hers. The contact sent a jolt of heat through her, and she froze for a split second, her breath catching.
He didn't seem to notice, or maybe he did, and he just didn't care.
But Evangeline couldn't stop herself from stealing glances at him. The way his jaw tightened when he concentrated, the way his fingers moved with such care, the way the firelight danced across his features, making him look almost otherworldly.
She was losing it. Completely losing it.
When Willow finally fell asleep, her tiny body rising and falling steadily, Evangeline let out a breath of relief.
"She'll be okay," Candor said quietly, his voice softer now.
Evangeline nodded, her fingers brushing over Willow's fur one last time before she straightened. "Thank you," she said, turning to him. "For letting me stay. For not… you know, stabbing me."
Candor's eyes met hers, and for a moment, the air between them felt very heavy. His gaze was unreadable, but it lingered on her face, his lips parted slightly as if he wanted to say something.
The words never came.
Instead, a loud crash echoed from outside, shattering the fragile moment.
Evangeline whipped her head toward the window, her heart racing. "What was that?"
Candor was already moving, his hand reaching for his sword. "Stay here," he said sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Evangeline didn't listen.
Because of course, she didn't.