Sweet Time Together

As Elianora slid off the majestic horse, her legs trembled beneath her, her muscles protesting the unaccustomed exercise. She felt as though she had traversed a vast distance, her waist and thighs aching with a dull, persistent soreness that seemed to seep into her very bones. Crown Prince Kaidën was instantly by her side, offering a supportive hand as she dismounted, his fingers wrapping gently around her waist to steady her.

As he assisted her, his fingers brushed against hers, sending a shiver down her spine. Elianora shook her head, smiling wearily, her eyes drooping with fatigue. "Later, please. I'm exhausted," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Her lids felt heavy, her eyelashes fluttering as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

Crown Prince Kaidën's expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled, his face etched with concern. "No, my love. We may not have another chance like this. My training is growing more demanding by the day. You know we're being drilled relentlessly to prepare for the challenges ahead, to ensure we can protect ourselves if we're alone, if we're ambushed or separated from our guards." He paused, his gaze intensifying. "We're working on developing shields that can create reflective surfaces, as you suggested. Some prototypes have already been crafted, incorporating small, shatter-resistant mirrors that should help us deflect the Carnifex's attacks, give us an edge in combat. Our armorers are also experimenting with new materials, seeking to create lighter, more agile armor that won't hinder our movements."

Elianora's eyes widened in surprise as she gazed at Crown Prince Kaidën, her pupils dilating with wonder. His words painted a vivid picture of a schedule so demanding, it left little room for personal indulgences, and yet, here he was, carving out time for her. Her lips curled into a gentle, tender smile as she bit back a sentimental feeling, her heart swelling with emotion.

Though exhaustion still lingered, a warmth spread through her chest, dispelling some of the fatigue that had threatened to overwhelm her. The gentle rustle of the leaves and the soft chirping of birds in the nearby trees created a soothing melody that seemed to lull her senses into a state of relaxation. She took a deep breath, letting her shoulders relax, feeling the tension melt away from her muscles.

"Okay, it's fine. We can sit for a while," she agreed, her voice softer, more melodious. Crown Prince Kaidën's face lit up with a gentle, radiant smile as he guided her to a nearby seat, his hands supporting her elbows, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

As he handed her a flask of water, his eyes sparkled with amusement, his gaze crinkling at the corners. "So, how was my beloved's first horse ride?" he asked, his voice low, teasing, and intimate.

Elianora's cheeks flushed a delicate, rosy pink at the endearment, her skin glowing with a soft, warm light. She turned her face away, attempting to compose herself, her eyelashes fluttering as she struggled to contain her emotions. "I will definitely feel very good when I ride with my future husband," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, her words trembling with feeling.

A sly, playful smile spread across her face, her lips curling upward. "You want me to ride like this more often!" As she spoke, Elianora's gaze drifted back to Crown Prince Kaidën's, her eyes locking onto his, the air seeming to vibrate with tension, the space between them charged with unspoken emotions.

Crown Prince Kaidën's eyes sparkled with unwavering determination as he pondered a moment, his brow furrowed in thoughtful contemplation. The warm sunlight danced across his chiseled features, illuminating the resolute set of his jaw. "When I ascend to the throne and become the King," he declared, his voice filled with conviction and authority, "I will abolish this antiquated rule that prohibits women from riding horses." His words were laced with a sense of justice and equality, reflecting his vision for a more progressive and enlightened kingdom.

Elianora's eyes widened in astonishment, her gaze locked onto Crown Prince Kaidën's resolute face. Her lips parted in surprise, and she felt a flutter in her chest as she grasped the magnitude of his promise. "No, no, don't do that!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with alarm and a touch of humor. "I was only jesting." Her cheeks flushed with a delicate pink hue as she smiled, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

But then her expression turned serious, and she reached out to place a gentle hand on Crown Prince Kaidën's arm. "However, I do have one request," she said, her voice filled with a sense of longing. "On our wedding day, I want you to arrive on horseback, not in a buggy or carriage." Her eyes shone with excitement at the prospect, and Crown Prince Kaidën's heart swelled with emotion as he beheld her radiant face.

Crown Prince Kaidën's face broke into a wide, charming smile as he gazed at Elianora. "Your wish is my command, my love," he vowed, his voice dripping with devotion and adoration. "I shall ride into our wedding on horseback, with all the pomp and ceremony befitting a royal groom." He paused, his eyes burning with intensity. "And I shall make sure that our wedding day is a celebration that will be remembered for generations to come."

As they set off once more on horseback, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy. This time, Elianora sat behind Crown Prince Kaidën, her arms wrapped snugly around his waist. She felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration as the wind whipped through her hair, and the sun cast a warm glow over the landscape.

Elianora took a deep breath, inhaling the intoxicating scent of Crown Prince Kaidën's body. The aroma of leather, horse, and his own unique masculine fragrance filled her senses, leaving her feeling lightheaded and giddy.

Crown Prince Kaidën, too, was aware of a subtle shift in his emotions as he felt Elianora's soft hands encircle his waist. His throat grew dry, and he could feel his heart beating slightly faster. But he deliberately pushed aside these thoughts, choosing instead to focus on the present moment and the pleasure of sharing this experience with Elianora.

As they rode, Crown Prince Kaidën glanced over his shoulder, his eyes meeting Elianora's closed lids. Her head was resting gently against his back, and a soft, serene smile played on her lips. In this peaceful, idyllic setting, time seemed to stand still, and all that existed was the gentle rhythm of the horse's hooves and the warmth of their entwined bodies.