Chapter : 7 : Lysandra Grimclaw!

Aiden walked through the grand corridor of the goblin palace, his steps light but his mind heavy with thoughts of Luna's confession from the night before. The soft glow of morning sunlight filtered through towering stained-glass windows, casting prismatic patterns across the stone floor. Despite the breathtaking beauty around him, his heart was still caught in the whirlwind of emotions Luna had stirred.

She's such a handful, Aiden mused, a smile tugging at his lips. So cute, so adorable… and so fiery.

He chuckled softly to himself, his mind replaying her bold confession. She was still fast asleep when he left the room, her peaceful expression a stark contrast to the fierce emotions she had poured out the night before.

I'm lucky to have her by my side.

His thoughts swirled in a pleasant haze until he noticed the palace gardens through an arched doorway. A burst of vibrant color pulled his gaze, and there, beneath the delicate wooden gazebo, sat Princess Lysandra Grimclaw. Her green skin glistened under the morning sun, the golden light accentuating her delicate features. Her long, pale blonde hair cascaded around her shoulders, and a jewel-studded circlet sat perfectly atop her head, its intricate design glinting in the sun.

Her crimson eyes, usually filled with a determined spark, were distant—melancholy painting her face. She rested her chin on her palm, her fingers gently curled against her cheek as she stared into the sea of flowers surrounding her.

Aiden's heart tugged at the sight. She looks so alone.

He made his way down the stone path leading to the gazebo, each step slow and careful, not wanting to disturb her too soon. Flowers lined the aisle on both sides—brilliant reds, soft blues, and deep purples swaying in the light breeze. Yet Lysandra didn't notice. She was lost in her own world.

Aiden reached the edge of the gazebo and leaned in slightly. "Hello, Princess," he said smoothly, a playful glint in his eyes. "Or should I say… my future wife?"

Lysandra startled, her eyes widening in surprise. "H-huh? G-good m-morning! I'm so sorry—I didn't notice you," she stammered, her green cheeks flushing a deep shade of red.

Aiden chuckled. "It's alright. May I join you?"

She quickly composed herself, gesturing to the empty seat across from her. "Of course!"

He sat down, taking in the subtle details of her beauty up close—the delicate curve of her pointed ears, the elegant gold jewelry that adorned her neck and wrists, and the way her bodice, though regal, did little to hide her curvaceous figure. Her ample chest, pushed up slightly by the intricate gown, gleamed under the sunlight, drawing his gaze before he quickly averted his eyes to avoid being too obvious.

"I hope you slept well," Lysandra said softly, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"The best sleep I've had in months," Aiden replied. "That bed was softer than anything I've laid on."

"I'm glad," she whispered, her smile faint but sincere.

"There's also the added bonus of not having to worry about beasts attacking me in the middle of the night," Aiden joked.

Lysandra tilted her head. "You were in the Forest of Emiiment all this time?"

His eyebrows shot up. "So that's what it's called. I had no idea."

She gasped, covering her mouth with her hand before bursting into laughter. It was a soft, melodic sound that filled the gazebo like music. "You were in that forest without even knowing its name?"

"Hey, don't laugh at me!" Aiden teased, though he found himself laughing with her.

She wiped a tear from her eye, still giggling. "Sorry, sorry… it's just… you're unbelievable."

The moment of lightness faded as Aiden noticed the shadow that crept back into her crimson eyes. "But seriously… you seemed sad earlier. Is something bothering you?"

Her laughter faded completely, replaced by a somber expression. She hesitated before answering, her gaze dropping to the wooden table between them.

"I… lost someone dear to me," she admitted.

Aiden's heart sank. "I'm sorry to hear that."

She bit her lower lip, as if trying to hold back tears.

"Can I ask... who was this person?" Aiden inquired gently, though he sensed it might not be the right moment—but his curiosity got the better of him.

"He was my knight," Lysandra replied softly.

"Huh?"

"We'd been friends for as long as I can remember," she continued, a faint, bittersweet smile tugging at her lips.

"Were you two... um, in love?" Aiden hesitated, his voice low.

Her eyes widened slightly before she shook her head. "No, no. It wasn't like that. He was more like an older brother—someone I could always rely on."

"Oh," Aiden exhaled, feeling a strange mix of relief and sympathy. "So... what happened?"

Lysandra took a deep breath, her fingers trembling as she clasped them together. "It was my fault."

"Huh?"

"If I hadn't begged him to take me out that day, he'd still be alive," she confessed, tears welling in her crimson eyes.

"You don't have to talk about it if it's too painful," Aiden said gently, trying to ease her sorrow.

But she shook her head. "No... I need to. His name was Luka," she whispered, wiping at her tears. "I was so bored of being cooped up in this palace, so I convinced him to take me to the Forest of Eminent."

"He didn't want to, did he?" Aiden guessed.

She smiled weakly. "No, he didn't. But I pouted and nagged like a spoiled child until he gave in."

Aiden stayed silent, listening intently.

"We snuck out through the same cave you entered," she continued, her voice growing distant.

"Mhm."

"It was fun... at first. But I kept pushing us deeper into the forest. I wanted adventure, something different. And that's when they came." Her hands clenched into fists. "The hobgoblins."

"The same ones your father asked me to defeat?" Aiden asked, his brow furrowing.

Lysandra nodded, her jaw trembling. "Luka fought them off... all of them. He told me to run. I didn't want to, but—" Her voice cracked as fresh tears spilled. "I ran. I left him. And he... he—" Her words broke into sobs.

Aiden's chest tightened, seeing her so broken. Without thinking, he reached across the table, gently placing his hand over hers. Her fingers flinched under his touch but didn't pull away.

"Ly... can I call you that?" Aiden asked softly.

Through her sniffles, she nodded.

"I can't imagine how hard this is for you. And I know I can't replace him. But I swear this—I'll make those hobgoblins pay. I'll avenge Luka, and I'll make sure his soul finds peace," Aiden vowed, his voice low and fierce.

Lysandra's tears slowed, her wide crimson eyes fixed on him.

"And I'll make sure no one makes a beautiful woman like you cry ever again," he added, flashing a soft smile.

Lysandra's cheeks flushed deep red, her blush creeping all the way to the tips of her pointed ears. "You're... such a smooth talker," she mumbled, barely above a whisper.

"I try," Aiden chuckled.

A small smile broke through her sorrow.

"I swear on my life, I'll defeat the hobgoblins, marry you, and make you the happiest princess alive," he declared with unwavering resolve.

Her blush deepened, the green of her skin turning a rosy hue. She was speechless.

Breaking the tension, Aiden grinned. "How about we head into the village? A walk through the market might clear your mind."

Lysandra, still overwhelmed, could only nod, her heart racing.

END OF CHAPTER : 7 : LYSANDRA GRIMCLAW!