Chapter Twenty-One: Getting to Know Her One True Love Part One

Biltmore Estate Ballroom, 1907

William took a moment to admire her in the lavish gown that flowed around her like water, the fabric shimmering with each subtle movement. With a gentle smile, he approached her. "Lyanna," he began, his voice low enough to carry only between them. "Are you ready to go outside? The gardens are beautiful this time of year, and I thought we could escape the noise for a bit."

Lyanna turned to him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sure."

Together, they stepped out of the bustling ballroom and into the cool evening air, the sounds of laughter and music fading behind them. The gardens stretched before them, illuminated by soft lanterns that cast a warm glow over the snow and pathways. As they walked, the scent of cinnamon filled the air, enveloping them in a sweet embrace. William glanced at Lyanna, his heart lightened by her presence, and felt grateful for this moment away from the crowd.

"Isn't it beautiful out here?" Lyanna said, her voice soft and filled with wonder.

William nodded, taking in the serenity of the gardens. The contrast between the lively ballroom and the tranquil outdoors was striking. The gentle rustle of leaves and the crispness of the evening air created a peaceful atmosphere that felt almost magical. As they strolled along the pathway, the lanterns twinkled like stars, adding to the enchanting scene.

"It really is," he replied, a smile spreading across his face. "I could stay here forever."

Lyanna laughed lightly, and William couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through him at the sound. The night was perfect, and he was grateful to share it with her.

William then looks at her with a sincere expression. "We have a lot to talk about. Don't we?"

Lyanna nodded, her eyes sparkling in the soft glow of the lanterns. "Yes, we do," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if the night itself held secrets waiting to be unveiled.

William took a moment to gather his thoughts, the gentle rustling of leaves surrounding them adding to the atmosphere. "So, where should we start?" he asked, his gaze steady on Lyanna. She considered his question, her brow furrowing slightly in contemplation.

"Maybe we should begin with what brought us here tonight," she suggested, her voice steadying as she spoke. "There's so much we haven't shared, and I think it's important to lay it all out on the table."

William nodded, feeling an eagerness to dive into the depths of their conversation. "That sounds perfect," he replied. "Let's start from the beginning. Shall we start with the dreams that we have about each other?"

"Absolutely," she said, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "I've had some vivid dreams lately, and I can't help but wonder how they connect to what we're feeling in reality."

William nodded his head in agreement. "Agree."

Lyanna leaned forward, her expression filled with anticipation. "So, how many years have you been having dreams about me?" she asked, her voice soft yet probing.

William took a moment to gather his thoughts, a smile creeping onto his face. "It's been fifteen years now, actually.

Lyanna's eyes widened with intrigue. "Really? That's incredible! I feel like our dreams hold so much meaning."

William nodded, feeling the connection deepen as they explored the intertwining of their subconscious and conscious experiences.

Lyanna then asked, "What was the first dream you had about me?"

William's smile widened as he recalled the memory. "I remember it vividly. It was the day Lyanna was born," he said, the warmth of nostalgia washing over him. "In that dream, I saw a bright light, and in the middle of it, there was a beautiful girl with striking features. I didn't know it then, but it was you."

Lyanna's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "That's wonderful! How did you know it was me?"

William chuckled softly. "I didn't at first, but something about your spirit felt familiar. It was as if I had known you my whole life, even before you were born."

Lyanna's curiosity deepened as she leaned in closer. "What else do you remember from that dream?"

William paused for a moment, his gaze drifting as he searched his memory. "I remember seeing you completely blue, and you weren't breathing."

Lyanna began to explain, her expression serious. "I see. Well, please bear with me when I try to explain this. I was born as a blue baby. A blue baby is a child who experiences a period of oxygen deprivation at birth."

William then asked. "How did it happen?"

Lyanna began to explain more about what happened. "It happened while I was still in my mother's womb. The cord that I was attached to. Somehow it managed to get wrapped around my neck, and it choked me, which was the cause of me being deprived of oxygen."

William then said. "How did you manage to survive all of that?"

Lyanna took a deep breath, reflecting on the journey she had been through. "It was a miracle, really. The doctors acted quickly, and thanks to their swift intervention, I was resuscitated and given the chance to thrive."

William said, "That's incredible."

Lyanna's curiosity deepened as she leaned in closer. "Do you remember anything else from that dream?"

William began to describe what he saw. "The next thing I observed was an unusual type of bed, and there were various peculiar objects scattered across your body,"

Lyanna remarked. "Before you respond... allow me to explain. Promise?"

"Promise," William replied, intrigued.

Lyanna says, "Well…"