Chapter 40 - Chapter 40

Chapter 40

The carriage ride was long, but I didnundefinedt mind.

Ruwellin held my hand the entire time, his thumb tracing lazy circles on my skin. Occasionally, he would lean over and kiss my temple, and I would smile.

"Where are we going?" I asked again.

"Itundefineds a surprise," he said again.

I pouted, and he laughed.

"Patience, my love. Weundefinedre almost there."

True to his word, the carriage soon stopped. Ruwellin got out first and then helped me down.

We were in front of a small cottage, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. It was simple but charming, with a thatched roof and a garden full of flowers.

"What is this place?"

"It was my motherundefineds."

Ruwellinundefineds voice was soft. He looked at the cottage with a mixture of sadness and fondness.

"She used to bring me here when I was a child. It was our secret place."

"……Itundefineds beautiful."

"I wanted to share it with you. Our first place as husband and wife."

I felt tears prick my eyes. He was giving me a piece of his past, his memories, his heart.

"Thank you, Ruwellin."

He smiled and took my hand.

"Shall we go inside?"

We walked up the path to the cottage. The garden was overgrown but still beautiful. Roses grew wild among the weeds.

"Your mother must have loved roses too."

"She did. She said they reminded her of love. Beautiful but with thorns."

Ruwellin opened the door, and we stepped inside.

The cottage was small but cozy. There was a living room with a fireplace, a kitchen, and a bedroom upstairs. Everything was covered in dust, but it had a warm, lived-in feel.

"Itundefineds perfect," I said.

"Iundefinedm glad you like it."

Ruwellin led me to the bedroom. There was a large bed with a wooden frame, and a window that looked out onto the mountains.

"We can stay here as long as you want. No duties, no guests, just us."

"……Just us."

I liked the sound of that.

Ruwellin pulled me into his arms and kissed me. It was different from his usual kisses, deeper, more passionate.

"Ruwellin……."

"Iundefinedve waited so long for this," he murmured against my lips.

"Me too."

He laid me down on the bed and hovered over me, his emerald eyes burning with desire.

"I love you, Rosnia."

"I love you too."

He kissed me again, and I lost myself in him.

* * *

The next few days were bliss.

We spent our time exploring the valley, cooking together, and making love under the stars.

Ruwellin was different here. He was more relaxed, more carefree. He laughed easily and often, and I found myself falling in love with him all over again.

One evening, we were sitting on the porch, watching the sunset.

"Rosnia."

"Hmm?"

"Are you happy?"

I looked at him. The setting sun painted his features in gold, making him look almost ethereal.

"……Yes. Iundefinedm very happy."

"Good. Because I am too."

He took my hand and kissed it.

"I promise to make you happy every day for the rest of your life."

"Iundefinedll hold you to that."

He smiled, and I leaned my head on his shoulder.

This was what I had wanted. A life with him. A future with him.

And now, I had it.

* * *

All good things must come to an end, however.

After a week, we returned to the Rashiane Ducal castle. Reality awaited us, with all its duties and responsibilities.

But I didnundefinedt mind. Because Ruwellin was by my side.

We settled into a routine. He would attend to his ducal duties during the day, and I would manage the household. In the evenings, we would have dinner together and talk about our day.

It was simple, but it was ours.

Adrian Hyll had returned to the Magic Tower, but he visited often. He and Ruwellin still bickered, but it was more good-natured now.

Father also visited occasionally, and he and Ruwellin would discuss politics and trade.

I was happy. Truly, deeply happy.

But I knew that happiness came with a price.

One night, I woke up from a nightmare. In the dream, Sierra Oscar appeared and took Ruwellin away from me.

I was covered in sweat, my heart pounding.

"Rosnia?"

Ruwellin woke up and pulled me into his arms.

"Whatundefineds wrong?"

"……Nothing. Just a nightmare."

"Tell me about it."

I hesitated, then spoke.

"I dreamed that someone took you away from me."

"Someone?"

"A woman. She could cure your mana rampages. And you left me for her."

Ruwellin was silent for a moment. Then he hugged me tighter.

"That will never happen."

"But what if―"

"No. I donundefinedt care if someone can cure me. I donundefinedt care if theyundefinedre the most beautiful woman in the world. I only want you."

"……."

"You are my cure, Rosnia. You are my everything. Without you, Iundefinedm nothing."

I buried my face in his chest, and he stroked my hair.

"Donundefinedt ever doubt that. Please."

"……Iundefinedm sorry."

"Donundefinedt apologize. Just trust me."

"I do trust you."

"Then believe me when I say that no one can take me away from you. Not now, not ever."

I looked up at him. His emerald eyes were steady, full of love and conviction.

"……Okay."

He kissed my forehead and laid me back down.

"Go back to sleep. Iundefinedll be right here."

I closed my eyes and listened to his heartbeat. It was steady and strong, a lullaby that chased away my fears.

I believed him. I trusted him.

And I knew, deep in my heart, that our love would overcome any obstacle.

Because this was our story. And we would write it together.