Chapter 28: Almost
Elara woke up slowly.
The first thing she felt was warmth.
Not from the sun—but from a presence near her.
She opened her eyes and saw King Araion sitting beside her bed. His armor was gone. He wore simple dark clothes instead, his silver hair loose around his shoulders. He looked tired.
Relieved.
"You're awake," he said quietly.
She blinked. "How long have I been asleep?"
"A full day," he replied. "You scared everyone."
She tried to sit up, but her head spun.
Araion reached out without thinking and held her shoulders gently. "Easy."
Their faces were close.
Too close.
Elara's breath caught. She could see the faint glow in his eyes, softer than usual. Not the cold, distant king everyone feared.
This was someone else.
"Did the river hold?" she asked, breaking the moment.
"Yes," he said. "You saved the kingdom."
She looked away, embarrassed. "I just did what I could."
"That is what makes it matter," he said.
Silence filled the room.
Not awkward.
Heavy.
Elara felt it in her chest.
"You stayed," she said again.
Araion nodded. "I told myself I was here to guard you."
"And now?" she asked softly.
He didn't answer right away.
"I don't know," he said finally. "That frightens me."
She turned to him. "Why?"
"I have lived for centuries," he said. "I stopped wanting things a long time ago."
His hand was still on her shoulders.
"I want things now."
Her heart skipped.
She swallowed. "Like what?"
He met her gaze.
"You."
The word hung between them.
Elara felt heat rush to her face. "Araion…"
"I know," he said quickly. "I should not say this. You wear the crown. You are tied to danger. And I—"
"—are immortal," she finished.
His jaw tightened. "Yes."
She surprised herself by placing her hand over his.
"Then stop thinking so much," she said gently.
He froze.
No one touched him like that.
Ever.
"Look at me," she whispered.
He did.
The air felt thick, like magic before a spell.
Slowly, carefully, he leaned closer.
Elara's breath trembled.
Their lips were inches apart.
She could feel his warmth, his restraint, the battle inside him.
Just a little closer—
The door burst open.
"My queen!"
They jumped apart instantly.
A guard rushed in, panic on his face. "Forgive me, but the nobles—"
Araion stood up at once, his expression hard again.
"What have they done now?"
"They demand to see her," the guard said. "They say the crown belongs to the court, not—"
"Enough," Araion snapped.
Elara sat up, heart still racing.
"I'll see them," she said.
Araion turned sharply. "You are still weak."
"I am still queen," she replied calmly.
Their eyes met.
Something unspoken passed between them.
"Very well," he said quietly. "But I will be there."
The hall was full when she arrived. Nobles whispered as she passed. Some bowed. Some glared.
She felt the crown pulse.
Not angry.
Protective.
One noble stepped forward. "You risked the kingdom with reckless magic."
Elara looked at him steadily. "And yet, it still stands."
Murmurs spread.
Another noble sneered. "You think one miracle makes you untouchable?"
Araion moved beside her. "She is under my protection."
Gasps followed.
Elara glanced at him, surprised.
He did not look away.
She lifted her chin. "The crown chose me. I will not be bullied into silence."
The crown glowed faintly.
The nobles backed away.
That night, Elara stood alone on the balcony, the cool air calming her thoughts.
Footsteps approached.
Araion joined her, resting his arms on the stone railing.
"We didn't finish our conversation," she said softly.
"No," he agreed.
She turned toward him. "Were you going to kiss me?"
He didn't pretend otherwise. "Yes."
Her lips curved into a small smile. "Then why didn't you?"
"Because once I do," he said quietly, "I won't be able to stop myself from wanting more."
She stepped closer.
"Maybe," she said, "that's not such a terrible thing."
He laughed softly, a sound rare and low.
"Careful," he warned. "You're dangerous."
She looked up at him, eyes bright. "So are you."
They stood there, close but not touching, the space between them filled with promise.
Not yet.
But soon.