Chapter 61 avoidance and rebels–1
Third person p.o.v
The morning sun painted the castle’s stone walls in shades of gold and orange. Lucia awoke with a start, her heart pounding in her chest. The memories of last night flooded her mind, making her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
She glanced over to the other side of the grand bed, where King Helios lay peacefully asleep. His tousled hair and relaxed expression made him look almost innocent. But Lucia couldn’t forget the intensity in his eyes, the way he had looked at her, making her feel things she hadn’t expected.
He had left after the man; his butler called him and had somehow made it back to her in the dead of the night. It had been the most dramatic night as she had stayed absolutely
still to trick him into believing that she was asleep.
Quietly, she slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him. She quickly dressed in her simple cotton dress that was now almost in pieces as he had plucked it off my body the night before, and tiptoed towards the door. Every creak of the floorboards seemed to echo in her ears, amplifying her nervousness.
Once outside the chamber, Lucia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had managed to avoid an awkward encounter with the king, at least for now. She decided to head to the castle’s gardens, hoping the peaceful surroundings would help clear her mind.
As Lucia wandered through the maze of hedges and blooming flowers, she tried to make sense of her feelings. She had always told her self King Helios could never love her, not in that way, but last night had changed everything. The close encounter had blurred the lines between one of his subjects and something more, something she wasn’t sure she was ready for. Thinking about it now, loving Helios was going to be a lot. It would mean she would be queen, duties and most of all she would xo9ner or later deal with his people. They hadn’t given her a reason to be scared of them yet, the most she had seen had no problem with her, but she knew that was too good to be true.
Lost in her thoughts, Lucia didn’t notice the figure approaching her until she heard his
voice.
“Luzia,” Helios called out, his tone soft yet insistent.
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Chapter 61 avoidance and rebels–1
Startled, Lucia turned around to face him, her heart rate quickening once again. She tried to muster a smile, but it came out more like a grimace.
“Your Majesty,” she greeted, keeping her eyes trained on the ground. She wanted to bite her own head off for the way she greeted him. ‘your Majesty? Now he was definitely going to know that something was up.
Helios stepped closer, his gaze searching her face. “I’ve been looking for you. Is everything alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” Lucia replied, avoiding his eyes. “I just needed some fresh air.‘
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Helios nodded, though he didn’t seem entirely convinced. “Last night was…unexpected,” he began hesitantly. “I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable.” It warmed her heart. He had been up and about making sure that she was as comfortable as possible since yesterday.
She did not also miss the way his eyes would scan over her body like he was checking for physical harm.
Lucia swallowed hard, her cheeks flushing. “No, it’s not that,” she stammered. “It’s just” she remembered the man that had interrupted their passionate moment. What if he had seen? She was after all bare chest. The thought of that happening sent down daggers of horror down her spine. “I’m not sure what it means for us now.” She said instead,, actually wanting to know.
Helios looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking. “I understand. We can take things slow, figure out what we both want.” He said looking at her. It was at the tip of his tongue.
‘I am in love with you‘ but for some reason, he could not bring himself to say those words. He was scared? He doubted she felt that way for him,
A sense of relief washed over Lucia at his words. Maybe they could navigate this new dynamic after all. But for now, she was grateful for the chance to step back, to gather her thoughts and decide what she truly wanted.
“Thank you, You Helios” Lucia said softly, finally meeting his gaze. “I appreciate your understanding.” O
Chapter 61 avoidance and rebels–1
Helios smiled warmly, reaching out to gently touch her cheek. “Always, Lucia. Always.”
Chapter Comments
Tammie Gooding
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why does she keep going outside?why haven’t they talked to about the dangers of the palace and why hasn’t the king made her put her protection necklace back on!
Visitor
??? did Helios get confirmation from that look and smile that Ermis is involved? is that what this sentence implied??
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The Wolf and the Fae
Chapter 61 avoidance and rebels–2
As they stood there, surrounded by the beauty of the garden, Lucia felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps he could learn to see as more than what he sees of her. Maybe just maybe he could see her as something more.
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Helios donned his ceremonial armor, the golden plates reflecting the sunlight streaming through the windows of the palace. He looked every bit the warrior king he was with the air of confidence that he exuded. It really was different when he was around Lucia. There was nothing soft and calming on his face at the moment. but today’s mission was c
