A swoon of happiness rushed through me like a gentle wave from the sea. Now Amarisa was in my arms like a vivid dream that came true at last.
She lifted her face to look at me again. Her eyes softened and were slightly misty. Her shivering body had melted into mine after the heartfelt confession. It was as if the princess had been holding the weight of her secret far too long. It drained her resolve just to admit her love for me. I leaned in for another kiss, but the princess recoiled and backed away.
"You must go," Amarisa said. "It's late and you have things to do tomorrow."
I was saddened by the thought of leaving her again, but we both knew we could not stay together for long.
I planted my flirtatious lips on the crook of her swan-like neck. She sighed.
Before Amarisa could say an
