Arya?
1360 Words
Asher’s POV
Hearing Lenora’s voice was the comfort I desperately needed. Knowing she had recovered her artifacts and that communication mirror made my heart swell. The bond between us was still strong, even across the distance.
“Why are you grinning like an i***t?” Carter’s voice interrupts my thoughts. He drops down beside me on the grass, eyeing me with an amused smirk.
I shoot him a mock-grumpy look, but I’m too overjoyed to hold it. “Lenora was just speaking to me,” I say, letting the giddy happiness seep into my tone. “She found her mirror. And the fact that she was in my mind means she was thinking about me when she opened it!” I can’t stop the idiotic grin from spreading across my face.
Carter laughs and shakes his head. “I’m happy for you, man. How was the kiss?” He raises a brow, teasing me relentlessly.
I chuckle, unable to hold back. “Let’s just say… I wasn’t the dominant one in that moment.”
His jaw drops in exaggerated shock. “What? The big bad lycan king was forced into submission by a woman? This is news I didn’t expect to hear.”
“Trust me,” I laugh, “I would happily grovel on my hands and knees for the rest of my life just to see her smile.”
Carter claps his hands in mock applause, grinning from ear to ear. “I’d pay good money to see that! But on a more serious note, how is she?”
The lighthearted moment fades slightly as my thoughts turn to Lenora’s situation. I shrug, sighing softly. “She sounded alright in my mind, but she’s been through so much. I just want to bring her home. She’s too damn determined though. She won’t stop until she’s accomplished something important.”
Carter nods, understanding the weight behind my words. “She’s strong, Asher. But yeah, we need to be ready. The dragon king—Draco—isn’t going to back down once he realizes she’s slipped from his grasp.”
“We need to start training the warriors in dragon combat,” I say, my tone hardening. “When we finally bring her home for good, the dragons may retaliate. We can’t afford to be unprepared.”
Carter nods, the weight of responsibility settling between us. “I’ll handle the training. Maybe we can ask the fairies to help with a protective barrier around the kingdom. The last thing we need is a furious dragon setting everything ablaze.”
“Agreed.” I feel a rush of gratitude for him, more than just my beta, but a loyal friend. “Thank you, Carter. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
He grins, cocky as ever. “What can I say? I’m pretty great aren’t I? Anyway you’d better rest up before your hot date tomorrow.” I roll my eyes but smile all the same.
“Got a plan of attack?” He asks, still grinning mischievously. “Need Arya to teleport you both to your house? I can stand guard while you two get some alone time before her dragon buddy shows up.”
The idea makes my heart race, excitement replacing the nerves for a moment. “Yeah, actually, that sounds perfect. Being at the house might help with her memory. But let’s keep it small for now. Just you and Arya. If her guardians show up all at once, it might overwhelm her.”
“Leave it to me, King Asher.” He claps me on the shoulder, his loyalty steady as ever.
The rest of the night, I prepare the house. Our house. The home Lenora created with her magic, every inch of it filled with her essence. I make sure everything is perfect—fresh flowers, candles, her favorite scent in the air. By the time I finish, exhaustion tugs at me, but I fall asleep with a smile on my face, eager to see her again.
…
When I wake up, a wave of nerves hits me. What if I went overboard? What if she doesn’t like what I’ve done?
I push the thoughts aside and rush through my morning routine. Shower and I decide on an outfit of black and purple—her colors. As I comb my hair, I catch my reflection in the mirror. I look ridiculous. Formality doesn’t suit me. With a frustrated sigh, I mess my hair with my hand, leaving it disheveled.
In the kitchen, I find Iliana, Leonis, and Nana already awake, their presence grounding me. Iliana grins brightly as she sees me. “Good morning, Asher! The house looks beautiful. Lenora will love it!”
I hope she’s right.
“We’ll give you two space when she arrives,” Iliana continues. “And don’t worry, I’ll slow time for you both. You’ll have plenty of time together.”
“Thank you,” I say, genuinely grateful. Nana steps forward next, her hands busy as usual. “Breakfast is covered,” she says, gesturing to a dish on the counter. “It’ll stay warm until you’re ready. And here’s the item you requested.” She hands me a folded piece of fabric, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Leonis claps my shoulder. “Good luck, son. Win our girl’s heart all over again.”
“Thank you,” I reply, my voice soft. “I’m lucky to have you all in my life.”
We share a group hug, and just as I’m pulling away, Arya and Carter appear in the room, full of excitement. Arya can barely contain herself. “Is it time? Can we go see her now?”
Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I feel my own excitement building. “Yeah, let’s go.”
Arya grabs my hand, teleporting us to the river where Lenora will arrive. The sky darkens slightly, and my heart skips a beat as I see her descending in the cage. The world falls away as my eyes lock onto hers. She’s radiant, wearing a purple and silver bralette with a matching short skirt. Every movement she makes is like watching a goddess.
Before I can even speak, she jumps from the cage and into my arms. Holding her, feeling her heartbeat against mine, I’m overwhelmed. We stand there, embracing for what feels like an eternity before I lower her gently to the ground, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
“Hello, my angel. You look absolutely breathtaking.” I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, and she blushes, looking down shyly.
“I’ve missed you so much, Asher,” she whispers, her voice soft but filled with emotion.
I unfold the fabric Nana gave me—a beautiful purple silk cape. “I had this made for you,” I say nervously, “if you’d like it.”
Tears well in her eyes as she looks at the cape. For a moment, panic shoots through me. Did I do something wrong?
“I’m sorry,” I rush to say. “I didn’t mean you should cover up, I just thought—”
She silences me with a kiss, full of passion and love. When we pull apart, her eyes are shining. “I love it, Asher. Thank you so much.”
Relief washes over me, and I drape the cape around her shoulders, securing it at her neck. She spins around, beaming up at me. The sight of her in that cape, regal and beautiful, melts my heart.
I bow slightly, holding out my hand. “Would you accompany me for a stroll, my queen?”
She giggles, placing her hand in mine. As we walk, I ask softly, “Would you be okay meeting a couple of friends? And… would you like to see our home?”
She hesitates, uncertainty flashing in her eyes, but after a moment, she nods. “Alright. I trust you.”
I squeeze her hand gently, grateful for her trust. Carter and Arya step out from behind the trees, and Lenora freezes, her eyes widening in recognition.
“Arya?”
- Writer
