"The path... it is as if the gods themselves have blessed our journey."
The moonlight bathes the winding path in an ethereal glow, casting long shadows that dance and sway with each step Rhys and Clio take.
"Uhm..." The princess can't tear her gaze from Rhys's broad back as they trek in silence, his muscular frame cutting an imposing silhouette against the silvery landscape. Clio wanted to say something to Rhys, but she did not really know what to say at this moment.
Her heart just pounds, her emerald eyes tracing the contours of Rhys's shoulders. She finds herself mesmerized by the way the moonlight glints off his inky hair, creating an almost otherworldly aura around him. The air feels charged with unspoken tension.
She did not want to admit it, but she was taking a liking to this stranger, to this Outsider — she had heard tales from her maids about falling in love at first sight, and she thought they were naive for thinking something like that exists — but now here he was, finding her heart beating uncontrollably while staring at the back of a stranger.
"We're here..." And soon, they reached the end of their moonlit path. And there, awaited them... was a barren expanse that spanned for miles and miles on end into the horizon.
"Great," Rhys let out a soft sigh while shaking his head, "There's nothing at the end of your path, Princess. Should we just follow this straight? Did you bring a map?"
"I... I did not," Clio's brow furrows, her gaze darting between Rhys and the empty field stretching before them, "The... the gods will show us where to go next, I am sure of it."
"Perhaps I should return to the city," he muses, his broad shoulders sagging slightly. "It was dark, and I am sure they would barely recognize me and I could just merge with the crowd."
"They'll surely recognize you because of how handsome you are. It—" Clio let out a small gasp as she realized what she had just blurted out; her eyes widened in shock at her own boldness, a flush creeping up her pale cheeks.
Rhys turns, his silver gaze locking onto Clio's emerald one. For a moment, surprise flickers across his chiseled features before his usual stoic mask slides back into place; he then turned toward the Hearts floating above Clio's head, only to see 3 of them filled up. There was only 1 when they first met.
But would there really be any merit in pursuing her love? After all, as far as Rhys knew, Clio did not have any abilities whatsoever at all — she was beautiful, true. But Rhys was not really here to find love, he has plenty back in his own world.
And while Rhys was thinking of everything in a very clinical manner, Clio's mind races, desperately searching for a way to salvage the situation. "I-I mean," she stammers, her usual eloquence deserting her, "your appearance is quite... distinctive. You're... tall."
Rhys arches an eyebrow but remains silent, his penetrating gaze never leaving Clio's flustered face. The princess takes a deep breath, willing her racing heart to calm. "We... we should continue," she says, her voice steadier now. "This is where we're meant to be."
As they descend into the moonlit field, Clio's thoughts whirl. What came over her? She wonders, sneaking glances at Rhys's impassive profile. The prophecy, the oracle's words, the mysterious light guiding their path - it all seems to pale in comparison to the confusing emotions stirring within her.
Suddenly, a figure materializes in the distance - a woman standing beside a horse. Rhys stretched his hand to the side to block Clio, gesturing to her to stop.
"Wai—"
"Pelopia!?" Recognition floods Clio's features as she rushed toward the woman. The woman seemed to have also recognized Clio as she also rushed toward her, enveloping the princess in a tight embrace.
"You—" And before Clio can react, Pelopia turns to Rhys. In a swift motion, she presses herself against his muscular frame, burying her face in his chest. Clio's eyes widen in shock.
"My," Pelopia breathes, inhaling deeply. "You smell... divine." She steps back, her cheeks flushed. "Please, take care of Princess Clio."
A surge of something hot and unfamiliar courses through Clio's veins. She wedges herself between them, her voice unnaturally high. "We'll be fine! Absolutely fine! No need to worry!"
"I... I apologize, Princess!" Pelopia quickly bowed her head, "I was lost for a moment and did not realize I was hugging your lover. Please, do not be jealous!"
"I'm not jealous," Clio almost stomped her foot, using that strength instead to move toward the horse, "We... should go as well."
With trembling hands, she mounts the large horse. Rhys approaches, his towering form casting a shadow in the moonlight. As he settles behind her, Clio's breath catches. His presence envelops her, warm and solid.
This is positively indecent, she thinks, her face burning. The proximity of his body sends her mind reeling with improper thoughts.
"Are you alright, Your Highness?" Rhys's deep voice rumbles close to her ear.
Clio nods stiffly, not trusting herself to speak. She just turned toward Pelopia one last time, nodding her head and quietly whispering a farewell. And then, with a gentle nudge, she urges the horse forward, and they ride into the velvet darkness of the night.
Suffice it to say, it took all of the princess' strength to not think about how Rhys's flesh was rubbing onto hers. Two hours pass in tense silence. The sky begins to lighten, the first hints of dawn painting the horizon.
"We should rest," Rhys suggests, his voice cutting through Clio's racing thoughts.
They dismount, Clio's legs wobbling slightly from the long ride. As Rhys gathers wood for a fire, a realization strikes her.
"I just realized," Clio says, watching him work. "I... still don't know your name."
Rhys pauses, meeting her gaze. "Rhys Wilder," he replies simply while continuing to gather wood.
Clio's brow furrows. "Rhys... Wilder? That's an unusual name for these parts. Then let me also introduce myself — I am Princess Clio of Calydon, Rhys of Wilder."
"Rhys of... No..." A sigh escaped Rhys's lips while shaking his head, "...Just call me Rhys."
**AUTHOR'S NOTES**
I am trying my luck at Royal Road with a new book, Legendary Shadow Blacksmith, it will really really help me if you check it out and make a 5 star review T_T. Don't mention you came from Eromancer or Webnovel doe, that might slightly get me in trouble. It's also here in Webnovel, and I am still choosing where to actually put it since it is not yet contracted here. Thank you!