Leah's Point of View
I awoke from a beautiful dream in which I didn't want to wake up. I awoke this time because my heart, head, and whole being were alert to the truth.
As a hefty arm traveled down my tummy, I gently opened my eyes. A deafening quiet engulfed the whole area, making it seem dangerous to make any noise.
I stared at the man next to me, even though it was still dark, I tried to recall what had occurred.
Everything that happened last night is reality. There is no combination of dreams. But, as much as I want to be joyful, the only thing that envelops my roaring heart is anguish and bitterness in the chest.
I sat up straight and held my knee as little tears streamed down my cheek.
I saw Amoux sleeping quietly while he was naked.
"Why is it so painful to love you?" I whispered.
Because of his purity, I stared at his face as if it were a child of a Goddess who had descended from heaven.
When he didn't stir, I gathered my robe and other clothes, put them on, and dashed out of his room.
I knew I wasn't supposed to go out, but being with him seemed like poison to me. Every time I look at him, there is a pang in my chest because I know... I know he'll never be mine.
Despite my heavy feet, I simply ran and ran everywhere I could. I pushed myself to get exhausted...
However, in the end, I just went home.
When I arrived home, I went back to bed and reflected on what had transpired between us since the first time I met him. I cried and cried till my eyes went heavy and I was unaware that I had fallen asleep.
I awoke the following morning due to heavy rain. I was surprised to feel a chilly wind, which was not unfamiliar to me. I simply grew accustomed to the wind blowing into my crumbling home.
As I was ready to get up to get a blanket that may be used, my body froze as one arm abruptly encircled my waist and pushed his face behind me.
"It's freezing outside. Where are you going this time?"
The rough voice of the guy behind me caused my eyes to widen. Even though I really wanted to take his hand away, all I could do was not move.
What is he doing here? What brings him here? When did he arrive?
A lot was going through my head, but as he made my whole body to face him, it was all gone, and just the hard thumping of my heart remained.
"I warned you not to leave the palace because I would find you wherever you go."
He wrapped his arms around me and buried my face in his muscular chest. I couldn't even look at him since my chest was already heaving.
Because my bed was so little, I knew he was having difficulty laying down. It's much more large and comfy to his bed and bedroom, so I'm not sure why he needs to come here only to tell me that I'm not permitted to leave the castle.
"I-I didn't run away; I only wanted to go back to my house." Because of the rapid pounding of my heart, I closed my eyes. I was worried he'd notice how quickly my heart was thumping.
"Let's sleep."
That was all he said before the whole place became silent and only the sound of rain could be heard.
I'm not sure whether it was because I was exhausted or because of his warm body, but I slept off as well.
I had no idea how long I had been sleeping since when I awoke, the rain had stopped but the sky had remained gloomy. Heavy rain may still fall.
Amoux was gone when I wandered my eyes around. I had a sensation of melancholy in my chest, I'm not sure whether it was because it's a dream that he was here earlier or because... he went without telling me.
"Don't inflate your expectations only for one night," I muttered, shaking my head.
"To whom are you speaking?"
Because of the loud sound coming from outside, I nearly fell out of my seat.
When I peeked through the door, I saw a guy wearing just a soft cloth below. The water in his body drips to....
I gulped intensely and returned my gaze to him. He was now carrying a basket, and I could see and smell the inside.
"Since when have you been standing there?" I inquired, a little nervously.
"I just came. I brought you food from the castle. If you want anything to eat, please let me know so I can inform the chef—"
"No!" I quickly stopped him.
He sighed and walked inside, "Just tell them you want to eat anything. Because you will be living in the palace, you should learn to make requests."
"I can prepare my own meals."
"Really? Why don't you make something for me?"
"What—"
In just a matter of seconds, his lips were already blocking my mouth. His lips moved barely slightly before he stepped away from me.
"If you don't want me to devour you, eat the food I brought."
To ease my flushed face, I tightly closed my eyes. I didn't want him to notice how affected I was by what he was saying.
"Let me!"
I grabbed the basket from him and walked over to my tiny table. I could feel him following me right away. I'd want to ask him why he does these things since it feels like it was just yesterday when he mistreated me.
"Why can't you get out of this house? It's filthy and overcrowded. How can you remain here?"
"Blue royal blood like you cannot comprehend my reason. We, in the lower echelons, have a totally different life."
He opened his lips to respond but a beta patrol appeared in front of the door and caught up on what he was about to say.
"The Princess of the Wind Winders pack has come, Prince!"