“I want you to be with me tonight, Fitran. Just the two of us,” Arthuria murmured, her tone soft yet unmistakably firm. Her voice stirred feelings deep within Fitran, filling the quiet of the night on the stone terrace of Castle Gaia. The evening began to feel soothing, with a delicate mist enveloping them and golden-blue light dancing upon the surface of the small pond in the courtyard.

  Fitran's heart raced, his gaze unwavering as he looked at the figure before him. He observed Arthuria without the formalities that usually lay between them. Her hair fell gracefully, the crown resting nearby, her simple white gown wrapped around her form with elegance, and a small star pendant dangled at her waist—Excalibur Astra absent from her hand.

  “Are you sure about this, Arthuria?” he asked softly, striving to steady the tremor in his voice. “Princesses of Britannia don’t usually find themselves alone. They are always surrounded by guards or entangled in significant matters.”

  Arthuria smiled, settling herself on the edge of the garden wall, her legs swinging playfully. “That’s the perspective others have of me. Yet sometimes, a princess longs for a night that belongs solely to her. A night to forget all the titles and burdens that weigh her down.”

  Fitran inched closer, taking a seat beside her at a respectful distance, yet close enough to feel her warmth. His voice mingled with the gentle evening breeze, preserving the conversation in a comfortable ambiance.

  Arthuria gazed up at the dark sky, the stars beginning to twinkle, distant yet radiant against the night. “Since childhood, I have been told that a princess must embody strength. But… there are moments when I long to feel ordinary, to have a friend who truly understands me. Not just admirers, but someone who can laugh with me about my ridiculous dreams, or listen to my fears without passing judgment.”

  Fitran nodded, his eyes mirroring the sparkling sky alongside Arthuria. “And I… I often yearn for freedom. Just for a day, to be an average teenager, free from the weight of thoughts about war and peace that greet me each morning.”

  Arthuria turned to him, her smile casting a warm light in the darkness. “If that’s the case… would you accompany me, a princess who wishes to forget her crown for a night?”

  Fitran nodded, a smile breaking through his typically serious demeanor. “Of course, Arthuria. And as your companion, I must be honest—I feel quite awkward.”

  Arthuria stifled a laugh, her shoulders shaking gently. “So do I! There are countless ways to present myself in front of an army, yet when it’s just one person like you, it all slips away. Look, my hand is trembling…”

  Fitran took her hand, cradling her fingers gently, offering warmth. “If we’re both feeling nervous, perhaps tonight truly is ‘special’.”

  They strolled through the garden, filled with the flicker of fireflies, engaging in soft conversation. When they reached an ancient tree, Arthuria paused, drawing in a deep breath, savoring the enchanting magic of the night that enveloped her.

  “Fitran, do you believe in shooting stars?” Arthuria asked, her eyes sparkling under the soft glow. “People say they bring good fortune, but my mother always claimed that falling stars are the tears of a princess who has lost her fight to protect the world.”

  Fitran lowered his gaze, reflecting on her words. “Do you feel like something is missing, Arthuria?”

  Arthuria nodded slowly, her voice barely a whisper. “Every day, Fitran. I feign strength for Britania, yet within my heart, I often crave to hear, ‘It’s okay to feel weak. It’s okay to feel afraid.’ Have you ever thought about leaving it all behind?”

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  Fitran gazed at the grass swaying gently in the evening breeze. “Sometimes. Yet, in those moments when surrender seems inevitable, there’s always someone—Rinoa, Irithya, or even the whisper of my own heart—reminding me that hope, no matter how small, is worth fighting for.”

  Arthuria stepped closer, her voice barely above a tremor. “Have you ever envisioned a future free of war?”

  Fitran nodded, a soft smile gracing his lips. “Often. In my dreams, I see a tranquil world, devoid of fortresses or spells, where endless meadows stretch before us and the laughter of children fills the air.”

  Arthuria's eyes sparkled as she recalled that vision, but it soon gave way to a well of emotion. “I long for that to become reality. Not because I am a princess or a warrior, but simply because I… Arthuria. A girl yearning to know love, not merely to be revered.”

  Fitran clasped her hand, a sincere gesture of support. “You deserve it, Arthuria. Regardless of what history has decreed.”

  Arthuria turned, her gaze a mix of hope and uncertainty. “You speak thus out of kindness, don’t you? But… what if I hold no significance? What shall happen if I fail to uphold the hopes of all?”

  Fitran shook his head, his expression earnest. “Arthuria, I truly admire the way you dream. Your spirit, the courage with which you face your sorrows, it captivates me. Even in moments of tension, I feel more alive when I’m with you.”

  Arthuria felt a flush warm her cheeks. “Be careful, Fitran. Too much praise can make someone like me hope for more than what might not endure.”

  Fitran let out a soft chuckle, his voice gentle. “May I be your hope, if only for tonight? There is so much we could share.”

  Arthuria nodded softly, tears glistening at the corners of her eyes, yet her smile remained radiant. “Yes, I would like that. But there is one condition.”

  Fitran responded with a serious demeanor, although intrigue danced in his gaze. “What is the condition? I hope it’s nothing too burdensome.”

  Arthuria shook her head, her face glowing with determination. “You must be honest—if you ever feel frightened or weary, tell me. I wish to know the real you, the side that only surfaces at night and remains hidden from the world.”

  Fitran inhaled deeply, his gaze penetrating and laden with emotions. “I do feel fear—fear of failing to save those I love. I dread the thought of watching my friends depart, caught in battles that seem futile. Most of all, I fear losing hope.”

  Arthuria lowered her gaze, her fingers brushing gently against Fitran's cheek. “If that’s the case, we shall hold onto that hope together. No matter how arduous the path ahead may be.”

  Seated beneath the softly glowing trees, they found themselves entwined in conversation—reminiscing about childhood, grappling with fading hopes, and confronting deep-seated fears. Laughter mingled with tears, crafting a night that felt fleeting, a balm for the wounds and longing that simmered between them, two souls struggling against the darkness of the world.

  After a brief pause, Arthuria rose, extending her hand to Fitran, inviting him to dance beneath the glow of fireflies that shimmered like stars. “Have you ever felt a sense of freedom when you dance, Paladin?”

  Fitran smiled widely, a thoughtful crease forming on his brow. “Just a bit. But I believe, if we stumble, it will only add to the significance of our journey.”

  Arthuria chuckled, her voice infused with brightness. “As long as we have the courage to face everything together, I will feel stronger. Out there, a war may rage on, but right now, we possess only this moment and this light.”

  As the night deepened, they settled once more, leaning against each other to ease their weariness. Fitran gazed at Arthuria, his voice steady, “When all of this comes to an end, will you stay by my side? Or perhaps be more than just friends?”

  Arthuria gazed at the stars, as if seeking something among them, before turning her attention back to Fitran. “I want to take the leap, even if there's no guarantee we will emerge unscathed. But for once in my life, I wish to be brave...”

  Fitran nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the dark night sky. “So, tonight we’ve triumphed against the world—if only for a fleeting moment.”

  Arthuria closed her eyes and leaned against Fitran’s warm shoulder. “Please, don't let me forget this moment, Fitran. Tomorrow, I must return to my royal duties in front of everyone, but tonight, I long to experience a simple life—with a heart full of sincerity.”

  "I also wish for something special from you," Arthuria said softly.

  The night unfolded serenely, with stars twinkling gently in the darkened sky. Despite the chaos outside, these two young souls found solace—if only for an instant, beneath the tree that bore witness to her hopes and the tender first stirrings of love.