Amanda stood at the edge of the battlefield, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the bloodstained grass. Elias was beside her, his sword still dripping with the evidence of their struggle. The battle had been brutal, but they had won—for now.
“I really need a vacation,” Amanda groaned, stretching her sore muscles. “A long, luxurious one. Maybe with a hot spring involved.”
Elias chuckled, sheathing his sword. “I think you’ve earned it.”
Just as she was about to reply, a familiar figure stumbled toward them—General Rael, covered in scratches and looking rather unimpressed.
“Well, that was… chaotic,” Rael muttered, eyeing the battlefield. “And yet, you survived.”
Amanda placed a hand on her hip. “Excuse me, ‘yet’?”
Rael smirked. “I meant it as a compliment.”
Before Amanda could respond with a sarcastic remark, a loud cheer erupted from the soldiers behind them. The battle had officially ended in their favor. The enemy had retreated, and for the first time in days, the kingdom could breathe.
Elias turned to Amanda, his golden eyes twinkling with amusement. “You were incredible out there.”
Amanda waved a hand. “Oh, please. I mostly just ran around trying not to die.”
“Exactly. Incredible.”
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. She had fought, she had survived, and more importantly—she had proven herself once again.
---
That night, the castle was filled with celebration. Tables were piled high with food, goblets overflowed with wine, and the laughter of victorious soldiers filled the grand hall. Amanda, however, was more interested in something else—or rather, someone else.
She found Elias standing near the balcony, staring at the stars. His usual smirk was missing, replaced by something more… thoughtful.
“Alright, spill it,” Amanda said, nudging his shoulder. “You’ve got that ‘brooding prince’ look going on.”
Elias sighed, turning toward her. “It’s just… this war isn’t over yet. This was one battle. There will be more.”
Amanda leaned against the railing. “I know. But for tonight, can we pretend we’re just two people enjoying the fact that we didn’t die?”
Elias let out a soft chuckle. “You always know what to say.”
“Obviously. I’m a genius.”
He turned to face her fully, a small smile on his lips. “Then tell me, oh wise one, what should I do next?”
Amanda pretended to think. “Hmm… how about we start with you getting me a slice of that chocolate cake I saw on the banquet table?”
Elias smirked. “You drive a hard bargain.”
“And yet, you love it.”
He didn’t respond immediately, but the way he looked at her made her stomach flutter. “Yes,” he finally said. “I do.”
Amanda’s brain short-circuited for a moment. Was this happening? Was Elias finally—
“Alright, I’ll get your cake,” Elias said, turning away. “Don’t go anywhere.”
Amanda watched him leave, her heart pounding. She wasn’t sure what was scarier—facing an army or dealing with whatever was happening between them.
---
Later that night, as Amanda lay in her bed, exhaustion creeping into her bones, a soft knock on her door made her sit up.
“Come in,” she called.
Elias stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “Couldn’t sleep?”
Amanda shrugged. “Too much on my mind.”
Elias hesitated before walking over and sitting at the edge of her bed. “You did well today.”
She sighed. “I know. But every time I close my eyes, I keep thinking… what if I hadn’t?”
Elias reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You did. That’s what matters.”
Amanda looked up at him, her heart thudding painfully in her chest. “Elias…”
He leaned in slightly, his gaze locking onto hers. “Yes?”
She swallowed hard. “If you don’t kiss me right now, I might actually die.”
Elias chuckled, and before she could say another word, he closed the distance between them.
His lips were warm, gentle at first, but when Amanda responded, he deepened the kiss, his hand cupping her cheek. It was everything she hadn’t known she needed—sweet, fiery, and absolutely perfect.
When they finally pulled apart, Amanda grinned. “Well. That was overdue.”
Elias laughed. “Agreed.”
As she rested her forehead against his, she allowed herself, for the first time in a long while, to feel something other than worry. Maybe they didn’t know what the future held. Maybe the war wasn’t over. But for now, in this moment, they had each other.
And that was enough.