Page 117 of Fated

After dinner, Ash invited me to walk the palace grounds with him. I eagerly agreed, but with one condition—I got to take off my heels. As soon as the words left my mouth, Ash dropped to his knees, unfastening both shoes.

In one hand, he carried them, while his other hand held mine.

We strolled along a quiet path until we came across a secluded garden. There was a small pond nestled in the corner, full of rainbow-colored fish.

In front of the pond stood a cozy bench, and without a word, Ash sat down and pulled me onto his lap. I leaned into him, resting my head against his chest.

Together, we sat silently, watching the fish glide around the pond.

“What are you thinking about?” Ash finally asked.

I gave him a thoughtful smile before answering. “Hmm. I’m thinking I’m currently sitting on the lap of the most charming, powerful … oh, and very sexy … king, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be able to say that.”

His chuckle rumbled through his chest, the deep sound drawing a smile to my lips.

“And you? What are you thinking about?” I peeked up at him.

“I’m thinking how I was so proud to have you by my side tonight, and how nobody could keep their eyes off you.”

I laughed and gave him a playful nudge. “That’s not true.”

“Oh, trust me, it’s true,” he said, his tone serious.

My dress had bunched up, leaving the skin on my legs exposed where Ash was idly trailing his finger around my skin.

“So, about that deal,” I reminded him.

Ash just looked at me.

“I have my answer, Ash.”

His gaze dropped to my lips, lingering there for a moment before returning to my eyes. “Tell me when we get back to the room,” he said.

“And if my answer is yes?”

He leaned in, nibbling my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

I let out a small yelp. “I’m serious, Ash!”

His voice dropped to a low whisper. “Then I hope you’re sure because once I have you, Areya, I will never let you go.”

My stomach fluttered, a rush of warmth spreading through me as I let out a shy smile and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

The sun had completely set, leaving the garden bathed in softdarkness. I looked up at the sky, marveling at the brightness of the stars. Ash’s gaze followed mine.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the night sky here. The stars are so much brighter.”

As if on cue, a shooting star streaked across the sky, its brilliance catching me off guard.

I tapped Ash’s chest excitedly.“Hurry, make a wish, Ash!”

He chuckled. “What are you talking about, Areya?”

“When you see a shooting star, you make a wish. But you can’t tell it to anyone, or it won’t come true.” I smiled up at him.

“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” he said, his laughter warm and light.

I closed my eyes for a moment, silently making my wish. There was only one thing, one person I wanted.

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