[color=lightgray] [center][h1][color=C84808]Askel & Ranya[/color][/h1]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/RfdmGdW.png[/img]

[h2][color=red]Flashback[/color]

Part Two[/h2][/center]

[color=#6B8E23]Time:[/color] Night, Ignis 9
[color=C84808]Location:[/color] Sorian Streets


[hr]


So, he would leave the tavern with her and return to the air of an Ignis night. The streets were much quieter than before with only a few remaining on the streets; stragglers returning from a night of drinking, tired Caesonian men making their way home after long hours of work, and couples who were more at ease than Asklel and Ranya. His arm was linked with hers as they walked in silence though this was more of a courtesy on Askel's part. It was plain to see that she needed some quiet, to sort her feelings and her head out and perhaps for himself too.

Ranya walked with her arm tucked into his, the cool stone beneath her bare feet grounding her with every step. The steady brush of his side against hers was a quiet comfort; her mind was not busy searching for an escape or crafting a clever excuse. Instead, she found herself caught between the image of the 'holy jewel' she was meant to be and the girl she truly was, wrapped in a knight’s borrowed warmth. The scent of him made her feel more real, more herself, than she ever had within the walls of her own palace. She did not want to slip away into the safety of shadows this time. She only wanted to see where their shadows, tangled together on the stone, might lead them.

Over the course of their walk, they found a bench underneath the light of a lit lamppost to sit with silence heavy over between them. Eventually, Askel broke it. [color=#C84808]"I... I think I can answer your question, but you'll have to bear with me for a moment. I fear I may ramble for a bit, but there will be a point to it I promise."[/color] He smiled at her worriedly, as if he was going to give the wrong answer but decided to take the plunge. [color=#C84808]"We're kindred spirits, you and me. I won't claim to know of your life, but even I can see we've lived very different lives though I think we're more alike than you think."[/color]

He leaned back against the bench and looked up at the moonlit sky. [color=#C84808]"I always watched where I step, even as a child. When we were kids, I would always chastise my older brother Lucian for acting so rash and for making me worry all the time. He'd just follow his heart without worry or warning. In some ways, I could not help, but to admire it just as much as I admonished it."[/color] 

His smile cast downwards, and he looked at her with a humorless gaze. [color=#C84808]"But I'm a knight. A moment of hot headedness is the difference between life and death. There are those that speak of 'passions as a warrior' and charge headfirst into the heat of battle without a thought behind their eyes, but they are the first to lose their heads."[/color] He said with grimness that clung to his words like dark knowledge that haunted his memories. [color=#C84808]"A steady heart and mind is needed though I suppose I kept my heart steady even with matters of love if you can believe it."[/color] His normal smile returned though she had seen him smile truly. She knew it was self-deprecating. 

[color=#C84808]"I've never been against love, just the concept of falling in love at first sight."[/color] Askel admitted. He looked back up at the moon and raised his hand up towards it to reach out to it futilely. [color=#C84808]"The hearts of people are a fickle thing; so many times, we fall in love not with the person in front of us, but the idea of them and then place standards that they could never hope to reach.[/color] He clenched his hand when it overlapped with the moon, as if to illustrate that he never was really able to grasp it to begin with. [color=#C84808]"It's a cruel way to be and I never want to be the one to hurt someone... and yet, I can't help but wonder how many times I have stopped myself because I was afraid to make a mistake."[/color] 

His words about 'falling for an idea' struck her with a familiar ache, sweet and sharp as the memory of a half-forgotten song. All her life, people had adored the illusion: the holy icon, the perfect jewel, the untouchable dream. Even when she slipped away from her silks and titles, vanishing into the city’s shadows, they only saw what they wanted–a glittering distraction, a fleeting conquest, a riddle to unravel for a single night. No one ever searched for the girl who spun barefoot in smoky taverns, chasing the pulse of music through the floorboards. No one tried to see past the shimmer and find the real girl beneath, not until Askel.

He chuckled dryly and shook his head. [color=#C84808]"In that way, Lucian is far more noble than I am. When he was in love, he had no hesitations; he just dove straight right in and married the woman he loved since they were kids! He's always been a puppy for Sophia since the first time he laid eyes on her!"[/color] He laughed and yet there was a pain behind it, as if it was a memory that brought equal parts joy and pain like it was something that had been lost. A smile full of melancholy and fondness crept along his lips. [color=#C84808]"I respect him for that though I can't help, but to admit that I am jealous that he could just follow his heart just like that."[/color]

Askel focused on her, his eyes filled with a warmth for this woman that came in like a storm and occupied his heart. He took a deep breath and then began to speak in Gazalian and for the remainder of what he had to say never slipped back to Eromorian. These words were for her and for her alone, not for someone passing by or an eavesdropper that found their lives entertaining. They were only for her. [color=#C84808]"But then I look at you and something clicks together."[/color] He began hesitantly though slowly began to find his footing. [color=#C84808]"We don't know each other, but we understand each other, something some people spend their entire lives searching for and never find. We're not riddles to be solved, we're both sojourners on a lonely path looking for something that is real and maybe I could hope to dare say that we both found something together."[/color] His hand found hers, rough, calloused, and yet they radiated with gentle warmth.

[color=#C84808]"I don't know much about love... I barely know its shape, but I can tell you that it's as imperfect as it is noble. We'll argue, we'll disagree, and we'll always working to stay in love because it is not something that exists in perpetuity though that is by design; it requires effort and care from both parties, but that's what makes it so incredible."[/color] 

His voice dropped to a whisper, as if he was speaking something reverent. [color=#C84808]"I've seen it with my own eyes. Lucian and Sophia, my mother and father, and the people I've met over my journeys. I've met couples who've grown old together that have seen everything through and still somehow stay in love even when the weight of the world should have torn them apart,"[/color] the prince said with such endearment though his heart began to race because now he was starting to reach a point of no return.

Askel could feel his mouth going dry and a lump began to form in his chest. In his eyes he ran the gambit of nervousness, anxiety, and fear, but determined to walk past the threshold. He took a deep breath and finally said, [color=#C84808]"I don't want a perfect, effortless love. I want [i]you[/i]."[/color] He gently placed his forehead against hers and smiled even though he could feel his heart wanting to burst through his ribs. [color=#C84808]"So let me love you, let me learn of you, and let me cherish you and in turn all I ask is that you love me, learn of me, and cherish me."[/color] He tried to put on a brave face, but he started to shake. It was his turn to feel so exposed with his heart laid completely bare to her.

Askel pleaded, his voice sounding so small, so vulnerable. [color=#C84808]"So please, don't run away, not from this. When you're so busy running, you're only looking ahead and never notice what life has to offer you. Let me make your world bigger."[/color] 

The first notes of Gazalian on his lips struck Ranya with the force of a summer storm. Her own tongue–the language of her mother, her prayers, the secret shape of her soul–spilled from this Varian prince so easily it nearly undid her. A jagged sob tore free, raw and trembling, half a gasp of relief and half a cry of fear, as the polished 'Jewel' she wore for the world cracked and fell away.

​In that surrender, the air itself thickened, shimmering with a heat that bled from her skin. It was something radiant, restless, and ancient awakening in her blood. Her eyes, always sharp and veiled, now pulsed with molten light, the green deepening, gold blooming at the edges in the hush of lamplight.

​She held on, fingers locked around his with a desperate, white-knuckled grip, clinging to the rough warmth of his palm as if it were the only solid thing in the world. Her other hand rose, trembling, to trace the line of his jaw, then cupped his face. Her touch was burning, a silent claim, drawing his gaze into the gravity of her own.

​[color=6B8E23]"You are a fool, Askel,"[/color] she whispered back in Gazalian, her voice wet and thick with a sudden, fierce devotion. [color=6B8E23]"To offer your heart to a woman you found in the shadows... it is madness. And yet,[/color] A small laugh escaped her as a tear slipped down her cheek. [color=6B8E23]”I am exactly that same kind of fool. I will love you, Askel. I will learn every shadow of your soul and cherish you until the sands stop shifting. I give you my heart, wholly and without caution. But..."[/color]

​Her thumbs swept over his cheekbones, her warmth almost humming, as if she could shield him from the words she was about to speak. She drew back just enough for the truth to settle between them. [color=6B8E23]"I cannot simply let you love me, not until you understand the weight of what you are asking to carry. You speak of making my world bigger, but you don't know the storm that guards my gates. You would have to face a father whose love and protectiveness is an obsession, and brothers who see every shadow as a threat to my life. They are fierce, and they do not forgive easily."[/color]

​She stilled, a cold shudder rippling through her, and the warmth that clung to them faltered, flickering like a candle guttering in the wind. Her eyes darkened, shadowed by a dread that felt older than words.

​[color=6B8E23]"And my uncle..."[/color] her voice was laced with a bitter edge of fear now. [color=6B8E23]"He does not see a woman when he looks at me. He sees a symbol. A tool for his own power. He is a man who weaves silk into nooses, Askel. He will not see a Prince in love; he will see a thief stealing his most precious prize. He will make your life a living hell simply for daring to look at me."[/color]

​She leaned her forehead back against his, her eyes searching his for any sign of retreat. [color=6B8E23]"I am afraid that when you finally realize the truth of who I actually am, when you see the true shape of the cage I live in, the cost will be too high. I am terrified you will realize that loving me is a war you never intended to fight. So I am asking you now... are you truly brave enough to stay when the world comes to tear us apart?"[/color]

It was such an unfamiliar feeling, the gentle caress on his face. A warmth separate from his own that soothed his soul and yet her eyes held an intensity like molten gold. His finger caught the trailing tear that ran down her cheek and looked at her with relief rather than retreat. Rather than retreating, she would have felt herself being pulled towards him in an embrace. A content sigh escaped his lips while he rested her head on her shoulder just for the moment. [color=#C84808]"I will endure and I will fight,"[/color] Askel stated simply. He pulled back from her slowly, reluctant to separate himself from her warmth. [color=#C84808]"However, I do not wish to view your family as adversaries, just... people whose hearts I have yet swayed."[/color] He gave her a hopeful smile.

[color=#C84808]"I mean, I am the older brother of two sisters. If either of them suddenly showed up with a strange man one day proclaiming that they were in love after only a night together I'm certain I would give him some grief too!"[/color] He laughed with a grin as bright as Suna and filled with plenty of understanding for what kind of worry her brothers would soon be growing through and what kind of paces they would in turn put him through. 

Gently, he held the back of her head, his fingers full her wild halo of black hair, and laid a kiss on her forehead. [color=#C84808]"Sigh no more, love,"[/color] murmured the prince. [color=#C84808]"I'll get through to them that my intentions are pure. I don't want to make you have to choose between me or your family; I want to hopefully one day be called 'brother' by your siblings or 'son' by your father. I want to share our joy with them."[/color]

[color=#C84808]"As for your uncle, well, I'll figure out how to deal with him. I'm sure he'll think I'm an easy mark, but many have made that mistake too. A prince and knight of Varian is not without fangs, my dear."[/color] He gave her a sly grin as if to reassure her that he could very well take care of himself. [color=#C84808]"However, if you are so afraid that I will turn tail then let me solve your riddle tonight and put your mind at ease."[/color]

Askel stood up and turned on his heels to take a good look at Ranya. There was an intelligent glint in his eyes, as if he was deducing all of the little bits of information that he could gleam from her. [color=#C84808]"You're obviously not some lady in waiting. If you were, you would be attending to your ladyship so when I first saw you, I assumed that you were Hanim of particular high standing since it is Courting Season and, you know, because of all of that."[/color] He motioned to all of the gold on her that clattered and clinked like coins whenever she moved. 

[color=#C84808]"Now if you were just a noble that would be the end of that, but what you said is strange," [/color] Askel continued. [color=#C84808]"If you were just a mere Hanin then why would you be so key to your uncle's power? That would imply that you have a status that exceeds that of a typical noblewoman whether it is spiritual, pedigree, or government position, and to manipulate you means that your uncle is a man of exceedingly high status as well."[/color] 

[color=#C84808]"If we take into those factors into account, including your age since I do not think you hold a governing position, then my conclusion is that you are a Shehzadi though I think you may have to fill in some of the gaps."[/color] He smiled at her though not with some smug satisfaction of figuring out a riddle, but of reassurance. The weight that he was about to carry was understood and whole heartily accepted. 

A chuckle puffed past his lips and he said with a half-cocked smile. [color=#C84808]"One of those gaps is, well, how to address you. The only thing that really concerns me is that I still do not know the name of my beloved."[/color]

The instant his fingers brushed away her tear, the tightness that had bound Ranya unraveled all at once. She melted into his arms, her head finding its place against his shoulder, where the warmth of him and the familiar, grounding scent of his skin wrapped around her like a promise. His words rang in her ears, more precious than any prayer she had ever whispered.

A surprised, bright laugh slipped from Ranya, scattering the last of her shadows. The image of Askel as a protective, exasperated brother was so disarmingly ordinary that it made the world feel safe for a heartbeat. When he pressed a kiss to her forehead, she let her eyes fall shut, savoring the gentle weight of his affection. Normally, speaking of her uncle would have ruined her mood entirely, but Askel’s sly grin was a shield, turning fear into something almost laughable. It was dizzying, this feeling of having someone step between her and the Grand Vizier, not out of grim obligation, but with the reckless confidence of a man who relished the challenge.

She said nothing, her breath catching as she watched confidence ripple across his face. A spark lit in her eyes, this time fed by a mischievous, growing curiosity. As he unraveled her secrets with a strategist’s poise, relief washed through her. He had the mind to match his courage. He did not flinch at the title Shehzadi; he was simply waiting for the woman beneath the crown.

[color=6B8E23]"Your mind is as sharp as that blade you carry, Askel,"[/color] she whispered, her voice a mix of awe and a newly bloomed, fierce confidence. [color=6B8E23]"I find I like your intelligence nearly as much as I like your bravery."[/color]

She rose from the bench, gold ornaments chiming a private, triumphant tune as she closed the distance between them. Reaching up, she gently curled her hand behind his neck. She drew him down to her, the warmth of his breath mingling with the lush perfume of jasmine and warm vanilla that clung to her skin. The world fell away, leaving only the tender gravity between them.

A flicker of doubt crossed her face with the old fear that the truth of her lineage, or the burden of being Suna’s Chosen, might finally drive him away. The title was meant to shield her, but it was the sharpest blade she carried. Still, she pressed forward, steadied by the heat of his hands.

[color=6B8E23]"I promise to fill in every gap of the riddle, Askel. I will tell you the best way to the hearts of the Sultan and my brothers, and I will tell you the full weight of the title I carry. But not tonight. I do not wish to be burdened by that name tonight. I don't want the world to exist beyond the reach of your arms."[/color] She leaned in, her touch lingering at the nape of his neck, her forehead resting against his, her voice dropping to a soft, reverent murmur. [color=6B8E23]"The crown owns my status, and my family owns my future. But they do not own the breath I use to speak my own name. That is the only thing truly mine to give."[/color]

She tilted her head, her lips brushing ghost-light against his as she breathed the word into the space between them. For a heartbeat, she let her fingers trace the line of his jaw, anchoring herself to the moment. [color=6B8E23]"Ranya. My name is Ranya. And I have spent my life waiting for a man brave enough to find me in the dark and call me his beloved."[/color]

Never before could he have imagined such joy just from hearing someone's name and yet his heart skipped a beat. This beautiful woman that dripped with wit and charm with her arms wrapped around his neck, and her lips just a breath away, and her name was Ranya. 

[color=#C84808]Ranya..."[/color] Askel repeated, letting her name settle onto his tongue like melting sugar and then suddenly a mischievous glint flickered in his eyes. A grin cracked along his face as he suppressed a laugh. [color=#C84808]'Rani?' Really?"[/color] He asked teasingly. Of course, it was fun to give his love a little bit of grief, but all he wanted to do was to distract her from whatever ailed her thoughts. He saw her face, the doubt that plagued her for only the briefest moments. Try as he might, there were still parts of her heart that she could not let him in to assuage. 

Askel's grin softened into a smile full of understanding for what she was going through. This was terrifying, not just for her, but for him too. Earlier they were strangers that never once crossed paths, but now they were lovers that made solemn vows that bound their lives to each other. [color=#C84808]"It's okay, Ranya. Whatever it is you can't tell me yet, I'll wait; we have the rest of our lives."[/color] His hands found Ranya's face; his fingers traced her jawline before his thumb rubbed her cheek. There was a look in his eyes, a longing that he never once felt tug at his heart before.

[color=#C84808]"Forgive me if I speak plainly but..."[/color] A flush crept along his cheeks again and his smile took on a tint of nervousness. For all of his worldly experience and wisdom and for all of his etiquette training and knightly chivalry, the protocols of love and wooing were a dulled blade. He murmured ever so shyly, so softly that a dropped pin could have been heard over him. [color=#C84808]"May I kiss you?"[/color]

A playful, genuine laugh escaped Ranya, the last traces of tension slipping from her shoulders. She tilted her head in feigned indignation, though the glimmer in her eyes betrayed her amusement.

[color=6B8E23]"And yet, despite 'Rani' being so close to the truth, you didn't guess my real name, did you?"[/color] she teased with a soft giggle. [color=6B8E23]"I find that when you hide a secret in plain sight, people are far too distracted to ever truly see it."[/color]

Her smile softened as he spoke, his promise to wait for the rest of her story settling between them. She leaned into the warmth of his hand, surprised by the ache that stirred in her chest as it was unexpected and sharp, but not unwelcome. When he stumbled over his words, so hesitant and sincere after all his earlier confidence, Ranya felt a mischievous smile tug at her lips.

She let herself drift closer, closing the small distance between them until their lips were separated by little more than a breath.

[color=6B8E23]"Oh, Askel,"[/color] she murmured, her voice a velvety, daring challenge. [color=6B8E23]"If you don't kiss me this very second, I shall be forced to kiss you, and I promise you, I won’t be nearly so polite as to ask."[/color]

A nervous chuckle passed by his lips while he shook his head at her. [color=#C84808]"Gods above, you're dangerous."[/color] Askel's eyes softened and with no need for words he slowly leaned in, tilting his head slightly, until his lips gently pressed against hers and let her warmth wash over him. It tasted like Casesonian ale and when he breathed her in all he could smell was jasmine and vanilla with an undercurrent of the warm spices and woodsy smells from his cologne that clung to her. 

So, there they were, two wanderers separated by distance that have intersected, kissing under a lamp lit Sorian night with not a single soul in sight or a sound save for the sound of hearts pounding between their ears. It was no fiery kiss or a moment of intense passion, but a simple vow of love. Askel was not claiming her for she was not someone to own. It was a moment shared between two people, an equal exchange to take up a place in each other's hearts. 

Ranya’s eyes slipped shut as the last sliver of space disappeared. His lips found hers—not with the hungry fire she’d braced for, but with a gentleness that cut deeper than any fevered touch. She answered him with a slow, deliberate hunger, her fingers threading into the wild tangle at his nape. This wasn’t a battle or a victory, but a wordless exchange, a secret passed between mouths. For once, she wasn’t a trophy to be claimed, but a woman laid bare, her soul colliding with his in the hush between heartbeats.

A low, guttural chuff of disapproval rippled through the air as a shadow peeled itself from the tangled brush. The black jaguar stalked onto the stone path, yellow eyes burning with silent, predatory judgment. Ranya broke the kiss with a theatrical sigh, barely pulling away before pressing her brow to Askel’s, clinging to the last scrap of stolen warmth.

[color=6B8E23]"He has the absolute worst timing,"[/color] she muttered, flicking a hand toward the hulking predator. [color=6B8E23]"Askel, meet Azrael. Azrael, behave. He’s a friend—"[/color] The word snagged in her throat, suddenly too small. She glanced back at Askel, her eyes sharpening with something raw and unguarded. [color=6B8E23]"No. Not just a friend. Not even close. He’s so much more than that."[/color] Her mouth twisted into a crooked, guilty smile. [color=6B8E23]"If he’s here, it means Zahra’s sent him to drag me back. I might have pushed my luck with my so-called 'quiet walk.' Azrael’s the only one who can sniff me out when I vanish without causing a panic."[/color]

Upon hearing the chuff of an apex predator, Askel's gaze fell upon an actual black jaguar circling him with judgmental eyes that certainly did not like what it was witnessing. His face was a steel mask, his eyes as cold as Varian winters as his hand steadily grabbed the handle of his sword ready to strike at any moment...and then Ranya introduced the beast by name. The steeled expression turned into bewildered shock, his hand fell away from his weapon. An exasperated chuckle of utter disbelief escaped and while he shook his head. 

[color=#C84808]"Sending a black jaguar in the middle of Sorian to search for you? That seems a tad reckless,"[/color] he said, still feeling the piercing gaze of the jaguar beamed on him. Something in the prince's gut told him that the big cat really did not like him all that much.

Askel knelt down to be eye level with Azrael and slowly stretched his arm out forward towards him. He spoke to the intelligent and powerful creature with a soft, respectful tone and an honest smile. [color=#C84808]"I know that I am a stranger right now, but I hope we can be friends. Ranya is very important to me as she is to you, Azrael."[/color] Askel turned his head back to look at Ranya with a look of appreciation and unbridled love before looking back at him. [color=#C84808]"It would bring me infinite joy if you would let me accompany the two of you back the guest house, but if you still do not trust me, I understand."[/color] 

Ranya’s laughter rang out, light and clear, easing the tension that had settled between them as she watched Askel extend his hand toward the great cat.

[color=6B8E23]"Careful, Askel,"[/color] she teased, eyes dancing. [color=6B8E23]"He’s proud of his reputation. And don't let his size fool you. He’s stealthy enough to give the Silent Assassins of the Dunes a run for their money. If he didn't want to be found, you’d never have heard a sound."[/color]

Azrael, on the other hand, seemed entirely unimpressed by the gesture. His golden eyes narrowed, and his tail thudded against the stone floor as he leaned in to sniff Askel’s hand, the motion slow and deliberate. There was a hint of cold and metal in the scent, but it was the jasmine and vanilla that lingered most, clinging to the Prince’s skin. The jaguar’s low, rumbling growl vibrated through the air—a warning, perhaps, or simply a test. Ranya caught his gaze, her own eyes wide and hopeful as she silently pleaded with the great cat.

The great cat glanced between the two of them, then released a heavy, huffing sigh that seemed almost human in its resignation. He pressed his broad head against Askel’s palm for a brief moment before turning away, already moving down the path ahead.

[color=6B8E23]"Thank you, Azrael!"[/color] Ranya chirped, throwing her arms around the jaguar’s thick neck and burying her face in his dark fur with total, fearless trust. She pulled back and moved back to Askel’s side, entwining her fingers with his, beaming. [color=6B8E23]"He is my shadow in the dark, and every bit as protective as my brothers. My tiger, Aisha, is the motherly one. She fusses, but Azrael is the silent judge. You’ve passed the first test, though I suspect he'll be watching your every step. But I think he’ll warm up to you."[/color] She said as she leaned her head against his shoulder.

Azrael's fur was thick like a heavy blanket and yet somehow had a supple softness that he had not expected though all Askel was going to get was a brief touch. The black jaguar was still too proud and cautious of the royal knight and went off ahead though he was certain that the big cat's golden eyes pierced the dark to make sure they were following. Something told Askel that he had a long way to go before that cat would ever fully trust him, a mission that was sure to be strenuous. 

Ranya's fingers found his and a glee in her eyes found his, a balm to his soul. He savored the feeling of her head against his shoulder, memorizing the weight. [color=#C84808]"Oh? So, you have a tiger too? It appears that I have my work cut out for me."[/color] He said with a playful smile though it was a promise that he would not try or do his best but simply would be a part of her life through thick and thin. 

The two of them would follow Azrael through the quiet streets of Sorian, desolate save for a prince, a princess, and her black jaguar. The city slept, oblivious to the quickly blooming feelings that two unexpected people had for each other, a giddiness that neither had ever known and yet it also brought an unexpected pain. Askel remained silent, wanting to savor this quiet moment with Ranya and yet in his heart there was an aching pain that grew the closer they were to the castle. He had left behind his own family, many friends, and places though none of it compared to the pain that he felt right now at this moment to know that this night was ending.

Once they could see the guest house off not too far in the distance, Askel looked down at Ranya with a tender, yet melancholic smile. [color=#C84808]"I had a lovely night, Ranya."[/color] His hands, so rough and calloused, held hers gently and yet they dared not to let go. A low chuckle rumbled from his throat. [color=#C84808]"It's funny, I know that partings bring such sweet sorrows because we'll meet again and yet, it does nothing to ease the ache. I suppose I should find myself lucky to have such a luxury though for that ache also brings an excitement for tomorrow I've never had before."[/color] 

Ranya pressed into Askel’s steady shoulder, her fingers idly exploring the callused ridges of his knuckles as if memorizing a secret. She glanced up, her eyes reflecting a quiet sorrow that shimmered between them, softening her features with a gentle ache.

[color=6B8E23]"Sweet sorrow,"[/color] she echoed softly. [color=6B8E23]"You have a way with words, Askel. But I agree... the ache is unmatched. It’s a strange thing, to miss someone while they’re still standing right beside you. To be truthful, Askel... this has been the best night of my life so far."[/color]

They slipped beneath the dappled shadows that danced across the garden path, the air cool and fragrant with night-blooming flowers. Ranya tugged his hand, drawing him to a stop. [color=6B8E23]"Wait...please,"[/color] she whispered, her voice a soft command. She stepped closer, her palms gliding up his chest until they settled over the rhythm of his heart, her touch both a question and a claim.

She rose onto her toes, claiming his lips in a kiss that unfolded like a secret—slow, deliberate, and deep as midnight water. The world seemed to hush around them, the air thick with longing and the promise of tomorrow. The taste of him was both familiar and dangerous, a warmth that melted the boundaries of stone and shadow until nothing remained but the two of them, suspended in the hush before dawn.

Behind her, Azrael voiced his feline displeasure with a drawn out groan, his tail snapping against a stone planter in a show of dramatic impatience.

Ranya let out a breathless laugh against Askel’s skin, her forehead resting against his. [color=6B8E23]"He’s losing his patience,"[/color] she murmured, gesturing with a tilt of her head to a window tucked behind the leafy boughs of a nearby tree. [color=6B8E23]"That is my room. Zahra will be waiting there for me, and I've pushed my luck quite enough for one night."[/color]

She sought his hands once more, her fingers weaving through his in a lingering farewell. Her eyes glimmered with mischief and something older, deeper. [color=6B8E23]"My people have an old belief. We don't think dreams are just tricks of the mind. We believe that when you see someone in your sleep, it is because their soul has traveled across the sands to find yours."[/color] She leaned in, her words a velvet promise against his ear, spun from the legends of her homeland.  [color=6B8E23]"So, close your eyes tonight, my prince. I’ll come find you."[/color]

With her hand over her heart she would receive her answer, a racing heart that could not hide its owner's earnest feelings. His arms wrapped around her as they embraced, their lips meeting for another kiss shrouded by night and the pollen that fell from the garden. It was a taste that he could only describe as 'her,' intoxicating, sweet, and yet grounding him back to the paved stone. He only reluctantly pulled away from Ranya when Azrael made his displeasure very known. 

Askel looked at her longingly, never wishing for the moment to end. It almost felt unfair, to finally feel the happiness of love and then having to swiftly depart and be so far even when they were staying under the same roof. However, her talk of dreams brought some comfort to him; a beautiful way to say that she would never be far from him even in sleep. [color=#C84808]"I'll meet you halfway then,"[/color] he lifted her hand and pressed a gentle kiss on the back of it. 

His gaze fell upon the impatient golden glare of the jaguar. [color=#C84808]"You better not keep Azrael waiting. I fear that his patience for me is wearing thin."[/color] Askel finally released her hand and took a step back. He never knew how painful it was to say goodbye, but he gave her his brightest smile for he knew that tomorrow would be another day and that there would be many tomorrows from now on. [color=#C84808]"Goodnight Ranya. I hope I get to say it again and again."[/color] 

A sharp ache bloomed in Ranya’s throat, the threat of tears prickling behind her eyes as the weight of goodbye pressed in. She dipped her head in answer to his promise, her heart swelling with a bittersweet longing that shimmered just beneath the surface. Her gaze slid to Azrael, who all but radiated impatience, and a soft, shaky laugh slipped from her lips.

[color=6B8E23]"He’s quite right,"[/color] she murmured, casting a playful, mock-scolding look at the jaguar. [color=6B8E23]"Though he could certainly use some practice in patience. He acts as if the world will end if we have but one more minute."[/color]

She turned back to Askel, her heart blooming at the thought of endless goodnights. [color=6B8E23]"Then I will see to it you never lack for chances,"[/color] she promised, her words velvet-soft and trembling with feeling. [color=6B8E23]"Goodnight, my Northern star."[/color]

Turning toward the gnarled tree, Ranya let out a low, distinct whistle that pierced the garden’s silence. Almost instantly, the window above creaked open. A young woman, not much older than Ranya, with sharp, pretty features, leaned out, her expression a mix of terror and fury.

[color=C94772]"Ranya al Kadir! Do you have any idea—your brothers, your uncle, they have been—"[/color] Zahra’s frantic scolding in Gazalian cut off abruptly as her eyes landed on the tall, auburn-haired man standing in the shadows. She paused, her eyes widening as she took in the broad shoulders and the regal air of the stranger. A slow, mischievous smirk replaced her panic. She leaned further out, whispering loudly in her native tongue, [color=C94772]"Who is that? Merciful gods, Ranya, you went out for a walk and came back with a temple statue. Is he even real? Can he actually move, or is he just there for us to look at?"[/color]

A bright, musical laugh escaped Ranya as she caught a low branch, lifting herself up with the easy elegance of someone born to climb. [color=6B8E23]"Careful, Zahra,"[/color] she called in Gazalian, her eyes alight with mischief as she swung onto the limb. [color=6B8E23]"He hears you, and he understands every word."[/color]

Zahra’s face went a spectacular shade of crimson. She gasped, nearly falling out of the window as she stared down at Askel in horror, realizing the "statue" was a living, breathing, and likely very important guest. [color=C94772]"Oh! Oh, my... My Lord! My deepest apologies! I—I was merely—"[/color] She stammered into a frantic, clumsy bow from the waist up, clutching the windowsill for dear life.

With obvious concern that Zahra was going to fall and crack her head like an egg, the prince stepped forward with his arms prepared to catch her though to his relief she was able to steady herself. Askel could only stifle his laughter and casually waved his hand to dismiss her concern. He cleared his throat from his laughter though with his own mischievous grin he said in Gazalian, [color=#C84808]"This 'statue' takes no offense."[/color] 

Ranya reached the ledge in a single, fluid motion, Zahra’s hand darting out to pull her over the stone. Azrael was not far behind, gliding from the garden wall to the branches and slipping into the shadowed room with a last, triumphant flick of his tail.

Settled safely inside, Ranya leaned back out the window, her silhouette framed by the dim lamplight. [color=6B8E23]"Until tomorrow, Askel!"[/color] she called down, her voice full of lingering warmth. [color=6B8E23]"And you had best be ready because I demand you save a dance for me at the ball. Don't you dare give it to anyone else!"[/color]

Askel called back up to her with lingering affection, [color=#C84808]"Ranya, there is no one else I wish to dance with more than you!"[/color] While he looked up, his eyes narrowed as he realized that he forgot something; his jacket was still draped over her. For just a moment he thought about asking her to throw it down to him, but he decided against it. One way or another he knew that he was going to get it back eventually and, well, he questioned how much she would be willing to part with it now. 

[color=#C84808]"Sleep well!"[/color] He called out again though he knew it was time to finally depart. Surely that couldn't be the final thing he said to her for the night though. It just felt so banal, anti-climactic. Or maybe Sylvia finally got to his head. He just shook his head and laughed at himself. When did he become such a romantic?

In Gazalian he called out to her one last time. [color=#C84808]"I'm not a northern star, Ranya. I'll always be in your grasp."[/color] His words hung in the air before breaking his silence. [color=#C84808]"Goodnight, once again."[/color] He gave her the same polite bow he did when he introduced himself to her and began to make his way to the front door.


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