Chapter Twenty Two
Chloe wakes up the next morning feeling a sense of contentment that she hasn’t felt in a long time. She stretches her arms and legs, feeling the softness of the sheets and the warmth of the sun shining through her window. She gets out of bed and finds Janet already waiting for her.
“Good morning, Miss Chloe,” Janet greets her with a bright smile.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“Good morning, Janet,” Chloe replies, returning the smile. “How did you sleep?”
“I slept well, thank you. And you?”
“I slept like a baby,” Chloe says, feeling grateful for the good night’s sleep. “Thank you for preparing my bed so nicely.”
“It’s my pleasure, Miss Chloe. Is there anything else you need before you start your day?”
Chloe thinks for a moment before asking, “Do you know if Aiden is awake yet?”
“I’m not sure, Miss Chloe. Would you like me to check for you?”
“Yes, please,” Chloe nods.
Janet leaves the room, and Chloe takes the opportunity to freshen up. As she washes her face and brushes her hair, she can’t help but think about Aiden. He had made her feel safe, something she rarely felt with Liam. And their chemistry was strong, they could barely resist each other. Chloe feels a small flutter in her stomach at the thought of him.
When Janet returns, she tells Chloe that Aiden is already up and about. Chloe thanks her and quickly gets dressed before heading out to find him. She finds him in the courtyard, training with some of the other warriors. He looks up and sees her, a smile spreading across his face.
“Good morning, Erasthia,” he greets her warmly.
“Good morning, Aiden,” Chloe replies, feeling a rush of affection for him. “How did you sleep?”
“I slept well, thank you. And you?”
“I slept like a baby,” she repeats, smiling at him. “Watching you train is quite impressive.”
Aiden chuckles. “I’m glad you think so. Would you like to join me?”
Chloe shakes her head. “I think I’ll just watch for now.”
Chloe can’t help but feel drawn to Aiden as they talk. She notices how focused he is on his training, but also how he takes the time to engage with her. It’s clear to her that he’s a dedicated warrior, but also a kind and caring person.
“So, what are your plans for the day?” Aiden asks, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Chloe thinks for a moment before answering, “I think I’ll explore the palace a bit more. I haven’t really had the chance to see everything yet.”
Aiden nods, “That sounds like a good idea. There’s a lot to see here. If you want, I can give you a tour later.”
Chloe smiles, “I would love that.”
They continue to chat, the conversation flowing easily between them. Chloe learns more about Aiden’s past and how he became a warrior. She’s impressed by his determination and strength, but also by his humility.
As they talk, Chloe feels a growing attraction to Aiden. She can’t help but notice how handsome he is, with his chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes. And the way he smiles at her makes her heart skip a beat.
Suddenly, Aiden stops mid-sentence and turns to face Chloe. “What’s wrong?” she asks, noticing the serious expression on his face.
“I don’t mean to be forward, Erasthia, but there’s something I need to tell you,” Aiden says, his voice low and serious.
Chloe feels her heart race as she waits for him to continue. “What is it?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
Aiden takes a deep breath before speaking, “I know we’ve only known each other for a short time, but I can’t help how I feel. Chloe, I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Chloe’s eyes widen in surprise. She never expected Aiden to confess his feelings so openly. She feels a rush of emotions as she considers how to respond.
“I… I don’t know what to say,” Chloe stammers, feeling overwhelmed.
Aiden takes her hand in his, “Chloe, I understand if you don’t feel the same way. I just had to tell you how I feel.”
Chloe looks into his eyes, seeing the sincerity and vulnerability in his expression. She feels a deepening connection to him and realizes that she has feelings for him too.
“I… I think I’m falling in love with you too, Aiden,” Chloe says, her voice barely above a whisper.
Aiden’s face lights up with joy and relief. He pulls Chloe into a tight embrace, holding her close. Chloe feels a sense of warmth and security in his arms, knowing that she’s found someone who truly cares for her.
As they pull away, Aiden smiles at her. “I’m so glad we feel the same way, Erasthia. I promise to always protect and cherish you.”
Chloe feels her heart swell with happiness. She knows that she’s found someone special, someone who she can trust and love with all her heart. And as they continue to talk and laugh, she feels a sense of hope and excitement for the future.
Chloe wanders through the palace gardens, enjoying the warm sunshine and the sweet scent of blooming flowers. She stops to chat with a group of women who are tending to the gardens, complimenting them on their skillful work and asking them about their lives in the kingdom.
One of the women, named Amara, tells Chloe about her journey to the kingdom, and how grateful she is to have found a home here. “The Lycan King has been so generous to us,” she says, her eyes shining with gratitude. “We feel safe and protected under his rule.”
Chloe nods, feeling a sense of pride in her new home. “I can see why you would feel that way,” she replies. “Everyone here is so kind and welcoming.”
Another woman, named Lila, chimes in. “And have you met Aiden yet?” she asks, a sly smile on her face. “He’s quite the catch, if you know what I mean.”
Chloe can feel her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “I-I’m not sure what you mean,” she stammers, feeling suddenly shy.
Lila giggles. “Oh, come on. We all know that Aiden has his eye on you. It’s written all over his face whenever he’s around you.”
Chloe can feel her heart skip a beat at the mention of Aiden’s name. She’s starting to realize that maybe her feelings for him aren’t one-sided after all. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she says, trying to keep her voice steady.
Amara places a comforting hand on Chloe’s shoulder. “Don’t be shy, my dear. We all think it’s wonderful that you’ve found someone here who makes you happy. Aiden is a good man, and we all respect him deeply.”
Chloe enters the kitchen and finds Janet chopping vegetables for dinner. The aroma of the cooking food fills the air, making Chloe’s mouth water. She greets Janet warmly, and the two of them start chatting as they work.
“I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for me,” Chloe says, smiling at Janet. “You’ve been so kind and helpful since I arrived.”
Janet smiles back. “It’s my pleasure, Erasthia. I enjoy taking care of people, and I can see that you’re a good person. You deserve all the kindness in the world.”
Chloe nods, feeling touched by Janet’s words. “Thank you, that means a lot to me. I feel like I’m starting to belong here.”
Janet nods, her eyes brightening with understanding. “It can be difficult to find a place where you fit in, but I believe that you’ll find your home here. Everyone in the kingdom is welcoming and friendly, and they’ll help you in any way they can.”
Chloe feels a warmth in her chest at Janet’s words. “I think you’re right. And Aiden has been so wonderful to me too. He’s been teaching me how to fight and showing me around the kingdom. I feel like I can trust him.”
Janet nods again, her expression thoughtful. “Aiden is a good man. He’s always been loyal to the kingdom, and he’ll do anything to protect it. And I can see that he cares about you a great deal.”
Chloe feels her cheeks flush at Janet’s words, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought that Aiden might have feelings for her. “Do you really think so?”
Janet nods, her eyes twinkling. “I do. I think that you and Aiden have a connection that’s rare and special. I think you could be very happy together.”
Chloe feels a flutter in her stomach at the thought, and she smiles shyly. “I hope you’re right. I really like him.”
Janet pats her hand reassuringly. “I’m sure you do. And I’m sure he likes you too. Just take things slow, and let things develop naturally. Everything will work out in the end.”
Chloe nods, feeling grateful for Janet’s wise words. She knows that she has a lot to learn about life in the kingdom, but with friends like Janet and Aiden by her side, she feels like she can handle anything that comes her way.