22 "Just the two of us, out in the woods"

"We shall run towards where the music is playing, and we shall dance!" She said enthusiastically.

I took her hands and followed her as she led the way. Despite her smaller stature, Princess Zinnia displayed impressive stamina and strength, even surpassing my own.

Drawing nearer to the source of the music, I saw a multitude of people joyfully dancing to the rhythm. "Let's join them, Xyriel!"

She grasped both my hands, intertwining them with hers. While I wasn't particularly skilled at dancing, Princess Zinnia guided the movements, and I managed to follow her lead. I found myself enjoying the experience, relieved not to have to worry about stepping on her feet.

Princess Zinnia happily sang along to a song unfamiliar to me, her vivacity shining through. It brought a smile to my face.

I wished every day could be as delightful as this one.

The music shifted several more times before finally concluding. Both of us were left panting and drenched in sweat. As our gazes met, we shared a laugh at our disheveled state.

We rested on a nearby bench, both trying to catch our breaths and relishing the moment.

"The night has ended, Xyriel. Were you satisfied?" She asked, her gaze directed at the sky above.

I smiled at her, gently tucking her hair that had strayed over her face. As her gaze met mine, I felt a warm connection between us.

"Thank you, Princess, for introducing me to things I never knew before," I said cheerfully.

"And for showing me how this world is truly wonderful and fun! Growing up, I only did what I was ordered, it was neither fun nor exciting, but knowing I had a role was good enough for me." I admitted, glancing down and adjusting my posture.

"Right now, I'm truly happy. I hope we can do this again sometime soon."

"Xyriel!" Princess Zinnia exclaimed and enveloped me in a side hug, taking me by surprise. Uncertain whether I should reciprocate, I decided on a light pat on her back.

"I apologize for the unexpected hug, but I just wanted to express that you're immensely important to me. I'd be delighted to spend more time with you, anywhere and anytime!" Her eyes shimmered as they locked with mine.

I chuckled in response. "Thank you, Princess."

"Please, call me Zinnia!"

"T-thank you, Zinnia!" I blushed, feeling a mixture of emotions.

"Xyriel, I-"

The Princess was unable to finish her sentence when, out of nowhere, a repugnant alpha pheromone hit my senses, signaling that someone nearby was entering a rut. The smell was strong and revolting. Instinctively, I covered my nose, thinking it would lessen out the odor but it still made it's way inside my nostrils.

Tremors coursed through my hands, and my heart raced, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.

"Xyriel? Are you okay?" She asked, her tone laced with concern, while placing her hand on my back.

Struggling to respond, I buried my face in the crook of her shoulder, inhaling deeply. I could smell The Princess' lavender pheromone making me feel much more at ease.

She held me more tightly, her fingers tracing soothing patterns on my back, bringing a sense of calmness.

"Help! There's a drunk alpha here going into a rut!" a passerby shouted.

"Someone get this guy out of here!" another voice called.

As the tranquility settled over me, a warm sensation enveloped my body, escalating with every gentle stroke of her hand along my back, sending pleasurable shivers through me.

"Are you feeling better now, Xyriel?" She inquired, her touch grazing my cheeks.

"I-I'm fine," I managed to say through heavy panting.

"You seem to be heating up, you should rest, I'll take you home." she suggested, rising to her feet. I clutched her hand and shook my head.

"I don't want to go home in this state." I stated, our eyes locked.

"Are you... in heat?" Her surprise was evident, her eyes widening.

"It appears so, I caught a whiff of the alpha's pheromones earlier, and my body reacted. I'm sorry," I confessed, still struggling to catch my breath.

I despised this sensation—feeling akin to a dog in heat, as though I were waiting to mate with anyone, my panting spreading pheromones in the air.

I was certain she would despise me for this.

Glancing downward, I tightened my grip on her hand.

To my surprise, she gracefully shed her robe and draped it gently over my shoulders. Gazing into my eyes with an intense yet tender expression, our foreheads touched softly.

"I'm sorry for not realizing it sooner." She said as she carried me in her arms, although I'm taller than her, she carried me with unwavering determination, racing toward the stables.

With a simple call, she summoned her horse, effortlessly lifting me into her arms and mounting on top of the horse. I couldn't help but widen my eyes in awe at how incredible she was.

"Xyriel, since you don't want to go home in this current state, would you be okay spending the night in a wooden house together with me?"

As she gazed at me, an intensity burned in her eyes, revealing her remarkable ability to restrain primal instincts while making rational choices.

"Y-yes." I stuttered.

"Understood, hold on tight."

For some inexplicable reason, knowing that we will be out alone, just the two of us, ignites a thrilling sensation deep within me.

The thought of being alone together both excites and worries me, creating a thrilling whirlwind of emotions.