Chapter-6

Cyril took a couple of deep breaths before leaving his room. He walked through the hallways to reach the garden.

The autumn breezes flew freely around the big trees. The moon was showing off the faint light as a huge lantern in the sky.

There was no one around the royal garden except from some guards. He saw Princess Amandine waiting for him near the water fountain.

He stopped walking when he saw her. Her hair was curled nicely and she wore a beautiful dark blue gown that perfectly highlighted her long legs and delicate waist.  She wasn't wearing any jewelry and didn't even bring any accessories. Her hair was flowing freely under the wind.

Cyril slowly walked towards her with his eyes fixed on her every movement.  When he arrived next to her, he bowed his head to greet her respectfully and whispered:

"You look really beautiful tonight, Your grace."

Princess Amandine lowered her gaze from his eyes to his lips as he spoke to her. She felt a strange warmth spreading through her body.

Cyril stood up straight again and asked:

"If you're not marrying Duke Namen, may I ask who is the lucky gentleman that you're going to marry ?"

"You're not asking who I wish to get married to but rather whom I am going to marry," replied Princess Amandine teasingly.

She then took a step back a bit and faced him. Their faces were a mere inches apart.

"Do you really don't know who it is, sir? Is this some sort of game to you? Or do you really want me to answer a such question?" she asked with a smirk.

He chuckled lightly before replying:

"Of course not! I only wish to hear your opinion. But no matter who you marry, I'll always be happy to support you!"

She shook her head softly in disbelief and looked into his beautiful green eyes.

"Why do you always seem to make it a point to tell me the exact opposite of your feelings whenever I ask you about this?" asked Princess Amandine.

"I just wanted to let you know that I love you no matter what decision you made. I just hope you know that..."

"I know, Sir Cyril, I know. Thank you for telling me this," she interrupted him.

Then she turned around to leave.

"Your Grace!" called Cyril.

"Yes, sir Cyril?"

"I just wanted to say goodnight," he finished quietly.

He couldn't hold it anymore so he rushed forward close to the princess.

His warm arms wrapped themselves tightly around her. She gently placed her hands on his chest. He leaned in until his lips almost touched hers when suddenly, he stopped

"Princess, May I kiss you?" he murmured hesitantly while still holding her in his embrace.

"Yes, you may kiss me...but first I need to know why," replied Princess Amandine.

"Because...I love you princess" Cyril answered before pressing his lips against hers.

She closed her eyes and tilted her head upward to allow him to meet her lips with his. When he felt her soft lips touching his, he responded in excitement and kissed her back passionately. She responded with equal enthusiasm.

When they parted their lips, Princess Amandine looked at him and whispered:

"I love you too,  Cyril."

           They gazed deeply into the eyes of each other, then they both leaned closer and kissed each other once again. This time, neither one of them pulled away.

            They were kissing each other passionately. Their tongues danced together and their hearts beat wildly. Princess Amandine's hand wandered into his long blonde hair. His lips left small kisses on her smooth.

            They didn't care if someone might have seen them. They knew that no one else mattered anymore. They belonged to each other.

            After a while, they broke their contact and gazed into each other's eyes. He could see tears welling up in her eyes.

"Are you ok, Princess?" he asked concerned.

"No...I am not. I want to marry you...I really want to marry you, Cyril..." she cried.

           She ran into his arms once again. This time, they weren't kissing but instead, they held each other in complete silence.

           Cyril rubbed soothing circles on the back of her neck.

"But thank you for not giving up on me, Cyril. I know it would be hard to fight against the King's will and someone powerful like Duke Namen. But still thank you for not giving up...on us" She smiled as she rested her head on his chest.

"I'll do anything to be with you, princess. I don't care even if God stops me. I'll be still trying to be with you as long as you love me"   Cyril answered in an honest tone.

            Princess Amandine snuggled deeper onto his chest and smiled.

"Don't worry. I'll never stop loving you. I love you because you're the one who makes my heart beat, you make me smile, and you're the one for me, Sir Cyril" she said sweetly.

"And I'll always continue to do so, Your Grace," he replied tenderly.

"Goodnight, my dearest Cyril," said Princess Amandine as she pulled back slightly to look him in the eyes and caress his cheek lovingly.

"Goodnight, my dearest princess."

            Then she planted a soft kiss on his lips. After that, she slipped out of his arms. As she walked away from his embrace, she couldn't help thinking how much she wished she could stay in his arms forever.

To be continued...