Love And War!

02~ First Night

The air was thick with anticipation as Princess Irene stepped out of the carriage, her heart pounding with nervousness. She glanced around at the opulent surroundings of her new home, the kingdom she would now call her own. Beside her stood Crown Prince Noah , the serious and reserved young man she had been betrothed to in a political marriage arranged by their respective families.

Noah cleared his throat, his eyes flickering with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. "Welcome to the Erudian Empire, Princess Irene."

Irene offered him a warm smile, maintaining a graceful composure. "Thank you, Prince Noah. The journey was long, but I am grateful for the opportunity to begin this new chapter of my life here."

As they walked through the grand halls of the palace, Irene couldn't help but notice how Noah seemed to shrink into himself, his shoulders hunched, and his gaze fixed on the floor. She wondered what thoughts were running through his mind, especially when she saw him looking so serious and composed earlier that day.

"Prince Noah," she began gently, breaking the silence between them, "I know this arrangement was made for political reasons, but I hope we can make the best of it. Perhaps we could start by getting to know each other better?"

Noah looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes before he quickly averted his gaze once more. "I-I would like that, Princess Irene."

"What in the world is wrong with me!? I was fine just now! Then why am I suddenly unable to look into her eyes!? She looks so strong...as if she knows what she has done...what if I fail in protecting her...? Whether this marriage involves love or not still...she is now my wife...WIFE!? That means..."

Irene chuckled softly, her heart warming at his honesty. "Well, you are quite different from what I had imagined, your highness!"

Noah hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice barely above a whisper unable to reach Irene's ears. "You too..."

"Hmm? Did you say something, your highness?"

Noah's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of colour creeping into his cheeks. "Nothing...".

Meanwhile, Noah's attendant behind them; "Come to think of it...his highness is bad at socialising when it comes to women! His brain turns off whenever he encounters a woman! So he basically avoids talking to them, putting on a cold expression on his face! But then again, it's time he overcome his weakness. For the sake of the future of this Empire!"

Later,

-At Night-

"Your highness, it's done. You may wait here for his highness!"

"Thank you, Amanda! You may leave now!"

"Then excuse me, Your Highness."

The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow across the ornate chamber as Princess Irene stood nervously by the window, her gaze fixed on the moonlit courtyard below. It was her first night in the palace, her first night as the wife of Crown Prince Noah, her heart fluttered with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.

"You are getting way too nervous, Irene! *Gulp* But... what should I do!? I have no idea!! To be honest, I never even thought about something like this!! No doubt his highness is a fallen angel! But why does it feel like even if IT happens, I will be the one to defile him!!? He looks too pure for something as devious as THAT!! Someone save me!!!"

*Creak* *Clack*

"He is here!!"

Noah entered the room, his steps hesitant as he approached her, his eyes filled with a mixture of uncertainty and longing. "Princess Irene," he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Irene turned to face him, her breath catching in her throat at the sight of him in the dim light. He looked so vulnerable, so unlike the serious and calm prince she had seen on her wedding ceremony.

There was a moment of silence between them, heavy with unspoken words and unexplored emotions. Irene could sense the tension in the air. She quickly sat on the enormous and wide bed without thinking too much.

"May I sit?" Noah asked, gesturing to the empty space on bed beside Irene.

"Of course," Irene replied, fiddling her fingers in nervousness.

As they sat in the flickering firelight, a comfortable silence settled over them, broken only by the crackling of the flames. Irene found herself studying Noah's features, the way the shadows danced across his face, the way his eyes held a depth she had yet to fully comprehend.

"Princess Irene," Noah began, his voice sounded hesitant.

"No, wait!! Why are you getting swiped by this stupid mood! Come back to your senses Irene and focus!!"

"Is something wrong? Princess Irene?"

"Nothing, your highness! I was just... thinking you look just like an angel fallen from heaven! ( What are you saying idiot!!)"

Noah's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of disbelief flickering in their depths. "Truly?" he whispered, his voice tinged with wonder.

"Truly!" Irene affirmed as she broke out in cold sweat.

"Sigh...you are weird, princess Irene! Hahaha! Your face is so pale that it's obvious! To be honest, I was very nervous too since I have a hard time when I talk to someone of the opposite gender... Don't worry... I won't touch you until I have your permission to do so! I know it's a political marriage, and it may take some time for us to come closer and get comfortable with each other! I want things to work out between us! I dont want to deny the fact that we are now married!" Noah broke out in laughter, and a gentle smile appeared on his face. He covered Irene's shoulder with a blanket and reassured her.

Irene, surprised by his statement looked at him in disbelief. On the other hand, Noah stood up and lay down on the couch next to the fireplace. Irene was too lost to say anything. The two of them went to sleep. But for certain, there was something blooming inside their hearts. Maybe love? .