Hoping he comes
My time in the kitchen had swallowed the entire day. By the time I got out, night was already creeping in.
The sky burned in shades of red, orange, and purple, a breathtaking sight that washed over the entire kingdom. Around me, the other slaves hurried to finish their tasks, terrified of being caught by the guards with their torches. But I walked the other way, slow and careful, my heartbeat drumming in my ears.
I only meant to slip away for a little while. The kitchen’s heat, the metallic tang of blood, and the stench of grilled flesh were choking me. I needed air.
My feet carried me to the river before my mind could object. I wondered if he would come again. Half of me ached to see him; the other half feared the truth behind his promise last night. What if it was nothing but empty words?
Luke’s warning still clung to me—that the man was a loyal soldier of Eleazar.
The river was quieter than I remembered. Its surface shimmered gold in the fading light, then deepened to crimson as it mirrored the dying sun. I stood there, clutching the hem of my skirt, listening to the water’s soft murmur.
Time slipped by. The sky darkened. Still, I waited.
I told myself again and again to leave, to stop hoping, to listen to Luke. But my treacherous heart beat faster with every moment that passed.
And then—
“Are you waiting for me?”
The voice came from behind. A shadow emerged from the trees. I gasped and turned.
It was him.
He wore no soldier’s cloak now, only a simple tunic. His dark hair fell loose, and his eyes—those unsettling eyes—watched me as if he’d always known he’d find me here.
He crossed the grass and lowered himself beside me on the riverbank, a faint smile curving his lips.
My cheeks warmed, and I kept my eyes on the water.
“Well,” he said in a low, teasing tone, “if you thought I lied, you were wrong… Red Girl—ah, Selene.”
I blinked at him. “How do you know my name?”
He shrugged. “How could I not? You live in the palace. Everyone knows the woman they call Red Girl.”
The nickname hit me like it always did—sharp and unwanted. But in his voice, there was no cruelty. Only… something softer.
“I—” he began, then stopped. “By the way, I’m—”
“Aaron,” I cut in, my voice rough.
His brows lifted, then he laughed. “You know my name? What, have you been stalking me?”
Heat rose to my face. “Don’t flatter yourself. Luke told me.”
At Luke’s name, his smile vanished. “Ah. The boy from the kitchen.”
“He’s my friend,” I said firmly.
Aaron raked a hand through his hair. “Did he also tell you I was a liar?”
I hesitated. “He said you served Priest Eleazar. That he raised you.”
“I used to,” Aaron said, his gaze fixed on the water. “But that doesn’t mean I still believe in the old snake’s games… or his plans for you.”
My stomach tightened. “What plans?”
His jaw flexed. “Something worse than death.”
The river’s gurgle filled the silence between us. My pulse pounded in my ears.
“I… I don’t know why I came,” I whispered. “Why I waited for you.”
“I know,” he said quietly.
When his eyes met mine, the world seemed to stop—the sun gone, the wind stilled—leaving only that gaze holding me in place.
“I meant what I said,” he murmured. “You don’t have to be afraid. I’ll protect you.”
My throat tightened. “Why? You don’t even know me.”
His smile was small, but unshakable. “You’d be surprised at how much I know.”
I didn’t understand his meaning, but part of me believed him anyway.
“I want to trust you,” I admitted, my voice unsteady, “but my head says I shouldn’t.”
“Then don’t trust your head,” he said softly. “Trust your feelings.”
And against all reason… I did.
A cool breeze swept across the river, brushing through my hair. Something had shifted between us, though I couldn’t name it.
“I should go,” I said, rising to my feet. “Let’s walk back together.”
He stood as well. “We’ll meet again, Selene.”
“Promise?” I asked before I could stop myself.
He grinned—crooked, certain. “With my life.”
I left him there in the shadows by the water, my heart racing so hard I was sure he could hear it.
And for the first time in my cursed life… I wasn’t entirely afraid.