SWNOVELS Chapter 9
My heart leaps to my throat.
"Is there anything I can assist you with?" he asks.
"You must think quite poorly of me. Every time we meet, I seem to find myself in some sort of predicament."
"I hold no negative judgments about you. You can be certain of that." He steps closer, studying my face. "I would offer you my handkerchief, but I had given mine to a lovely farm girl I found sitting alone beneath a tree."
"What...? Oh." I touch my cheek where traces of my frustration remain. I then retrieve his white handkerchief from my possession and place it in his hand. I can't help but notice a slight tremor, whether in his hands or mine.
"You carried it with you?"
"It isn't mine. I was hoping I could return it to its rightful owner one day."
"Keep it, my lady. I would be honored."
His gaze drifts toward the lively festivities in Market Square, and he extends his arm toward it. "Might I have the privilege of accompanying you throughout the festival?"
"I would be most delighted." Rune offers me his arm, and a pleasant warmth suffuses me. This day has certainly taken an unexpected turn for the better.
We stroll around Market Square, pausing here and there to admire the villagers' crafts, baked goods, and creations. Rune pauses to buy us both crescent rolls to appease our hunger.
A folk band stationed nearby replenishes themselves with flagons of summer wine. Just as we pass by, they resume playing a joyful tune. The fiddle player approaches with a wide grin, motioning for us to dance. "Shall we?"
I give Rune a broad smile. "Absolutely!"
He takes my hand in his, and in mere moments, we're gliding across the ground as if we're a single entity. I could happily remain in this moment forever, gazing into his smiling face as we twirl and dance as if the world has no cares.
Other couples join in the dance, yet it feels as if Rune and I are the sole participants in Market Square. As the song draws to a close, Rune and I exchange smiles. The other couples around us share tender kisses, and the fiddle player regards us inquisitively. "What's happening?"
"This song is called 'An Ode to the Lovers.' According to tradition, couples dancing to this song must conclude it with a kiss."
"Oh... and were you familiar with this tradition before inviting me to dance?"
"Perhaps."
"Some might say you deceived me."
"My intentions are always honorable."
Rune pulls me closer. "Are you inclined to break with tradition, my lady?"
"Who am I to defy tradition?"
"I was hoping you'd say that." Rune cradles my face, and as his lips meet mine, I'm transported to an entirely different world. Our kiss lingers, his presence enveloping me.
My first kiss... the sensation is beyond words. I'm reluctant to open my eyes, wishing for him to kiss me again... and again...
"I've traversed distant lands and embarked on numerous quests... yet none of those moments hold a candle to this one."
The band strikes up their next tune, and the festival-goers encourage one another to join the dance. Rune's gaze remains fixed on me. "Is something amiss?" I inquire.
"I... it's just... your beauty reminds me of something."
"It does?"
"Legend speaks of a beauty so captivating that it leaves a man breathless-a beauty for which he'd give anything. I imagine your beauty comes close to that description."
His words are undeniably taking my breath away. "What is it?"
"Arkhandra in bloom."
"Arkhandra?"
"Yes, though I've only heard tales of it. Regrettably, I've never had the privilege of witnessing its wonders."
"But... it has bloomed!"
Rune regards me with astonishment. "I'm sorry, did you say something?"
"It has bloomed for the first time in 17 years, near our village."
"It cannot be."
"I promise you, it's true."
"Would you take me there, please? It has been a lifelong dream of mine to witness it."
"Of course, I'll accompany you."
"I shall be forever indebted to you."
I can think of nothing more marvelous than experiencing this marvel alongside him.