Dear Immortal Tyrant

Waltz Song: Experience - Ludovico Einaudi, time: 1 minute and 30 seconds in, when violin begins

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"Commander DeHaven!" The manager of the garden gasped when he saw the man of the hour. He quickly came forward and bowed his head in greeting to the reputable and powerful man.

"Madam," the manager also added, pausing when he saw her face. His breath was caught in his throat. He gawked at the sight of her, unable to look away. There was an enormous reward for her capture.

Kaden flashed him a dangerous glower. The manager immediately lowered his head and cleared his throat.

"R-right this way to your private sector," the manager stammered out. "The isle of national flowers from across our great nation."

Lina was intrigued about the variety of things that she would have the opportunity to see. With her hands in front of her and Kaden's arm wrapped around her waist, the two walked down the smooth pavement.

The air was moist and warm. She could smell a variety of plants that opened up her lungs. The scent was refreshing and the sunlight, peering from the dome, was beautiful. Everyone around them slowed, people gawked, but she ignored them. She wondered if they were looking at Kaden, but deep down, knew the truth.

Lina knew they were staring at her. That's why she had worn a hat, but it wasn't as useful as she thought—even with the large ribbon hiding a part of her face, and the largeness of the accessory.

"Leave us." Kaden guided Lina down the arrays of flowers. Her eyes lit up at the world of magnificent colors. They were just plants to him, but she seemed to love nature.

Lina bent and smelled everything she could. Despite her excitement, Lina kept her hands to herself. She was worried she'd ruin the beauty of the brilliant garden. There were all sorts of orchids, violets, lilies, and the list went on. A water fountain spewed from the walls, adding a lovely background noise. Butterflies fluttered amongst the dewy petals, sunlight touching her skin for the first time in a while.

Lina let out a sigh of relief, closing her eyes to capture the moment. She breathed in the fresh air and relished in the warmth of the sky. For a split moment, she felt a neverending sense of serendipity before the calamity began. If she listened closely, she could hear the running water and the chirp of the birds. The wind fluttered, picking up her hair, as she placed a hand on her cap to stabilize it.

The scene was enough to calm one's heart.

When Lina opened her eyes, she found Kaden staring at her. His gaze was deep and profound, an expression she couldn't understand.

"What is it?" Lina curiously asked, staring up at him.

"You're a vision I will forever engrain in my memories," Kaden murmured, his hands itching to paint her in this exact moment.

Kaden hadn't painted for centuries. He lost the inspiration and fondness for it. But the second Kaden saw Lina, all of his inspirations came back. There wasn't a single moment in his world as picturesque as her.

"You say the sweetest things with the most solemn faces," Lina mused, smiling up at him with her crinkled eyes.

"Because I mean what I say," Kaden explained, grabbing her hand and pulling her close. Her silk white dress with layers of sage green suited her beyond words. He knew this would fit her the second he saw it.

Lina loved the forest and greens. Kaden recalled that from their first life, which suddenly felt so distant from him.

"What are you doing?" Lina lightly laughed when he rested a palm on her waist, lowering his head as he kissed her on the forehead.

"Dance with me, dove. It's what we should've done in Belle Night," Kaden mused, suddenly feeling the urge to spin her around and treat her like the fairies she resembled.

Lina curiously tilted her head. She had learned a variety of dances in life, be it western or eastern. She knew how to dance for every occasion, but was never good nor mastered it.

"I'm not good at dancing," Lina admitted, glancing around them. The walls were made of old marble in an antique baroque architecture. No one would be able to see them.

"Then follow my lead, dove," Kaden murmured, raising his hand and twirling her.

Lina let out a soft gasp, her dress bellowing gently and spreading with his expert twist. He held her hand and guided her on a waltz around the fountain in front of them. The flowing water lightly sprinkled the two of them as he tugged her around and around. Her feet moved on their own accord, following his movements.

Kaden brought them so close, their lips brushed. Her lashes fluttered. They needed no music. The flutter of the butterflies, the chirp of the birds, the sound of water, and the scent of flowers were all they needed.

"Close your eyes and enjoy the moment, my dove," Kaden whispered.

"And if I fall?"

"I will catch you, a thousand times over, dove of mine."

Kaden separated them until their fingertips merely brushed against each other. In her head, they were reaching the climax of the dance. He spun her, their fingers barely gracing each other as she twirled and danced, her dress spinning with her.

Lina closed her eyes and fell into the movement of dancing with him, the sunlight cascading down on them, her hair swaying from the momentum.

Lina knew this was going to be the most painful heartbreak of her life. She knew they were not meant to last, not with the rumors of the impending war. He was not a man destined to be hers, but she would cherish this moment until their last dying breath.

Soon, the seconds went by, the minutes disappeared, and when Lina opened her eyes, she was dizzy but he was right there for her. When he caught her, she let out a slight laugh.

"That was…" Lina was unable to describe it.

"We should dance again some time soon," Kaden stated, lowering his head to kiss her on the nose. She readily nodded her head, a gentle chuckle escaping her lips. Her eyes were bubbly, as if the terrible days before this one never happened.

"In the moonlight then," Lina decided. "I've always wanted to dance under the stars and moon."

"Whatever you wish," Kaden agreed, sliding his hand around her lower back. He brought their bodies closer, his mouth brushing against hers.

Lina closed her eyes as he captured her lips. He kissed her tenderly and sweetly. They fell in perfect sync, his hand angling her neck. He was like a starved man, starting the tempo slow and smooth, before eagerness filled him. Soon, what was supposed to be one kiss turned into a fervid one of passion and love.

When they broke apart, Lina was gasping for air and his eyes were burning brighter than the sun above them.

"I've reserved more locations for us, dove," Kaden hoarsely said, curling his fingers against her spine. He was going to lose all sorts of control from a single kiss.

"R-right…" Lina whispered, her attention falling to his lips.

Within seconds, Kaden was back on her, kissing like his life depended on it. She sighed against his mouth that moved with expert stealth. He slid his tongue into hers, a soft struggle persisted. Then, he yanked her closer, deepening the kiss. When she broke apart, he nibbled at the corner of her mouth, pecking and nipping at her jawline. He lowered his head, suckling on a spot on her neck.

"A-ah, wait—" Lina yelped when he bit the sensitive skin, only to lick it. She knew a mark was going to be there soon. She recalled he liked to claim his territory on her body.

"The other… locations…"

"On your body?" Kaden humored.

Lina's face flushed. "You know what I meant."

"Perhaps, dove," Kaden peppered her face with kisses, from her forehead to her nose, both of her cheek bones, and then, her chin, earning a peal of giggles from her.

Kaden smiled against her skin, burying his face into her neck, where he loved the most. He could feel her hesitant gulps and the quickening of her pulse, all underneath his lips.

"You are everything I need, dove of mine," Kaden said without realizing it. "Truly."