After Zane's chilling words to me that night, I avoided Vylad like he had the plague. The only time I saw him was during family mealtimes, passing, or extremely close calls. It was draining, juggling avoiding someone who was constantly on my mind and dealing with extra work that came with preparing to marry someone I didn't want at all. Anytime I came close to cracking, I reminded myself it was all for the best.

Zane made sure to remind me, subtly, that he was always watching me closely. Things would be said in passing, little whispers that only I heard. Others took them out of context as loving whispers between two that were starting to fall for each other, but they couldn't be further from the truth. He was always watching, always knowing what steps I took. It was suffocating.

Then, in a miracle seemingly sent by Lady Irene herself, Zane's attention was brought to more political affairs and his studies to be a High Priest. He began to become more distant, now traveling around with Garte for these distractions. I find myself extremely grateful for the breaks and thankful to finally be comfortable in my current home, even if it's only for a small while.

I get a little too comfortable, though. One morning, I'm more than a little caught off-guard by Vylad, who makes his presence known with a 'smooth' introduction.

"Hello there, m'lady. Do you often come to this facility for breakfast?" He horribly fails at using the impression he's created based on Garroth's voice and it's somehow enough to make me laugh. He tilts his head, a cheeky smile on his face, "There be a problem, m'lady? Why is such a beautiful sound coming from your beautiful face-"

"Okay, Vylad. I get it, please spare me" My cheeks flush a warm shade as I continue to laugh. I have to take a deep breath to stop.

"That's more like it! I haven't seen you smile like that in a while" Though his tone is teasing, there's still an obvious lace of concern in Vylad's voice. It makes me feel bad, knowing that this moment is going to be cut short and that I won't be able to confide in him with my issue, "I won't force you to talk, but I'm here if you ever just... need a moment, y'know?"

"Vylad, I..." I want to tell him everything so badly. Tell him of Zane's plans, warn him of the highly plausible threats against his life from just talking to me, cry about the pain I've endured the past few months, but... I'm too scared to, "I've been suuuuper tired. So much goes into wedding planning and alliance strengthening. I haven't had a break in weeks, heh"

I can tell he doesn't buy it, but he doesn't prod any further.

"Well, now that you've got some time to yourself, there's something I've been wanting to show you" I don't have time to object before I'm being dragged out of the dining hall, Vylad leading me out into the streets of O'Khasis.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After being dragged around to see the newest venues that appeared in O'Khasis during my 'working period', Vylad and I got some cake from one of our favorite places and snuck back onto royal grounds like we normally would before my disappearance over the past few months. We're a giggling mess as we make our way to his room, both getting comfortable as we indulge in the desserts we invested in.

I'm recalling a story from the last time we hung out together when I feel Vylad's hand grip my face, turning it and having my (e/c) eyes meet his emerald ones. My words quiet in my throat as we stare at one another for a moment, the world seemingly stopping once he says, "I hate seeing you with Zane..."

I'm unable to process the statement once he presses his lips to mine, my mind growing dizzy with the moment. They're warm and the kiss is somewhat sloppy as we move our lips against one another's, obviously both of our firsts, but I can't find it in myself to care as I reciprocate with as much passion as he puts into it on his end. It's short-lived as he pulls away.

"V-Vylad-"

"I-I shouldn't want this" He begins muttering, his hands grabbing mine nervously before quickly letting go as if I'd burn him, "W-We shouldn't want this, but..." His lips are suddenly on mine for a moment once more and I, again, return the short kiss before he quickly pulls away. Red-faced and green eyes turned to the floor. My fingertips seem to place themselves over the still warm area, a small smile unintentionally coming to my lips. I giggle, seeming to make his embarrassment even worse as he quickly gathers his bag, running a hand through his hair in an exasperated manner, "I-I didn't mean to! I-It won't happen again! Irene, Zane may kill me..."

"Well, he's definitely going to kill you if he finds out I'm here. That's kind of why I've been avoiding you..."

 I finally tell him about Zane's threats and his recent treatment of me. By the end of it, Vylad's holding me closely.

"Then if I'm going to die, might as well take something else from him while I'm still around if you'll let me..."

A/n: And then the reader gets her brains fucked out. Of course, if enough people ask, I'll write it, but I won't for now. I hope you enjoyed it!

MCI out, peace 😜