Chapter 16: Moonlit Decisions and Unspoken Feelings
Inside the Throne Room, the atmosphere was solemn and heavy.
King Aldric Valenhart sat upon his magnificent throne, his sharp gaze sweeping across the hall before settling on one of his most trusted commanders.
Standing before him was the girl Commander man known throughout the kingdom for her unwavering loyalty and exceptional leadership.
"The girl Commander," Aldric said in a calm yet commanding voice, "I want the city gates repaired immediately.
Strengthen the walls, restore every damaged corner of the castle, and ensure the entire city is rebuilt as quickly as possible."
The girl commander placed her fist over her chest and bowed respectfully.
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
Without another word, she turned and left the throne room to carry out the king’s orders.
Midnight
Silence covered the kingdom.
The moon hung high in the sky, bathing the world in silver light.
Inside his royal bedroom, King Aldric stood before a large window overlooking the city.
A gentle breeze drifted through the room, brushing against his long hair.
His eyes wandered across the streets below where lanterns flickered softly in the darkness.
For a long moment, he remained silent.
Then he released a deep breath.
"If I want my people to live peacefully..."
"If I wish to remain king..."
"If I want my kingdom to survive..."
"Then I must leave him alone."
His expression darkened.
"If I disturb him, the entire city..."
"Perhaps even the entire kingdom..."
"Could be reduced to dust."
Aldric slowly closed his eyes.
"I must be more careful around him."
The moonlight illuminated his face as countless thoughts filled his mind.
"On the other side."
The Next Morning
Golden sunlight poured through the windows of the castle.
Vlox slowly opened his eyes.
After stretching lazily, he sat up and turned toward the bed.
The moment he saw Astraith, he froze.
The rays of the morning sun fell upon her face, making her appear almost unreal.
Her silver hair shimmered like crystal threads woven from moonlight.
Her flawless skin glowed softly beneath the sunlight.
For a brief moment, she looked less like a mortal and more like a goddess resting peacefully in her heavenly palace.
Vlox stared.
Then he spoke a single word.
"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."
A smile appeared on his face.
Gently, he reached out and brushed a strand of silver hair away from Astraith’s face.
Then he leaned forward and softly kissed her forehead.
A few moments later, Astraith’s eyes slowly opened.
When she realized what had happened, her cheeks immediately turned pink.
She quickly covered part of her face with her hands.
Vlox couldn’t help laughing.
"Oh dear, don’t be shy."
He gently held her hand and looked into her beautiful eyes.
The warmth in his gaze made her heart beat even faster.
The two remained close, enjoying the peaceful morning together.
Neither of them wanted the moment to end.
Meanwhile
The kingdom was already bustling with activity.
Workers carried stone, wood, and supplies throughout the city.
"Move faster!"
the girl commander shouted.
"Don’t just stand there! Put the wood over there! Everyone keeps moving and repairing that wall!"
Her commanding voice echoed across the construction site.
The soldiers and workers immediately obeyed.
Hours later, after overseeing the repairs, The girl commander finally returned to her tent.
She removed her helmet and armor.
Long golden hair flowed freely down her back.
Exhausted from the day’s work, she headed toward a nearby river.
The cool water reflected the sunlight like countless diamonds.
As she stepped into the river, the gentle breeze danced through her golden hair.
Her golden eyes shone like the first rays of dawn.
Her fair skin looked almost like white snow beneath the sunlight.
Anyone who saw her would have been left speechless by her beauty.
After finishing her bath, she returned home.
Entering her room, she collapsed onto her bed.
For several moments she stared at the ceiling.
Then suddenly-
Her face turned red.
Even her ears became crimson.
She grabbed a pillow and hugged it tightly.
A certain image appeared in her mind.
Vlox.
His overwhelming strength.
His fearless personality.
His red-and-white hair.
His confident smile.
His powerful physique.
Every detail refused to leave her thoughts.
The girl commander buried her face in the pillow.
"He is so handsome..."
"And so strong."
"Perhaps the strongest person in this entire world."
She squeezed the pillow even tighter.
"Why can’t I stop thinking about him?"
A shy smile appeared on her lips.
"Maybe..."
"Maybe I’m in love with him."
Evening
The sky was painted with shades of orange and gold as the sun slowly descended beyond the horizon.
Vlox and Astraith sat together peacefully.
After a moment of silence, Astraith spoke.
"Honey, your name is cool and very cute."
Vlox laughed.
"Is that so?"
Astraith nodded.
"But why don’t you have a last name?"
Vlox shrugged.
"Because I don’t have one."
"I’m simply Vlox."
Astraith smiled warmly.
"Then why don’t you take my last name?"
Vlox blinked.
Then a bright smile appeared on his face.
"That’s actually a great idea."
"If I take your last name, it will also show my eternal love for you."
Astraith’s cheeks turned slightly pink.
Vlox leaned closer.
"Then tell me."
"What is your last name?"
Astraith answered proudly.
"My family name is Astralune."
Vlox repeated it slowly.
"Vlox Astralune..."
His eyes lit up.
"How beautiful."
The name sounded perfect.
As if it had always belonged to him.
Without hesitation, Vlox pulled Astraith into a warm embrace.
"You are my one and only wife."
"I love you."
Astraith wrapped her arms around him and rested her head against his chest.
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"I love you too, honey."
As the evening breeze drifted through the castle and the stars began to appear overhead, the two remained together in peaceful silence.
For them, nothing in the world was more precious than that moment.