The King's Beloved

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A few moments later, Rania finished her bath and changed into her sleeping robes. It was a white robe made of silk with pink linings at the ends, partnered with a silk dress inside that extended a few inches above her knees. This sleeping robe, and the rest of the dresses Rania had been wearing for a while now, were created by Luna's magic so it was free of the Pandora's charm. Same with Elliot's and Ducis' clothes, they were made with magic, thus the reason why they could wear different colored clothes that didn't match their hair ever since.

It was almost midnight by the time Rania finished. Feeling refreshed and not yet sleepy, she decided to take a walk. Her feet took her to the pavilion at the border of the Forbidden Forest. To her surprise, Elliot was also there, sitting on the soft couch, gazing at the stars.

Rania was about to greet him when she suddenly noticed his mystical look under the moonlight. Elliot really shouldn't be combined with white and blue roses, plus a beautiful pavilion, under the night sky - one would get a heart attack from his majestic beauty. 

Rania remembered the night she first met Elliot. It was at the same place, and the same time as well. She thought he felt cold so she lended him her coat - that was their first interaction. Not even an interaction actually, since he was sleeping. Who would have thought that the man behind the mask was the Supreme's chosen king? 

Who would have thought that he was the same man she's been dreaming about years back, giving her the legendary flower of Verus Amor?

And who would have thought that after all the things she's been through ...

BADUMP! BADUMP!

Rania clenched her chest. In her mind, she told herself, "No!"

Noticing her, Elliot tilted his head and looked at her direction.

"Rania, you're here," Elliot greeted her with a smile. He gestured his hands, asking her to sit beside him. 

Rania smiled back and did as he gestured.

"Rania, I've always wondered," Elliot looked straight at her as he spoke.

"Hm? About what?"

"This is the first place we met, right?"

"Yes, but how did you know? You were asleep that time," Rania furrowed.

"I was, but I woke up when you put your cloak on me".

"Oh, I see. Then, you were pretending to be asleep until I went away?" Rania squinted.

Elliot chuckled. "I guess, I was. But that's beyond the point. What I'm really wondering is how you saw me and entered the pavilion in the first place".

"Huh?" Rania was surprised. "Now that you mention it, this pavilion IS part of the Forbidden Forest, and there's a barrier so I really shouldn't be able to … But how? How did I enter inside? I didn't have magic before".

Elliot shrugged. "Beats me. I'm able to sleep here when I want because I know no one would be able to see me or pass the barrier. So I was surprised when you suddenly showed up".

They both looked confused. It was indeed weird.

"Well, it's probably the work of the Supreme Being again," Rania shrugged 

"Most possibly," Elliot shrugged as well.

The two of them laughed at each other afterwards.

A moment of silence passed by after the long laughter.

"Rania …," Elliot gently called her as he inched closer to her and turned his body to face her.

BADUMP! BADUMP!

"I said, no!" Rania scolded herself in her mind. "Ahh, yes?" she replied to Elliot.

"Before you came a moment ago, I've been thinking … when the trials are over and I passed it, what do I need to do after in order to become king? Also, I'm still locked here inside the Forbidden Chamber. I need to get out first before any of that happens".

"You're right. We still don't know how to break the barrier here," Rania nodded. Then she touched her chin and began to think. "What was it that Luna said before again?"

"Unveil the hidden truth - problem is, we don't know what it means".

Rania sighed. "That prophecy is hard to decipher. And Ducis is not helping us. I wonder if we can trick Caligo into reading his mind?"

Elliot laughed. "Ha-ha-ha! I can't believe you're saying that!"

Rania chuckled. "Of course, I'm just kidding. But if you'll take it seriously, why not?"

Elliot smiled warmly at Rania. He lifted his left hand and started brushing her cheeks with the back of his hands.

"To be honest … I was feeling a little nervous and kinda doubting myself if I can really become the king and do it right. Ducis said something about 'True King' as well. But in reality, I don't have one knowledge on how to rule a whole planet. I read a few books about strategies and other stuff but those won't be enough. I need experience. And that experience is what the current king already has. Compared to him, I'm just -"

"Elliot," Rania interrupted him. "Don't doubt yourself when you haven't even tried it. You're right, maybe you don't know the basics yet, how it goes, and all those complexities about royalties, but the Lord has chosen you and anointed you. I'm sure He has given you everything that you need as well in order to do it right," she assured him. "And besides, we'll always be with you to help you out".

Elliot felt his heart warm up from the words Rania said. All the negativity he was thinking a few moments ago, washed away in an instant. Feeling so happy again, he pulled Rania towards him and wrapped her tightly in his arms.

"Rania, you're amazing. Thank you," Elliot softly whispered to her ears.

BADUMP! BADUMP!

  Rania blushed. In an attempt to hide her emotions, she bit her lips and buried her face on Elliot's shoulders.

"Please stop," she begged her heart to stop.

"Rania," Elliot called her gently again. "Rania … Rania …"

"Huh? Why are you chanting my name?" Rania chuckled.

Elliot loosened his embrace and faced her. 

"I'm not sure … I just feel happy calling your name". Then, he smiled so handsomely at her. 

"Ahhh, it seems that my son feels so thankful towards his supportive mom," Rania patted Elliot's head. 

Elliot furrowed. "I'm not your son".

"Ha-ha-ha! Sorry, I can't help but feel like a mother whose son is growing up so nicely".

Getting pissed, Elliot moved closer and pinned Rania on the wall.

"Ahm, Elliot, what are you doing?" 

Elliot smirked. "Hmmm … you're my mom right?"

Rania gulped. "Well … I was just joking".

"No you're not. You've been deliberately saying it over and over," Elliot grinned. Then he lifted Rania's chin and moved his face closer to her.

Rania's eyes widened. She tried pushing Elliot away but he won't budge.

"What? Can't a son get a kiss from his mom?" Elliot teased her, whispering to her in a mischievous voice.

"I - I … you're not … my s-son. I'm just kidding, really," Rania's face turned redder by the minute.

"Ahh, how sad. You're abandoning me now?" Elliot pouted and continued teasing her.

"Please stop this or I'll get mad at you!" Rania fumed.

Elliot chuckled. "Fine, I'll stop. But you still get a punishment".

Suddenly, Rania felt Elliot's warm lips ... on her cheeks.

As a final blow, Elliot whispered to her ears.

"Next time I hear you say that again, I'll do it in your lips".

Rania felt her face burn, especially the part Elliot kissed. She then glared at Elliot who was looking like a little devil, smirking at her.

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