The grand halls of Eldoria shimmered with golden candlelight, the echoes of music and laughter fading into distant memory as the heavy doors of your chambers clicked shut. The weight of the royal dinner still lingered on your shoulders—smiles stretched too thin, polite words exchanged like currency, and the ache of standing too long in heels designed more for beauty than comfort.

You collapsed onto the edge of the bed with a soft, exhausted sigh, leaning back on your hands, the delicate fabric of your gown spilling around you like liquid gold. Your feet throbbed with every pulse, the sharp bite of the heels an unwelcome reminder of the night’s demands. You reached down to unbuckle them, but your fingers trembled from exhaustion and frustration.

Before you could even mutter a curse, Alex was there—kneeling before you, his formal attire loosened and slightly rumpled, his dark hair falling into his eyes. He didn’t say anything, just gently pushed your hands aside with a soft, knowing smile.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered, his voice a low murmur meant only for you, filled with warmth and something deeper—something that made your heart ache in the best way.

His fingers were warm and careful, unhurried as he worked the delicate buckles. He cradled your foot, thumb brushing over the tender skin, his brow faintly furrowed as if even this small discomfort pained him.

Without thinking, he lifted your foot to his lips, pressing a feather-light kiss just above your ankle, his breath warm against your skin. The simple, tender gesture stole the air from your lungs, your chest tightening with a love so fierce it almost hurt.

The second heel came off just as gently, his hands lingering, thumbs drawing slow, absent circles along your arches, easing the ache without a word. He finally looked up at you then, his eyes softer than you’d ever seen, filled with a quiet devotion that made your heart race.