Chapter 484: Niran’s Guilt
One afternoon, Raul took her to a bustling market, weaving through the vibrant stalls filled with trinkets, exotic spices, and colorful fabrics. He bought her a delicate bracelet adorned with small charms. "A token of our time together," he said, his smile so genuine that it left her breathless.
Another day, they visited a quaint garden just outside the palace walls. Raul surprised her by rolling up his sleeves and picking wildflowers for her, his royal demeanor momentarily replaced by a carefree boyish charm. Niran couldn’t help but laugh when he accidentally toppled into a flower bed, his princely composure completely shattered.
At sunset, they strolled along the beach where they’d first shared their playful water fight. Raul seemed more relaxed around her with each passing day.
During a quiet moment, as they watched the waves kiss the shore, he turned to her, his expression soft but earnest.
"Niran," he began, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You’ve been by my side for weeks now, and I feel closer to you than I ever have to anyone." He paused, his voice growing lighter yet filled with meaning. "I think it’s time you stop calling me ’Your Highness.’"
She blinked, caught off guard. "But... it’s proper," she replied hesitantly.
Raul chuckled and gently tilted her chin up so their eyes met. "Proper is for court. Between us, I want something more real. Call me Raul."
Her heart raced at his words, and she felt the walls she had so carefully constructed around her resolve begin to crack.
"Raul," she finally said, the name foreign yet intimate on her lips.