The following morning, as Cyrus entered the room, he found Lia seated by the window, gazing thoughtfully at the sunrise. The morning light bathed her in a soft golden glow, making her appear as though she were a daughter of the sea, illuminated by the sun's first rays.
Hearing his footsteps, she turned and smiled at him, her expression as fresh and delicate as a dew-kissed blossom.
"Good morning, Lia," he greeted gently.
She nodded, approached him, and took his hand. He held hers tightly, leaning down to place a tender kiss on her forehead.
From that day forward, the palace seemed to come alive with newfound energy.
Cyrus took Lia to every corner of his beloved homeland. They strolled through the royal gardens, where he introduced her to each flower and shared the tales behind them. He taught her to feed the white doves, releasing them into the morning sky as the bells tolled. Even on hunting trips to the hills, he ensured she felt safe, letting her lead the horse while he kept the weapons at bay, allowing her to bask in the sunlight and freedom.
Though she never spoke, her eyes always responded to him. Each word he uttered seemed to bloom within her, her smiles reflecting the joy he brought.
At night, they often sat on the balcony of his chambers, watching the horizon together. She would lean against him, her hair brushing his neck, soft and tantalizing. Her gaze, filled with light, seemed to capture the stars themselves.
He shared stories from his childhood, making her laugh until she clutched her sides.
"If only you could speak," he mused one evening, half-joking. "I'd listen to you for days on end."
Her smile faltered, lashes lowering as she gently shook her head.
Sensing her sorrow, he never mentioned it again.
Their blissful days continued until one day, his father summoned him to the throne room.
"I've arranged a marriage for you," the king announced, eyes fixed on a document.
"A marriage?" Cyrus echoed, taken aback.
"Yes," the king confirmed, looking up. "To Princess Catherine of Calia. She's of noble birth and, more importantly, your savior. Surely you haven't forgotten?"
Cyrus stood stunned, his ears ringing.
"You've been searching for the one who saved you. Now she's here."
"But I..." he began, throat dry. "Father, I already have someone I love."
"That mute girl?" the king scoffed. "You intend to make a silent woman your queen?"
"Then I won't marry at all."
"Impossible!" the king snapped. "Catherine is the cherished daughter of Calia's king. This alliance is crucial for Astoria. You will comply."
Leaving the hall, Cyrus felt as though he'd been jolted from a dream.
That night, he held Lia close, burying his face in her neck, his voice hoarse.
"I... can't defy him."
She trembled slightly in his embrace.
"She's the one who saved me," he continued, his tone laden with guilt and helplessness. "But my heart... it's already yours, Lia. Every morning, I wake thinking of you."
Lia looked up, eyes glistening with unshed tears.
He gently caressed her cheek. "I know you can't speak, but your eyes tell me everything. You're my only refuge, Lia."
He kissed her forehead, her eyes, her fingertips—each kiss a vow of his unwavering affection.
They sat in silence, hearts beating in unison, as moonlight softly illuminated their intertwined forms.
Before dawn, Lia quietly left the chamber.
She wandered through the castle corridors, the gardens, and finally reached the side gate, bidding silent farewells to the places they'd shared.
Just as she stepped beyond the gate, a familiar voice called out—
"Lia!"
She turned abruptly, tears streaming down her face.
Cyrus, breathless, reached her and enveloped her in a tight embrace, as if anchoring himself to the world. "Don't go... please, don't leave me..."
She tried to push him away, but he held her tighter.
"Where will you go? Where can you go?" he pleaded, voice trembling. "If you leave, my heart goes with you."
She sobbed uncontrollably, her body shaking, yet she couldn't break free.
They clung to each other, two souls seeking warmth amidst a storm.
"Stay with me, please," he whispered, voice choked with emotion. "Don't leave me."
She nodded finally, tears glistening like pearls in the moonlight.
Hand in hand, they returned to the castle, aware that from this moment on, nothing would ever be the same.