! Here's Chapter 6: "The Stroll Through the Duchy" — a warm, romantic first date as Kazriel and Aria explore the city around his duchy together. It's filled with playful moments, sweet gestures, and the blossoming affection of two people who are already falling fast.
After breakfast, Kazriel turned to her with a sly smile.
"Want to go on a date?"
Aria blinked. "A date?"
He nodded. "A real one. No politics, no monsters. Just you and me. Hand in hand."
Her lips curled, unable to hide her blush. "You're surprisingly bold for someone who was unconscious until recently."
He winked. "Must've dreamed of you in another life."
---
The capital of his duchy was lively. Colorful stalls lined the cobbled streets, the scent of sweet pastries and roasted almonds drifting through the air. Children laughed, chasing each other with wooden swords. Musicians strummed gentle tunes near the fountain.
Kazriel held her hand the entire time.
Not for appearances.
He just didn't want to let go.
"Your people adore you," Aria said, watching how vendors smiled at him and guards straightened with respect.
"I protect them," he replied simply. "That's what a duke should do."
Then, a moment later: "But I'm hoping they'll adore their future duchess too."
Her cheeks flared.
"Y-You're impossible."
"And you're glowing."
---
They stopped at a bakery. Kazriel bought a small honey tart and gently fed her a bite. When she laughed at the crumbs on his chin, he wiped them away with exaggerated elegance—and made her laugh harder.
They wandered into a bookstore next. Aria pulled out a poetry volume, and Kazriel bought it for her without question.
Then came the flower shop.
"Which do you like?" he asked.
"I've always liked moonlilies," she said, reaching for one.
When she turned, he already had a bouquet of them in his hand.
"I like anything that reminds me of you," he said softly.
---
By late afternoon, they sat at the hill overlooking the duchy, sharing the last bites of pastry and watching the clouds roll by.
"I thought this engagement would be cold," she admitted, head on his shoulder. "Empty. But instead… I feel like I've known you forever."
He turned to face her, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.
"That's because we're already choosing to know each other."
Then he leaned in, slow, certain.
And this time, when their lips met—it wasn't out of obligation.
It was the beginning of love