our vow is eternal

“You’re still a little warm, Cutie. Not feeling better yet?” His voice is low, filled with worry about your ill condition. The flu has you in a tight grip, and after two days of passing out constantly and fighting the fever, you have still not recovered. “I’m calling a doctor if it doesn’t get better this afternoon.” 

Weak, you grip his wrist that continued to free your face from sweaty, damp hair. “That’s not necessary, Rafayel. It’s a normal flu. Just gimme the Ibuprofen, and it will be fine.” Your voice is nothing like it usually sounds, hoarse and barely audible. The fever has really taken a toll on your body.

Your boyfriend only sighs, a dramatic, heavy one that shows how much he disagrees with you. “If these don't help, I’ll drive you to the hospital.” His voice is firm, tolerating no dissent from you.

You gulp, but agree with a mere “Okay.”

Rafayel helps you sit upright against the massive headboard of his bed, that is now your shared one. He places some pillows behind your back and shoulders until you are able to sit comfortably.

“Let’s see how high your fever is actually.” He declares, and with a little sing-song in his voice “Open up~.” The thermometer you know so well by now flies in the direction of your mouth, guided by a nimble artist hand, and you obediently part your lips.

Exactly 30 seconds later, the device beeps, and Rafayel gathers it back. “Hmm…” He ponders for a second. “It went down. Good, good.” And with less worry in his sunset eyes, he looks back at you with a small smile. 

Then he starts spooning up some of the soup that has been placed on the nightstand, steaming in a little blue bowl, which you only notice now. Even your nostrils are not working properly it seems, since you can’t smell anything that wafts over. 

The hot spoon touches your lips with attentive carefulness as you hesitantly try some steaming liquid. But it tastes like water. 

Uh-oh, you are really ill if you don’t even taste anything. But you swallow it regardless. Your doting boyfriend didn’t make this meal for nothing, and this is the least you can do for his efforts.

“Is it good?” Rafayel asks with this shy little smile.

You try to grin back, but fail miserably. “I’m sure it’s exquisite. I can’t taste anything though.”

“Ah, that’s a bummer. But even if you don’t have any taste buds working, you still need to have dinner.” Saying so, he feeds you the soup until it’s finished.

As result, a warm feeling spreads from your stomach throughout your whole body, and you slowly sink back under the covers.

A little rummaging from Rafayel later, and a heavy weight dips the mattress as he slips into the bed to lay next to you, and gathers you up in his arms.

“I can’t stand to see you suffering and in pain.” Then a gentle caress with his knuckles over your cheek. “Actually…” A little mischievous grin appears on his lips “I think I have something to make you feel better.” And with mirth glinting in his unique eyes, he places a kiss on your cheek, then your chin, and two more down your neck.

You giggle a little upon this “I don’t think this has any medical relevance.”

Then a soft kiss on your lips. “Oh, didn’t you know cutie? Lemurian kisses have secret healing magic. So you should get kisses from me a loooot.” 

You hum, trying not to laugh as much “I see, I see. And Mr. Rafayel isn’t making stories up just to steal some of them.” 

Then you’re met with a little pout “You doubt my credibility? I’m wounded.”

God, he’s so cute. Even in your bedridden state, he tries to make you laugh. And with some teasing, you answer him “I’m not going to pamper you when you are going to get sick from kissing me.”

Another kiss, lingering this time. A witness of his never ending hunger and greed for you. “Ruuude. Threatening the Sea God like this. Take this, my brazen bride.” And you caress his cheeks as he continues to cover your face in little pecks that make you giggle again. 

“Silly Fish…” You sigh, as he ends his 'punishment‘ with another slow and tender kiss on your parted lips.

Then he releases you, and snuggles comfortably against your back. “Please, be a good girl and rest, yeah? I’m here if you need anything.”

The gentle afternoon sun veils the lush meadows in golden hues, as a soft breeze sways the carpet of grass slowly. Zhaole is bathed in spring, and you enjoy a rare lazy day with Rafayel, the Imperial Prince of this region. And your lover since you both confessed to each other in Yunshao’s capital.

Your back lays against his warm chest, and your fingers are busy eating the local delicacies that you both brought along to the picnic. His Highness‘ long legs are spread beside your own, and his elegant hands rest in the middle of your belly, dressed in the expensive robes he was more than happy to provide for you. It’s cozy in this little corner, secluded with big rocks on two sides and open in front to your straying view. Rafayel’s body delivers enough warmth to make you a bit drowsy as you feed him the sweets occasionally.

You’ve been together for some months now, after you returned to his side, and you can’t imagine being anywhere else for any longer.

But it is a romantic delusion, since an Imperial Prince has to marry a noble woman one day. As a palace scholar, you know this. And it’s a permanent stone that resides heavy in your chest. But not today. In this very beautiful moment, Rafayel is yours alone, and you quickly discard the ugly feeling, that one day your heart will be broken.

“Share your thoughts with me?” he asks, with a relaxed voice and free of any care in the world. Something only you are allowed to witness in his life, restricted by protocols, regional politics and demands from the Emperor.

You turn your head slightly to meet his curious gaze, the mesmerizing blue and pink of Rafayel’s eyes filled with attentive tenderness.

“It’s nothing. I was simply enjoying the view.“ you smile, trying not to let your heavy thoughts ruin the moment here with him.

Your Prince only hums before nuzzling his nose into your carefully crafted hair. One of the luxuries you indulge in since you decided to be by his side. Rafayel’s arms, covered in the wide hems of his royal robes, tighten around your waist.

“Remember what I said back in Yunshao? I want to know every thought, and the exact moment you fell in love with me.” His voice sounds dreamy and tender in the complicated composition of your undone hair.

Now it’s your turn to hum. Of course, you remember, how could you forget?

“Tell me… please?” Eyes the color of the sunset lock on you, eager to hear everything you have to say.

There’s no way you can deny your prince anything, but it’s embarrassing. And it’s something that actually bothered you for the last few months now.

“I think…” you start, still hesitating, but his curious gaze soothes your timidity. “… it was that one summer. You stayed by my side because I didn’t want to let you go. And it was the most precious time of my life. I guess that’s when I realized, that you mean more to me than just a usual good friend. But I was too scared to admit it, or even got my hopes up that these feeling would have a future.”

Rafayel’s eyes go round, his expression turns into one of adorable puzzlement. “But… why?”

“Is it so strange?” Mumbling back you add, “You’re an Imperial Prince. How could I — a simple scholar — hope, or even dare to catch your attention?”

That makes his unique eyes soften, as Rafayel’s gaze sweeps over your features with adoration. “How could I not? After all, you’re my little precious stone.”

He smiles tenderly, two long fingers grazing the side of your face with utmost care. He’s so close now, that your breaths mingle together, and your heart starts beating frantically in your chest. Heat burns your face, and met with sudden shyness, you let your gaze drift down. Feeling nervous, you play with the hem of your robes.

“I also want to tell you something…” Rafayel states as he eases back, and your eyes snap to his handsome face again. You notice a little pout on his plush lips. But you’re not sure why, so you simply respond to his words.

“What is it?”

Still sulking, he cradles on of your hands in a gentle grip. With reverence, little pecks are placed on your knuckles. “You never asked what favor I got from the Emperor for gifting him the Ice Soulpearl.” His sunset eyes lock on you, now observing and determined to catch your every move.

You huff. Why does Rafayel bring this up now? But you answer regardless. “I think it will be something that benefits the Prince of Zhaole.” A polite response. Not that this has troubled you since back then, but you never dared to ask him. The royal affairs are not your business, mostly. And you try to keep yourself far away from the intrigues and strategic mind games the Imperial court entertains themselves with.

An amused little smile appears on Rafayel’s face, and a soft chuckle escapes his throat. “Something that benefits me indeed.” You catch a familiar hint of mischief as he continues. “I asked His Majesty the favor to choose freely the woman that will become the Princess of Zhaole. Since I already have someone in mind.”

Your blood runs cold.

The Princess of Zhaole… His bride.

And his future wife.

Oh.

The moment you feared most is here. Your heart seemingly stops beating, and you forget to breathe.

You’re not ready to part from him already. It had only been a few months with him. You thought you’ll have a few years with the man you love fiercely — at least one or two, before the Emperor demands that the Prince marries one of the noble women of the Imperial court.

Your fingers in his hold tremble as Rafayel’s gaze turns even more amused.

Why is he grinning like you just told him the most funny joke? And he already has woman in mind?

To say your thoughts are spiraling now is an understatement. You’re panicking.

But you have no right to. He is an Imperial Prince. Of course, he knows which princess he wants to marry. Someone like him leaves nothing to chance.

The dread that now settles over you and is suffocating — as if the surrounding air has been drained away. The afternoon sun feels like it is mocking you now.

Why did you think this would continue for so long? Rafayel is royalty, after all. An Imperial Prince. Even though he never acted like that towards you, he still has a role to fulfill and expectations to meet.

“… s- someone in mind…?” You croak with a tight throat and a dry mouth. Who could it be? You would rather know now, so that you can erase your fantasies of both of you together from your brain as fast as possible. All while your heart silently cracks into tiny little pieces inside the cage of your ribs.

Rafayel still smiles, seemingly pleased with your reaction “Yes, of course.” He answers, with a smug tone. “She’s in my heart. So I’d choose only her.”

Now the shattering of your broken heart overrules every other sound, and the rush of anxiety makes everything else vanish. The urge to cover your ears is so strong, that you literally try to retreat from his gentle hold. But Rafayel doesn’t let you escape. Instead, you are pulled even closer. His other hand finds its place in the curve of your waist, and the strong arm holds you close to his chest.

Your entire vision is filled with his handsome face and the shining blue and pink of his eyes that now glisten with pure joy. His full lips form a satisfied beaming smile. “I never want to part ways with my little stone. So I asked His Majesty the permission to marry you.”

Everything stills.

The earth stops for a second before it continues with a little jerk. And so does your heart that now threatened to stumble upon itself while finding a steady rhythm to beat again.

“Me…?” You mutter, your mind having a hard time processing Rafayel‘s words. Staring at him with disbelief, you wait for him to tease you, or to laugh at your guileless behavior. But surely, you should know him better. He would never do anything like that to you.

“Of course, but only if she is ready to marry me too…” Suddenly a rosy hue creeps over his cheeks, revealing that he’s the anxious one now. “Do you want to?” His gaze is fixed on you, shy and careful, but his hands still hold you firmly. There’s no chance for you to escape his possessive grasp. His strength is trapping you against him.

Your captured limb now finds its place on his cheek, and he nuzzles into it, closing the eyes in delight. Seeking your warmth and an answer to his question, Rafayel’s gaze returns to you after a flutter of his lashes.

Of course, you’d love to marry him! But one thought pops up that makes you hesitate to give him an answer.

What if Rafayel becomes the Crown Prince? What if he becomes the Emperor one day? As ruler and holder of the royal bloodline, he would have the right to gather a harem of beautiful noble women. He wouldn’t belong to you alone anymore. Would you be able to shoulder this specific burden?

The man in your heart still looks at you, observing you, and waiting for you to give him the answer he so desperately seeks. Your throat is tight once more, but he deserves to know what you’re thinking. And didn’t he insist on learning every one of your thoughts?

So you stare at your hand in his palm. “Would I be the only one?” You whisper, nearly inaudible over the soft winds of the grasslands. “If one day, you become His Majesty’s successor, would you keep me as your only consort? Or will I become a concubine among others?”

You nearly regret making your thoughts known, as you watch Rafayel’s eyes darken and his elegant brows furrow. “Of course you’d be the only one!” He huffs out. The disbelief he feels is audible in his gasp that follows. “My most treasured gem! How can you even think about this?!“ Now he’s clearly sulking, and a giant pout is decorating his face, turning the rosy lips adorably plush. “As if any other woman ever carved a place in my heart.” Now his hands let go of you, to cross his arms in an expression of greater defiance. “You wound me!” A quick side glance, to make sure you’re still looking. “I demand compensation for this insult.”

A tiny lift of the corner of his lips betrays his true intentions, and you try not to giggle. You might be clueless most of the time, but there’s one thing you learned about your Prince — He’s a dramatic one. So you decide to play along for once.

“Oh, please, may I have the forgiveness of His Highness?” You plead in an exasperated tone, pressing your palm on the spot above your heart. “How can I redeem your favor, oh beloved Prince of mine?”

Rafayel turns to you again, and takes your hand in his once more. His sunset eyes are round and soft once more. “Agree to be by my side now and for evermore, as my friend, my lover, my princess, and maybe my Empress if that time comes. The ONLY one.” He emphasizes with a grin and a peck on your knuckles.

There’s an army of butterflies that rises from the bottom of your belly, conquering your chest and fluttering around in your whole body. “Yes! Yes!” You whisper-scream, your voice incapable of being any more collected due to the intense joy of the moment.

And that joy is mirrored in Rafayel’s eyes, the blue, and pink bursting with adoration, relief and so much love.

You sling your arms around his neck, embracing his tall form with your smaller body. And the force of it slams his back against the rock that supported him earlier.

When you release Rafayel, his shining eyes are already on you. You’re still grinning like a madwoman as he captures your chin with two of his fingers, lifting it up without any resistance. “Then…” A hoarse whisper as his mouth, drawn into a soft smile, drift closer to yours “… Let us seal this.” Blue and pink mix with the black of Rafayel’s pupils, hypnotizing in its intensity. His beautiful lips are now only a hair’s breadth away “A promise everlasting.” One last gaze roams your now heated face and the remaining gap is closed with a warm sighing breath.

Soft lips press carefully over yours, and you melt into him, as your own eyes flutter shut. You didn’t know you wanted this so badly until now. And out of your own volition, you push closer against his body and your hands tangle into the lush, long strands of his violet hair.

A strangled sound is heard, before his lips start to move slowly, guiding you in a sensual dance with him.

The warmth of his kiss is filling your entire mind, and it feels like your whole body is heating up.

The butterflies go wild in your innermost core, and you part your mouth in an attempt to gather some air. But your lips are instantly caught by Rafayel’s again, and his tongue pokes at your bottom one. Surprised, you freeze, until an amused little chuckle from your Prince makes your eyes fly open and retreat from his closeness.

A dazed sunset gaze turns into a fond one, before he speaks and caresses your cheek with his fingers in a gentle motion. “My precious little stone… So rare and undiscovered. And all mine.”

Saying so, he guides you softly into another breathtaking kiss. And as his tongue touches your bottom lip again, this time you greet it with your own. The result is an appreciative hum, before your Prince starts to devour you whole.

His future bride, and the most treasured Gem of his heart.

You have always been terrified of the ocean.

It's simply… Too much.

Too vast, too deep, too unstable, too dangerous. And filled with the most horrible things. Not to mention all the possibilities of how a human can die in it, on it, and even around it.

Yeah, no, thanks.

But unfortunately, your beloved boyfriend is a literal fish. A merman. The Sea God even.

Why on earth couldn't you fall in love with a normal, decent human?

You ask yourself this, and so many other things, as Rafayel tries to lessen your fear of the ocean.

“Come on, Cutie! There's nothing you have to be afraid of. You have me, yeah?“

There he stands, amidst the low waves that lap lazily at the shore, the soft wind brushes his hair, revealing his forehead. One arm is stretched out, the lines of his muscles emphasized in the broad sunlight. His elegant artist's hand is waiting for you to take it and Rafayel's sunset eyes are glued to your form, all tender and emitting a security you don't feel at all.

You stand on the sun-warmed sand, only a few steps away from the Lemurian, but close enough that the cool seawater already kisses your toes. And that's the closest you've gotten in decades to the deep waters of the boundless ocean.

Your heart beats frantically, so much that you literally feel it in the back of your throat. Your teeth clatter and you feel hot all over. And nauseous, like you could throw up on the spot. Both your hands are shaking, and your palms are covered with a sheen layer of moisture. Cold sweat is starting to run down your back.

You can't move. Even if you wanted to. Which you don't.

Not even for the purple-haired Lemurian who owns your heart and soul. So you only stare back at him, eyes pleading with him to release you from this torture.

Maybe he hears the screams of your frightened heart, because he steps closer to you, narrowing the gap to take your smaller hand in his.

As his wet skin touches yours, you flinch.

And Rafayel's eyes become even more tender than before. “Heeey, relax. Breathe for me, okay?” The usual teasing is gone, and his voice is all soft and soothing.

You nod. And you try to do as he says. One slow breath at a time.

“That's it, Cutie.” The painter smiles proudly. “We're doing this slowly, okay? No miracles today and no deep dives.”

You throw him a death glare and he simply giggles.

Still unable to form a proper word, you actually start to relax a little as you continue to take measured breaths.

The air from the wind cools the heat of your cheeks. “ It's Nice,” you mumble after a few moments. It caresses your nose with a slight taste of salt and the omnipotent moisture is crisp in your lungs.

Rafayel's smile turns into a beaming one, filled with sunshine and pride. “It is. It's also very healthy, you know. Clean, and the right humidity for humans.”

His hold on your hand tightens slightly, and he lifts it to his lips, placing some affectionate pecks on your knuckles.

Then a stronger gust suddenly sprays you with water, and with a scream, you jump onto his sculpted body. Strong arms immediately catch you, and you feel Rafayel's carefree laughter by the vibrations of his toned chest. “It's only some wind and water, Cutie. It won't bite!”

Looking up at him, you see the mocking and amusement in his ocean-like eyes, the subtle glow of blue vanishing the moment you catch his gaze.

“You!” You slap him on his chest and Rafayel cradles you even closer. “Don't do that again! You're such a tease!”

But the Lemurian only hums and presses you closer to him as he bends his head down. Now his rosy lips are only a hairbreadth away. “In love and war, everything is allowed,” he murmurs, with that velvety timbre that turns your legs into jelly. “Especially, when I get to hold you like this…” Rafayel's hungry, plush lips meet yours, and you forget why you're mad at him. Or that you stand with your feet in the ocean, the waves now lapping at your ankles in silent acknowledgment.