Bound to Him by Fate <ongoing>

The evening sky transitioned from a dusky amber to deep indigo, stars beginning to pierce through the fading light. The forest stretched endlessly around them, its canopy rustling softly in the crisp breeze.

Kael held the reins with practiced ease, guiding the horse down the uneven path. Seraphina leaned against him, her breathing steady but faint. Her exhaustion was evident; the long journey had worn her down, and she found herself unconsciously seeking stability in his presence.

A soldier at the front slowed his steed and glanced over his shoulder. "Sir, it's growing late, and the shadows deepen with every moment. Shall we set up camp for the night?"

Kael looked ahead, his sharp gaze scanning the forest for threats before nodding. "Yes, find a clearing. Her Highness needs to rest."

The soldier saluted and spurred his horse forward, calling out to the others. Kael glanced down at Seraphina, her pale face illuminated by the dim light of the sinking sun.

"Highness," he murmured.

Her lashes fluttered, and she stirred against him, her eyes heavy as they met his. "Kael?"

"We'll be stopping shortly," he said, his voice low. "You can rest properly once we've set up camp."

She gave a faint nod and allowed herself to relax once more.

It wasn't long before they reached a small clearing surrounded by tall pines, their branches twisting toward the heavens like gnarled fingers. The air was cooler here, a stark contrast to the warmth that clung to the day. Soldiers dismounted swiftly, their movements disciplined as they prepared the area for their royal charge.

Kael pulled the horse to a stop and swung down, his boots crunching against the forest floor. Turning, he reached up to assist Seraphina. His hands were firm yet gentle around her waist as he lifted her down, her weight light against him. She stumbled slightly, her balance compromised by her fatigue, and her fingers instinctively clutched his arm.

"You're safe now," he said, too gentle, too sweet.

Her eyes lingered on his for a moment before she nodded, letting him guide her toward the tent the soldiers had hastily erected. She sank onto the thick rug laid out inside, her posture graceful despite the exhaustion etched into her every movement.

Kael stepped out to tend to the fire, where a soldier handed him a bundle of provisions: rice, dried meat, and a few sprigs of herbs. "It's not much, sir, but it should suffice," the man said apologetically.

Kael inclined his head in acknowledgment and knelt by the fire. His hands moved deftly as he prepared the rice, boiling it with the herbs in a small pot suspended over the flames. The aroma of cooking food wafted through the camp, a brief comfort amidst the wilderness.

Once the meal was ready, Kael carried a dish to Seraphina's tent. He knelt before her, bowing slightly as he offered it. "Highness, it's a simple meal, but it will sustain you."

She took the dish, her fingers brushing against his. "Thank you, Kael," she said softly, her voice carrying a warmth that made him pause for the briefest moment.

Kael watched as she ate, his gaze flicking to the bandage on her shoulder. It was loose and darkened with blood, a clear sign that it needed to be changed.

"Your shoulder," he said, his voice steady but insistent. "It must be tended to before you rest."

Seraphina hesitated, her pride warring with practicality. After a long pause, she gave a slight nod. "Very well."

Kael retrieved fresh bandages and antiseptic from the supplies and stepped inside the tent, letting the flap fall closed behind him. The dim glow of the lantern cast flickering shadows on the canvas walls, creating an enclosed space.

"Sit still, Highness," he said as he knelt beside her. His tone was firm, but there was an unspoken gentleness beneath it.

Seraphina shifted slightly, her back to him, and he carefully slid her gown off her shoulder to expose the wound. He examined the injury with a furrowed brow, the flickering light accentuating the intensity in his eyes. "The poison's effect has lessened," he observed, reaching into his pouch for the salve. "But the wound itself requires vigilance. Infection won't spare even royalty."

Seraphina tilted her head slightly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I trust your vigilance more than most."

Kael allowed the barest hint of a smile to tug at his lips. His fingers brushed against her skin as he worked, and for a moment, the closeness of the space and the intimacy of the act were impossible to ignore. Seraphina's breath hitched, and she glanced over her shoulder at him.

Their eyes met, and time seemed to stretch thin. His expression was unreadable, his sharp features softened by the golden glow of the lantern. For a fleeting moment, the weight of titles and roles dissolved, leaving only two people bound by circumstances they couldn't fully control.

Kael cleared his throat and looked away, resuming his work. "There," he said, securing the fresh bandage with practiced efficiency. "It's done."

"Thank you," Seraphina murmured, her voice softer now.

"You should rest, Your Highness," Kael said as he stood, his voice regaining its usual firmness. "We'll leave at first light."

Seraphina nodded and lay back against the cushions. Her eyelids grew heavy, and within moments, sleep claimed her.

Kael stepped outside the tent, addressing the soldiers gathered near the fire. "We move as soon as the morning light breaks," he said, his tone brooking no argument. "Rest while you can. I'll guard the princess."

"But are you sure? You also need to rest—"

"Yes, don't worry," Kael said to them.

The soldiers exchanged wary glances but obeyed, settling down for the night. Kael stood by the tent, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword.

Seraphina's dreams were far from peaceful. Shadows crept into her mind, formless and whispering, their presence suffocating. A pair of golden eyes emerged from the darkness, their predatory gleam freezing her in place. She woke with a start, her hand striking the lantern beside her cot.

The metallic clatter drew Kael into the tent in an instant.

"Highness!" he said sharply, kneeling at her side.

Seraphina sat upright, her chest heaving as she clutched at her blankets. Her wide eyes were filled with fear, and her skin was clammy and cold to the touch.

"Your Highness," Kael said, his voice quieter now. He reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. "You're freezing."

"I… I can't breathe," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Kael moved closer, his hands steadying her shoulders. "Breathe with me," he said firmly. "In… and out. Slowly."

She followed his lead, her breaths eventually evening out as his calm presence anchored her. His fingers stroked her shoulders, their warmth chasing away the lingering chill.

For a moment, the world outside the tent ceased to exist. Their eyes met, the unspoken tension between them thick enough to cut.

"Rest now," Kael said, his voice quieter, as if he didn't want to break the spell. "I'll make sure nothing disturbs you."

As she lay back down, her breathing steady once more, Kael stepped outside. With his sword drawn and his senses sharp, he resumed his watch, ready for whatever the night might bring.