CONFESSION

Damien's POV.

The day broke, and the shadows of yesterday swept off like a tide sweeps off to shore.

Maybe it was simply me, caught in emotions I wasn't supposed to experience while lost in my ideas. Freda. The name by itself sent a tsunami of irritation through me, mingled with something far more disturbing: yearning. It was funny how this push-and-pull magnetic force between myself and Freda kept afloat as long as this. What was far more concerning was the recent behavior from Freda. “How could she?” I muttered.

How could she object to me so vehemently? Feeling the icy sting of the ring on my finger, I closed my fists. I had everything I desired and should have been in charge. Still here, nevertheless, struggling with a non-yielding lady. Her angry gaze and the way her lips pushed into a narrow line when she was offended by me stayed with me.

I had to talk to someone who might grasp it. Before I understood where I was heading, my feet brought me to Kieran's chambers. His door was slightly open, lengthy shadows on the stone floor created by flickering light from inside.

I pushed it open without calling for permission. " Uncle Kieran," I said, attempting to keep my voice from becoming agitated. Kieran glanced up from his work, his face cool and insensible. Seated at a big oak table, ancient maps and manuscripts were laid out before him. He was always working, always planning, even late in the evening. He nodded at me, "Damien," his keen eyes briefly fixed on me.

"What brings you here??" Uncertain about how to start, I hesitated. I have never found much success communicating my emotions. But Kieran was the only person who might assist me sort out this problem.

"It's Freda," I said, slanted against the doorframe. She's driving me crazy, she says. Kieran set aside the quill he had been holding and raised his eyebrows. "Crazy?", he asked "How can she possibly do that?". I gave out a sour laugh. "Neither did I. But she's unique, Kieran. She is not like the others. "

Kieran's look softened somewhat, then he gestured for me to sit. Taking the chair across from him, I felt my words weighing down on me. "What bothers you?" Kieran questioned, his voice soft.

Running a hand through my hair, I admitted, "I don't know how to reach her." She is offended by me. resentful. She distances herself every time I approach. And it is driving me crazy. Before, I never felt this way. Kieran studied me for a long period, he was carefully choosing his next words. At last, more of a declaration than a question, he said: "You care for her."

"Indeed, "I said, the word eluding me before I could stop it. "Still, it is more than that. She's my mate but she doesn't want to accept that. I experience this link, this kinship. She seems to want none of it, though."

Kieran leaned back in his chair and nodded gently. "You haven't been trying to control her, though?" I grumbled. "I am king here. That is my way of life. "And that's precisely why she's resisting you," Kieran said, his voice cool but firm, "Damian, Freda is not any ordinary woman. She is autonomous and strongly wilful. She is not going to answer demands or coercion."

Though at first frustrated, I realized he was right deep down. The same way I had with everything else in my life, I had been trying to bend Freda to my will. Freda was different, though more delicate than she let on but strong enough to challenge me. Then what am I supposed to do? My voice softer, almost frantic, I asked. "How can I help her to see me as not her enemy?" Kieran exhaled and fixed a careful look. "You have to be truthful with her, Damien. She has to understand that you regard her as more than just a tool—more than simply a means to an end. You must demonstrate to her that you value her personally as well as as a friend. "

For a minute, I remained quiet so his words could sink in. Could it perhaps be that straightforward? Simply said, be honest and transparent. It defied what I had been taught, all I knew about the ruling. But this went beyond mere rule, too. "I've tried," I said, although the words were empty. "But she doesn't trust me." Kieran then said, "Then try harder. Be honest with her, Damien. Allow her to see the man under the crown, the actual you. You never will approach her if you keep hiding behind your rank. " I stared at the table, I had no idea whether I could achieve that, not knowing even how. But I considered it just thinking about losing Freda and seeing her go farther away.

Later that evening, I watched the setup from the royal garden. The sun had dropped beyond the horizon, painting the sky crimson and orange.

Lanterns were burning, their gentle glow creating a romantic atmosphere over the room. This would be ideal, a meal under the stars with Freda and me. I would lay my heart open, tell her everything, and pray she may see the truth in my words. By the time the renovations were completed, the garden was rather lovely. Surrounded by ivy-covered trellis and blossoming roses, the table was centered. I inhaled deeply to help me to calm my nerves. There was this. My last hope for her conversion. Footsteps behind me, I turned to find Freda walking cautiously.

As always, she looked beautiful; her long hair fell over her shoulders and her eyes mirrored the lantern light. She said, "Damien," her voice was cool. "Freda," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I appreciate you coming." She nodded, staring across the garden. She said, "It's beautiful,"

My heart thumping in my chest, I moved towards her. "I wanted to talk to you," I said softly.

"I know I've been... difficult," I started, faltering to choose the correct words. "I have tried to push you into something you did not desire and dominate you. I apologize also for it, Freda.”
I paused for a moment to observe her eyes and check where her gaze went and tried to engage her in the conversation to see if I could detect her emotions through the tone of her voice. I couldn’t.

I continued speaking. “I am sorry Freda. I think I’m so into you. I really am.” She fixed her face on me with an incomprehensible look, but I could see the faintest flutter of something in her eyes—probably interest. But you have to realize, my voice getting more frantic. "I never felt this way before. I have never... needed someone the way I do now. And Freda, it frightens me too. It scares me.” Freda's face softened, just a little, for the first time. She moved in front of me, eyes darting about. "Why does this matter?"