The sun was barely rising on the horizon when Asier got out of bed, stretching his arms heavily. The day promised to be long, and the weight of an inescapable responsibility pressed against his chest. He had barely begun to dress when the door to his room opened without warning. Nico walked in with his usual energy, carrying a tray with coffee and several documents.
“Good morning, sir!” he greeted cheerfully, ignoring his leader’s tired expression. “Today is the meeting with the head of the village to inaugurate the market expansion. Don’t forget, it starts at noon.”
Asier sighed and took the coffee Nico handed him.
“I haven’t forgotten, Nico. Thank you for reminding me anyway.”
The young assistant looked at him with concern.
“Did you get any sleep last night? You look like you barely closed your eyes.”
Asier gave him a meaningful look as he took a sip of coffee.
“I’ve been reviewing strategies and making sure everything is ready for when the time comes. I can’t afford to rest while there are important matters to attend to.”
Nico frowned and crossed his arms.
“Sir, I understand that you want to take care of everyone, but you also need to take care of yourself. If you exhaust yourself, you won’t be of any help to anyone—least of all to the plans you have in mind.”
Asier set the cup down on a nearby table, forming a faint, resigned smile.
“Wars aren’t won by resting, Nico. All of this takes time, effort, and sacrifice. But I understand—I’ll try not to overdo it.”
Realizing his words wouldn’t have much effect, Nico decided to change the subject.
“By the way, it would be good if Amara accompanied you today. She needs to be seen as someone close to the people. Earning their respect will be essential for the future.”
Asier nodded, reflecting for a moment.
“You’re right. Amara needs to be part of this.”
Amused, Nico raised an eyebrow and added:
“And how are things going with her?”
The question caught Asier off guard. His face flushed slightly, something rare for him.
“Everything is… fine. Amara is an incredible woman. But…” He hesitated. “I worry something might happen to her. If anything were to happen because of me, I would never forgive myself.”
Nico studied him carefully before placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Sir, I understand your concerns, but she’s well protected. Besides, I don’t think Amara is someone who can be easily intimidated. Trust her—and trust us.”
Although Nico’s words eased him somewhat, Asier couldn’t shake the lingering sense of unease.
After parting ways with Nico, Asier left his room in search of Amara. When he didn’t find her in her chambers, he began searching through the castle corridors. Eventually, he found her in the gardens, near an orchard, kneeling in the soil as she planted something.
“Good morning, Amara,” he greeted, approaching with a faint smile.
She looked up, startled at first, then returned the smile.
“Good morning, Asier. What are you doing here so early?”
“I was looking for you. But I see you’re busy. What exactly are you doing?”
Amara pointed to the small seeds she was carefully placing into the soil.
“I’m planting the seeds I bought at the market. I want these flowers to grow here, in the castle.”
Asier watched her silently as she worked. Her movements were precise and full of care, as if each seed were a small treasure. Though his mind was burdened with thoughts of war and responsibility, in that moment he felt a strange sense of relief watching her devote herself to something so simple and pure.
“It’s a good plan,” he said at last, his voice softer than usual. “I’m sure these flowers will be the most beautiful in the garden.”
Amara smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly at the compliment.
“Thank you, Asier. I hope so.”
When she finished planting, she stood and brushed the dirt from her hands. Asier took the opportunity to speak.
“Today you’ll need to accompany me to the village. We’re inaugurating the market expansion, and it’s important that you’re there. The people need to get to know you better.”
Amara nodded without hesitation.
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“Of course. I’ll change and be ready shortly.”
Asier watched her walk back toward the castle, her figure illuminated by the soft morning light. There was something about Amara that fascinated him—a blend of strength and vulnerability that made him want to protect her at all costs.
“I hope Nico is right,” he murmured to himself before returning inside.
The sun was already higher when Asier and Amara set out for the village of Nivara. The cool morning air brushed against their skin, and the sound of the horses trotting along the dusty road was the only accompaniment to their shared silence. Amara, gazing at the horizon, noticed the tension reflected on Asier’s face.
“Amara, there’s something I need to tell you,” Asier began, breaking the silence. His tone was serious, almost concerned. “The people of Nivara have been talking a lot about our engagement. They don’t know you, and they have no idea who you really are. Many have doubts about you—about your ability to be the new empress.”
Amara looked at him attentively, ready to listen.
“I understand,” she replied calmly, showing no discomfort. “What should I do?”
Asier looked at her intently, searching for the right words.
“The most important thing is that you connect with them. You need to earn their trust. The people of Nivara need to see that you are genuine, that your heart is in the right place. If you can do that, they will accept you as their empress.”
Amara nodded, her expression resolute.
“I will, Asier. I want them to accept me—and more than that, I want to connect with them. This is my home now, and I’ll do my best.”
Asier smiled faintly, relieved by her determination.
“Thank you, Amara. I’m sure you’ll succeed.”
The rest of the journey passed in silence, both lost in their thoughts. When they arrived at the market inauguration, noise and excitement filled the streets. The people of Nivara were eager to see the future empress and, for the most part, watched Amara cautiously. However, she did not allow herself to be intimidated. She approached the vendors, asked about their products, and listened attentively to their stories. Her interactions were warm and sincere, showing genuine interest in the people around her.
By the end of the event, the murmurs softened, and many began to smile. Asier watched from a distance, satisfied with what he saw. Amara’s connection with the people of Nivara was beginning to take root.
On the way back to the castle, the atmosphere in the carriage was more relaxed. Stretching and letting out a sigh, Asier said,
“I think I’m hungry.”
Amara smiled at the comment, knowing Asier was not someone who usually paid much attention to that.
“Don’t worry, I’ll prepare something for you to eat,” she replied gently.
Asier looked at her, surprised by the offer.
“You don’t have to do that, Amara.”
“It’s no trouble,” she said without hesitation, offering him a smile.
They both arrived in the kitchen, where Amara began taking out ingredients.
“What would you like to eat?” she asked as she checked the pantry.
Asier thought for a moment, then said with a slight smile:
“If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like vegetable soup and roasted chicken.”
Amara nodded as she began preparing the ingredients.
“Of course. I’ll make it. But in the meantime, can you help me set the table?”
Asier didn’t hesitate and began placing the cutlery and plates while she worked in the kitchen. The atmosphere was calm, almost as if the outside world didn’t exist for a while. Being together, free from the weight of responsibility, gave them both an unfamiliar sense of peace.
When Amara finally served the meal, Asier couldn’t hide his surprise upon tasting it. The soup was perfect, and the chicken was cooked to perfection.
“It’s… it’s delicious,” he said, his eyes bright with surprise. “Thank you, Amara.”
She blushed at the compliment.
“It’s nothing, Asier. I’m glad you like it.”
A pause followed as they continued eating. Then Amara, curious, broke the silence.
“I just realized this is the first time we’ve eaten together.”
Asier looked at her thoughtfully and nodded.
“That’s true. I’ve been so focused on everything my position entails that I haven’t had much time to share… moments like this.”
Amara smiled softly, enjoying his company.
“I like being here, Asier. I like being with you.”
He looked at her, touched by her words.
“I like it too,” he replied, unable to stop a small smile.
The atmosphere grew warmer, as if something unspoken lingered between them—something felt, but not yet said. Then Amara asked curiously:
“What were your parents like? You always mention your father, but I’ve never heard much about your mother.”
Asier hesitated for a moment before answering.
“My father… his name was Sebastián. He was an incredible man. He taught me everything I needed to know, prepared me for all the responsibility I carry. He was very wise and always made time for me. He was also the one who taught me how to ride a horse, something I remember fondly.”
Amara raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“You know how to ride a horse?”
Asier smiled slightly.
“Yes. My father taught me. Maybe someday I’ll take you riding. It would be fun.”
Amara smiled enthusiastically.
“I’d love that!”
After that, Asier fell silent for a moment, as memories washed over him. He looked at Amara before continuing.
“My mother… her name was Layla. She was beautiful and very kind, always caring about others. I… I miss her a lot. I especially remember when I was a child and she would ask me to dance with her.”
Touched by his vulnerability, Amara smiled gently.
“That’s beautiful, Asier. I wish I had known them.”
He looked at her with a nostalgic smile.
“I wish you had too.”
At that moment, Asier realized something he hadn’t noticed before: as he spoke about his family, something in his heart had shifted. Amara’s words, her gaze, the moment they shared—it all made him feel that perhaps his relationship with her was taking a different direction. Something he hadn’t planned, but could no longer ignore.
The meal continued in silence, but both of them knew that, somehow, something had begun to grow between them.
