Chapter 6: The First Spark

Mira's POV

I stood before my wardrobe for the first time in a while, carefully selecting my dress. Probably for the first time, I truly cared about how I looked. I wanted to be beautiful for my mate. I checked many outfits and all looked not good enough. I finally settled on a baby pink gown. The bodice hugged me perfectly, while the layered tulle skirt fell in airy waves that brushed the floor.

I didn’t call for the maids this time. Instead, I arranged my hair in a slightly messy bun myself, decorating it with a few clips adorned with tiny pearls. I applied just a touch of mascara to make my lashes stand out and a soft pink gloss that shimmered faintly when it caught the light.

“You look gorgeous,” Asfar purred in my mind. “He’ll be speechless when he sees you.”

I blushed looking to my reflection in the mirror hoping he will really like how I look. I always felt little bit insecure about my appearance, especially having a beauty goddess as a sister.

As I made my way through the corridor, my heart drummed with a nervous excitement. But then, just ahead, a tall figure in a black cloak moved swiftly past me, its stride graceful even in haste.

Marina? The height, the elegance… it could have been her. But what would my sister be doing, cloaked in black, rushing through the palace in the middle of the day?

It can’t be her, I told myself firmly, shaking away the uneasy thought. Today was supposed to be a great day-my first date with Alexander, my mate. Maybe my mother was right. Maybe all I needed was time with him for the bond to feel complete.

When I stepped into my private garden, I gasped, astonished.

Hidden in the middle of the garden stood a white silk tent beneath the dappled shade of blooming jasmine. Its canopy swayed softly with the breeze, trimmed with fine golden thread that caught the sunlight with every movement. Inside, the floor was covered in soft velvet cushions and rugs, their hues deep blue and gold, creating a space both elegant and welcoming. Low tables held a light and thoughtful meal—bowls of ripe fruit, freshly baked pastries, crispy bread, and an assortment of cheeses. Crystal pitchers glinted with juice and sparkling wine, while roses decorated the space, adding the perfect finishing touch.

 My heart beamed with joy. “He did all of this… for me?” I whispered.

But the most beautiful sight wasn’t the canopy or the feast—it was Alexander.

He turned when I entered, his black eyes fixed on me. For a heartbeat, he simply stared, and after a slow, beautiful smile curved his lips.

“You look…” he began, his voice softer, lower. “Radiant. Like a beautiful angel.”

My cheeks heated, and Asfar purred approvingly. “You’re too kind,” I replied shyly. Alexander stepped forward and offered his hand, his touch felt warm and sparks of a mate bond. He leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss against my cheek. “Kind?” he murmured. “No. Just honest.”

We sat on the soft cushions, and a maid placed a  glass of wine in my hand.

“Your Highness, this is beautiful,” I said, still taking in the thoughtful arrangement. “I’m surprised you even knew about my private gardens.”

“Please, call me Alexander. Or better yet, something sweeter—after all, I am your mate,” he teased lightly, though there was a glimmer in his eyes that hinted at something deeper. “Cora helped with the arrangements. She told me about your preferences. I must say, gardening is an interesting hobby for a princess.”

“Oh, Cora—of course,” I laughed softly. “I have a gardener, but most of the flowers here, I chose and planted myself.”

Alexander’s gaze softened. “This is the most beautiful garden I’ve ever seen. In the North Kingdom, we don’t have such variety. I’m far better with swords than flowers, I admit.”

“That’s expected,” I teased, taking a sip of wine. “Only Caspian shares my passion for gardens. But Alexander…” I paused, my amber eyes meeting his. “I’d like to know more about you. Your family, your kingdom. You’re my mate, but I know so little about you.”

Alexander leaned back slightly, his dark hair falling over his forehead as he smiled. “The North Kingdom… it’s different. We have autumn forests that burn with colors—gold, crimson, fire-orange. When the first snow falls, the world turns silent and still, like magic holding its breath. Our festivals are loud, filled with firelight and music. My Lycan, Velkan, thrives in the wilds—we both do. I love traveling, learning how others live.”

I listened intently, my heart drawn to the way he spoke, the way his eyes seemed to carry both pride and shadow. I realized I’d never stepped beyond Eryndrakor’s borders. My world was books, courtly lessons, and duty. Is this what the Goddess wanted for me? A mate who could show me the world?

Asfar stirred in my mind, her voice humming with delight. “He’s strong. Fierce. Perfect for us.”

I smiled but felt a faint ache in my chest. I thought of Storm, Dorrin’s dragon, of what might have been if things had gone differently.

After our meal, Alexander leaned closer, brushing a crumb from my lip with his thumb. “You have a spark in your eyes when you talk about your garden,” he said softly. “I’d like to learn what else makes you smile like that.”

My breath caught, my heart skipping a beat. His words felt both playful and… something more.

From beyond the garden’s edge, hidden in the shadows of the castle bridge, unseen eyes watched us.

I shivered, glancing briefly toward the trees, but saw nothing—only the sway of jasmine blossoms. I smiled again at Alexander, unaware that someone was following my every move, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.