The First Soft Moment

Ross had always believed she could control her power. She had been taught from childhood never to reveal too much. Never allow anyone to see what she was capable of. Never let the ancient power consume her.

But that evening, she made a mistake. The ancient seal beneath the palace had been disturbed. Ross had sensed it immediately. She sensed something was wrong. She had gone beneath the palace alone and used her power to restore the seal.

It should have taken minutes. Instead, the ancient magic fought back. By the time Ross returned to her chambers, her legs were trembling.nShe barely made it through the door. Her vision blurred. Then she collapsed.

“Ross!” Knox caught her before she hit the floor. His face changed instantly. “Ross!”

She tried to speak. “I’m fine.”

“You're not fine.”

Her eyes fluttered. “It's just… my power.” Then everything went dark.

The royal physician arrived moments later.

Knox stood beside the bed while the physician examined her.

“What happened?” He went on to ask, worriedly.

“She exhausted herself.” The physician answered.

Knox's expression hardened. “Is she dying?”

The physician hesitated. “No, Your Majesty.” Knox's shoulders relaxed slightly at his confirmation. “But her body has been severely drained. She needs rest.”

“How long?”

“It could take several hours.”

Knox nodded. “Then she will rest.”

The physician bowed. “I recommend that you allow her to sleep without disturbance.”

Knox looked at Ross. “I won't leave her.”

The physician hesitated. “Your Majesty—”

“I said I won't leave her.”

The physician immediately bowed and left.

Knox pulled a chair beside Ross's bed. He sat down. And stayed.

Hours passed. The palace grew silent. Knox barely moved as he watched Ross breathe. Every so often, he reached toward her forehead to check her temperature. Each time, his fingers trembled slightly. He hated that. He was Alpha King but seeing Ross lying helplessly in front of him had terrified him. He wondered why the power had nearly destroyed her.

Knox leaned back in his chair. “What were you thinking?”

Ross didn't answer. Of course she didn't. She was unconscious.

He lowered his head. “You always do this.” His voice became quieter. “You pretend you don't need anyone.” He looked at her. “But you don't have to do everything alone.” He said, forgetting the words was also meant for him.

Silence.

Knox reached for her hand. He hesitated before taking it. Her fingers were cold. He gently wrapped his hand around hers. “I should have been there.” His voice cracked slightly. “I should have protected you when you needed someone.”

He stared at their joined hands. “But I wasn't.” His eyes closed. “I was too busy punishing you for something that wasn't your fault.”

He remained there until exhaustion finally overcame him. His head lowered beside her bed while his hand never released hers.

---

Morning sunlight slipped through the curtains.

Ross slowly opened her eyes. At first, she couldn't tell where she was. Then she noticed the hand holding hers. She looked down.

Knox.

He was asleep beside her bed. His head rested against the mattress. His hair was disheveled. His normally perfect clothes were wrinkled. He looked exhausted.

Ross stared at him. She couldn't remember ever seeing Knox like this. Vulnerable like a human. She slowly moved her fingers. Knox woke immediately.

His head lifted. “Ross?” His eyes searched her face. “You're awake.”

“Yes.”

He stood. “How do you feel?”

“Better.”

Knox released a breath. “Thank the Moon.”

Ross looked at him. “You stayed?”

“All night.”

“Why?”

He hesitated. Then he answered honestly. “I was afraid.”

Ross's countenance softened slightly. “Afraid of what?”

Knox looked at her. “Losing you.” The room became silent. Ross's heart tightened while Knox looked away. “Because for the first time, I realized I could lose you.” Ross stared at him. He wasn't talking about losing his Queen. He wasn't talking about losing his political alliance. He was talking about her. Just her. “I thought I was strong enough to handle anything,” he continued. “But when you collapsed…”

He swallowed. “I couldn't breathe.”

Ross didn't know what to say cause she had obviously believed Knox was incapable of caring about her but now she was seeing something different. Not the ruthless Alpha King. Not the man who had humiliated her. Just Knox. He had suddenly become a man who could stay beside her all night because he was afraid she might not wake up.

He looked at her. “I know you don't trust me.”

Ross remained silent. “I know I don't deserve your forgiveness.”

He stepped closer. “And I know saying I'm sorry won't fix anything.”

Ross watched him carefully. “But I'm asking you for something.”

“What?”

“One chance.” Her heart skipped. Knox held her gaze. “One chance to show you that the man you hated isn't the only man I can be.”

Ross's lips parted. She wasn't ready to forgive him. She wasn't even sure she could love him again. Yet, she wasn't completely certain that she wanted him gone. And that frightened her more than anything.

Knox waited for her answer. Ross looked at him. And slowly, silently, she realized something. Perhaps the man she had wanted all along had been buried beneath the Alpha King she hated.

Perhaps she was finally seeing him.