Attack

20

Serena

My heart raced as Luka's lips met mine tenderly. All thoughts of duty and rumors fled my mind, lost in the gentleness of his kiss. Too soon, he pulled away, gazing down at me with questions.

"Princess, I did not mean to overstep. Your duties and station..."

I silenced him with a finger to his lips. "Please, say no more of duty right now. In this moment, I am but a woman seeking comfort in troubled times. And you have been the kindest of companions these past days."

Luka gazed at me with such tenderness it made my breath catch. "There is no one I would rather stand beside as you weather life's storms, my princess. But I would never presume or compromise your position in any way."

I smiled softly. "Then do not think of status or station for now."

"Princess, we must be cautious. Your position demands it, and I would never endanger you."

I knew he spoke wisdom, yet in that moment all I wanted was to lose myself in his embrace. "Please Luka, just a little while longer. No one