The Dragon Prince's Bride
Chapter 34. What is the reason?

Chapter 34: 34. What is the reason?

Standing in front of the huge statue of Aveliana with her cloak fully covering her face, Neriah had her hands clasped together and she had just one prayer, "Dear goddess, let my beloved not forsake me." She had faith in him, in their love, but she was still scared. He told her he loved her, but even now she knew what she had done was preposterous, and she could not be sure that he would forgive her for it. But that was what love was all about, right? Loving someone even though they made huge mistakes. That was what love was about, right?

"My love," She heard his voice from behind her and her entire body shivered with fear as she felt his warmth next to her body. She turned her head slightly and saw him standing next to her now, with his hands clasped in front of him too. His eyes closed as he mumbled some words before the goddess.

Yes , there it was, that face, that smile, the beautiful long golden locks of hair flowing. Moderately tall, unlike that barbarian who was about four heads taller than her. Such an unnecessary height for a person.

Yes, that barbarian was nothing compared to the man standing next to her at the moment, was what Neriah was thinking.

"Princess, you are looking as beautiful as always," He said while still facing the goddess." but some kind of worry seems to mar that beauty. What could be on the mind of my lovely princess to make her look so worked up?"

See, this was one of the reasons she loved him. One of the reasons she fell for him. He was so attentive. He hadn’t even looked at her properly, but he could already tell that there was something on her mind.

"W_we need to talk." She prayed she didn’t stutter, but she did and she could feel her eyes start to tear up. She turned from the goddess and her eyes met Aria and Riri where they stood waiting for her, Aria nodded to her, silently telling her that she would wait till Neriah returned, also silently reassuring her that everything would be alright.

Neriah nodded and walked away from the statue. She walked briskly past some other people who came to pray in the temple, making sure she covered her face pretty well.

She reached the temple library, and walked past some more people to reach the part of the library that held books for ancient history. It was an almost abandoned spot of the library, so it had become their meeting spot

Her fingers trembled as she stood and awaited him. He would love her, he would still love her no matter what. She repeated the words over and over in her head. She had to reassure herself. She had to—

"Neriah," she heard his voice and his arms came over her shoulder, turned her around and pressed her deeply into his arms. And she could not stop the tears that flowed as she buried herself deep in his embrace.

"Oh, Lyle, Lyle I missed you so much. You have no idea what I have had to face over these past days." She cried and grabbed onto his tunic like she never wished to let go.

"Neriah, what is it? You are trembling." He held her deeply in his arms trying to sooth her, to calm her, but her body trembled and her lips quivered.

"What do we do Lyle? What do we do? My f_ fa_" she faltered and choked on her sobs.

"Let’s just calm down for a bit Neriah. Try and stay calm." He caressed her hair and stroked her back, trying to absorb her pain if possible. "Lower your voice my love. Someone might hear you." He hushed her gently and continued to stroke her.

How was she to even begin explaining everything to him? Was he really going to understand her? Before that, she needed to know...

"Lyle, please be honest with me." She held onto both his hands desperately. "Tell me why." She said, looking deep into his eyes.

"Why what Neriah?" He asked. Confusion lacing every muscle upon his face.

"What is the reason? Please tell me. I can do anything for and with you. And I know you love me. I can see it in your eyes. So why can’t you come to my father and ask for my hand?" She said the words and she saw his expression changed to a wary one.

What was he hiding? Why wouldn’t he tell her?

"Lyle, you are not hideous to look upon, neither are you disabled in any manner. You are a prince of the Nile. The second largest Elven kingdom. So why? What is the matter? What could possibly be the problem?" She inquired.

Then it dawned on her. He could have lied. He could have lied to her. What if he was no prince at all, but a mere commoner?

But she felt she’d still have her love for him even though he was a mere commoner. So she was ready to know. She didn’t ask before and she had no idea why. But she needed to know now.

"Did you perhaps lie to me?" The words came out and his eyes widened with horror. "Are you not a prince at all? Are you not from the Niles?"

"No, no! No, of course not! Why would I lie to you? I did not." He quickly rebuked her words. And she breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Then tell me. Tell me what the problem is. I know you are hiding something from me, that’s why I need you to tell me the truth. We need to be truthful with each other to get through all these storms."

"Alright, I will confess to you." She could see his hands tremble, could see his lips quiver. What could the secret be? What could it be that made him tremble with fear?