Winter Swan

Silje shivered in the cold and Kail turned on the heater. As the car became warmer, Silje started to relax. She felt sleepy in the comfortable seat.

It was quiet inside and she closed her eyes. A voice inside her whispered an order not to run away from this. She didn't want to refuse this warm wonderful moment.

But her combative side wouldn't let her rest. She turned to Kail.

"Kail, from now on, please don't surprise me like this. It is hard for me to accept. Such spontaneous acts make me feel small and out of control. Let's respect each other's space and time. If and when you want to do something, ask me first. Don't just let me know. You need to give me proper notice and discuss it with me. I won't be treated like a child."

At her steady words, Kail leaned back and smiled. Suddenly, the space felt so small that Silje became too aware of his presence beside her. His cologne was seductive and heady.

She was in the car with Kail.

The beautiful man smiled at her and replied, "Of course I respect your opinion Silje. Did you really think after all we've been through, I would ignore your wishes and act selfishly?"

With another sweet smile, he suggested, "Let's go on a date this weekend. You can of course decide the place."

"Don't talk like you are doing me a favor. Do you really think I would feel impressed and appreciative just because you said it like that?"

She looked at him challengingly.

At her coldness, Kail's expression changed. Suddenly, it became tense inside the car. Kail frowned for a second before he kissed the back of her hand.

"Of course, I will do as Your Highness desires."

He bowed to her like a loyal knight would to his queen. Silje was surprised because he wasn't mocking her at all. He really meant what he said.

She was going to tell him not to make fun of her, but she realized that he was genuinely respectful.

Kail continued, "You do whatever and however you want. I will follow your decisions. I can do anything for you but remember that it is only for you and no one else."

Only for her. The king was cruel and harsh to everyone except for her.

He whispered sweetly, "Of course, I still can't stand anyone else, especially those who annoy me. Silje, you are the only exception for me. I can do anything for you."

His smile and his eyes were spellbinding. Kail asked again, "So let's go on a proper date this weekend? And Silje, you think about where you want to go."

"Do you really think I want to go on a date with you? Right away?"

He glanced at her leisurely.

"Then you don't?"

As the car was filled with warm air, Kail lowered his face to look directly into her eyes. He caressed her long black hair gently and familiarly.

She couldn't stop this. Their relationship was really happening and she couldn't stop it. Kail's breath suddenly felt too hot and Silje realized that he was about to kiss her again.

She was trapped, but willingly. This beast had caught her.

"…"

His soft lips tasted her sweetness and Silje realized the truth.

This was something that couldn't be stopped. She was helpless against this feeling.

Silje closed her eyes.

'This relationship is going to destroy me. It will be the end of me. This sweetness. This seductiveness.'

She knew. It was too good, and her instinct screamed at her that this was a bad idea. But it was too late. She was drowning in the dangerous beauty of it, and it was going to end her.

But even then, she couldn't stop. She wanted to be drunk with it. This deliciousness and warmth made her melt.

Silje closed her eyes as Kail said to her in his husky voice, "You can never escape from me."

He then started to kiss her aggressively. The heat made Silje's eyes widen, but ignoring her surprise, Kail put his hand inside of Silje's coat. He pushed her coat aside and his lips searched for her breast.

Silje moaned and flinched at the same time, making Kail look pleased. He lowered his face again and explored her body. Silje tried to get away from him, but Kail refused to let her go.

"Ahh…"

With his long fingers, he ravaged Silje. His hunger was vicious, and Silje felt like he was eating her alive.

Silje murmured in a hoarse, breathless voice, "Stop…"

This man was giving her his warmth, and no matter how hard she tried, Silje had no choice but to admit that he was her kind. He was stronger than anyone, but this strength came with unbearable loneliness.

He was just like her.

Her attraction to Kail was beyond words. Silje wanted this man who was just like her. She wanted everything.

The passion he elicited from her… Silje knew she could never refuse the cruel king.

Silje gritted her teeth at her weakness. It felt like she was entering the dark ocean and her own demise.

After Kail left, Silje lay awake and thought about what happened that night.

His presence was seared into her mind.

That night and the next day, Silje pretended as if nothing happened. Even at school, Silje made an effort not to be seen with Kail.

Despite her pretend calmness, Silje couldn't stop thinking about what Kail said to her.

"Let's go on a date this weekend."

Was he going to come to her house this weekend?

Silje shook her head. Yes, she knew he would. He wouldn't say something like this without following through. She was sure that he would drive to her house for everyone to see.

She had to be prepared for it; she had to get ready.

Silje closed her eyes sluggishly.

'Kail…!'

She accepted the brutal wave that was Kail into her life, but it still didn't feel real. In the past, their meetings were always bloody and ugly. Yet, here they were, planning their first date.

How ironic.

She still couldn't believe it. Silje still felt like she had to continue fighting him and his gang.

But he was in her life and that was that. She had to get used to the idea.

Silje also wanted to get to know him and get closer to him.

At this moment, she didn't want to lose Kail. She didn't want to hide her feelings or hurt him.

Silje felt better after organizing her thoughts. She felt lighter and happier.

Now, she knew what to do.

Her eyes looked determined as she murmured, "I better do my part then."