CHAPTER FIFTY ONE
TANYA'S POV
After Daniel called out to me…
I could no longer remain hidden.
Slowly, I revealed myself before him.
The moment my body became visible, Daniel stood up instantly.
Before I could even speak—
He pulled me into his arms tightly.
For a moment, neither of us said anything.
He simply held me.
As if he was afraid I would disappear again.
And for the first time since I met him…
I realized Daniel needed my comfort more than anything else.
His body felt tense.
Heavy.
Exhausted from carrying too much pain inside his heart.
I wrapped my arms around him gently and rested my head against his chest.
"You don't have to carry everything alone anymore," I whispered softly.
Daniel tightened his arms around me.
"You don't understand how scared I was," he admitted quietly.
"I thought I was going to lose everything."
I lifted my head slowly and looked into his eyes.
"Then follow your heart," I told him.
"No matter what choice you make… no matter where fate takes us…"
I placed my hand softly against his cheek.
"I will always stand beside you."
Daniel stared at me silently.
Then slowly—
The sadness in his eyes began to fade.
A small smile appeared on his face.
The kind of smile that always made my heart weaken.
"You always know how to calm me," he whispered.
Before I could respond—
His lips captured mine softly.
The kiss was slow.
Gentle.
Filled with longing.
Not desperation.
Not lust.
But comfort.
Love.
Relief.
It felt as if both our hearts were finally breathing peacefully again after surviving countless storms.
I kissed him back without hesitation.
My fingers tangled softly in his hair while Daniel pulled me closer carefully, as though I was the most precious thing in his world.
That night…
We forgot about kingdoms.
About witches.
About fate.
About enemies.
For those few peaceful hours—
We were simply two people deeply in love.
Eventually, exhaustion overcame us.
And without realizing it—
We fell asleep together in each other's arms.
---
The next morning, I woke up slowly.
Warm sunlight entered through the palace windows, illuminating the luxurious chambers softly.
For several seconds, confusion filled my mind.
Then suddenly—
My eyes widened.
The palace.
Daniel's chambers.
I immediately sat up in panic.
"Oh no…"
How could I fall asleep here?
What if someone noticed my presence?
What if the guards entered unexpectedly?
I quickly tried to leave the bed quietly.
But before I could move far—
A strong arm wrapped around my waist suddenly.
I gasped softly as Daniel pulled me back against his chest.
"My love…" he murmured sleepily.
I turned toward him nervously.
"Daniel, I have to leave before someone sees me."
Instead of answering, he smiled lazily and buried his face against my shoulder.
"No," he whispered.
Then finally, he opened his eyes fully and looked at me seriously.
"It's time."
My heart skipped slightly.
"Time for what?"
Daniel sat up slowly before taking my hand gently.
"To introduce you to my father."
Instantly, nervousness flooded my chest.
I lowered my gaze.
"Daniel… maybe it's still too early."
Images from my childhood flashed through my mind again.
The palace.
The King ignoring my cries.
Humans judging witches with hatred.
What if his father rejected me?
What if he blamed me for everything happening to Daniel?
I looked at him anxiously.
"What if the King refuses to accept me?"
Daniel lifted my chin gently until our eyes met.
His gaze was calm.
Certain.
"No matter the outcome…"
He kissed my forehead softly.
"Nothing will separate us anymore."
His voice hardened slightly.
"Even if we have to fight fate itself."
My heart trembled painfully at his words.
How did this man love me so fearlessly after everything we went through?
Daniel stood up from the bed before walking toward the door.
"I'll inform Father about your presence first," he said.
"Wait for me here."
I nodded slowly.
But the moment he left—
Anxiety consumed me again.
---
Hours passed slowly inside the chambers.
Too slowly.
At first, I tried calming myself.
But when nearly three hours passed without Daniel returning, my thoughts became restless.
What were they discussing for so long?
Was the King angry?
Did something go wrong?
I stood near the window nervously while staring toward the palace gardens below.
Part of me wanted to teleport directly into the King's chambers and secretly listen to their conversation.
Honestly—
I was very tempted.
Just as I began considering it seriously—
A knock suddenly came from the chamber doors.
I froze instantly.
Then slowly, the doors opened.
A palace maid entered respectfully while pushing a golden food cart.
I noticed her eyes widen slightly when she saw me.
But surprisingly—
She quickly lowered her gaze respectfully instead of reacting with fear.
"Greetings, Lady Tanya," she said politely.
That shocked me completely.
Lady Tanya?
The maid smiled softly.
"His Highness instructed us to prepare breakfast for you."
She carefully placed the food on the table before continuing.
"The prince also requested that you eat before meeting His Majesty."
I blinked in surprise.
Then the maid revealed several elegant dresses carried by other servants standing outside the chamber.
Beautiful royal gowns.
Covered in gold embroidery and precious jewels.
My eyes widened.
The maid smiled again.
"His Highness said you must be dressed like a princess before being introduced to the King."
For a moment—
I stood there speechless.
My heart began beating faster.
Not because of fear this time.
But because deep inside…
I realized Daniel was not hiding me anymore.
He was proudly preparing to present me to the entire kingdom.
As the woman he loved.
END OF CHAPTER FIFTY ONE