TEWRIT 51

Episode 51

Flint didn’t notice the calm on Eliano’s face. In his steady voice, he spoke:

“My grandfather loved the view here. It’s a beautiful night sky—and the garden is lovely by day too.”

Flint glanced up. Stars filled the sky, glimmering.

“I came to give you the stars.”

“Huh?”

He looked at her, confused. Eliano smiled and spoke more clearly:

“I mean, you can pick the stars. They’re yours.”

She stepped closer. Moonlight highlighted her green eyes—they shone brighter than the stars. Flint couldn’t look away. His grip on his teacup loosened.

“Pick the… stars—”

Before she finished, the cup slipped and shattered on the floor. It startled both of them.

“Stay still—it’s dangerous,” Flint bent down, brushing shards aside. Then he straightened up.

“Excuse me.”

With a swift motion, he lifted Eliano in his arms, her feet no longer touching the floor.

“Those shards could’ve cut you.”

Eliano nestled against his chest. Feeling his tension, she gently laughed. They exited the terrace—no chairs were outside. Flint, holding her, looked around helplessly. Her cloak slipped off her shoulder and fell. He carefully placed her on the bed.

“I swear I mean no wrong. Please don’t misunderstand.”

His tone was conscious of the bedroom’s intimacy. Eliano giggled. Flint went to close the terrace door. He seemed reserved—but Eliano felt an urge to act.

“If you truly wanted those wrong intentions…?”

He froze. She could sense his restraint—it puzzled her. He was too proper.

“Look at the stars. That’s why I came.”

Eliano slowly loosened the front of her robe. Still facing away, Flint watched her hands.

“Stars belong to the heavens, not humans. You’re asking for the impossible.”

Her movement stopped him. Cooling the thirst of the night began.

“Please… don’t pull a lady into bed.”

Flint sighed deeply. He appeared torn, but she knew he rarely wavered.

“Lord Flint, you shouldn’t shame a lady.”

“Eliano…”

Flint turned to face her. His cheeks were flushed. Eliano wore only a thin gown under her robe. The robe lay on the floor, and the gown clung softly to her form. If she stepped forward—everything would be visible. But she continued.

She stepped closer.

“Hold me, Your Grace.”

He tried to move back—but had nowhere to back away. His voice was firm:

“I cannot.”

“Don’t you desire me?”

Her whisper made his neck tighten—and her green eyes bloomed like flowers.

Eliano smiled.

“All want the stars. To take a star, a man gives himself.”

Flint’s brows furrowed.

“I don’t want—”

Eliano stepped closer. She brushed a gown-ribbon loose—her shoulder revealed, chest bare.

“Hold me.”

The invitation finally touched him. Flint’s gaze met hers—filled with yearning.
But he spoke coldly:

“Your Grace… I only embrace with feeling.”

She turned and met his gaze.

“Then feel for me.”

Flint said without emotion, “You don’t love me.”

Eliano laughed—a burst of light in the night.

“So romantic…” she murmured.

She bent forward:

“If I say I love you—will you hold me?”

“Eliano…”

He used her full name, carrying weight. She answered softly.

“I do. I love you.”

At those words, Flint stiffened—breath caught, eyes wide. Heart pounding.

He stepped back—but she closed the gap, pressing her hand to his chest. His body responded, shifting onto the bed.

“This… can’t happen.”

Eliano’s hand brushed against him. She guided it with purpose.

“Hold me, Your Grace.”

Flint’s arms wrapped around her waist firmly. She closed her eyes, feeling him. His embrace was strong—but she nudged closer.

It was not what she had planned: she intended for him to lead. But his embrace felt overwhelming.

“Do you know how to hold?”

Flint rose slightly, gently laying her down on the bed. His touch was courteous—but not what she wanted.
She sat up, somewhat irritated.

“Your Grace!”

“Eliano, tonight stays ours, no more,” he said, voice gentle. “Let me accompany you home.”

Eliano understood his reserve. She couldn’t blame him—but time wasn’t hers.

“Not enough. You don’t understand my father!”

“My Lord asks me to…?”

Eliano’s eyes filled with tears.

“My father plans to marry me off for an alliance. If I return now, he’ll lock me up—or sell me to Zacador!”

The words shook Flint’s expression.

“Why would… you—”

“Because he wants it!” she cried.

She sobbed softly.

“You must hold me tonight—and formally propose to the Rosana family. Only then he cannot stop us.”

Tears fell, defiance in her eyes. Flint sat still. The room grew quiet. Eliano felt sadness and desperation, even dismay—but she forced resolve.

“Stay—and take me completely, Your Grace.”

She loosened every ribbon—revealing herself fully, claiming it as a pact.

Flint closed his eyes, conflicted—but not moved.