The girl's body was reminiscent of a beautiful goddess, long black hair draped around her body and wrapping her magnificent curves and silky skin.

As she walked into the water, her steps were confident and measured, unafraid to show off the curves barely hidden by her thin clothes. With a high, practiced jump, she leapt into the water.

Splash!!

She dove into the deep end of the pool. When she resurfaced, her black hair shone with the water, the afternoon sun warming her back.

The sight of the woman splashing in the clear water was perhaps the most beautiful sight Emery had the chance to lay his eyes on.

Klea was enjoying herself and, for that moment, she played in the water as if there was nothing to worry about in this world. Meanwhile, Emery was mesmerized with the sight.

The refreshing breeze, the clear blue water reflecting the golden sunlight, the sense of calm from the gently swaying trees, all combined into a tranquil and beautiful sight.

It was one of those rare moments where Emery could enjoy the surroundings and feel comfortable without having to think about all the worries for tomorrow.

A few moments passed, Klea swam a few laps before swimming close to him.

"The water in here is a godsend. Your land is very beautiful, Emery."

From the bottom of his heart, Emery wished to compliment her, to tell her that even the most beautiful sights in this land were nothing compared to her beauty. However, it felt like his tongue was weighed down and his throat dried, no words came out from his mouth.

Instead of giving an answer, Emery ended up staring at the beautiful girl.

Realizing Emery's gaze was transfixed on her, Klea emerged from the water and walked closer to him, not stopping before they were so close their breath intermingled with each other.

Before Emery could ask, she leaned close to his ear and whispered, her warm breath tickling his ear. "Really, Emery? You shouldn't swim with your clothes on" On instinct, Emery tried to scoot away, but Klea's quick movement stopped him.

"Let me help you."

There was no chance for Emery to reject, as she quickly moved behind him.

As she took off his clothes piece by piece, Emery could feel her nimble fingers moving around his shoulders.

One by one, his clothing was piled on the nearby rock, exposing his sturdy body to the open air. Klea stared and traced her fingers playfully on his chest, feeling the smooth and rock hard muscles.

Afterwards, Klea slowly whispered.

"I want you I have decided you will be my first time, Emery"

Her words certainly made him turn around and look at her in surprise. But, his tongue remained heavy. There was nothing he could say to her.

But, one thing was clear. At this moment, Emery's heart was beating so fast it felt like it could leap from his chest at any moment.

To show how serious she was, Klea pushed her body towards his, her skin and breasts freely touching his bare chest. Emery could feel the smooth, soft skin against him. Pf course, that was enough to ignite the flames of desire within him.

With his thoughts almost all focused on her, the spark was immediate, his embers of desire for her evident from the tent forming on his pants.

She closed her eyes, as Emery wrapped his arms around her in an affectionate embrace. Their lips met. It was like a moment of deep connection had formed between them. Her lips felt soft, and her scent was reminiscent of spices.

In that moment, a pure, true connection has formed between them. It was the beginning of a new, deeper bond.

Emery's kiss was passionate, all the months of unreleased desire evident in the dance of his tongue. Surprisingly, Klea was able to keep up with him, as she returned the kiss and explored his taste too.

He descended down, kissing and marking down her neck and sucking at her sensitive spot. His efforts were rewarded when Klea let out a whimper of pleasure.

That whimper was music to his ears, but instead of letting himself be consumed, Emery came to his tenses and slowed down his ministrations.

The tow eyes stare each other so closely, Klea in such confusion

"No... No Why why?" Klea asked, her desire for Emery to continue clear in her pleading gaze.

Emery took a deep breath and decided to hold the girl tightly and said "I am sorry Klea... I am sorry I can't not now not like this."

"Was it that princess Gwen? Are you still thinking about her?"

Emery quickly rejected that notion. "No. No, I dont I don't know"

"Was it the girl Morgana then?"

"No It's not I just thought this, right now doesn't feel right"

Emery can see Klea was so hard not to push Emery this matter. However, as much as he wished to have a relationship with her, his heart was too conflicted with too many different matters right now. The fate of his planet and of those close to him depended on him, it was too much toeven properly think about forming romantic relationships.

Klea, who was usually calm, was trying so hard to control her expression as she asked.

"Tell me what do you feel about me?" She said, her tone serious.

On one hand, Emery was able to look deep into his heart, deep enough to confidently claim the girl standing in front of him was the most beautiful one he had ever seen. He liked her and would be lucky to spend the rest of his life with her.

But, Emery knew his heart was still torn and conflicted. The girl in front of him deserved the whole of him, everything his heart could give her.

Such a magnificent girl did not deserve the current him.

Before Emery was about to say his reason, Klea's gaze and her question reminded him of Morgana last year just before she ran away from the forbidden forest.

Emery blamed himself all the while for being unable to stop her and leading to her being in such a state.

It would be best for the both of them to be as honest to each other as possible.

Hence, the word Emery chose to answer her question was.

"Klea at the moment my heart is too conflicted, I cannot be more than a good friend to you..."

The words shook her to the core.

Emery continued and said, "For now, we really should focus on our training and not let anything else distract us This way will be the best for both of us".

It was probably the hardest decision he has ever made in his life thus far, but it had to be done.

The confident girl who stood next to him was trying so hard to not look distressed, but Emery could see the tears forming in the corner of her eyes. It was clear, she was shaken by the words.

She turned around, walked out of the lake and suddenly her clothes came flying covering her up.

Once again she turned around and looked at Emery with a serious gaze.

"I heard your princess girl decided to choose her kingdom over you..." she continued with a more emotional gaze. "My kingdom is a dozen times bigger than hers, but I choose to let it go... for you"

Emery could see a drop of tear fall into her cheek, leaving a trail of wet tears. The once proud queen, the woman who would never flinch away from any challenge, had to look away as she admitted her loss.

"You're probably right, Emery... this is not the time and yes I can understand Right now, I should be rational and focus on my training..."

Before saying her next words, she stared at him, her eyes as resolute as she could despite her trying to hold back the torrent of tears that threatened to fall at any moment. "But I am telling you now, Emery I am the best life partner you will ever meet and one day you will regret the decision you made this day."

After she spoke suddenly the echo of thunder filled out the clear blue sky. A bird with feathers covered with lightning descended down. It looked similar to a massive eagle, its curved beak and sharp eyes reminiscent of a predator.

Klea jumped on top of it, gazed at him with a mix of anger and heartbreak, before she said.

"I will not bother you, then. I hope you have a good training and that the girl will awaken soon goodbye, Emery"

Klea didn't give him a chance to say a word before she left. He watched her fly up into a tiny dot in the horizon with a heavy heart.

He had made a terrible mistake, but Emery bolstered his resolve. He knew it was for the best.