200 Years Ago

“My lady, please stop running! I can’t keep up with you,”  Ewan called out, breathless laughter weaving through his words.

“Ewan, hurry! Look at this group of ducks!” Sofia exclaimed, pointing excitedly toward the lake.

Ewan bent over, hands on his knees, catching his breath before following her gaze. In the crystal-clear, blue-tinged waters, a pair of adult ducks glided gracefully, a trail of fluffy ducklings paddling behind them.

“It’s us as ducks!” he joked, his grin wide and boyish.

Sofia’s cheeks flushed pink, her heart skipping at the way he said ‘us’.

She turned back toward the lake, watching the ducklings struggle to keep up with their parents. A warm, contented silence settled between them, broken only by the soft rustling of leaves and the rhythmic quacking from the water.

And then—

“My lady Sofia,” Ewan said, his voice quieter this time.

Sofia turned, meeting his gaze. There was something unreadable in his eyes, something deep and unspoken.

“I love you,” he murmured.

The wind seemed to pause. The world, the lake, the trees—everything stood still except for the rapid beating of her heart.

“And I love you more, my beloved,” she whispered in return, her words delicate as falling petals.

The sunlight danced on the lake’s surface, casting golden ripples that shimmered between them. Their hands brushed lightly at their sides, but neither of them dared to hold on.

Because they both knew—love wasn’t always enough.

“My lady, Master Neil is looking for you.”

The voice cut through the stillness like a blade.

A guard approached, his expression darkening when he noticed Ewan standing beside her. Without hesitation, the guard reached for his sword.

Ewan stiffened. He had no illusions about where he stood in this world—where he stood in herworld.

“He merely helped me cross the bridge. Lower your weapon, now,” Sofia commanded firmly, her voice carrying the weight of her title.

The guard hesitated but obeyed, sheathing his sword before bowing deeply.

Sofia turned back to Ewan and gave him a fleeting smile—one that held a thousand words she wasn’t allowed to say. Then, with her back straight and chin high, she walked away, the guard following close behind.

Ewan’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure, his heart aching in a way he couldn’t put into words.

As she disappeared into the distance, he let out a quiet sigh. His eyes flickered toward the lake, where the duck family still swam, undisturbed by the cruel realities of the world.

A bittersweet smile touched his lips.

Present Day

“Oh, the ride’s over,” Ewan’s voice pulled me back, and I nodded. 

We stood up from our seats and made our way outside. Before I could fully process what had just happened, he tugged me toward a Mickey Mouse-themed claw machine. "You like ducks, don't you? Let's win a Donald and Daisy," he said, leaning slightly to grab the controller.

"Wait, how do you know I like ducks?" I asked, both surprised and confused.

"Huh? You didn't tell me?" He looked at me, just as puzzled. I shook my head.

"But... I swear I remember something about you and ducks. I must've just assumed you said you liked them," he replied, scratching his head in confusion.

I was certain I'd never mentioned it, but the way he spoke made me doubt myself. Maybe I had? Shrugging it off, I let him focus on the game.

After a few tries, he finally won the plushies, holding them up like a trophy. Handing Daisy to me, he grinned. "Donald for me and Daisy for you. They're a couple, so that means we're a couple from now on too," he said in one breath, his gaze quickly darting to the sky as he blushed nervously.

I stared at him, stunned, before lightly punching his chest. "Is this how you propose?" I teased.

He smiled, still looking at the twinkling night sky. "Say something," I urged, giving him another playful punch.

Chuckling, he finally turned to face me. "Alright, that wasn't my best effort," he admitted before clearing his throat. "Sofia, let me be your boyfriend. I know it's a bit early to propose, but I can't see myself regretting this decision. Oh, and you can practice your boxing on me, like you just did," he added with a wink.

My heart completely betrayed me.

It raced, skipped, tumbled—doing everything but staying calm. I looked down at the Donald and Daisy in our hands, feeling warmth spread through me.

And before I could stop myself, I smiled.

Not just any smile—the kind of smile that comes when something feels right.

It wasn't just the lights of the fair—it was him. His goofy grin, his confidence mixed with nervousness, and the way he made everything feel a little brighter.

“Yes,” I said softly, then louder, laughing, “Yes! I’d gladly accept.”

Just then, a raindrop landed on my cheek. I looked up, realizing it had started to rain.

“Ahh, it’s raining! Let’s run,” Ewan said, grabbing my hand.

Together, we sprinted through the downpour, laughing as water splashed around us. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie—a couple running hand in hand, the rain weaving its magic around us. The scent of rain, the neon lights blurred by droplets—The only thing missing was a soundtrack playing in the background.

We finally ducked under the shelter of a nearby supermarket, joining a small crowd shaking off the cold. I turned to Ewan, who was shivering slightly, just like I was.

I grinned. “Aren’t you going to offer me your jacket?”

He rubbed his arms. “Don’t look at me! I’m just as cold. No jacket-sharing—sorry!”

His honesty made me laugh. Without thinking, I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around him.

For a second, he stiffened in surprise.

Then, he melted into the hug, wrapping his arms around my shoulders, his chin resting lightly against the crook of my neck.

He wasn’t warm enough to chase away the cold, but something about his embrace made my heart feel safe.

200 Years Ago

“My lady, I don’t think we should be playing in the rain,” Ewan urged, watching Sofia dance and jump around in the downpour. “You’ll get sick,” he added, removing his jacket and holding it over her head to shield her.

She pouted playfully before stepping forward and wrapping her arms around his torso.

“Oh, right. If I get sick, I won’t be able to come out and see you,” she teased.

Rainwater dripped from his face, some landing on her nose as he looked down at her.

Smiling softly, he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her nose.

“Forgive me for doing this, my lady,” he murmured.

She only giggled, hugging him tighter.

“I can’t wait to marry you, my love,” she whispered dreamily.

But his smile faltered.

His voice cracked as he whispered back, “We can’t marry, my lady. We come from two different worlds.”

Sofia’s breath hitched.

Her own smile faded as she stepped back, searching his face with determination. "Then let's run away together"