Chapter 21: My Love

Corina didn't want to dress as a man, but Alexander letting her know she could don her dress once they had spoken to her parents made her feel more at ease with the plan.

"Nadine," she whispered. "Please help me pick out the perfect clothing to wear to make them believe it's truly me."

"Corina," Nadine began, "they will know you're their child. I have no doubts."

"What about my hair?" Corina asked, twirling a lock around her right index finger. "Mama says men don't wear it long."

"I've seen men with longer hair, love," Alexander informed the princess.

She let go of her hair. "You're right. Thank you. I don't have to be anything other than who I am with you."

Corina looked between her fiancé, feeling blessed that both of them supported her decision to confront the king and queen. It was the most difficult decision of her life, but it would help her learn the truth.

"Corina, I'll help you tomorrow," Nadine promised.

The princess smiled at the woman. "Thank you so much, Nadine! I'd appreciate it. You have such amazing fashion sense."

The two women hugged as the Duke looked on in awe. He couldn't imagine being in Corina's shoes. His family never put him through anything similar to such a deception, but he felt lucky she was so sweet, caring, understanding, forgiving, and most importantly, she had allowed herself to trust him completely. He felt truly blessed by God's grace to have such a wife to be. He had no regrets or resentment toward his wife. He couldn't wait to have their ceremony. He hoped things went well.

Alexander hadn't expected the woman he was arranged to marry would end if being beyond his wildest dreams. He couldn't have been any more fortunate.

He thought back on the words he had heard from his father about the the king of Crystalia. He seemed to have a similar personality, which would make him more than likely to speak truthfully to the couple.

"Corina, would you like to have a private dinner with me tonight?" He asked. "Nadine, please leave us alone. I need some time with my bride-to-be."

Corina thought Alexander looked particularly handsome that day. His eyes sparkled like two jewels; his face appeared more chiseled and attractive to her; and he wore a simple pair of black trousers and a green vest with gold buttons over a white shirt.

Alexander's heart filled with joy when Corina looked at him, her eyes focused on him and her alone. His lips stretched into a smile, and he felt warmth in his chest as she looked at him.

"I have never met another person quite like you," Corina smiled.

"Nor have I met any person like you," he replied. "You are a one-of-a kind gem, my dear, a diamond in the rough. You are the most beautiful thing I have ever laid eyes on."

Corina giggled, blushing, then leaned toward Alexander as she whispered into his ear, her lips brushing against his lobe, "Do you love me?"

He grinned as she spoke softly to him. "Of course I love you. I will love you for as long as I live, no matter what."

Corina moved closer and placed a kiss against the man's cheek. His words filled her heart with happiness. He casually confessed his love for her. Somehow, it felt like the conversation she had with him about being born a boy had rapidly brought their hearts closer together.

"I will never let you down," she whispered against his earlobe, "and I will love you no matter what."

The Duke felt a tingling sensation as Corina whispered into his ear. Her warm breath sent shivers down his spine as it touched his skin. He swallowed hard and looked at Corina with desire, his lips slightly parting.

"Corina... please stay by my side, now and forever. Promise me."

Corina stared into her beloved's eyes for a few moments before responding to him. Her hands gripped onto his arms, and her lips pressed against his own for a moment, a small peck on the mouth. She leaned forward, kissing along his cheek until she reached his ear, and then she whispered softly.

"Yes, I promise," she answered.

Her hands slid up his arm, resting on his shoulders. She could feel him tensing up beneath her touch. It felt like her body was on fire.

The Duke took hold of both her hands. She felt a spark course through her entire being as he stared at her with eyes full of love.

He gently held Corina's hands as they gazed at one another in silence. The princess leaned her head forward until their foreheads were touching, and their lips were centimeters apart. "Corina, you've made me so happy. I would be nothing without you by my side."

"No, you would be better without me by your side," the princess breathed out softly.

The Duke smiled and placed a gentle kiss on the tip of Corina's nose before he let her hands go. "I disagree. You have changed my life for the better. You are a very special woman, Corina."

She looked up into his eyes, tears welling in her own. She felt dumb for being unable to hold back her tears.

Alexander held Corina's hands, rubbing her palms with his thumbs. "Don't cry, dear."

She couldn't hold back anymore. Tears began streaming down her cheeks as she looked up at him. "Alexander... you are the most wonderful, loving man. Please don't change for anyone or anything else. Don't ever lose yourself, because you're beautiful and everything to me."

The Duke held Corina tightly as tears continued to flow freely from her eyes, falling onto his shirt and staining the white fabric. As he gently whispered soothing words to her, his fingers caressed the blonde locks.

"Everything will be okay, my princess, don't cry. I'm here."

Corina couldn't hold back anymore. "I-I'm sorry," she stammered. "It's a lot to think about."

"Corina, I understand," he whispered. "The whole situation must have been difficult for you to handle. I'm here. Cry for as long as you need. I won't let go of you."

"I'm a man," Corina sobbed. "Why? I just don't understand."

The princess could hear Alexander whispering into her ear, repeating his promise not to let go of her over and over. He kissed her temple and brushed the tears off her cheek with his thumbs. She felt safe in his arms as they embraced.

Alexander gently placed his fingers underneath the princess's chin and raised her head. Corina's blue eyes looked up into the brown orbs of her husband. His heart broke as he saw the pain in her eyes, the confusion. He wanted to help her. "I love you, my dear."

The Duke held Corina tighter, then placed another kiss on her forehead. She buried her face in his chest and began to cry harder, her body trembling slightly. "I love you so much. I love you," she whispered repeatedly as her hands clung onto him desperately.

The duke closed his eyes as he stroked Corina's head softly, caressing it and gently placing kisses against her neck and shoulder.

"Please, my dear, let's just try and calm down," he breathed out gently, his lips pressed against the side of her cheek, right by her ear. "We need to focus on our future now."

She sniffled softly, then pulled back to look into his eyes. Hers were swollen from crying so much. She had been strong in front of Nadine and in front of Alexander, but her mind had become overwrought with confusion and hurt as he held her. She wanted to trust him, but the thought of having to speak with her mother and father frightened her, especially after she learned she wasn't actually a girl.

Alexander placed a tender kiss upon her forehead and held her in his arms again as he continued to comfort the princess, whispering soft words of love into her ear. "We must remain calm," he repeated softly. "We can do this, I promise. We can talk through it all. We will work this out together."

Corina closed her eyes and sobbed herself asleep against the Duke. He pulled her thin body on top of his as he leaned back on the sofa, holding her tightly as she rested on top of him.

Alexander also closed his eyes. He held her for hours, thinking of ways to comfort her. He wanted to see her joyful, carefree smile again.

He would give anything in the world to ease her pain. He would do anything—it didn't matter. Even if he had to strike down Orphelia and Orpheus from the sky, he would find a way to do so.

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Chapter 22: Secret Pie

It was late in the night when Corina woke up. Corina pulled back from Alexamder and moved her hand, her eyes going wide with shock as she accidently brushed it against his privates. She blushed and looked down, noticing he was asleep. She sighed with relief, but then heard him talking in his sleep.

"Mmm, touch me there, Corina," he mumbled in his sleep.

Corina blushed, then walked away, standing on the floor in front of the sofa. She couldn't believe he had just spoken her name in his dreams. She wondered what kind of dream he was referring to while sleeping.

Corina walked to the door. She began to turn the doorknob, then looked back to make sure he hadn't moved. Once she was sure, she slipped out of the room.

Her hand moved to her forehead as she looked down at her feet. Her stomach began to violently growl—a sound that she was sure the entire palace could hear.

Corina looked around as she made her way to the kitchen. Corina chuckled to herself, recalling the times when she used to experience hunger as a teenager. She would sneak off and find fruit to eat when everyone else was asleep. Jeffery had covered for her back in the day, as the palace was much more guarded than the long, silent halls of the Duke's palace.

When she found the kitchen, she snuck in. She didn't know her way around, so she tiptoed around and searched until she uncovered something that caught her attention. There were a few chocolate pies covered up on the center of one of the pantries. "I've hit the jackpot," she hummed as she pulled it down.

The girl sat crossed-legged in the pantry as she began to essentially inhale the pie. A moan escaped her throat from the smooth, chocolate texture contrasted by the buttery crust. "It's heaven," she murmured.

Corina managed to eat half the pie before she heard footsteps approach. Her eyes widened as she sat silently, an attempt to conceal her position. Her eyes clamped shut tightly, hoping the person who approached wouldn't find her.

"My, what a sweet pie I've discovered. I bet the duke and princess would enjoy a piece, or two," Nadine's voice called out as she uncovered the pie, noticing one missing.

Nadine groaned and looked down, noticing a certain blonde with a half eaten pie in hand.

Corina crossed her arms, annoyed that the woman had discovered her, but gave her a weak smile.

Nadine shook her head at Corina and grabbed a couple of plates and utensils. She grabbed a different pie from the pantry. She cut it, and placed the slices on the plates. "Here."

Nadine joined Corina in the pantry, taking a seat on the floor with her plate.

"I know it's late, but I'm hungry," Corina defended as she grabbed one of the pieces and ate a fork full. "Oh! It's so good. Maybe even better than the first!"

The girl moaned softly and ate it again, then looked over to Nadine and started laughing.

The two of them continued to eat in silence, creating a comfortable atmosphere as they shared the chocolate pie.

Corina broke the silence after some time. "You're a very nice person, Nadine, despite everything."

The brunette raised a brow and looked toward the princess. "Despite what?"

"You kind of dress like a witch," Corina explained. "I saw a witch in a storybook wearing your favorite dress."

Nadine smirked at Corina. "Is that why you've been nervous around me?" she asked, amusedly glancing at Corina. "You were frightened I might eat your soul?"

Corina nodded, her face bright red, as she realized Nadine had read her emotions well. "Maybe a little bit, yes. "I was confused because the books I have read only depicted the wicked witches dressed in black and purple."

Nadine reached over to touch Corina's shoulder gently as she gave the girl an apologetic smile. "I am sorry to have caused you worry," she whispered softly, half joking.

The princess returned Nadine's smile, then shook her head. "No, don't apologize. It's my fault, because I didn't know how to approach the subject. I wanted to talk to you, but I felt a bit nervous and didn't want to be rude."

She bit her lower lip and focused her blue eyes on Nadine. "It's late now, and I'm feeling better after talking to you, so I'm going to ask you to answer something, and I promise I won't be afraid of you if you're honest with me."

Nadine nodded slowly. "Of course. You can ask me anything, Corina."

"The way you act around Alexander... do you like him? Do you like Alexander?" she nervously asked, her fingers fidgeting in her lap and her eyes focused on her. "I'm not mad at you or anything if you do, just... I have to know if you want my man!"

The woman stared at Corina with surprise, not expecting such an accusation. "Oh, Corina, no!"

Corina let out a soft sigh, and a wave of relief washed over her as Nadine responded to her question. "It's fine. It's good. You and him would look lovely together," Corina teased. "But he's my husband. At least he will be soon. You've got to find a new man."

"I can't believe you thought such a thing," Nadine breathed out, looking away from the blonde.

"I had to be sure! I don't want to be jealous," the princess joked, then smiled brightly toward the woman.

The two of them froze and looked at each other as yet another pair of footsteps approached. Just outside the pantry, a soft voice spoke. "My, my, I was not expecting such company. Is there any of that delicious chocolate pie for me?"

The girls' eyes widened with shock, both of them turning around quickly to face the source of the voice, but their attention immediately focused on Alexander's bulge as he stood with his arms crossed, smirking at them. "I would appreciate a piece, thank you, ladies," he added.

The girls both turned bright red at his request, neither speaking nor moving to give him a piece of the dessert they were sharing. "It seems both of you were in search of dessert," Alexander spoke.

He sighed softly, then grabbed a plate from the counter, serving himself a piece of pie.

"What brings you down here so late? Can't sleep?"

He nodded in response, then took a bite from the pie. He smiled softly at the sweet flavor, then took a seat on the ground with them. "I couldn't stop thinking about you," he said to Corina. "I was worried something happened. I got up and came looking for you. I was afraid someone might have stolen you away," he breathed out with relief before giving Nadine an annoyed glance, which caused her to chuckle softly.

"No one will ever steal me from you," she reassured Alexander, then leaned over to place a kiss on the tip of his nose.

She grinned brightly, her face blushing bright red as she looked up into his eyes. She felt grateful that he had woken up from that dream, whatever it was about.

Alexander was certain the pie was for the banquet, but he wouldn't say. More pie could be made.

The trio stayed together and ate the pie. The three of them began laughing at the absurd situation they had found themselves in. The three of them, sitting in a pantry, eating the pie.

Corina and Alexander made their way back to his chamber. He guided her to the bed and sat down beside her.

The princess could feel herself becoming aroused. The thought of the man having such an impact on her made her smile softly as he lay by his side. She couldn't resist touching him, so she placed her hand on his chest and felt his heart beat against her palm.

He kissed her forehead. "I can tell you're thinking about something. What's on your mind?"

Corina blushed and turned her back toward Alexander's. She had to focus on other things rather than allow her mind to wander too far into her lustful desires. "I was wondering... about something. I think about it a lot."

"Tell me."

"I heard there are ways to make a man happy," she whispered. "How can I do that?"

"I'd prefer not to tell you," Alexander said. "I do not wish for you to feel obligated."

She looked back over her shoulder, her blue eyes meeting the duke's. "Please? I want to know," she pleaded, her voice sounding a little more desperate than she had meant. She bit her lower lip nervously and averted her gaze.

"Corina, it's something we have to wait until after the wedding to do," he groaned in displeasure at the thought of waiting, but he was a gentleman, and even though it had been revealed she was physically male, he saw her as being as much of a woman as any other.

"The sex dance that Mama told me about?" She asked.

The duke could feel himself becoming more aroused with Corina's question. He didn't want to make her feel like she needed to please him in bed. He wanted to wait.

She nodded slowly, then turned around, placing a chaste kiss on her husband's cheek before moving to the pillow to get comfortable. As she lay on the pillow, her eyes met his, looking into his eyes with curiosity.

Even though Corina was by his side that night, he barely slept. He wasn't having any nightmares, but his mind was filled with provocative thoughts.

He didn't know if he could wait. He loved Corina so much and desired to feel such a level of intimacy with her. Would it really be wrong to just touch her a little before the wedding?

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