Chapter Twenty Four
As Aiden meets with Jason, he can’t help but feel the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders. The possibility of war looms over them, and he knows that the decisions he makes could mean the difference between life and death for many people.
“Jason, I need your expertise,” Aiden says, his voice serious.
Jason nods, his expression just as grave. “What’s the situation?”
“A clan in the west has been making threatening moves. I fear that they may be preparing for war.”
Jason’s brow furrows. “What makes you think that?”
“I’ve received word from our scouts. They’ve seen an increase in military activity in the area.”
Jason nods thoughtfully. “We could try diplomacy first, see if we can reach a peaceful solution.”
Aiden shakes his head. “I don’t think that will work. We’ve tried to negotiate with them before, but they’ve always been difficult.”
Jason rubs his chin. “Then we’ll need to prepare for battle. We can start by reinforcing our borders and training our troops.”
Aiden nods, feeling grateful for Jason’s level-headedness. “What about weapons? Do we have enough?”
“We could always use more, but we should have enough to defend ourselves.”
Aiden takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of dread wash over him. “I don’t want to go to war, but if it’s necessary to protect our people, then we have to do what we have to do.”
Jason nods in agreement. “I’ll start organizing the troops and getting everything in order.”
“Thank you, Jason. Your expertise is invaluable.”
Aiden can’t help but feel a sense of unease. He knows that war is never easy, and he just hopes that they’ll be able to come out of it with as few casualties as possible.
“So how is you and Chloe?” he asked.
“It has been nothing short of amazing, I think she is easing up to me just fine and we have so much chemistry, we literally burn for each other,”
“You should be careful though, it could be Stockholm syndrome,”
Aiden listened to Jason’s words carefully, the anger in him slowly dissipating as he considered the man’s warning. “What do you mean by Stockholm syndrome?” he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
Jason shrugged, his expression serious. “It’s when a person starts to feel affection for their abuser, after being held captive or abused for a long period of time. They start to sympathize with their abuser and defend them, even when they know they’re in the wrong. It’s a psychological defense mechanism.”
Aiden’s heart sank as he thought of Chloe, the possibility that she was only with him because of a psychological condition. “But I’m not like that,” he said, more to convince himself than Jason.
“I’m not saying you are,” Jason replied. “But it’s something to be aware of. Chloe has been through a lot, and Liam may have conditioned her to feel a certain way. Just be careful, Aiden.”
Aiden nodded, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over him. “What do I do?” he asked, desperation creeping into his voice.
Jason put a hand on Aiden’s shoulder, his expression softening. “Just keep being there for her, Aiden. Show her that you care about her, and that she’s not alone. Be patient, and let her come to you on her own terms. It’s not an easy situation, but if anyone can make it work, it’s you.”
Aiden nodded again, feeling a sense of determination stir within him. He would do everything in his power to protect Chloe, to show her that she deserved love and happiness, even if it took time. “Thanks, Jason,” he said, grateful for the man’s words of wisdom.
“Anytime,” Jason replied with a small smile. “You’re a good man, Aiden. Don’t forget that.” And with that, he clapped Aiden on the back and strode away, leaving Aiden to ponder his words and come up with a plan to help Chloe.
Aiden couldn’t shake off the thoughts that Jason’s words had implanted in his mind. He had to know the truth, even if it was painful. As he sat lost in thought, Chloe suddenly walked into the room, startling him out of his reverie.
“Aiden, what’s wrong?” she asked, noticing the worry etched on his face.
Aiden took a deep breath before finally mustering up the courage to speak. “I need to ask you something, Chloe,” he said, his voice serious.
“Sure, anything,” she replied, looking at him with concern.
“Do you think that what you feel for me could be Stockholm syndrome?” Aiden asked, his voice hesitant.
Chloe’s eyes widened in confusion. “What? That’s ridiculous, Aiden. I could never feel that way about you,” she said, shaking her head.
Aiden felt a weight lift off his chest at her words, but he still needed to know more. “But what about Liam? Do you think you could have developed Stockholm syndrome towards him?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Chloe’s face twisted in disgust. “Absolutely not, Aiden. The thought of being with him disgusts me,” she said vehemently.
Aiden let out a sigh of relief, feeling grateful for Chloe’s honesty. “I’m sorry, Chloe. I just had to make sure,” he said, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders.NôvelDrama.Org owns all © content.
Chloe gave him a soft smile, reaching out to take his hand. “It’s okay, Aiden. I understand why you had to ask,” she said reassuringly.
Aiden felt a warm feeling spread through his chest at Chloe’s touch. “Thank you, Chloe. I just want to make sure that you’re happy and safe with me,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Chloe leaned in closer to him, her eyes locked with his. “Aiden, I am happy and safe with you. I trust you completely,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Aiden felt his heart skip a beat at her words. He leaned in closer to her, his eyes never leaving hers. “Chloe, I want you to know that I care about you deeply. I want to protect you and keep you safe, always,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Chloe’s breath hitched as Aiden’s words washed over her. She knew that he meant every word he said, and it made her feel safe and loved. “Aiden, I feel the same way about you. I trust you completely,” she said, her voice filled with sincerity.
As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Aiden felt a deep connection between them. He knew that he would do anything to keep Chloe safe and happy, no matter what obstacles they faced.
WasAs they walked around the garden, Chloe couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotions. She loved the way the sun kissed her skin and the way the flowers bloomed with vibrant colors. But most of all, she loved being with Aiden.
Aiden took her hand and pulled her closer to him, stealing a kiss from her lips. “You know what I love about nature?” he asked, gazing into her eyes.
Chloe shook her head, her heart pounding with anticipation.
“I love how it can be so intense and peaceful at the same time,” he said. “Just like us.”
Chloe smiled, feeling her cheeks flush with heat. “You always know how to make me feel special,” she whispered.
Aiden leaned in and kissed her deeply, his hands running down her back. “I want you so much, Chloe,” he whispered. “I want to make sweet love to you and burn in your arms.”
Chloe’s breath hitched at his words, feeling a wave of desire rush through her. “You have to wait a little longer,” she replied, teasingly. “But I promise it will be worth it.”
Aiden grinned, his eyes shining with desire. “I believe you,” he said, kissing her again. “I’ll wait as long as it takes.”
She swallowed, this man right here would be the death of her and it is how he makes her feel so safe and patient not to force anything on her, she knew that he is her safe place and unlike Liam she feels safe with him.