Oleksandr steps onto the terrace, the setting sun bathing the world in a golden glow, as if time itself had slowed in this quiet moment. The gentle rustle of the breeze caresses his skin, carrying with it the faint scent of flowers from the garden below. His sharp gaze sweeps across the castle grounds, noting the few soldiers on patrol, their armor glinting in the light. But beyond them, the garden catches his attention—its serenity so at odds with the storm brewing in his mind. The cool air fills his lungs, but does little to settle the fire smoldering within him.

As Oleksandr turns the corner, his eyes land on Savka, seated gracefully on a stone bench beneath the shade of an old oak tree. Her head is bent in quiet concentration over a piece of embroidery, her slender fingers dancing across the fabric, stitching delicate patterns with a skill that speaks of her noble upbringing. The soft play of light and shadow from the ivy vines climbing the wall behind her adds depth to her beauty, casting a gentle glow across her features. She looks like a vision conjured from the depths of a dream, ethereal and serene, and Oleksandr’s heart skips a beat at the sight of her. In this moment, all the weight of his mission, his fears, and the king’s demands vanish—there is only her, and the inexplicable peace she brings.

“Savka…”

She looks up, her dark eyes finding his pale ones. A soft smile spreads across her face as she sets her embroidery aside and stands up.

"Oleksandr." Her voice is soft and gentle, a sweet melody to his ears. She walks towards him, her slender frame swaying gracefully. He cups her face, his large hands cradling her delicate head gently. He looks down at her with a mixture of tenderness and fervor, desire burning in his eyes. Then, he leans in, pressing his lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss. Savka lets out a soft gasp, her eyes widening in surprise, before she kisses him back fiercely. Her slender arms wrap around his neck, pulling him closer as they kiss, their bodies pressed tightly together.

“Savka… I have much to tell you.”

She follows Oleksandr back to the bench, her hand in his, curiosity on her face. As they sit down, he takes a deep breath, preparing to speak, his eyes locked onto hers. "Something has happened, and it changes everything." Her eyes widen with questioning. She can sense the gravity in his voice, and her heart skips a beat in anticipation.

“What is it, Oli? What has happened?” He takes a moment to gather his thoughts, his fingers idly fiddling with the fabric of her dress as he takes another breath.

"I've been given a mission," he says, his voice grave. "A mission from the king. It's a dangerous one, and it will take me away from you for a long time." Savka's face falls, a look of worry and concern spreading across her features. She grips his hand tightly, her eyes searching his face for answers.

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"What kind of mission? Where are you going? How long?" She asks, her voice soft and full of anxiety.

"I'm going back to the northern wastes, Norway specifically. One of your father's biggest trades turned out to be fraud. I'm being sent to deal with it, basically collecting a bounty, or doing an assassination, whatever you'd like to call it." Her brow furrows in confusion, her mind racing to process the information.

"Norway? But that's so far away." Her voice shakes slightly, a hint of trepidation in her tone. "How long will you be gone?"

"Close to a year." He says, his expression grim. Savka's heart sinks in her chest, her breath catching in her throat. A year. A whole year without him. The thought is almost too much to bear. She looks at him, her bottom lip trembling slightly.

"A... A year? I can't go that long without seeing you..."

“But, Savka..." He leans in, caressing her hair. "If I succeed, your father... he agreed to give me your hand." Savka's eyes widen in surprise, her heart quickening in her chest.

"You... You asked for my hand?" She stares at him, her mind racing to process the implications of words. Her father, giving his permission. Her, being allowed to marry the man she loves. But then, the realization of his words sinks in, and her heart sinks once again. "If you succeed... What if you fail, Oleksandr? What then?"

"I won't fail, kotik. I promise you that."

“B-but what if you do? What if it’s more danger than you can handle?”

“I’ve faced danger before, and I’ve come out stronger every time,” he assures her, his confidence a balm to her worries. “I’ve fought through the darkest of nights and emerged into the dawn. This mission will be no different.” Savka looks at him, searching his face for any signs of doubt or uncertainty. But all she sees is determination, a fierce resolve in his eyes. She wants to believe him, to trust in his ability to come back to her. Slowly, she nods, her hand gripping his tightly as she whispers.

"But I'm still going to miss you. A year seems like an eternity."

"I know, doll," he says, his voice rough with emotion. "I'm going to miss you too. More than you know. But I have to do this. A year will fly by when you have love in your heart." Oleksandr pulls her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her tightly. He gently brushes a strand of hair away from her face, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw. "You worry too much, kotik."

"Can you blame me?" She replies, her voice strained. "I don't want to lose you, Oleksandr. The thought of not seeing you for a year… or ever again, it's too much." She leans her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

"It's nothing compared to the rest of our lives we will spend together." His words soothe her, the thought of a future together bringing a small smile to her face.

"You really think we will spend the rest of our lives together?"

"I won't have it any other way.” Oleksandr looks down at her, his eyes filled with a deep and burning intensity. The thought of spending his life with her, growing old together like a pair of old wolves, is like a flame in his heart. "You're mine, Savka," he says, his voice deep and possessive. "And I'm yours. There is no one else for me." Her heart flutters at his words, her chest swelling with love and joy. She looks up at him, her eyes sparkling with affection.

"And no one else for me," she says softly, her hand reaching up to cup his cheek.