A Confession Before the Moment

She is standing by the window again.
The light catches her hair — that familiar gold — and my breath falters.

How many times have I stood just out of reach, watching her as if from another world?
I, who have faced witches and wolves, am undone by her glance.

And yet —
I have waited too long.

Foolish, I tell myself. You who once ruled a kingdom — frightened of a single word.

But this is no battlefield.
This is the only fight I cannot win with sword or crown.

My heart pounds as I cross the room.
My steps feel heavier than a knight’s armor.

For what if she turns away?
What if this secret I have carried since that first impossible moment
burns us both to ash?

Still — I cannot remain in this silence.

"Through the hourglass, I saw you."
And each day since, you have slipped further from me.

But not tonight.

Tonight, I am unafraid.
I have faced worse fates than heartbreak.
And should you turn and say: No,
I will still love you — as steadfast as the stars.

But should you turn and say: Yes,
then I would give you everything.
My breath. My life. My truth.

I stand before you now.
Our eyes meet.
You smile — uncertain, curious —
and my voice finally finds its way through the fear.

"My love — take my breath away."

The words hang there, trembling between us.
No sword could make me braver than this moment has.

And whatever your answer, know this —
I would turn and return to you always.
Even if the whole world called me a fool.

For you — only you — are worth it.

by Onnaya