Nightfall Tensions

Posted on 2025, Thu Sep 18th, @ 9:55am by Major Alexander Stroud & Civilian Queen Kaitaama XII

695 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: Shadows Over Krios - USS Vigilance
Location: Krios Prime – Palace Ramparts
Timeline: Eleven days into Major Stroud’s assignment
Tags: Krios Prime, Princess Kaitaama, Major Stroud, USS Vigilance, Marine Detachment, Personal Security, Slow-Burn Romance, Mutual Attraction, Subtle Imprinting, Evening Patrol, Professionalism, Playful Boundary Testing, Moonlit Tension, Cheek Kiss, 2402

The palace ramparts were bathed in the soft silver glow of Krios Prime’s twin moons. Shadows stretched long across the stone walkways, the occasional breeze carrying the scent of night-blooming flora. Princess Kaitaama Lothar had requested a private evening patrol — ostensibly to inspect the outer perimeter — and Major Alexander Stroud complied, every muscle taut, senses alert as always.

“Kaitaama,” Stroud began, scanning the horizon with practiced precision, “the sensors show no anomalies along the western cliffs. We are clear for patrol.”

“I trust your eyes more than the sensors,” she replied, stepping just a little closer than necessary, her voice soft and teasing. “It’s nice to have someone who notices details most overlook.”

Stroud’s chest tightened at the casual brush of her presence. Focus. Discipline. “I maintain observation at all times, Kaitaama. You know that.”

Her smile deepened, the quiet amusement in her eyes deliberate. “I do, Major… but sometimes I wonder if you notice more than just threats.” She let her gaze linger on him, subtle and probing, daring him to acknowledge the undercurrent between them.

He stiffened slightly, conscious of the pull she had begun to provoke. Discipline first. Yet as they moved along the ramparts, he found himself acutely aware of the warmth in her eyes, the sway of her step, the quiet confidence she radiated.

They paused at a high point overlooking the cliffs, where the wind whispered softly against the stone walls. Kaitaama leaned lightly against the railing, moonlight accentuating the angles of her face. “You know, the first Kaitaama and Commander Trip — their connection was subtle at first, like this… an unspoken awareness that drew them together. I wonder if… well…” She paused, biting her lip slightly, “if I’m experiencing something similar with you.”

Stroud’s pulse quickened. His professional composure wavered, just slightly, betraying the internal struggle. “Kaitaama, we must remain focused. The perimeter is your priority, and mine is your safety.”

She tilted her head, a playful spark in her gaze. “And yet, you can’t help but notice me. Admit it, Major. You’re aware.”

He looked away, jaw tightening, forcing himself to concentrate on the horizon. I am aware… of protocol. Of duty. Nothing else.

Yet, she wasn’t done. “You’re infuriating,” she said softly, stepping closer, letting her shoulder brush his under the guise of examining a railing. “You act as though your discipline makes you untouchable. I wonder… how long you can resist simply… noticing me.”

Stroud’s hands clenched at his sides, his body taut. Control. Discipline. Yet the warmth radiating from her so near made restraint nearly impossible. “Kaitaama, any breach of security could be catastrophic. I cannot afford distraction,” he said, voice strained yet measured.

She smiled, teasing, mischievous. “I don’t want to distract you… just… challenge you. Test your resolve.”

As they walked slowly back along the ramparts, the tension between them was almost unbearable. Kaitaama’s hand brushed lightly against his arm again, a deliberate, playful touch that sent an unspoken message.

Stopping just before the palace gates, she looked up at him, eyes glimmering in the moonlight. “You’ve held your resolve impressively,” she murmured. “I’m… impressed, Major Stroud.”

Before he could respond, she stepped closer, tilting her head slightly. With the faintest whisper of movement, her lips brushed his cheek in a delicate, almost ceremonial gesture — a kiss meant to test boundaries, to communicate admiration, trust… and something more.

Stroud froze, jaw tight, eyes wide for a moment before forcing himself to step back, regaining composure. His mind raced — protocol, discipline, duty — yet beneath it, a flush of warmth spread across his chest.

“You… you shouldn’t,” he said finally, voice low and restrained.

“I know,” she said softly, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile. “But I also think… maybe you want me to.”

The air between them crackled with tension, silent yet undeniable. Both were acutely aware of the pull growing stronger — a quiet, magnetic connection neither could fully name, yet neither wanted to deny. The palace gates loomed ahead, a boundary between professional duty and the stirrings of something far more personal, intimate, and dangerous.

RSS Feed