Morning Reflection

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

510 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: Shadows Over Krios - USS Vigilance
Location: Krios Prime – Palace Gardens
Timeline: The morning after the ramparts patrol
Tags: Krios Prime, Princess Kaitaama, Major Stroud, USS Vigilance, Marine Detachment, Personal Security, Slow-Burn Romance, Mutual Attraction, Subtle Imprinting, Morning Patrol, Playful Boundary Testing, Controlled Desire, 2402

The morning sun bathed the palace gardens in warm gold, illuminating the intricate paths and fountains that reflected the sky. Princess Kaitaama strolled along the garden walkway, a soft breeze ruffling her dark hair. Her thoughts lingered on the events of the previous evening — the patrol, the quiet moments, and the brush of his shoulder, culminating in the delicate kiss on her cheek.

Major Alexander Stroud approached at a measured pace, eyes scanning the surroundings even as his attention subtly sought her. His presence was calm, controlled, yet she noticed the tension in his posture, the slight narrowing of his eyes, the faint rise and fall of his chest as if he were restraining something more than duty.

“Kaitaama,” he said, voice smooth, professional, yet with a note of warmth that made her pulse quicken. “The eastern perimeter shows no anomalies this morning. All is secure.”

“I know,” she replied, smiling softly. “I… wanted to see you anyway.” She let the words linger, unspoken implications wrapped between them.

Stroud’s gaze met hers, steady and unwavering. “I am here, as requested.” His tone was formal, yet she detected the subtle undertone — a careful acknowledgement of last night, a silent understanding that neither had named aloud.

She stepped a little closer, letting the morning light catch the glint in her eyes. “You know,” she said, voice gentle, teasing without breaking formality, “you’ve made this assignment… far more interesting than I anticipated.”

Stroud’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, a quiet acknowledgment of the pull between them. “Your presence has… certainly required vigilance,” he replied carefully, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

For a heartbeat, the garden seemed to shrink around them. The sound of water trickling from a nearby fountain, the soft rustle of leaves, and the distant call of birds created a private world — theirs alone, even in the open air. Kaitaama’s gaze lingered on him, drawn to the controlled strength in his posture, the quiet intensity in his eyes, the invisible pull that had been building since the patrols began.

“You’re remarkably disciplined,” she said softly, stepping closer again, brushing lightly against his arm, testing boundaries as before. “I wonder… if even you feel it, Major Stroud. This… connection.”

Stroud’s breath caught slightly, though his face remained neutral. “I am aware,” he said quietly. “And I… respect it.” His eyes held hers longer than necessary, unspoken meaning passing between them.

Kaitaama’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Good,” she murmured. “Because I… I do.”

The air between them pulsed with quiet intensity, a silent agreement forming: the connection was mutual, acknowledged but controlled, simmering beneath professionalism, ready to grow. Neither needed to speak more — the morning sun, the gentle breeze, and the subtle touches conveyed everything words could not.

They continued walking side by side through the gardens, the tension and attraction threading every step, every glance, every breath. And though nothing had been declared, both knew this was only the beginning of something far deeper than duty alone.

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