dance the night away, valentines with a princess

I was enjoying a peaceful morning in the academy's garden, carefully tending to the flowers as an honorary member of the gardening club should. The air was crisp with the lingering scent of dew, and the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze made for a soothing backdrop. These past few days had been unusually calm—no unexpected chaos, no sudden magical disasters, no overwhelming social entanglements. Just quiet, uninterrupted serenity.

For once, life felt manageable.

I carefully brushed away a stray leaf from the petals of a blooming rose, admiring its delicate form. The tranquility of the garden had a way of grounding me, making me forget the weight of academy life, if only for a little while.

Just as I was preparing to leave, footsteps approached, quick but graceful, disrupting the stillness around me. I turned my head, and there—almost like a vision out of a dream—was Lillian, her flowing pastel pink hair catching the morning light as she strode toward me.

Something about her movement felt rushed, urgent, yet she still carried that effortless elegance she was known for. The way her gown swayed with each step only added to the effect. But it wasn't just her presence that caught my attention—it was the slight crease in her brow, the way her sparkling green eyes darted toward me with determination.

She was flustered.

And that was rare.

Curious, I straightened up, brushing my hands off on my skirt as I watched her approach. "Lillian?" I called out, tilting my head. "You look like you're in a hurry. Something wrong?"

Lillian came to a stop just a few steps away, her shimmering green eyes flickering to the side, avoiding direct contact with mine. Her usual composed elegance seemed slightly off—her fingers toyed with the fabric of her gown, and a faint dusting of pink graced her cheeks.

"Um, actually… there's something I want to talk to you about," she said, her voice soft yet tinged with hesitation.

My brow arched slightly. That was unusual. Lillian wasn't one to stumble over her words. Normally, she carried herself with poise, speaking with the confidence befitting someone of noble lineage. But now? Now she looked almost nervous.

I dusted off my hands and took a step closer, offering a small smile to ease whatever tension she was feeling. "Of course. What is it?"

She hesitated, shifting her weight slightly before glancing around, as if ensuring no one else was nearby to overhear. That only made me more intrigued.

Whatever this was, it wasn't something casual.

Lillian took a breath, gathering herself before speaking again.

"So… there's something important coming up," she said, her voice softer than usual, almost shy.

I nodded, curious. "Yeah?"

"Like… really important."

I tilted my head slightly, trying to read her expression. "I understand."

She hesitated for a beat, her fingers lightly toying with the delicate embroidery on her gown. "Royals, nobles, and my family will be there."

That certainly sounded grand. "That must be something," I mused, watching as she bit her lip, clearly working up to something.

Then she took a step closer, her sparkling green eyes meeting mine with a quiet determination.

"I need you there," she finally said.

My brain short-circuited.

"Eh? What? Huh?"

Lillian let out a soft laugh, a mix of amusement and nervousness as she tucked a loose strand of pastel-pink hair behind her ear. "There's going to be a ball," she explained, her voice laced with something gentle, almost expectant. "And… I need a partner."

A ball. A formal event. With Lillian.

I blinked, my mind catching up to her words, yet unable to fully process them. She needed me—not just as a friend, not just as company, but as her partner.

The realization hit like a soft yet undeniable wave, warm and lingering.

I swallowed, my voice coming out slightly flustered. "You—you want me to be your partner?"

Lillian nodded, a small, almost bashful smile forming on her lips. "Yes."

I couldn't tell what was more surprising—the invitation itself or the way she was looking at me now, like my answer actually mattered to her. Like she genuinely wanted this.

"I… I don't know what to say," I admitted, feeling a little breathless.

She took another step closer, the scent of her soft floral perfume wrapping around me. "Say yes?" she suggested, her tone laced with a hopeful charm that sent a flutter through my chest.

Her fingers brushed lightly against mine, hesitant yet intentional, as if silently asking again.

It was dangerously easy to get lost in her gaze, in the way her warmth surrounded me like a quiet embrace.

Maybe this wouldn't be just a ball.

Maybe, for Lillian, this was something more.

I exhaled softly, pushing aside the strange warmth curling in my chest. "Okay, sure. I'll go with you."

Lillian's eyes widened, as if she hadn't entirely expected me to agree so easily. Then, without warning, a bright, overjoyed smile broke across her face. "Really? Thank you!"

Before I could even react, she threw her arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. My breath hitched as her arms wrapped around my neck, and instinctively, I hesitated for a split second before slowly bringing my own arms around her waist.

She was warm.

And she smelled really good—like soft florals, sweet yet elegant, with just the faintest trace of something uniquely Lillian. My mind blanked for a second as I inhaled her scent, my heart suddenly betraying me with a stutter.

"W-Wait, aren't noble ladies supposed to be more graceful?" I managed to tease, my voice coming out shakier than I'd intended.

Lillian giggled, her breath tickling the side of my neck. "Not when I'm happy," she admitted, squeezing me just a little tighter before finally pulling back—but not too far.

Her hands rested lightly against my shoulders, and she was still standing way too close. The way her green eyes sparkled made it impossible to look away.

I cleared my throat, trying to focus. "S-So… what do I need to wear?"

Lillian's expression turned thoughtful, but the teasing glint in her gaze never faded. "Well," she mused, tilting her head, "there's a theme. We need to match."

I raised an eyebrow. "Do we both wear dresses, or…?"

She tapped her chin playfully. "Hmm… I have an idea," she said, her lips curling into a small, mischievous smile. "Why don't we shop for a matching suit and dress?"

I blinked. "Wait, so—"

"Of course, you will be the one in the suit," she added, poking my chest lightly, a teasing lilt in her voice. "We'll make you handsome. Like a handsome little puppy."

I groaned, already regretting agreeing to this. "Lillian…"

She clasped her hands together, looking far too pleased with herself. "My handsome puppy," she corrected with a knowing smirk.

My entire face heated. "O-Oh my god, stop."

She giggled, her fingers grazing against my sleeve as she turned, gently tugging me along. "Nope. You agreed, and now I get to have fun dressing you up. We're going shopping."

I sighed in defeat but couldn't fight the tiny, traitorous smile tugging at my lips.

Maybe, just maybe, this was going to be fun.

That was, until I realized exactly where we were shopping.

I came to a stop in front of the grand, towering building, my gaze slowly trailing up its intricate architecture. The entrance alone was enough to make my jaw drop—tall, gleaming glass doors framed by gilded gold designs, flanked by two marble columns. Elegant, swirling patterns decorated the walls, and the grand sign above the entrance bore a name in delicate, flowing script—one that I couldn't recognize, which only meant one thing: this place was exclusive.

Too exclusive.

I let out a slow breath, crossing my arms as I turned to Lillian, who stood beside me with an amused little smile, looking as if this was the most normal thing in the world.

"Lillian," I started, still staring at the luxurious storefront, "I knew you were rich. But I didn't expect you to be this rich—to the point where we're shopping at a place I've never even seen before."

She giggled, clearly enjoying my reaction. "That's because it's not open to just anyone."

Of course it wasn't.

"This is a royal boutique," she continued, clasping her hands behind her back. "It specializes in custom outfits for nobility, royalty, and high-ranking figures." She turned to me, her green eyes twinkling. "And since you're my partner for the ball, that means you get the royal treatment, too."

I huffed, eyeing the extravagant entrance warily. "Guess that's the princess for you, huh?"

Lillian only smiled, stepping closer as she gently looped her arm through mine. The warmth of her touch sent a tiny jolt through me, but before I could react, she leaned in slightly, her voice carrying a playful lilt.

"You're not nervous, are you?" she teased, tilting her head in a way that made my heart stumble.

"Nervous? No. Just… adjusting to the fact that I'll be walking into a place where I clearly don't belong," I muttered, still skeptical.

Lillian gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart as if I had just said something utterly blasphemous. "Sera Vandren, you wound me," she sighed. "Are you saying that my partner doesn't belong in a boutique fit for royalty?"

I opened my mouth, but before I could say anything, she beamed and tugged me toward the entrance. "Too late! You belong now—because I say so."

I sighed, letting myself be dragged inside, but I couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips.

This was definitely going to be an experience.

I had already expected the boutique to be extravagant, but I knew this was next-level when, the moment we stepped inside, two well-dressed individuals—clearly the owner and the manager—hurried forward to greet Lillian personally.

The owner, a distinguished-looking older gentleman, dipped his head respectfully. "Princess, what an honor. It's a surprise to see you here today."

"Welcome, Princess Lillian," the manager, a stylish woman dressed in elegant fabrics, added with a warm smile.

Lillian, completely unfazed by the attention, returned their greetings with effortless grace. "Thank you," she said pleasantly before diving straight into business. "I'm looking for a suit and a dress for my upcoming ball. They need to be matching."

The owner nodded, already eager to accommodate. "Of course, Your Highness. We will make sure—"

"Oh, and I also need stylists to personally attend to my partner here," Lillian continued, turning slightly and placing a delicate yet firm hand on my shoulder. "This is Sera Vandren."

I stiffened at the introduction, already sensing the eyes of the boutique staff subtly appraising me.

"She needs to look handsome—properly styled, fitted to perfection," Lillian declared, her tone decisive. "I want her suit tailored specifically for her, no cutting corners, and—oh, yes, we'll need accessory options as well. Something elegant but with a bold touch. Perhaps silver accents to complement her eyes, and—"

And then I was completely lost.

Lillian's voice became a blur of fabric names, style descriptions, and color palettes, weaving through an intricate language of fashion that left me struggling to keep up. How did she know so much about this? I was still trying to wrap my head around the idea of wearing something expensive, and here she was, coordinating an entire look for me like she was planning a royal wedding.

I stood there, blinking as she continued effortlessly conversing with the owner and stylists, discussing silhouette preferences, the importance of a perfectly fitted jacket, and whether a subtle embroidery detail would enhance the aesthetic.

"…And of course, the final touch has to be the finishing details of the lapels," she mused, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

I had no idea what was happening anymore.

The owner nodded eagerly. "A splendid vision, Princess Lillian. We will ensure that both your attire and Lady Vandren's suit are of the highest craftsmanship."

Lady Vandren? Oh no. That's too fancy.

I cleared my throat, feeling exceptionally out of place. "Uh… Lillian?"

She finally turned to me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yes?"

I gestured vaguely at the luxurious fabrics surrounding us. "Are we sure I need all of this? I mean… handsome?"

She hummed in amusement, stepping closer. "Yes. Handsome." She tilted her head slightly, her expression turning teasing. "Unless you'd prefer 'charming'? Or maybe 'dashing'?"

I groaned, running a hand down my face. "Lillian…"

She giggled, reaching up to adjust my collar—even though I wasn't even wearing a suit yet. "You'll look perfect," she said smoothly. "My perfect partner for the ball."

The way she said my made my stomach do something strange, something I absolutely did not want to acknowledge.

Instead, I sighed in surrender. "Fine, fine. Do your worst."

Lillian beamed. "Oh, I plan to do my best."

And judging by the delighted way the boutique staff were already gathering materials, I had a feeling I was in for a long but very interesting day.

For the next couple of hours, I was—quite literally—Lillian's personal dress-up doll.

The moment I was ushered into the boutique's private fitting area, an entire team of stylists and tailors descended upon me with the kind of precision and enthusiasm that suggested they had been waiting their entire lives for a challenge like this.

One moment, I was standing awkwardly in the center of the luxurious room, and the next, I was being measured from head to toe, arms lifted, posture adjusted, and fabric samples draped over my shoulders before I could even process what was happening.

"Hold still, Lady Vandren."

"Hmm, no, no, this fabric won't do—her complexion needs something a bit cooler in tone!"

"Oh, Princess Lillian, what do you think of silver embroidery for the lapels?"

Lillian, of course, was completely in her element.

While I stood there, half-stunned and half-resigned to my fate, she oversaw every detail with the grace of a royal fashion consultant. She circled me with an appraising gaze, occasionally tilting her head or tapping a delicate finger against her lips as she made suggestions, all while enjoying my suffering way too much.

At one point, when they had me in a fitted black and white suit that—admittedly—looked way too good on me, she placed a finger to her chin and hummed in thought.

"It's missing something," she mused. Then, with a mischievous smile, she reached out and straightened my collar herself, her fingers brushing lightly against my skin.

I froze.

"L-Lillian—"

"There," she said, stepping back with satisfaction, completely ignoring the way I almost stopped breathing from that simple touch. "Now you're looking more like my handsome puppy."

I groaned, again. "Can you please stop calling me that?"

She only giggled, utterly unbothered. "No. It suits you."

One of the stylists, who had clearly been listening, nodded in agreement. "It does, doesn't it?"

I nearly buried my face in my hands.

This was officially the most embarrassing shopping trip of my life.

And yet… when I caught the way Lillian looked at me—satisfied, excited, and just a little bit soft—I couldn't really bring myself to mind all that much.

Still, as I glanced at my reflection in the large ornate mirror, one thing stood out to me more than anything else. I furrowed my brows, reaching up to touch my styled hair, feeling the soft, deliberate waves and the way certain strands had been carefully swept back to frame my face.

"Still," I muttered, tilting my head slightly, "I don't get this hairstyle. What is this even called?"

The lead stylist perked up at my question, clasping their hands together. "Ah! A perfect balance of refined elegance and effortless charm. We wanted to enhance your natural features while maintaining a gender-neutral appeal—something that blends both sophistication and softness."

I blinked. "…So, you just made that up on the spot?"

Lillian giggled beside me. "Sera," she said, stepping closer, her fingers barely ghosting over a few loose strands near my temple, "they mean you look perfect."

I felt my face heat up immediately.

"I—I don't know about perfect," I grumbled, still inspecting the hairstyle critically. "Maybe I do look… handsome or whatever, but it still has some feminine details."

Lillian hummed, tilting her head as if considering my words. Then, before I could react, she reached up and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, her fingers grazing my skin for just a moment longer than necessary.

I froze.

"It suits you," she murmured, her voice just above a whisper. "You suit this."

My brain short-circuited.

The room suddenly felt too warm. The boutique, the stylists, the grand luxurious space—it all faded into background noise as I became painfully aware of the way Lillian was looking at me.

Not just with amusement. Not just with her usual teasing glint.

No—this was different.

She was looking at me like I was something worth admiring.

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. "Y-You're enjoying this way too much," I muttered, trying to deflect.

Lillian simply smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Of course I am."

She didn't even bother denying it.

I exhaled, already knowing I was doomed.

Desperate for a distraction, I cleared my throat and shifted the conversation away from my steadily rising heart rate. "Did you pick your dress already, Lillian?" I asked, hoping to regain some composure.

Lillian's lips curled into a knowing smile, clearly aware of my attempt to change the subject—but, mercifully, she played along.

"Of course," she said smoothly, stepping back slightly with a graceful twirl, as if already imagining herself in it. "It matches us perfectly."

I arched a brow. "Yeah?"

Her smile widened as she leaned in slightly, her voice laced with playful mischief. "Mmm. Almost like we're a real—proper, lovely couple."

I choked on air.

Lillian giggled, clearly enjoying the effect she had on me. "What's wrong, Sera?" she teased, resting a dainty hand against her cheek. "You agreed to be my partner, didn't you? And partners should look good together, don't you think?"

"I—" I opened my mouth, then closed it, then opened it again—only to realize I had absolutely no idea how to respond.

She was enjoying this. Way too much.

After a long pause, I finally managed a muttered, "I'm never letting you plan anything for me ever again."

Lillian gasped, dramatically placing a hand over her heart. "Oh, but Sera—who else is going to make you look this good?"

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "This is humiliating."

"Adorable," Lillian corrected, nudging me lightly. "And besides, you'll see soon enough—when we walk into that ballroom together, everyone's going to be staring."

The way she said it—so casual, yet brimming with confidence—sent an unexpected warmth curling through my chest.

"…Staring at you, obviously," I mumbled, still avoiding her gaze.

Lillian tilted her head. "Oh? I wouldn't be so sure about that."

There was something in her voice—something lighthearted, yes, but also something deeper.

And for the first time, I wondered…

Was this just a game to her? Or did she actually—?

I shook my head, forcing the thought away before it could form completely.

No. No way.

Absolutely not.

Lillian was just teasing me—as always. That's all this was.

I barely had time to dwell on it before she took my hand again, her fingers slipping effortlessly into mine as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Come on, love, let's go. There's only a few hours left before the ball," Lillian said, her voice dripping with both elegance and amusement.

I stiffened at the pet name.

Love? LOVE?

Before I could protest, she gently tugged me forward, completely unfazed by my spiraling thoughts.

"O-Okay," I managed, my voice coming out far weaker than I would have liked.

Lillian only smiled, clearly very pleased with herself.

And just like that, the whirlwind of preparations continued.

Between last-minute tailoring, finishing touches, and Lillian ensuring that my hair and accessories were absolutely flawless, the hours slipped away faster than I expected.

Before I knew it, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow through the windows of the boutique.

And soon enough…

The ball arrived faster than I thought.

Before I could fully process it, we were standing at the grand entrance of the royal ballroom, where golden chandeliers bathed the entire hall in a warm, ethereal glow. The scent of fresh roses and fine perfumes lingered in the air, mixing with the soft melodies played by a live orchestra in the corner.

My breath caught as I took in the sheer extravagance of the venue. Towering glass windows framed the ballroom, reflecting the twinkling candlelight of a hundred chandeliers above. The floors gleamed like polished marble, and nobles in their finest attire moved elegantly across the room, engaged in quiet conversations or poised gracefully by the dance floor.

"This place… wow," I muttered under my breath, still trying to take it all in.

Lillian let out a soft, knowing chuckle. "I know," she murmured, her voice laced with familiarity. "They always go all out for these events."

As we stepped forward together, my awareness of our matching outfits—our intertwined hands—became increasingly overwhelming.

I could feel the weight of curious gazes turning toward us, the whispers already starting. Not that it was surprising—Lillian was the princess of this kingdom, after all, and she had just arrived with me.

It wasn't just that I was dressed differently than usual—it was the way she looked at me.

Somehow, my suit and hairstyle made me feel more self-conscious than I'd expected. The carefully tailored fit, the subtle embroidery on the lapels, the way Lillian had personally ensured every detail was perfect—it all made me hyperaware of how I must have appeared in the eyes of others.

But was it really the suit?

Or was it because of how amazing Lillian looked?

The moment I glanced at her, my breath hitched slightly.

She was stunning. Beyond stunning.

Her gown was a flowing masterpiece of elegance, the soft, shimmering fabric cascading around her like a dream. Every detail—from the delicate embroidery that matched the accents of my suit, to the way her pastel pink hair was styled in elegant waves—was perfection.

I had seen Lillian look beautiful countless times before, but tonight…

Tonight, she was breathtaking.

I swallowed hard, suddenly feeling an odd warmth creep up my neck. How had I not fully processed this until now?

Lillian must have noticed my lingering stare because she turned to me, amusement dancing in her emerald-green eyes.

"Something wrong, Sera?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her smile playful yet impossibly soft.

I quickly looked away, desperately trying to ignore the way my pulse had just spiked.

"N-No," I muttered. "Just… uh… taking it all in."

Lillian giggled, squeezing my hand ever so slightly. "Good," she said, leaning in just enough that her voice brushed against my ear.

"Because the night's only just beginning."

Lillian's words lingered in my mind as we stepped further into the grand ballroom, our entrance drawing immediate attention.

Greetings flowed in from all directions—nobles, royals, esteemed guests—all offering their pleasantries, their smiles polished and practiced. But while they greeted Lillian with the respect her status demanded, their eyes kept flickering toward me.

It wasn't hard to see why.

I was Lillian Aurora's partner.

And that, apparently, made me one of the most talked-about figures of the night.

I wasn't used to this level of attention. People whispered as we passed, their curious gazes lingering. Some approached boldly, attempting to strike up conversations, throwing in pleasantries or veiled intrigue, subtly (or not-so-subtly) trying to gauge my connection to the princess.

But before any of them could get too close—before they could utter more than a few words—Lillian shut them down.

A polite smile. A well-placed step closer to me. A graceful but undeniable dismissal.

If someone tried to compliment me, Lillian would sweetly redirect the conversation elsewhere. If someone inquired about our relationship, she would tilt her head just so, flash that charming yet ambiguous smile, and leave them floundering for answers.

By the third or fourth time she did this, it was obvious—she wasn't sharing me with anyone tonight.

And, if I was being honest, I wasn't entirely against it.

Soon enough, the ball transitioned into its main event—the dancing.

The musicians shifted into a soft, flowing melody, and couples moved toward the grand ballroom floor, hands clasping as they took their places in elegant formation.

I barely had time to process it before Lillian turned toward me, extending her hand.

"Shall we dance, Vandren?" she asked, her voice teasing yet undeniably warm.

I smirked slightly, playing along. "I would be honored, Aurora."

Lillian giggled, her fingers intertwining with mine as she gently pulled me toward the dance floor. "I knew it," she murmured, her voice just for me. "Coming with you was the best choice."

As I placed my other hand at her waist, guiding her into the first step of the dance, I exhaled slowly.

This night…

Was going to be unforgettable.

Her hands rested gently on my shoulders, delicate yet firm, while mine held her waist, guiding us effortlessly in sync with the music. The slow rhythm of the waltz dictated our movements, elegant and deliberate, yet something about it felt far more intimate than just a simple dance.

The ballroom around us blurred into soft candlelight and distant murmurs, but all I could truly focus on was her—the warmth of her touch, the way her pastel-pink hair framed her face, the subtle sparkle in her emerald-green eyes as they met mine.

Somehow, I felt like I had to say something. Anything to ease the growing tension that wasn't discomfort, but rather something unfamiliar, something that made my heartbeat just a little too fast.

I took a slow breath, mustered up my courage, and finally spoke.

"You're really lovely, you know that?"

The words left my lips before I could second-guess them, and for a brief moment, I wondered if I had said too much.

But then—

A delicate blush dusted Lillian's cheeks, her emerald eyes widening just slightly before softening into something gentler. Something that made my chest tighten in a way I wasn't prepared for.

Her fingers curled slightly against my shoulders, her hold shifting just enough that I could feel the heat of her skin through the fabric of my suit.

"…Thank you," she murmured, her voice quieter now, softer. Then, with an amused glimmer in her gaze, she tilted her head slightly, stepping in just a little closer.

"You're lovely as well," she added, her tone dipped in something sweetly playful, something that sent a pleasant shiver down my spine.

I swallowed, feeling my throat suddenly very dry.

Had she always been this bewitching? Or was it just the candlelight, the music, the way her fingers brushed against me as we moved?

"I—" I started, but she giggled, cutting me off as she leaned in just enough that her breath tickled my ear.

"Are you nervous, Sera?"

Oh, she was enjoying this.

My grip on her waist instinctively tightened, not enough to startle her, but enough to send a message—two could play this game.

With a smirk, I leaned in as well, letting my lips hover dangerously close to her ear.

"Not at all," I murmured, my voice dropping just slightly. "Are you?"

Lillian let out a very quiet breath, and I didn't miss the way her fingers clenched briefly against my shoulders.

But she recovered quickly, her emerald eyes glinting with something playful—but also something else. Something wicked.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Sera," she murmured, voice light yet carrying an unmistakable challenge. Then, without warning, she leaned up—too close, too bold, her breath fanning against my skin as she whispered near my ear.

"Since everyone is distracted," she continued, her fingers giving a fleeting squeeze on my shoulders, "let's go somewhere, yeah? We both know this grand ball isn't for us."

I blinked, trying to ignore the way my heart did something weirdly traitorous in my chest. "But wouldn't they notice that the princess was missing?"

Lillian scoffed, already slipping her fingers around my wrist, gently tugging me toward the edge of the ballroom. "Please. They're mostly here for my father anyway. Royal business and such. Nobody will care if I slip away for a little while."

"Right." I rolled my eyes. "Totally responsible behavior."

She giggled, clearly unbothered by my sarcasm. But before she could lead me out, she grabbed a glass of something off a passing tray—a delicate crystal goblet filled with shimmering, golden liquid.

I arched a brow. "Are you sure you're old enough to drink?"

Lillian took a very deliberate sip before flashing me a smirk. "Who cares? I'm the princess."

I crossed my arms. "And for the record?"

She grinned. "I am legal."

"To drink?"

"I'm the princess."

I let out a dramatic sigh, shaking my head, but before I could respond, she laced her fingers with mine and dragged me out of the ballroom without another word.

We slipped away through one of the side corridors, weaving past the grand halls and stepping into the cool night air. The chatter, the music, the grandeur of the ball all melted away, replaced by something far more peaceful.

The back garden stretched before us, bathed in soft moonlight. Tall grass swayed gently in the evening breeze, the scent of fresh flowers filling the air. A few ornate benches were scattered along the stone path, barely touched by any of the guests inside. Fireflies flickered lazily between the blossoms, and for the first time all night, it was just the two of us.

Lillian let out a small, pleased sigh as she sank onto one of the benches, finally releasing my hand. She tilted her head back slightly, gazing up at the stars as she took the last sip of her drink, finishing it in one smooth gulp before setting the empty goblet down beside her.

She exhaled, slow and content.

"Isn't this nice?" she murmured, voice softer now, losing its teasing edge. "Quiet."

It was.

And for the first time that night, I wasn't sure if that was the dangerous part.

We were alone now, tucked away in the secluded back garden, away from prying eyes and the weight of expectation. No nobles whispering. No forced pleasantries. Just the soft rustling of tall grass, the gentle hum of distant music bleeding through the grand ballroom's walls, and the steady rhythm of our own breaths.

Lillian sat beside me on the stone bench, her posture relaxed, but there was something different about her now. The teasing glint in her eyes had softened, replaced by something more genuine—something unspoken.

She turned to me, tucking a strand of her pastel pink hair behind her ear. The golden glow of the lanterns flickered against her skin, casting her in dreamlike warmth.

"Thank you, Sera," she murmured, her voice quieter now. Softer. "I really mean it. For coming here with me."

Her words sent a strange warmth curling through my chest, something far too tender, something dangerous.

I swallowed, suddenly hyperaware of how close we were.

"I… I should be the one thanking you," I said, my voice coming out lower than I intended. "This whole thing—this night—you really went all out for me."

Lillian smiled, but there was something unreadable behind it. Something intense.

"I wanted to," she admitted, her emerald gaze holding mine in a way that made my breath catch.

A pause.

A shift in the air.

The world around us blurred into the silent pull between us, an unspoken question lingering in the space where our hands rested, barely touching.

Then, Lillian moved.

Slow. Deliberate.

Her fingers trailed lightly up my arm before settling against my jaw, her touch featherlight, yet electrifying. My pulse stuttered. My breath hitched.

She leaned in—so agonizingly slow that my stomach tightened with anticipation.

And when she finally, finally pressed her lips to mine, it was like a slow-burning fire igniting deep in my core.

The kiss started gentle, soft and exploring, her lips warm against mine, molding in perfect rhythm. But then—then she tilted her head, pressing in deeper, the sweetness of her drink lingering faintly on her tongue as she tasted me.

I let her.

No—I wanted her to.

A quiet sigh escaped her as she shifted closer, her fingers threading through my hair, nails lightly scratching against my scalp in a way that made me shudder.

And then she parted her lips, just slightly—just enough to let her tongue brush against mine, a teasing, deliciously slow glide that sent a sharp jolt down my spine.

A needy sound escaped me before I could stop it, and Lillian smiled against my lips, knowing, pleased.

She took her time, deepening the kiss further, her body pressing subtly into mine as her hands trailed down to my collar, gripping the fabric with just enough pressure to drive me insane.

I responded instinctively, my hands finding her waist, pulling her flush against me as I kissed her back with just as much fervor, my tongue sliding against hers in an intoxicating, languid dance.

Heat coiled low in my stomach, my heart hammering as she sighed into me, her breathless, hushed noises only fueling the fire licking beneath my skin.

The kiss stretched into something long, slow, deep, neither of us in any rush to pull away, both of us savoring every second.

By the time we finally did part, we were both breathless, our lips tingling, our gazes heavy-lidded and dark with something neither of us could—or wanted—to name.

Lillian's fingers still toyed with my collar, her smirk lazy and utterly satisfied.

"You," she whispered, her voice husky, teasing, pleased, "taste as good as I imagined."

I exhaled, gripping her waist a little tighter, pressing my forehead against hers. "You've imagined this?"

She giggled, running a single teasing finger down the front of my chest before whispering, "Oh, darling… so many times."

I groaned, completely, absolutely doomed.