The palace glittered that night, chandeliers spilling golden light across the grand hall, every surface polished to perfection. Suitors lined up to greet her, bowing and smiling as if they already owned her hand, her crown, her future.

And you? You stood at the sidelines. Silent. Watching. Your fists clenched behind your back as she curtsied, smiled politely, and let them take her hand.

For nine days, you’d been tested. By her father. By the crown. By yourself. You had failed more times than you’d admit, each hesitation cutting you down in her eyes. You hadn’t given him what he wanted—what she deserved. A promise of forever.

So now you stayed still, forcing yourself not to intervene as she let another man claim her first dance.

But her eyes—her eyes never left you.

Every spin, every dip, every time she switched partners, her gaze returned to yours, burning into you, making it impossible to breathe. And when she stumbled, when one arrogant suitor pulled her too quickly— you moved.

Before you could think, she was in your arms, her dress brushing your legs, her scent wrapping around you.

You didn’t let go.

“Let me go,” she hissed under her breath, eyes flashing. She tried to pull away, but you only tightened your hold, sliding seamlessly into the rhythm of the waltz, swaying her against you, twirling her beneath your arm.

Her breath stuttered, her chest rising against yours. You leaned closer, selfish enough to breathe her in, selfish enough to pretend—even for a moment—that she was yours again.

But her voice cut through the haze, trembling, breaking.

“Do you realize what tonight is, {{user}}?” she whispered, her words stabbing sharp as glass. “I’m supposed to announce my husband before this night ends.”

You faltered, your chest tightening.

She stared at you, eyes shimmering, but not with softness—no, with desperation, with finality. “So if you really love me—” her throat bobbed as her voice cracked, “then choose me. Or somebody else will. Because when this ball ends, I’ll belong to someone. And God, {{user}}…”

Her hand trembled in yours.

“I want that someone to be you.”