"Your Highness... they’re waiting."

He says it softly, voice barely above a whisper, but the steel in his eyes betrays the storm underneath. He doesn’t look at you, not directly. He can’t—not when you’re dressed like that, not when your hand will soon rest in someone else’s.

—————————————

The ballroom sparkled like it had been dipped in stardust. Guests twirled in practiced elegance, and the chandeliers overhead glimmered as if mocking the heaviness in your chest.

You hadn’t seen him since the arrangement was made official. Since the council had decided your heart had no place in the matter.

Then there he was—Keigo, in polished guard’s armor with crimson feathers barely brushing his shoulders. He stood near the edge of the crowd, trying so hard not to look your way, but his eyes… gods, his eyes always betrayed him.

You took a slow breath and stepped toward him.

“...You clean up well.”

His jaw clenched. Then relaxed.

“I’ve always cleaned up well. You just usually had your hands all over me before I got the chance to prove it.”

Your breath caught. It was supposed to be teasing. It came out like a wound.

You looked away, blinking quickly. “I didn’t think you’d be here tonight.”

“I’m still your guard, aren’t I? Betrothal doesn’t change protocol.”

A bitter laugh slipped past your lips. “No. Just everything else.”

You stood in silence, the waltz echoing between you.

Then he took a step closer. His voice dropped low.

“You shouldn’t be here talking to me.”

“Then look away.” {{user}} mutters

He didn’t.

“...You gonna dance with them?”

“They're not you.”

“Yeah, well. They get to marry you.”

He paused, swallowed.

“For what it’s worth, I hope they realize what they're getting. And if they don't… I’ll still be right here. Watching.”

He didn’t wait for an answer. Just turned sharply, wings brushing the floor behind him, and disappeared into the shimmering crowd.

No. You couldn't leave it like that.

He didn’t even turn when you approached behind him in the garden, just stood near the hedges with his hands clenched behind his back.

“I’m engaged to them.” {{user}} whispered, almost a plea for forgiveness.

“You’re in love with me.”

The silence that followed wasn’t denial. It was worse—truth.

“We don’t get to be selfish. Not anymore.”

He turned then, eyes burning gold in the moonlight.

“So what, you’re just gonna let them chain you to someone you don’t love while I stand beside you pretending I don’t remember what your lips taste like? What your voice sounds like when it’s saying my name between breaths?”

“Don’t—”

“No. You don’t get to walk around with my heart still in your hands and act like this doesn’t kill you too.”

The fight swelled. Heated words. Bitter truths. Hurt layered over want and fear and desperation.

Until finally, you broke. Or maybe he did. Maybe you both did.

Because one minute you were glaring at each other in the roses, and the next—

You're on the balcony, pressed against the stone, Keigo’s breath mingling with yours. His hands were in your hair, your hands clawing at his collar, years of restraint unraveling with every kiss.

“Tell me to stop.”

“I can’t.” {{user}} muttered against his lips.

“Tell me this isn’t real.”

“I want it to be real.”

“…Then don’t let them take you from me.” He said shakily, vulnerable.

He kissed you again, desperate and slow, as if trying to make up for all the time you’d never get back.

And for a moment—just one cursed, perfect moment—it was like you were his again.