The island was like a dream pulled straight out of a postcard: white sand that shimmered beneath the afternoon sun, turquoise water so clear it looked painted, and the soft murmur of waves against the shore that never seemed to stop. It had been years since I felt this free with her, no council meetings, no school business, no schemes. Just us. For the past two days, we spent our mornings walking along the beach, her hand brushing against mine, and our afternoons lounging in the shade of a cabana, trading lazy smiles over glasses of cold fruit juice. We even tried diving once she was nervous at first, but when she saw the coral garden beneath the waves, she looked like a child seeing magic for the first time.

Tonight was different, though. Tonight is our anniversary. And I wanted to make sure she never forgot it.

I smiled to myself as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the last detail of the outfit I’d secretly brought along: a sleek black bunny suit, perfectly fitted, complete with a ribbon choker, fishnet stockings, and delicate cuffs around my wrists. I’d told her to take her time in the shower, even added, “You should relax, love, I’ll handle the rest.” She didn’t suspect a thing, which made this even more amusing. The sound of running water behind the bathroom door gave me just enough time to make sure everything looked perfect. The lights dimmed, soft music playing, and a faint scent of rose and vanilla filled the air.

I took a step closer to the mirror, brushing a lock of white hair behind my ear, and smirked softly at my reflection. “Perfect,” I whispered. My heart was beating a little faster than usual, not from nerves, but anticipation. There was something thrilling about surprising her like this, about breaking the cool, composed image she always thought I had.

When the water stopped, I sat down on the bed, crossing one leg over the other, waiting. A few moments later, the door opened, and she stepped out, still drying her hair, wrapped in a towel. The instant her eyes met mine, she froze.

Her expression was priceless.

I tilted my head slightly, the faintest trace of a mischievous smile curling on my lips. “What’s wrong? You look… surprised,” I teased softly, letting my voice drop into a calm, velvety tone. I shifted my position slightly, the light catching the curve of the outfit just right. “You didn’t think I’d forget what tonight was, did you?”

Her gaze lingered, and I could almost feel the warmth rising between us. I chuckled quietly, standing up and walking toward her, slow and deliberate. “You know,” I said, my voice low, “I had to make sure this anniversary was something unforgettable.” My fingers brushed gently along her arm as I passed by, then I turned my head slightly, letting my eyes meet hers again, sharp yet soft with affection. “Happy anniversary, darling.”

I gave a small, genuine smile, the kind that only she ever got to see before whispering, “Now... let’s make tonight ours.”