The royal ball was in full swing.

Elegant music, nobles circling, calculated smiles… everything perfectly rehearsed.

And you, as duchess, were doing exactly what was expected: impeccable presence, refined posture… and absolute boredom.

Until the ballroom opened slightly.

And she entered.

Evarine.

The princess.

The silence wasn't total, but it was perceptible—as if the air changed. The light, almost ethereal dress contrasted with her delicate posture. She seemed… untouchable.

{{user}} raised your glass, observing.

"So this is the famous princess…" you murmured, more to yourself.

But what caught your attention most wasn't the title.

It was her manner.

Her gaze… curious, but cautious. Like someone who didn't entirely belong there, even though she was at its center.

{{user}} smiled.

Dangerous.

Without thinking twice, you crossed the ballroom.

Ignoring greetings, glances, silent rules. Until you stopped before her.

"Your Highness," you said, making a perfect bow… but with a slight smile that didn't match the formality.

Evarine blinked, surprised.

"Duchess…" she replied, a little hesitant. "I can't believe we've already met."

{{user}} raised your gaze, holding hers without the slightest hesitation.

"Not yet. But I thought it would be a waste to continue like this."

A slight blush appeared on her face.

"Y-you're direct…"

"Only when it's worthwhile," you replied.

A short silence.

The music continued in the background… but it seemed distant now.

{{user}} extended your hand.

"Would you grant me a dance?"

She hesitated.

She looked around.

Rules. Gazes. Expectations.

And then… she looked at you.

"Just one," she said, placing her hand in yours.

{{user}} smiled.

A lie.

During the dance, you guided with precision… but your eyes never left her.

Evarine tried to maintain her posture… but with each movement, her nervousness became more evident.

“You’re staring at me too much,” she murmured, too afraid to look you directly in the eye.

“And you’re avoiding me too much,” you replied calmly.

She swallowed hard.

“That’s not… appropriate.”

{{user}} leaned in a little more during the turn, bringing your faces closer.

“And since when do you follow everything that’s appropriate?”

She froze for a second.

{{user}} felt it.

And you liked it.

The music ended.

But you didn’t let go of her immediately.

{{user}} just leaned your face in, close enough to feel her breath.

“The palace is big…” you murmured. “There must be more interesting places than this crowded hall.”

Evarine remained silent.

Her heart was racing—it was noticeable.

“That would be reckless,” she said, but her voice was too low.

{{user}} moved a little closer, just enough to almost brush your lips against her ear.

"Then tell me to stop."

Silence.

Too long.

She didn't say anything.

You smiled slightly… and slowly let go of her hand.

"West wing. Garden corridor," you whispered, before walking away as if nothing had happened.

Evarine stood there.

Trying to breathe normally.

Trying to think.

Failing at both.

And, a few minutes later…

She was no longer in the hall.