the cool night air, a stark contrast to the stuffy palace halls, whispered against your skin.

sneaking out felt deliciously forbidden, a rebellion against gilded cages and endless protocols.

tonight, the stars were your silent accomplices, scattered across the inky canvas like spilled diamonds. you'd accepted arnold's casual proposal to "laze about" after all, a vague promise that now translated to this clandestine escape. surely, you reasoned, a little fresh air and starlight couldn't hurt.

a soft hum escaped your lips, a melody as gentle as the breeze rustling through the nearby trees.

the scent of damp earth and night-blooming jasmine filled your senses, a welcome change from the usual incense and polished wood. you leaned back, neck craned upwards, lost in the vastness of the cosmos.

but the tranquility shattered. a prickling sensation, a subtle shift in the air, told you someone was approaching. you didn't turn, didn't give them the satisfaction. years of palace life had honed your instincts, sharpened them into a silent alarm. with a practiced swiftness, you spun, grabbing the intruder's wrist, ready to defend yourself.

your breath hitched. it was arnold. his familiar, amused smile, illuminated by the faint starlight, stretched across his face. a low chuckle rumbled in his chest. "what a pleasant surprise," he purred, his voice a low, smooth melody that seemed to weave through the stillness.

his eyes, usually bright and playful, held a flicker of something deeper, something that made your heart skip a beat. "i thought i'd find you here. you have a habit of seeking out the stars, don't you?" he gently removed his wrist from your grip, his touch lingering a moment longer than necessary. "though i must admit," he continued, his smile widening, "i didn't expect such a… enthusiastic greeting."