The music and laughter from the ballroom drifted faintly into the backyard, warm light spilling through the tall windows, you stood by the rose bushes with Tristan, your brother’s best friend, safely hidden from curious eyes, the two of you had been close for months now… closer than your brother could ever imagine.

You smoothed the skirt of your dress, casting a quick glance toward the glass doors. “I should get back inside before someone notices.” You murmured.

Tristan’s gaze followed yours, though his feet stayed rooted. “Do you have to?”

A soft laugh escaped you. “Yes. You know my mother will send out a search party if I’m gone too long.”

You stepped forward, intending to leave but his hand found the small of your back, drawing you in until his lips caught yours, it was brief, but the kiss was deep enough to leave your pulse thrumming.

Breathless, you gave a quiet laugh and pressed a palm to his chest. “I’ll see you inside.”

You slipped through the doors, vanishing into the swell of music.

Tristan lingered a moment longer, his lips still tingling, then he straightened his suit jacket, ready to follow—

“What.” A low, furious voice cut through the night behind him. “Was that?”

He froze, slowly, he turned, muscles coiling tight.

Your brother Raphaël stood in the shadows, fists clenched, eyes dark with disbelief, and barely contained rage.