My heart's been racing since this afternoon. Maybe 'cause of the fancy-ass party, or maybe... I still can't believe I'm actually going to the palace. Again. But this time, not as a flower delivery guy.
This time, I'm invited. Personally. By a Duke.
And I'm not going alone.
"I can still cancel this," I muttered nervously, staring at myself in the mirror.
Louise, who was chillin' on the edge of my bed, fixing his cufflinks like a pro, just smirked. "If you cancel now, all that effort getting dressed up goes to waste."
I shot him a glare. "You're the one who made me wear this, remember?"
He stood up, adjusting the soft black satin shirt I was wearing. It had frilly lace around the neck, and my hair was neatly styled. My skin looked even paler under the warm lighting, and with the eyeliner Louise carefully put on, my big eyes popped like crazy.
"You look..." he whispered, fingers brushing my cheek, "...deadly."
My face instantly turned red. "Louise…"
He chuckled softly and grabbed his jacket. "Relax. I got your back tonight."
---
A royal carriage came to pick us up. This wasn't just a regular party—hell no. Even from the front gates, the lights spilling out of the palace windows sparkled like some enchanted dream. The back garden, where the party was held, looked straight outta a fairytale—flowers everywhere, lanterns floating above, and rich folks dressed to the nines.
As soon as I stepped out of the carriage, dozens of eyes were on me. Or… on us.
Louise and I walked side by side. He wore a long black coat with dark red accents, hair slicked back, looking cool as hell. Me? I felt like a sore thumb in a doll's body. I could feel people whispering. Maybe it was my too-feminine look. Maybe they recognized me as that flower guy who somehow scored a Duke's invite.
"Don't look down," Louise whispered. "You're way too pretty to shrink."
I looked up.
And locked eyes with him.
Duke Nicholas.
Standing in the crowd with a wine glass in hand. His deep blue cloak had gold embroidery, silver-blond hair half tied back, and those sharp eyes? Locked right on me. Everything else faded away.
Louise squeezed my hand—whether as support or warning, I didn't know.
The Duke started walking toward us. People cleared a path like magic. Music kept playing, but I swear, I could hear his footsteps loud and clear.
"Airi." His voice—deep and calm. "You came."
I bowed slightly. "Like the invitation said."
His gaze shifted to Louise. "You're not alone."
Louise returned his stare with a lazy grin. "Didn't think the mighty Duke would mind his guest bringing company."
"I don't mind," Nicholas said smoothly. "Just didn't expect it."
I tried to ease the tension with a small smile. "This place is beautiful… The garden looks different at night."
"It looks better because you're here," Nicholas replied, eyes still locked on mine.
Louise tensed beside me.
"Duke Nicholas," Louise said, voice calm but sharp, "you're the host tonight. Don't ignore your other guests just for one person."
"I don't need many guests," Nicholas replied. "Just the important ones."
Awkward silence. Guests pretended to chat, but I knew they were all watching us.
Then the Duke reached out his hand toward me. "Airi. May I have this dance?"
I looked at Louise. He simply nodded.
"Go on," he said gently.
I placed my hand in Nicholas's. Warm. Strong. He led me to the center of the floor. The music shifted to a slow waltz. All eyes followed us as he pulled me into his arms.
We moved together in sync, though my heart was anything but calm. I could feel his breath near my ear when he whispered:
"You came... and you look stunning. But he brought you. Why?"
I looked away. "Because I wanted someone I trust beside me. Louise is that person."
"And me?" he asked softly.
I didn't answer.
He twirled me around and looked straight into my eyes. "Airi... do you still see me as that annoying Duke? Or... the guy you thought about that night?"
I froze. He remembered that night. That look we shared. His last words.
I couldn't speak. The music slowed to a stop.
Suddenly, someone stepped between us.
"Excuse me," Louise said, appearing outta nowhere. "I think that's enough dancing. My turn."
"Louise…" I said, startled.
Nicholas didn't move. "I'm not finished."
"Well, I've seen enough," Louise snapped.
The air turned heavy. Even the music hadn't resumed.
"Airi's not some toy to be fought over on the dance floor," Louise said coldly. "If you have something to say, say it straight—not with power games."
Nicholas laughed, low and bitter. "And you? What are you doing—bringing him like some prized pet? Or marking your territory?"
Louise's eyes burned. "I've never claimed Airi. But I protect what's precious to me. He's too special to be toyed with by someone who only knows how to control."
"Enough!!" I burst out.
They both froze.
I clenched my fists. "You two… you're embarrassing me in front of everyone."
Nicholas opened his mouth but I cut him off. "You invited me to this party. I appreciated it. But don't use me as an excuse to throw shade at someone else."
Then to Louise, "And you… I know you care. But I'm not a kid who needs a babysitter. I want to make my own choices."
They both went silent.
"I need some air," I muttered, walking away from the crowd, past the garden, away from the music and drama.
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