"Oh, my! I can scarcely believe I have at last encountered someone with tastes so akin to mine in literature!"
"Indeed! It is a genuine pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Pray, have you had the pleasure of reading the latest installment of The Four Blades?"
"Alas! Though I have longed to do so, my duties have left me little time. Have you indulged in its pages?"
"Yes! Might I be so bold as to offer a spoiler?"
"Ah… no… yes! …No… just tell me, is it true that another male protagonist will be introduced?"
"Indeed, it is."
"Nay! I abhor such developments! I remain steadfast in my devotion to the original pairing!"
"Indeed! It seems to be following a path much like that of Hot and Wild…"
"Ah, that was truly a provocative tale."
Lyra, feeling somewhat left out, merely smiled, watching the budding camaraderie between the Aurelia and Priscilla as those two had hit it off quite quickly. She was glad they both had become such good friends but she couldn't help but feel left out as she did not read the books that were currently the topic under discussion. Sensing her discomfort, Priscilla turned toward Lyra and suggested,
"Lyra, why not explore one of these volumes? May I recommend The Jade Hunter?"
"Ah, an excellent suggestion! But what of The Seven Wonders of the Night?"
"Whatever is that?"
Lyra, puzzled, raised an eyebrow.
"Aurelia, my dear, that tome may prove too much for our innocent crown princess."
"Yes, indeed. Perhaps something lighter would suit her better."
"How about The Mystery Letter?"
"Isn't that too much?"
"Ahem… Ladies, if you would be so kind, cease this discourse. I have no particular interest in these literary matters."
"She takes pleasure in perusing historical texts."
"Yes, I once saw her engrossed in the entire evolution of the constitution. Quite an engaging endeavor, I must say."
Lyra, in her defense, muttered, "There is merit in such readings. They offer vast knowledge and shed light on the course of historical events."
The two girls responded with affectionate hugs and gentle pats on her hair, saying, "How endearing~" and "You know what? For our amusement, you should read The Secret Admirer. It is loosely based on real events, and happens to be my personal favorite!"
Priscilla then suggested, "Given her fondness for history, perhaps this historical romance would intrigue her. I have it with me. I shall lend it to you tonight!"
"…Thank you. But let it be clear, I shall read only this single volume, agreed?"
"Agreed!"
"By the way, Aurelia, do you have anyone like that?"
Priscilla inquired, prompting Aurelia to ask, "Like what?"
"Someone you have feelings for."
"Oh. I am engaged."
"You are?"
At Priscilla's question, Aurelia displayed her splendid diamond ring and smiled brightly. Upon seeing this, Priscilla fidgeted with her bare fingers, but quickly dismissed her thoughts. She then asked, quite eagerly,
"Oh my! To whom have you pledged yourself?"
"It is Lord Hudson."
"Ah, the son of Marquess Hudson, is it not? I recall hearing of this engagement, though I could not attend the ceremony due to prior commitments. Please accept my belated congratulations!"
"Thank you!"
"How is it being engaged?"
Lyra asked, to which Aurelia replied with a tender smile, "I cannot complain."
"Do you love him?"
Priscilla (Leah) asked with curiosity, while Lyra, too, regarded her with interest.
"I am unsure if I can call it love just yet. Time has not allowed me to make such a declaration. But I do find myself fond of him. Of late, I have come to appreciate all the blessings he brings into my life. He brightens my days, and I am inclined to nurture deeper feelings for him."
"How charming! May he share your affections!"
"I hope so. He has not yet expressed his feelings openly, but I enjoy the way he notices and praises even the smallest details about me."
"I dare say he is already enamored!"
"Enough of such teasing! I should inquire about your romantic endeavors. Are you not engaged to Lord Kennington, the formerly unattached bachelor?"
Priscilla's face immediately darkened, and she muttered,
"Yes, I am…"
"Why this reaction? It was not what I expected. Do you not hold him in high regard?"
"Our union, much like yours, was arranged. He was highly sought after, and his appearance and manners received much admiration. I should be grateful for his proposal, yet I find myself lacking in such sentiment…"
"What do you mean?"
"He is not without his flaws, though I would not call him a rogue."
Lyra interjected, "He does not hold Leah in much esteem. Despite her thoughtful gifts on birthdays and engagement anniversaries—dates he often forgets—he gives nothing in return. Even on her actual birthday, he does not acknowledge it. She, instead, treats him to a meal. His mother-in-law sends gifts, but only for Leah's sister's birthday, now observed as Leah's own since she took her sister's place. He refuses to recognize Leah's true identity while maintaining the pretense that her sister still exists."
"Oh, Leah!"
"…I do not resent it. He is not unkind, but what vexes me most is his constant comparison of me to my sister. Though he knows my true identity, he, like others, wishes me to imitate Priscilla…"
"That is truly disheartening! Have you considered ending the engagement?"
"…I cannot…"
"…..then I hope you will, at the very least, have a candid conversation with him."
"A conversation?"
"Yes."
"Lyra has offered the same advice, and I shall consider it. I plan to broach the subject soon."
"Now that this matter is somewhat settled, how about you, Lyra?"
Aurelia turned toward Lyra, who replied, "What do you mean?"
"You and your prince. Have you responded?"
"Umm… no?"
"Why not?"
"I asked the same question. Aren't you two a perfect match?"
"Their love story is like a fairytale."
"Actually… I am unsure how to respond. I am incredibly happy to hear his feelings, but I do not feel deserving of this. I don't feel like I belong with him. He shines so brightly, while I... am mired in shadows, stuck in an abyss."
"That is not true...!"
"Yes! You glow so brightly, it lights up everyone around you."
"...thank you... but even so, I don't want to turn him down because I do like him. I think about him constantly."
"Oh my, you totally have a crush on him!"
Aurelia exclaimed, to which Priscilla added, "Isn't a crush different from love? You've fallen for him!"
"No, it's just a crush."
"What does it even mean to have a crush?"
"Well, I'm not sure. But I do believe that love doesn't happen instantly. Lyra, do you know his favorite food? His hobbies?"
Taken aback, Lyra's mind went blank. She shook her head, realizing she didn't know the answers.
"See? This stage is merely infatuation. It's too soon to call it love."
"But there's nothing wrong with that, right?"
Priscilla asked the question Lyra had been pondering.
"No. The important thing is for Lyra to understand the depth of her own feelings. Apart from Solon and her cousins, there haven't been other men she's spoken with, right? He was the only one. Could it be that she's simply unsure how to interact with a man?"
Aurelia asserted, and Priscilla retorted, "That's absurd! If that's the case, aren't His Highness's feelings just a result of being around Lyra, who is of the opposite sex?"
"I never meant to imply that. I don't doubt his feelings. It's just that, realistically, His Highness is more accustomed to interacting with women than Lyra."
At Aurelia's comment, Lyra turned her head, "What…?"
"I'm merely speculating. Let's not stray from the topic. The most important thing is Lyra's feelings. Whether they become a couple or not, His Highness is precious to her, am I correct?"
Lyra blushed and nodded, to which Aurelia continued, "Then, you must carefully consider whether your feelings for him are those of a childhood friend or a lover. I want you to be happy, Lyra, and I don't want you to lose anyone who is dear to you."
The trio fell into silence after Aurelia's words. Priscilla, who had always acted impulsively and then reflected later, was still processing Aurelia's reasoning. She broke the silence, tilting her head in confusion.
"But why make it so difficult? Lyra can simply think it through."
"Hmm?"
Both Aurelia and Lyra waited for Priscilla to continue, and Priscilla focused her attention on Lyra.
"I'll give you some prompts. Close your eyes and let these images come to you."
Lyra nodded, and Priscilla began,
"My heart races when he is near."
"My breath falters as he approaches."
"Yet, in his presence, a calmness washes over me, as if I could be both nothing and everything beside him."
"I enjoy our conversations."
"I delight in the sound of his voice."
"When he is absent, my thoughts turn to him."
"I long to hear his voice again."
"I wish to feel his touch."
"I dream of his embrace."
"I imagine kissing him."
"…"
Lyra's face flushed a deep crimson. Aurelia interjected,
"Moderate your tone. We do not wish for anyone to overhear us in this public space."
"You are right. Continuing, I envision holding him close and being held by him."
"I picture a future spent together, where joy is constant."
"I imagine growing old with him, living a life full of beauty."
"Even when conflicts arise, I see us reconciling."
"I feel compelled to express my feelings to him."
Lyra nodded, her thoughts racing. Priscilla withdrew her hands,
"If such feelings reside within you, why not share them? It is clear you are deeply in love."
Lyra's blush deepened, but before she could respond, an attendant approached.
"Excuse me, your Highness, my ladies. We must begin our preparations for departure."
"Why not prepare here? We can leave together," suggested Aurelia, prompting a moment of hesitation from Priscilla.
"Umm… my dress…"
Though she wasn't thrilled about wearing the designated dress, Priscilla recognized her obligation.
"Fear not. Due to my health, I have a boutique on the grounds. The dress selection and preparation can be done there."
After a brief silence, the three of them shared a conspiratorial smile before Lyra departed with the attendant.
As they passed a grand window, Lyra stopped in her tracks. "I sense something strange. Did you see that?"
Aurelia and Priscilla glanced around, but before they could respond, a figure emerged from behind a pillar, and the group suddenly found themselves facing someone unknown.
This was Aurelia's attendant who had come to remind them to get ready for the welcome ceremony. The trio decided to get ready at Aurelia's place and then go to the Royal Palace together.
Amidst the grandeur of the welcome ball, Lyra, Aurelia, and Priscilla made their entrance, draped in gowns that radiated the opulence of the occasion. Lyra's midnight blue satin gown shimmered with delicate silver embroidery, catching the glow of the ballroom's crystal chandeliers. Aurelia's emerald green silk dress, with its intricate lace bodice, accentuated her graceful form. Priscilla, in deep burgundy velvet, exuded understated elegance, the gown's simplicity enhanced by subtle crystal embellishments.
The orchestra's symphony echoed through the grand ballroom, harmonizing with the rhythmic dance steps of the guests. The air buzzed with excitement, heightened by the presence of royal guests, including Prince Dylan de Helios and King Mildred, who added to the evening's festive aura.
King Mildred, dressed in a resplendent sable-hued ensemble, could not help but cast admiring glances at Priscilla, whose beauty had captivated his attention. Yet, Priscilla remained oblivious, steadfastly declining every dance invitation from the eager young gentlemen.
Unbeknownst to her, Mildred, waiting for an opportunity to ask Priscilla for a dance, overheard her repeated refusals with a sense of surprise. Hidden in the shadows, he listened closely.
"No, thank you. I'm engaged."
"Perhaps another time, but I'm already engaged to someone and refuse to dance with anyone else."
"Thank you, but I am spoken for."
Intrigued, Mildred discreetly instructed his aide to gather more information about Priscilla's engagement, his curiosity piqued by her firm commitment.
Meanwhile, the queen mother, seizing the moment, tried to orchestrate a dance between Lyra and Mildred. Lyra, sensing the impending ordeal, couldn't hide her discomfort. Mildred, perceptive as ever, quickly evaded the situation.
"I appreciate the offer, Your Highness," he said smoothly, "but I am engaged in pressing conversations with other nobles. Another time, perhaps."
With a graceful nod, Mildred freed himself from the awkward encounter, much to Lyra's relief.
Dylan then approached Lyra, his ensemble befitting the occasion. "Crown Princess, may I have this dance?" he asked with a bow.
Lyra, her eyes twinkling with mischief, surveyed the lively dance floor. "I don't quite feel like dancing at the moment," she replied with a playful smile.
Dylan, unfazed, grinned back. "Fair enough. How about we take a walk and talk? It's been a while since we had a chance to catch up."
Lyra chuckled. "We did just talk this morning."
Dylan's smile widened. "True, but who says we can't enjoy another conversation under the stars?"
With that, Lyra linked her arm with his, and together they stepped away from the ballroom, their laughter blending with the soft strains of the music in the background.
Meanwhile, King Mildred, having given instructions to his aide regarding Priscilla's engagement, crossed paths with Dylan and Lyra.
"The fireworks are about to begin," he said, his voice carrying through the bustling room. "If you'd like to watch, the terrace offers a wonderful view. Enjoy the festivities, and I hope you're having a pleasant evening."
"Thank you for your gracious hosting, King Mildred," Lyra replied, her smile warm. "It truly is a wonderful night."
As they spoke, Mildred's gaze flicked to Priscilla, who was engaged in a conversation with a gentleman. She remained oblivious to his enthusiasm, offering only short, polite responses. Seeing an opportunity, Mildred decided to intervene.
"Excuse me, I have something I need to attend to," he said swiftly, not bothering to look back as he made his way toward Priscilla.
"He's certainly busy," Dylan remarked, his attention drifting back to Lyra.
"Aren't you busy too? What's going on with the Kingdom of Ras?" Lyra inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Dylan sighed. "Don't even get me started on that. If I could, I'd have them all wiped off the map. Unfortunately, there are innocents involved, and I don't want to hurt them."
"I hope everything gets resolved," Lyra said sympathetically. "If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out."
"Thank you," Dylan replied, his tone softening. "Shall we go see the fireworks?"
"That sounds lovely," Lyra agreed with a smile.
They followed Mildred's advice, making their way toward the terrace. As they moved farther from the lively dance floor, the ambient music softened, and the ballroom's golden glow gave way to the gentle darkness of the outdoor space. A cool breeze greeted them as they found a quiet corner to enjoy the spectacle.
As the first colorful bursts lit up the sky, Mildred's voice echoed from the center of the ballroom, announcing the fireworks to the gathered guests.
Dylan leaned against the terrace railing, gesturing toward the display. "I must admit, Mildred knows how to arrange a spectacular show. Quite fitting for the occasion, wouldn't you agree?"
Lyra, captivated by the dazzling colors, nodded. "Absolutely. It's breathtaking."
The fireworks painted the sky with vivid splashes of light, each burst more mesmerizing than the last. Dylan, sensing the moment, turned to Lyra with a grin. "I've always found fireworks a bit magical. Each explosion is like a burst of fleeting brilliance, much like life itself."
Lyra, enchanted by both the display and his words, smiled. "It's true. You never know what pattern will emerge next."
As the grand finale approached, Dylan, his gaze reflecting the kaleidoscope above, remarked, "Sometimes, the most beautiful moments are the ones we least expect."
Lyra, lost in the beauty of the moment, nodded in silent agreement. The vivid colors above seemed to echo the emotions stirring between them.
After a pause, Dylan asked, "Are you uncomfortable with King Mildred?"
Lyra, puzzled, tilted her head. "Pardon?"
Dylan explained, recalling how Lyra had avoided Mildred's gaze earlier in the day.
Lyra sighed, her cheeks flushing. "It's a rather embarrassing story, but if you must know... In the morning, I couldn't sleep. So I wandered the palace and stumbled upon some delicious chocolate treats. Unfortunately, they were laced with alcohol. I couldn't handle it and ended up saying some ridiculous things in front of King Mildred. Thankfully, he ordered a special candy to sober me up."
Lyra's nervous chuckle made Dylan smile. "Strange, I thought you fell asleep when intoxicated."
"Only when I'm comfortable," she clarified. "I was feeling anxious, which led me to blurt out all sorts of nonsense."
Dylan raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Like what?"
Lyra, embarrassed, mumbled, "Just random things... nothing important."
She quickly changed the subject, her face still flushed. "Shall we go back? It's a bit chilly out here."
"As you wish," Dylan said with a smile, reaching for the door. However, after several attempts, it was clear the door was stuck.
"Is it stuck?" Lyra asked.
"It seems so," Dylan muttered, applying more force. "Should I break it? I'll pay Mildred for the damages."
"No," Lyra said quickly. "That would cause a scene. Let's just call someone for help."
Lyra spotted an attendant passing by and called out to him. "Up here!"
The attendant, startled, looked up. "The door isn't opening. Can you help us?"
The attendant nodded, rushing off to fetch assistance.
"I could break the handle if you want," Dylan offered.
Lyra shook her head. "We can wait. Unless you don't want to be stuck here with me?"
Dylan's smile was teasing. "That's not it."
He moved closer, his breath warm against her skin. "I would love to be stuck with you forever."
Lyra's face went crimson, her voice faltering. "Uh... about your confession... You're really precious to me, Dylan. I don't want to hurt you, which is why I need to be sure of my feelings. I know it's selfish to ask, but can you give me more time?"
Dylan's gaze softened, and his smile deepened. "Take all the time you need."
Lyra's heart fluttered at his kindness. She sat down on a nearby sofa, taking a steadying breath.
As the sky erupted in a kaleidoscope of colors, Lyra took the opportunity to wish Dylan a happy birthday. "Happy birthday, Dylan," she whispered, the warmth of her words carrying through the night.
In a playful moment, she extended her finger, inviting him to blow out the imaginary candle. Dylan, sitting beside her, followed her gesture.
"Thank you," he murmured, his voice sincere.
As they laughed together, a gust of wind blew Lyra's headpiece off, causing her to bend down to retrieve it. Dylan, ever the gentleman, leaned closer, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.
Their eyes met in the flickering glow, and the tension between them was palpable. Just as they were on the verge of a kiss, the door clicked open.
The attendant, having found help, stood with a key in hand, breaking the spell. The door swung open, and the pair rejoined the festivities, their shared moment lingering in the air like the fading echoes of the fireworks. The grand ball continued, but the unspoken bond between Lyra and Dylan had deepened in ways neither of them could fully grasp.