I watch the rain softly falling outside my window, the droplets creating delicate patterns on the glass. This rain is so random—just yesterday, the weather was sunny, and we were at the tea party. I sigh, turning my attention back to the scroll in front of me, where I'm writing a response to Kai. Our conversation today is about Helena.
As I finish my message, I watch the ink fade into the parchment, signaling that my words have been sent. A moment later, Kai's response appears. I snicker at his playful and witty remarks. He's such a fool, always managing to lighten my mood with his banter.
I laugh out loud at Kai's response, drawing the attention of Valendor, who is seated nearby. Haroun sits quietly, true to his duties as my knight. I had told him he didn't have to be so strict here, but the most he would do is take a seat rather than stand still like a statue.
I find myself missing my purple-haired boy, Nicholai. I haven't seen him in a while, and the thought of him brings a pang of longing. Deciding to seek him out, I stand and make my way through the palace, eventually finding him in his office. He is deep in concentration, his eyes focused intently on the magical formulas spread out before him.
His long hair is tied back in a ponytail, and he looks so absorbed in his work that I pause at the doorway to admire him. He pulls up the sleeves of his white linen shirt to his elbows, exposing his forearms as he begins to write some complicated magical formula.
I find myself mesmerized by the sight of his veiny forearms, the way the muscles flex and move as he writes. Am I an arm person now? I wonder, amused by my own thoughts. I chuckle softly, unable to help myself.
I stand in the doorway for a few more minutes, watching Nicholai work. He must have been deeply immersed in his task, as when he finally hears me, his face lights up with a beautiful smile. I don't deserve this treatment, I think, feeling a non existent pang of guilt.
With a flick of his wrist, the paperwork packs itself up and the desk clears. He looks up at me expectantly. I walk over and sit on the desk in front of him. Nicholai's eyes twinkle with mischief as he gently moves my legs apart and places his head on my inner thigh, a playful look on his face.
Nicholai moves my legs apart and places his head on my inner thigh, a mischievous look playing on his face. How sneaky, I think to myself.
"My princess, you finally remember me," Nicholai whines, his tone exaggerated and playful.
"We see each other every day. Dramatic much?" I scoff at him, amused by his antics.
"Yeah, but these days it seems like Haroun and Valendor have all your attention, and I'm just there," Nicholai says, feigning mock sadness.
"Oh really?" I play along, raising an eyebrow. I put my hand on his cheek and caress it gently before removing his glasses. His purple eyes sparkle, and I'm once again struck by how impressive they are.
Suddenly, Nicholai stands up, pulling me off the table with a swift, unexpected motion. With another flick of his hand, the table moves to barricade the door, and as if that's not enough, the chairs follow suit. I stand there, curious and slightly amused, wondering what he's up to.
Without warning, Nicholai pulls me close to him. "Dance with me," he says, his voice low and earnest.
"What?" I ask, dumbfounded.
"Dance with me," he repeats, his eyes locking onto mine with a determination that makes my heart skip a beat.
"Now?" I ask, still trying to process his sudden request.
"Yes," he responds, pulling me to the center of the room.
The soft light from the window casts a gentle glow around us, and the only sound is the steady thud of the rain outside. The moment feels almost magical.
"To the sound of rain?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, right," he says, suddenly remembering something. He scurries to his desk, removing a small crystal with intricate symbols etched into its surface. With a few deft movements, he activates it, and the sound of a beautiful orchestra fills the room.
"Recording crystal," he explains with a grin, returning to me and offering his hand.
I giggle, charmed by his spontaneity, and place my hand in his.
He pulls me close, wrapping my hand in his and placing his other arm around my waist. I can't help but think that all those etiquette lessons have certainly paid off. Suddenly, he twirls me, catching me off guard, and I laugh in surprise.
"It's not fair that you're thinking of something else when you're with me," Nicholai says, his voice a soft reprimand. His playful yet serious tone makes me realize how much he cherishes our time together.
I decide to let go of all distractions and fully immerse myself in the moment. I match his rhythm, allowing myself to be swept away by the music and the warmth of his embrace. Each step, each turn, feels like a dance in a dream, one where nothing else matters but the two of us.
As we continue to dance, a whimsical thought flits through my mind. I feel like a Disney princess in this moment, twirling in the arms of my prince charming. Then it hits me—I am a princess. The absurdity of it makes me snort with laughter just as Nicholai twirls me again.