As prince Casimir had taking his leave from his father's office after their meeting with Marquis O Brian he had come to the realization of his his father's goal to use his love with lady Ariel in a political way against his now soon to ex-fiance's father Grand Duke Bennett Von Lessthel as it was not his plan to go against the Grand Duke, Casimir had now found himself in a situation were he could not escape from and the only thing he could do was to help his beloved Ariel from falling into the plot of his father. Casimir hadn't intended to clash with the Grand Duke, but he was now entangled in his father's schemes with no easy way out. His only priority, however, was Ariel, the woman he truly loved. He knew he had to shield her from being caught in the middle of this calculated plot.
Determined to protect Ariel, Casimir hurried through the palace corridors, his footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors. His mind raced with possibilities, searching for any way to defy his father's plan without provoking outright conflict. Yet every path he considered led him back to one inescapable truth: if his father was set on leveraging his personal life for political gain, then his love with Ariel was at risk of being exploited or even destroyed.
As he reached the gardens—a place where he and Ariel had first proclaimed their love for each other—it had become sacred to him, a sanctuary amidst the political strife that surrounded his life. Each visit to this hidden corner of the palace grounds reminded him of why he was willing to defy his father's plans. Here, under the shade of ancient trees and among the blooms that Ariel adored, he could be himself, free from the pressures of titles and family expectations. But today, the air felt heavier, charged with the weight of all he knew.
While Casimir and Ariel were preparing themself and planning on how to not fall into the emperor's grasp to be used as pawn, Celeste was getting ready in order to go have tea with Aether in a new tea house that had just opened. "Lucy, what do you think of this dress," Celeste twirled a little, letting the soft layers of her dress fall back into place. As she asked her personal maid with an excited look in her eyes. "My lady surely as far as i know you are not going on a date but instead visiting the new tea house thus if your dress does not goes against proper noble etiquette there should not be a problem" Lucy responded with a discerning look.
Celeste turned to Lucy with a soft pout, her excitement tempered by her maid's pragmatism. "But this place is special, Lucy. It's not every day a new tea house opens up, and I want to make a good impression. Besides with all the other noble ladies who will be there." she said, smoothing down the fabric of her dress. Lucy's eyes softened slightly. "I understand, my lady. Perhaps a touch of elegance but with simplicity would be most fitting. You want to look polished but comfortable enough to enjoy yourself."
Celeste nodded thoughtfully, twirling in front of the mirror one last time. "You're right, Lucy. I just… want things to feel a bit more normal again. Aether has been so kind through everything. I think I'd like to do the same for him today." As she spoke, a gentle smile played on her lips, and Lucy's discerning look gave way to a small smile of her own. "Then go, my lady. A bit of joy suits you well." Celeste picked up her parasol, feeling a lightness she hadn't felt in some time, and made her way out to meet Aether, her heart racing just a little faster than usual.
When Celeste arrived at the tea house, she was struck by the charming atmosphere. The decor was a blend of elegance and warmth, with gentle floral accents and soft lighting that made the entire place feel like an escape from the worries of noble life. Aether was already seated by the window, his gaze fixed on the view outside, lost in thought.As she approached, he turned and smiled, his expression brightening at the sight of her. "Celeste, you look lovely," he greeted warmly, rising to pull out her chair.
"Thank you, Aether," she replied, feeling her cheeks warm slightly. "This place is beautiful. I've never seen anything quite like it." They settled in, browsing the menu filled with various exotic teas and an array of delicately crafted cakes. As they placed their order, Aether turned his attention back to her, his gaze thoughtful."Celeste, how have you been? Truly," he asked gently. "With everything happening around you… sometimes, I worry you don't have enough room to just be."
She looked down, tracing her finger along the rim of her teacup. "It's been… a challenge," she admitted, her voice soft. "There are moments when I feel as if the walls are closing in, and everyone sees me through the lens of my family's name or my engagement scandal. But then—" she paused, her eyes meeting his with a small smile, "then there are moments like this, where I can just enjoy some tea, have some cake, and… forget it all, even for a little while."
Aether nodded, his gaze steady and understanding. "You deserve to be seen for who you truly are, Celeste. Not just as a noble, or the fiancée who was wronged… but as you." She swallowed, a hint of gratitude glistening in her eyes. "That means more than you know, Aether." Their conversation flowed naturally, filled with laughter and stories, leaving the weight of expectations behind. Celeste found herself feeling lighter, as if, in that cozy tea house with Aether, she could truly be herself.
As their laughter softened, Aether glanced at her with a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Celeste, what would you say if I suggested we order another round of cake?" She laughed, leaning forward. "Only if we pick something we haven't tried yet. After all, life is too short not to try every cake on the menu." Aether chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "That's the spirit. Let's make it a mission then—sampling every cake they have."
Celeste grinned, feeling a renewed sense of adventure. "Challenge accepted." They called over the server, who seemed amused by their enthusiasm, and placed an order for two more cakes: a delicate lavender-infused cake and a rich chocolate hazelnut slice. As the treats were brought to their table, the sweet aroma filled the air, adding a cozy layer to the moment.
Celeste took a forkful of the lavender cake, her eyes widening in delight. "Oh, this one tastes like spring!" she exclaimed. "The flavors are so soft and delicate." Aether tried a bite, nodding in agreement. "You're right. It's like a meadow in bloom." Then, without hesitation, he picked up his fork and dove into the chocolate hazelnut cake. His eyes closed for a moment as he savored it. "Now this one," he said with a grin, "is pure decadence. A cake for serious occasions."
They swapped bites back and forth, debating over which one was better, laughing as they each defended their favorite. After a while, Aether leaned back, a relaxed smile on his face. "I'm glad we did this, Celeste. I know things haven't been easy… but you deserve these moments. And, if I may say, you deserve even more." Celeste's laughter faded into a gentle smile, his words sinking in. "Aether, I… I don't know what I'd do without you. You always know how to bring light to the darkest days."
He shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed but pleased. "It's nothing. I just… want you to be happy, Celeste. You're a remarkable person, and you deserve to feel that." For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, letting the warmth of the tea house surround them. Celeste felt a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in a long time—a reminder that, despite the shadows of her past, there was still hope and friendship in her life.
As they finished their last bites of cake, she looked at him, her gaze full of gratitude. "Thank you, Aether. Truly." He smiled softly, reaching over to gently pat her hand. "Anytime, Celeste. We'll make sure you have many more days like this."
They both rose, feeling lighter and more connected, as they stepped out of the tea house and into the bright afternoon. Celeste couldn't help but smile, thinking that, with Aether by her side, maybe she really could face anything.