As the soiree began to wind down and the faint strains of music softened in the background, Queen Celithe appeared at the bar, her regal presence commanding immediate attention. She took one look at her stepdaughter slumped over the counter, cheeks flushed from the effects of the Vivaldi Elixir, and sighed with a mixture of exasperation and fondness.
"My dear Aeliana," she murmured, brushing a strand of platinum hair from the young elf's face. "What a sight you are tonight. Altheris, how much did she drink?"
The bartender gave a respectful bow. "Only two glasses, Your Majesty. She didn't finish the third."
Celithe shook her head. "Lightweight," she muttered under her breath. Then she turned to the guards stationed nearby. "Take her to her chambers. Be gentle with her."
Before the guards could step forward, Silvion straightened from his relaxed position at the bar. He set his empty glass down with a light clink and raised a hand to stop them.
"Forgive me, Aunt Celithe," he said smoothly, his voice carrying a practiced charm. "But I insist on being the one to escort her to her room. After all, she's my cousin. It's only fitting I take care of her."
Celithe regarded him for a moment, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly as though weighing his intentions. "Very well," she said at last. "But mind you, Silvion, she's had quite enough excitement for one evening. No more drinks or games."
Silvion placed a hand over his heart and bowed slightly. "You have my word, dear Aunt."
He turned to Aeliana, who was now mumbling incoherently about "broody demon lords" and "stupid dark castles." Her head lolled slightly as she tried and failed to lift herself upright. Silvion chuckled softly and crouched beside her, slipping one arm beneath her legs and the other around her back.
Though they were cousins, Silvion couldn't deny the small flicker of affection that had once blossomed into something deeper when they were younger, that only grew with time. He had always dismissed it, of course, knowing fully well it was improper and unlikely ever to be reciprocated. "But it seems your star has already been claimed."
Silvion straightened, his usual smirk returning to mask whatever emotion had flickered across his face. HE gazed at her longingly with brooding affection.
'She's my cousin… she's engaged… and she's not mine.' Yet the thoughts refused to leave him.
But despite his better judgment, he leaned in slowly, his breath catching as he approached her. A breath away from putting his lips against hers, he halted, and hesitated to go any further.
Just as his lips were mere inches away, Aeliana shifted in her sleep, turning her head slightly.
Her soft murmur broke the silence. "Lucian…" escaped her lips, which made Silvion tense as his features soften.
'I hope he's worth it.'
As the door closed softly behind him, the room fell back into silence, leaving Aeliana to dream undisturbed, blissfully unaware of the internal turmoil her cousin had just endured.
...
Silvion hesitated, his breath caught in his throat as he leaned closer to Aeliana. His pulse quickened as he gave in to the moment. Her soft lips melting into his were so addicting he couldn't get enough of it. Gently, carefully. He pressed his lips against hers. The warmth and wetness of her lips were enough to give him shivers down his spine.
Her lips were better than what he had expected. At the moment, time seemed to stop for the both of them. Well, mostly for him. Aeliana stirred slightly under his touch, her body instinctively responding.
"Mmm, Lucian…" she murmured, her voice filled with longing.
Silvion froze, but before he could pull away, she reached up, her hands brushing against his face, pulling him closer. Aeliana was still lost in her dreams and the comfort of what she imagined being the arms of her fiancee. She unintentionally deepened the kiss. The warmth of Silvion's lips with hers released a familiar scent that both of them were familiar with. Honeydew.
'This feels...so good'
The kiss was tender yet passionate, filled with a surprising gentleness she hadn't expected.
For a moment, he allowed himself to revel in her touch, to imagine that her affection was meant for him. But as her lips moved against him, murmuring Lucian's name again, reality came crashing back.
He broke the kiss abruptly, his face flushed and his heart pounding. Aeliana's hands fell back to her sides as she sank into a deeper slumber, her breathing steady once more. She looked peaceful, her expression content, as though her dream had brought her a sense of comfort.
Silvion stepped back, his head spinning.
But… if only for a moment, she was mine.
Inside the room, Aeliana shifted slightly, a small, dreamy smile playing on her lips as she murmured softly, "Lucian… stay with me…"