AVELINE The ball finally came to an end.

As the guests began to leave, Father turned to me with an apologetic expression. "Aveline, I have to stay at the imperial palace tonight. There's some work I need to take care of."

I nodded. "It's okay, Father. I understand."

"I'm sorry," he added.

"Truly, it's fine," I reassured him.

Then he turned to Xavier. "Your Highness, can I trouble you to escort Aveline back to the estate?"

"Father, it's not necessary," I interjected, not wanting to inconvenience him.

But Xavier smiled and said firmly, "It's my honor."

Before I could protest further, we were already stepping into the carriage together.

As the carriage began to move, Xavier broke the silence. "You're so pretty tonight, Aveline."

I flushed at his sudden compliment. "Thank you," I murmured, feeling my cheeks burn.

Then, without warning, Xavier leaned closer. My breath caught as his lips brushed against mine. A kiss. On. The. Lips.

My face must have been bright red when he pulled back slightly and looked into my eyes. "I love you," he said softly, his voice steady and sincere.

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. "Can I make you mine?" he asked, his gaze unwavering.

Oh my. When did he grow up to become like this? I stared at him, unable to speak, and then—almost instinctively—I nodded.

Without another word, I leaned in and kissed him back, gently pressing my lips to his.

When I pulled away, Xavier's face was bright red. He ran a hand through his hair and smiled. "You're mine now. It's official."

I blinked, stunned. Wait, what? Am I in a relationship now? I mean...wow.

As we neared the estate, Xavier spoke up again. "Can I stay at the duke's estate tonight?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"I want to meet the duke when he comes back tomorrow," he said.

After a moment of thought, I nodded. "Alright."

When we arrived, I instructed the butler to prepare a guest room for Xavier. The butler agreed promptly, and as Xavier followed him to his room, I was left standing there, still processing everything.

Wow. What just happened tonight?

***

XAVIER I finally made her mine.

The thought filled me with an indescribable warmth as I stood on the balcony of the guest room the butler had prepared for me. The city lights stretched out before me, shimmering like a sea of stars.

I turned to my left and saw her—Aveline. She was standing on her own balcony, lost in thought.

"Hi, Aveline," I greeted with a smile.

Before she could respond, I leapt from my balcony to hers. As I landed, I reached out and gently grabbed her waist to steady myself.

"What are you doing, Xavier?" she asked, clearly frustrated.

I chuckled, enjoying her reaction.

"I'm going to take a bath now," she said, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Alright, then. I'll be waiting on your bed," I teased with a smirk.

"What is wrong with you?" she asked, exasperated.

"Nothing. Go on, take your bath," I replied casually, waving her off.

She huffed and disappeared into her room, shutting the bathroom door behind her.

A few minutes later, she stepped out, her hair damp and cascading over her shoulders as she dried it with a towel.

"Wow, your wet hair is really attractive," I said without thinking.

Her face flushed a brilliant shade of red, and she looked away.

"Do you want me to blow dry it for you?" I offered, half-serious.

She ignored me, walking toward her bed. I lay back comfortably, grinning at her growing irritation.

"Get out, Xavier," she said firmly as she reached the edge of her bed.

But instead of leaving, I grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer. In one quick motion, I turned us over, pinning her gently beneath me on the bed.

"HEY!" she shouted, her eyes wide in shock.

I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Are you insane?" she asked, her voice flustered and her cheeks flushed.

"No," I replied with a playful grin. "I'm going to tell the duke tomorrow that you're mine."

"Do as you want," she said, rolling her eyes but unable to hide the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

"Thank you," I whispered, getting up from the bed.

I leapt back onto my balcony, turning once more to see her before disappearing into my room.

I'm happy. So, so happy.