I frowned slightly as I ran my fingers through the dozens of dresses hanging in the wooden closet, contemplating what I should wear.
Still lost in thought, I didn't realize Aurelius had entered the closet until he spoke, his voice calm yet firm.
"Why haven't you changed yet? What are you waiting for? Do you want to go out in your nightgown?" He raised an eyebrow, a slight frown on his face.
Snapping out of my daze, I turned my head—only to be met with the sight of his bare chest, water still dripping from his skin as he rubbed a towel over his damp hair.
I blinked. Once. Twice.
My gaze involuntarily trailed over his slightly toned muscles, his well-defined collarbone, the droplets of water glistening under the soft candlelight.
I swallowed hard.
"What are you looking at?" His deep voice snapped me back to reality, amusement flickering in his gray eyes. "Quickly get dressed… or do you need my help?"
"N-No!" I blurted, flustered. My face burned as I turned back to the closet, pretending to be busy with the dresses. "I just… don't know what to wear. There are too many choices."
"Let me see…" He stepped closer, running his fingers along the fabrics, carefully inspecting each one. Finally, he pulled out a simple yellow dress adorned with delicate embroidery.
"This one. It's pretty," he said, handing it to me.
I took the dress, then stared at him.
"…Are you going to stand there while I change?"
He tilted his head slightly. "Why? Is there a problem? Aren't we going to see each other's bare skin eventually? So why does it matter if it's today or tomorrow?"
I was speechless.
He… he's going to watch me change?!
My cheeks burned even more.
"S-Stop teasing me and step outside," I stammered, looking down.
He chuckled but relented. "Fine, but be quick. We need to leave soon."
Grabbing a simple shirt and pants for himself, he finally walked out, leaving me to breathe in relief.
I wasted no time slipping out of my nightgown and into the dress he had chosen. It fit perfectly.
His choice… it really is beautiful.
Slipping on a pair of simple flats, I stepped outside, only to find Aurelius standing in front of the mirror, brushing his damp hair.
Even in simple clothes, he looked effortlessly handsome.
Sensing my presence, he turned to face me. His eyes roamed over my figure, an unreadable expression flickering across his face.
Then, with a slow smile, he stepped closer.
"Beautiful," he murmured. "You really are a beauty."
Flustered, I looked away. "T-Thank you."
He extended his hand toward me. "Shall we?"
I hesitated for a second before placing my hand in his. He led me out of the room, through the silent corridors, and down to the palace entrance, where a carriage was already waiting.
A man stepped forward and bowed. "Your Highnesses."
Aurelius helped me into the carriage before stepping in himself. As soon as we started moving, I pressed my hands against the window, gazing in awe at the lively city glowing under the night sky.
Lights adorned the streets. People bustled about, laughter and chatter filling the air.
A smile unconsciously spread across my lips.
Noticing my expression, Aurelius smiled as well.
"Do you like it here?" he asked.
"I love it." I turned to him eagerly. "Are we going to explore the night market?"
He nodded. "Yes. You seemed so fascinated by the view from the balcony, so I figured… why just stare when you can experience it?"
I beamed. "Thank you, Aurelius."
"Don't thank me." He smirked. "It's my duty to ensure my wife stays happy."
The carriage came to a halt. The chauffeur stepped forward, opening the door.
Aurelius exited first before turning to help me down.
My eyes sparkled as I took in the vibrant streets—food stalls, jewelry stands, clothing shops, and so much more. The air smelled of spices and sweet treats.
Aurelius walked beside me, still holding my hand as we navigated the lively crowd.
At a jewelry stand, he suddenly pulled me toward a small display.
He picked up a delicate bracelet—a thin chain with tiny moons and stars dangling from it.
"Give me your hand," he said.
I obeyed without question. He clasped the bracelet around my wrist, the metal cool against my skin.
My first gift from Aurelius.
"It's beautiful," I whispered, admiring it.
"I'm glad you like it." He smiled. "Do you want anything else?"
I shook my head, and he handed the shopkeeper a copper coin.
We continued strolling until we reached an open space where couples were dancing, their laughter echoing through the night. Musicians played a lively tune, and the crowd clapped along.
I watched, mesmerized.
A hand suddenly appeared in front of me.
"Would you care to dance with your husband, my lady?" Aurelius asked, amusement twinkling in his eyes.
I grinned. "Why not, my lord?"
And just like that, he pulled me onto the makeshift dance floor.
The steps were carefree and unrefined, nothing like the formal dances of the palace.
Aurelius twirled me around, lifting me effortlessly as we danced without a care. Laughter bubbled from my lips as the music quickened.
Then, as the song slowed, I glanced up at him.
His dark hair was tousled from the wind, his gray eyes glowed under the lantern lights, and his lips…
My gaze unconsciously lowered.
His fine, pink lips were curved in a small smile as he watched me.
A shiver ran down my spine.
His gaze flickered with amusement as he let me stare at him, his arms still loosely holding my waist.
Her shining silver eyes were now fixed on his lips, gleaming with something unspoken. Her long, silvery-white hair cascaded loosely down her back, almost reaching her waist.
Her soft, pink lips…
Her lips..
His throat went dry.
Damn. She looks so alluring.
And that dress isn't helping either. God's.., I should've chosen another one.
He clenched his jaw slightly, willing himself to look away.
He closed his eyes for a brief second, inhaling sharply to steady himself.
But when he opened them again, I was still there—my eyes locked onto his lips, an almost curious look on my face.
And then… I took a step forward.
His breath hitched.
He blinked in surprise, realizing what she was about to do.
But before I could close the distance completely, I suddenly snapped out of it.
My eyes widened in shock.
Flustered, I turned to run.
Instinct took over.
His hand shot out, catching my wrist.
And before he could stop himself…
He pulled me close and pressed his lips to mine.
Soft. Warm.
His lips moved against mine slowly, savoring the moment.
I gasped but didn't pull away. Instead, I melted into his touch, my hands gripping his shoulders.
He deepened the kiss, his arm wrapping around my waist, pulling me even closer.
It lasted for a moment… or maybe an eternity.
Until—
Loud cheers erupted from the crowd.
My eyes flew open.
I pushed him away, My face burning.
And before he could say anything, I turned and bolted off, hands covering my face.
Aurelius stood frozen for a second, then ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.
Damn.