Not a moment had passed after the two girls had sat down for breakfast that Seres started to inquire about Rowan's dawn-time exhibitionism.

"You don't need to answer me, Rowan, but why did you decide to present yourself to gardeners in the nude?"

"That wasn't my intent," Rowan answered with a face redder than the tomatoes on her plate.

"Oh?"

"Well not exactly."

The inquisitive look that Seres gave her made it clear that, despite the initial disclaimer, she had no intention of letting this go. As such, Rowan decided that there was no helping it.

"Okay, so I was trying to talk with my dead sister and it's really difficult when I'm not in an emotionally heightened state so I thought making myself super embarrassed would work because I was already slightly embarrassed from having a lewd dream last night which resulted in me accidentally squirting all over the bed."

The words came in an awkward, breathless stream that bombarded the ears of everyone in the room, including all of the servants and Seres’ guards. Unsurprisingly and somewhat amusingly, it caught most of the people by surprise. One of the servants, who had managed to maintain his cool for most of the conversation, nearly dropped the platter he was holding. Even Seres was blushing.

“That was probably a bit too much information, Rowan,” prodded Seres from behind a pair of hands that only slightly veiled her flustered expression.

“What was?” Rowan replied before realising what she had just said. "Oh. Oh no. Please forget what I just said. All of it."

"I wish I could," responded Seres.

For several minutes, awkward silence filled the room. The only sounds to be heard were the clinking of silverware on porcelain and chewing. It only made Rowan feel even more self-conscious about everything, even things completely unrelated to current goings on. Was she chewing too loud? Did her hair look weird? Was she about to confess her wildest fantasies? That kind of thing.

The room grew dark and cold. Rowan felt her anxiety levels rise. Everyone was watching. They knew.

*Clink*

Rowan's heart skipped a beat. She froze. Then a hand touched her own. Rowan was back in the moment. Seres was smiling softly at her.

"It's okay, Rowan," she said, "you're safe here. I won’t let anyone hurt you."

Not quite believing her, Rowan looked around the room and true enough, the servants were focused on their work instead of her. If anything, they were acting as if Rowan's little outburst had never even happened.

"Do you really mean it?" asked Rowan after turning back to Seres with watery eyes.

"Of course, I do, you hopeless softie of an Ardent. I can't have you breaking down when we have a party ahead of us. Now is the time to celebrate and have fun."

"I guess you're right," said Rowan quietly.

"Even if I wasn't, I would make it so by royal decree," replied Seres with a brilliant smile.

Rowan gave her a look of mock horror. "You cannae do that," she said.

"Watch me. What good is privilege if you don’t use it to help people?"

"I guess?" answered Rowan, not quite sure of how she was supposed to respond.

"It's fine. Now hurry up and finish eating. You've still got half a plate of food and we need to start getting ready."

"Already? But it's still morning? The ball isn't until this evening."

Seres gave Rowan a look and laughed brightly. In response, Rowan felt a heavy frown upon her lips. She couldn’t help but feel like she was missing something.

"After all the prep we've already done, did you really think that we would only be at it for an hour or something today?" Seres asked finally.

"I hadn't really given it much thought to be honest," Rowan answered.

"Well we still need to bathe, visit the sauna, get a full body massage, do a full set of stretches, rinse off, eat lunch, have our nails and makeup done, and our hair cut and styled. Only then can we get dressed and make the final adjustments."

Rowan gave Seres a concerned look as she finished off listing everything that they still needed to do. "That sounds like a lot," said Rowan hesitantly.

"It'll be worth it, I promise," responded Seres.

"One last question."

"Go on?"

"Was that list in order or?"

"Ideally yes. It would be a bit awkward if we bathed after we had our makeup done or rinsed off before bathing."

"That's not what I meant!" Rowan pouted.

"It wasn’t?" Seres replied with mock surprise. "How careless of me. Now eat up. We have just under an hour before we need to start if we don't want to rush ourselves."

*****

Several hours later Rowan was waiting around in nervous trepidation alongside Seres for the signal that would summon them to the ball. Normally they would already be there. However, as the ball was meant to celebrate Seres' return and rescue, custom dictated that she was to wait until the guests had settled in, at which point she would be announced. Furthermore, Seres had insisted that Rowan receive the same treatment on account of being her friend and saviour. Queen Elarin didn't need much convincing either. Apparently, the others were also being announced if they so desired because of their roles in the escape and bringing Seres home.

It was a nerve-racking wait that was heightened by Rowan's abundant energy levels. The excitement combined with the strange lunch that they had had provided her with more vigour than she could reasonably handle. Seres was doing a better job of hiding it but Rowan could tell that she was nervous and excited as well.

"Is it always like this?" Rowan asked finally.

"I'm not sure," Seres answered. "The last time I was in this position was my eleventh birthday so it isn’t exactly the freshest of memories."

"Sorry."

"Why are you apologising, silly?"

"I don't know."

"Well stop it. It's almost time. How do I look?"

"Am I really the person to be answering that?"

"Why not? Is my honorary sister incapable of giving her opinion or should I be asking my non-existent partner or something?"

"Well if you really want my opinion, you look absolutely stunning." Rowan wasn’t lying either.

Seres glowed with the gentle touch of makeup which only added to her already perfect skin. Meanwhile, her hair had been caught in an elegantly messy bun with a crown braid that kept her pale shoulders untouched by unruly locks. The hair and makeup alone would have been enough to make her truly beautiful, but they were only the beginning.

Next came what some would argue was the centrepiece of the entire look. That being the dress. Rowan was inclined to disagree, thinking rather that Seres in her entirety earned that honour. That isn't to say the dress wasn't incredible; it was. In fact, incredible only began to describe the dress and its heart-shaped neckline and long flowing skirt. It was of a deep azure and accented with gold, much like her namesake of lapis lazuli. The colours paired perfectly with her eyes, which was unsurprising really, considering they were the reason behind the name. About her waist, she wore a short black corset that came up to just beneath the bust. The dress had an opening for Seres' tail near the base of the corset as it transitioned into the skirt which trailed along gracefully behind her while showing off her ankles and high-heeled shoes.

Besides her dress, Seres also wore a small selection of jewellery in the form of a necklace, a series of bracelets, a couple of rings, and a silver tiara. The necklace served as a contrast to the rest of her outfit by means of a crimson gem which doubled as an aesthetic link to Rowan. To add to that link, one of Seres' rings was a twin to one that Rowan was wearing.

Finally, due to the cut of her dress, the top of Seres' back, and by extension, her scars were exposed. To cover her scars she wore a deep blue shawl.

After taking it all in, Rowan gave Seres a smile and a twirl before asking, "What about me?"

Rowan's look had been taken in a completely different direction from Seres’. Even so, the idea behind it was the same, to highlight Rowan's character. Compared to Seres, Rowan's hair was much shorter, reaching down only to her shoulder. As such, her stylists opted to keep her hair down while weaving some braids and crystalline flowers into her gentle windswept waves. The flowers took the place of a tiara and served to bring even more attention to her brilliant red hair. Meanwhile, her make-up was designed to capitalise on that draw to create a full picture that highlighted her features perfectly. From the small wings and the touch of smokiness that gave incredible depth to her violet Ferran eyes to the soft blush and rose lips for contrast with her alabaster skin.

Adding to her image was her brilliant red dress that had been designed to ripple like fire. The flame aesthetic was further complimented by the secondary and accent colours, though the dressmakers had made sure to keep it from being too much. Compared to Seres' dress, Rowan's had a low back, showing the full extent of her scars and she lacked a shawl to cover them. That had been her decision; she wanted to show everyone what they had been through, what they had survived.

Of course, this meant that the dress couldn't be held up around the bust or with shoulder straps. Instead, the straps were caught in a choker at the neck with a window of fiery lace. Instead of a necklace, a single teardrop gem hung from the choker.

As for the skirt, it was made from a light flower material that ended just below the knee and flared as Rowan twirled. This in combination with the colour is what truly gave the aesthetic of flame whilst giving Rowan full fluidity of motion which was important due to how dynamic she could be. To compliment her dress, she wore a flat pair of red shoes that laced up her ankles with ribbon and a single arm ring around her right bicep.

When Rowan came to a stop, Seres laughed warmly and said, "You look great, Rowan. Perfect even."

"Thank you," said Rowan with a soft blush.

Seres then gave her a serious look and cautioned her, "Don't be surprised if you draw the attention of many a bachelor or maybe even a few bachelorettes. And be careful not to get caught in the moment or let yourself get overwhelmed."

"I appreciate the heads up, but isn't this a new experience for you as well?"

"Well yes. I'm just repeating the same warning that my sister gave me. Though she only told me the second half. I added the part about the suitors myself."

Rowan gave Seres a slight pout. "Don't give me that, Seres. You're just as, if not more, worthy of suitors than I am. I'm sure you'll get as much attention as I do."

"I'll definitely get a lot of attention, but courting works a little differently when it comes to princesses."

"Why would that be?" Rowan asked.

"Because of how valuable we are politically."

"Do you really think your mother would force you into a political marriage after all you've been through?"

"No," Seres admitted, "but the court doesn't know that and they'll follow tradition."

"Sounds stupid to me," Rowan snorted.

"Not as stupid as the sound you just made," Seres laughed. "Seriously though, I'm happy that I'll be able to enjoy the ball without needing to worry about that. And it's not like people won't ask me to dance or anything."

"That's good at least. And if they don't, I'll show everyone what they're missing."

"You don't need to do anything that extreme."

"What else is a beautiful Ardent to do when her honorary sister is neglected?" asked Rowan seriously.

Seres returned the look as best she could before falling to laughter. When she looked up again, Rowan was also laughing.

Their laughter was interrupted by a knock on the door. "It is time, Your Highness," said a maid on the other side.

"Right away," Seres replied before turning to Rowan. "Shall we?"

"Let’s."

*****

"Honoured guests," cried a herald, his voice amplified via Resonance Crystal so that even Rowan and Seres could hear it from outside, "it is with great pride and privilege that I am able to welcome our lost princess home. Join me in welcoming Her Royal Highness, Seres Talyren El Ria Lanafae, Princess of the Dawn."

What followed was an earthshaking cheer that rippled through the city, marking the official start of celebrations for the common folk. Inside, however, the herald was not finished.

"I also have the honour of introducing the woman who sacrificed everything to keep our beloved princess safe from damnation and bring her home. Join me in giving your thanks to Rowan'efrii Alyris Naliir, Ardent Protector."

The cheer for Rowan was no less than what Seres had been given, though arguably they were both for her. Even so it lit a fire in Rowan's heart. When the doors opened, she was raring to go.

Then she saw the great hall, her jaw nearly hit the floor, both literally and figuratively. The room felt like it had been built for giants. Either that or the people within were the size of pygmies for they were completely dwarfed by the incredibly bodacious architecture and grand decorations. Adding almost unreasonably to the effect were the floating network of platforms above the main floor that also served as large crystalline lights. Even after seeing the statues in the garden earlier, Rowan would never have imagined such a gravity-defying feat was possible. Even Seres seemed like she had been taken completely aback by the sight.

"That's new," she whispered, barely moving her lips as they strode forward.

"What is?" Rowan asked.

"The platforms."

"You don't think they did this just for us, do you?"

"Not a chance. There's no way this just happened out of the blue. I'll ask my mother some other time. Speaking of which, we're meant to present ourselves to her."

"Lead the way."

Seres took them straight through the middle of the main floor past the nobles who had been dancing before the announcement. Each one bowed or curtsied as they passed. When they reached the other side, they ascended a grand flight of stairs to the only platform not raised by Gravitational Resonance. The platform was large in its own right and decorated lavishly in the royal colours of Llen Fær, red and silver with an accent of gold. They found Queen Elarin at the centre-back of the platform flanked by the rest of her family and her attendants.

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Seres stepped forward and spoke so that her voice would carry. "Your Majesty, after many years I have returned home."

In response, Queen Elarin stood and bowed her head slightly. "Welcome home, Seres, my daughter. And to you, Rowan'efrii, I thank you for returning my daughter to me. To show my gratitude I extend to you the titles of An'Fær and Ardent Flame of Midiris along with an invitation to my court."

Rowan curtsied and gave her answer. "I wholeheartedly accept."

"Then let it be known that Rowan'efrii of House Naliir is a lady in more than name. She is truly worthy of our gratitude as are all who spearheaded the rescue and return of my daughter and her compatriots. As for those who escaped alongside them, they are deserving of our aid. The crown will do its part. I ask that you all do the same. Last of all, the crown is committed to doing what it can to put an end to the foul plot that haunts our lands and those of our brothers and sisters to the East. As for you, Lady Rowan, I ask that you continue to be my daughter's friend, ally, and protector."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I wouldn't have it any other way."

With Rowan's answer given and Queen Elarin's declaration made, the hall fell silent. Rowan had been given a tremendous honour, one that hadn't been given even in the lifetime of the oldest living nobles of Midiris. Before the silence became overbearing, however, the music started again and people returned to their socialising.

With everything back to normal, Queen Elarin gave Rowan and Seres a smile. "Now go enjoy yourselves," she said, notably quieter than before. "This ball is for you, after all."

Having been given leave, the two girls descended into the ball, ready to partake in all that the festivities had to offer. It was slow going right at the beginning as everyone wanted to speak to Seres who felt obligated to share at least a few words with everyone who approached her. Not wanting to leave her to the wolves, Rowan stayed by her side. That's what she told herself at least. It totally wasn't because she was intimidated. Even so, she could only handle the endless sharing of pleasantries for so long as it eventually got to the point that she was visibly agitated to those who knew what to look for.

During a brief pause in the exchange, Seres gave Rowan a quick glance and said, "You don't need to stay here, glued to my side, you know."

"I do, but…"

"Go and party already. I'll find a way to free myself before too long and I'd rather not do it by way of you scaring everyone away."

"Sorry," replied a glum Rowan.

"Just have fun. Consider it an order."

"A royal one?"

"Of course not. It's an order between friends. That means you have to follow it."

"Is that how it works?" Rowan laughed.

"It is today," Seres answered with mock seriousness. "Now hurry up. Someone is coming to greet me."

"Fine," said Rowan with a rolling of her eyes. "Just promise to come find me if you need rescuing."

"Rowan!"

"I'm going."

Rowan was laughing as she took her leave. And then she realised that she had no idea what she was supposed to do even after all the prep and drilling she had done with Seres. A ball was, after all, completely different from the festivals of her youth. It would have been different if she knew anyone, but she was surrounded by strangers who were in their social element. Only that wasn't entirely true; there were people here that she knew. At least, there were meant to be.

With a bit of hope, Rowan cast her gaze across the main floor. As she did she caught a glimpse of Maro in a relatively simple light blue dress dancing with a young man. Across from them, Ædarik and Ashlin were also dancing. They both looked incredible in their formal attire. In any other setting, Ashlin may have been a showstopper with her dress of midnight purple and glistening nebulae. Alas, she had some strong competition and Rowan wasn’t going to go without a fight. Granted, it seemed like Ashlin already had a prize. If anything, it made Rowan a little jealous.

Not wanting to dwell on that, she continued to look for someone who was free. Sure enough, she eventually found Amran rather out of the way to the side. Somewhat unsurprisingly, he was on his own and dressed in rather subdued formal wear. Rowan navigated her way across to him with only a little difficulty.

When she reached him, Rowan announced herself in a rather unconventional way by saying, "Knock knock."

Amran looked up and gave Rowan a dry smile as he responded. "You know, I'd have known it was you even if you hadn’t said anything. Your emotions are like a beacon."

"Nice to see you too."

"I'm surprised you found the time to come see me."

"I meant to visit you sooner, but…"

"You've been busy. I know. I'm not complaining."

"You sound like you're complaining."

"That's just you confusing my annoyed tone with my happy tone."

"Well it's not my fault they're so similar."

"I see the tides have turned."

"Stop that," Rowan laughed.

Obliging, Amran restored the conversation. "So, to what do I have the honour of your company so early in the night?"

"You were the first person I saw that I already knew and didn't seem to be occupied."

"Why not try talking to people you don't know?" suggested Amran.

"It's not that easy," Rowan complained.

"You managed with me just fine when we first met."

"And I completely flubbed it, remember," Rowan reminded him.

"So you did."

"And even if I hadn't, this is a completely different situation. How are you supposed to initiate conversation with strangers in a formal setting?"

"By approaching them and saying 'hello'?" Amran suggested before reminding Rowan with, "I'm not exactly an expert on the matter."

"True. I just wish I had something else to work with."

Suddenly, Amran gave Rowan a suspicious glance and asked, "Conversation with strangers isn't the only thing you're avoiding, is it?"

The question made Rowan feel guilty. "No?" she said with that all too unconvincing rising pitch.

"I don't blame you for the loss of my foot, Rowan."

"I didn't think…"

"Yes you did and we both know it. I'm fine. Honestly."

"You are?"

"Thanks to the medics and healers that have been attending me, yes. The prosthetic is taking a little getting used to but that's a minor issue in the grand scheme of things."

"How are you taking this so well?"

"Because it is in my nature."

"This goes beyond nature."

"Perhaps. Regardless, if this was my limit, I would have fallen years ago."

"It's still impressive."

"Then I accept the compliment," said Amran with the slightest hint of a smile.

"So what's next for you?"

"I asked the Queen if she could arrange for me to attend The Azure University."

"That sounds like it would suit you."

"Indeed. It is my intent to aid in the study of Stoics."

"It's good that you have an idea of what lies ahead of you. I have a destination, but no map to guide me."

"You're referring to your oath, correct?"

"Aye."

"Then I must disagree with you."

Feeling mildly offended, Rowan started to interject, "That's not how…"

"Let me finish. I disagree with the completion of your oath being your destination. That's only a point on your journey."

"I think you're reading a wee bit too much into my choice of words."

"Then why did you say it with such finality?"

"I didn't, did I?"

"You did. Have your vengeance, but don't let it consume you. You aren't alone or fighting just for yourself, after all."

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it. With that said, I believe another person who enjoys leaking emotion is here to see you."

"You what?"

Before Amran could answer, someone cleared their throat behind Rowan. The voice that followed had a dark, enchanting quality and the slightest hint of a lilt. If sound were touch it would have been that of smooth velvet.

"Forgive me for my intrusion, Lady Naliir, for I couldn't delay my approach a moment longer."

Rowan turned to face the voice bearer and he did not disappoint. His face was chiselled to an almost statuesque degree and was further complemented by an extremely well-groomed, but still casual, stubble and a similarly styled head of short and slightly choppy hair the colour of mahogany. He stood with an almost towering confidence that felt almost like a challenge. It didn't help that he was a full foot taller than Rowan or that was looking at her intently with his burgundy-coloured eyes.

Maintaining eye contact with him for too long was difficult so she decided to instead admire the rest of him; surreptitiously, of course. Even with his rather dapper attire, Rowan could tell that he was incredibly well-toned. With that said, he didn't appear to be at all bulky. That gave him the appearance of being strong but not overly imposing.

"Lady Naliir?" he said again.

"Hmmm?" Rowan replied, barely noticing.

"I can leave," he suggested, sounding a little deflated.

This time Rowan managed to look him in the face again. His confidence was gone and the illusion was shattered. He no longer looked like the vision of perfection. That isn't to say he wasn't still incredibly attractive, just that he was closer to the realm of mortals than Rowan had thought mere seconds before.

"Oh hello, sorry," she said after a moment, "I was distracted. Don't leave. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I was entranced by your beauty and I knew that I'd regret it if I didn't try speaking to you before night's end."

Rowan blushed furiously at the complement and stumbled awkwardly over her response; "I can thank you," was about all she managed initially.

"You can?"

"Sorry, I'm not used to this," Rowan apologised. "What I meant to say is thank you and I'd be happy to talk with you. Would you mind giving me your name?"

"That would be a good place to start, wouldn’t it? My name is Brennan. I'm an Ardent from the Awakened Corp of the Særan Military. I'm serving as 'guard duty' for the king's delegation."

"Guard duty? King's delegation?"

"The king of Særis," Brennan explained, "he couldn't attend himself, but when he heard about Princess Seres' return he sent a delegation to extend his joy and best wishes."

"That still doesn't explain the guard duty part."

"A formality for the most part. Llen Fær and Særis are allied nations, after all. However, our own princess is in attendance at this ball, as are the first and second princes of Ferran, so my partner and I are serving as part of the honour guard."

"Makes sense," Rowan conceded.

Brennan's voice then took a more serious tone. He looked into Rowan's eyes and asked, "With that said, may I be so bold to ask if you would honour me with a dance?"

Rowan smiled back at him a little awkwardly. "I would be happy to honour you so," she said before smugly adding, "if you can keep up."

"Is that a challenge? I'll have you know that I'm no slouch on the dance floor."

"Neither am I," said Rowan simply without a hint of a boast.

*****

Meanwhile, Alena saw the entire exchange happen from one of the platforms. She was pouting as she complained to Davra.

"This is what I get for not wanting to interrupt her while she was talking to her friend."

"Stop worrying about it, Alena. It was inevitable that people were going to notice her. Have you seen her? Damn, she cleans up nicely."

"Well, I saw her first."

"Stop acting like a child, Alena. If you really want to woo her, take the initiative or wait for the prime time to strike."

"I'm not sure about that…"

"Then just speak to her. She already likes you at least a little bit so you have an overwhelming advantage compared to most of the people that are likely to approach her."

"If you say so," Alena sighed.

"I do say so."

"Okay, let me just work out how I'm going to do this."

"Take your time. Just don't squander your chance."

"I won't."

*****

Rowan was smiling from ear to ear as her dance with Brennan came to a close. And despite putting Brennan through his paces, she bore no signs of exertion. Brennan, on the other hand, was red in the face and breathing heavily. For some reason, he was also walking a little awkwardly.

"It would appear that I lost," he huffed. "I think it might be an idea for me to take a break after that."

"Are you okay?" Rowan asked.

"I will be after I sit down and get a bite to eat. Next time I'll be better prepared. Until then, I'll let you get back to mingling."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

"It was fun dancing with you, by the way."

Those were Rowan's parting words. After that, she was getting approached pretty much every time she was alone due to her suitors having been emboldened by Brennan. Some didn't even give her the courtesy of waiting with a prime example having five guys arguing about who would have the privilege of courting Rowan right in front of her without giving the common courtesy of asking for her thoughts or opinions on the matter. Thankfully, she was able to slip away because of how absorbed they were with their argument.

It wasn’t all bad. Some of the people were perfectly nice and some even charmed Rowan enough that she was willing to dance with them. Others, however, were much worse from "Maybe we should go somewhere where you can remove that dress and cool off," to "Is it hot in here or do I see a mirage before me?" or even, "I must say, that tattoo on your back is a show of excellent taste and style." That last one earned the gentleman who said it a rather firm slap. Which is to say, she hit him with enough force to knock him off balance and over the railings on the platform. Miraculously he survived, but not without a few broken bones.

After that, Rowan was given some space to breathe so she took it upon herself to find some food. The tables were filled with delicacies from around the world, many of which Rowan had never seen before. That made it a little bit more of a challenge to find things she liked. In the end, she settled on a table dedicated to Midiran cuisine.

As Rowan started to eat her fill the crows started to gather again. Before they could swoop in, however, she heard a familiar voice.

"Rowan!" Alena called out. "I'm so glad I found you."

Rowan's heart skipped a beat at the sound of Alena's voice. She hadn't forgotten her attraction to the young Ferran lady nor her desire to be more than just friends with her.

Caught in the moment, Rowan practically ran at Alena and hugged her. Alena cried out in happy surprise from the sudden embrace, but after she collected herself, she hugged Rowan back.

"I'll take that as 'you're happy to see me too'?" Alena asked.

"More than happy," Rowan replied. "I thought I'd never get the chance to speak to someone else that I knew tonight and then bam, my number one choice appeared."

"Your number one choice?"

Realising what she had said, Rowan turned bright crimson and stammered, "P-please f-forget what I just said."

Seeing the extremely embarrassed Rowan only made Alena blush which in turn made Rowan more embarrassed. If ever it were possible for an Ardent to generate visible heat without anger, it was now.

To cap it off, Alena managed to compose herself enough for a response. She looked into Rowan's eyes and said, "It makes me happier than you can imagine to know that I was your number one choice."

With that, Rowan fainted into Alena's arms. She came to in a matter of seconds, but it was enough; her heart was racing.

The only words she managed after that were, "care to dance?" to which Alena wholeheartedly obliged. Rather than adopt the lead and follow positions that were common in the more traditional mixed-gender pairings, they instinctively went for an offset stance more commonly seen in Ferran dances. At first, they got a few offended looks as the stance they had taken was completely off for the Særan waltz that everyone was expecting as the next dance.

They were soon vindicated, however, as the music transitioned to accommodate their stance. Stepping into the dance, Rowan caught a glimpse of Seres walking away from the band with a mischievous grin on her face. Alena was also smiling like a radiant star amid a sea of mundane formality as they started moving in step.

Their dance soon became the focal point of the event as desire started to imbue every inch of Rowan's being and Alena mirrored every passion. Each graceful step brought them closer together. Even the twirling flames of passion could not keep them parted as the heat was intoxicating.

When the dance neared the climax, their lips almost touched and Rowan felt her Gift surge through her body. In that moment, she showed everyone what it meant to be the Ardent Flame; just not in the way that the Queen had imagined.

The bountiful emotion was felt by everyone in the great hall and more than a few flames were kindled that night in the light of passion. Only one person was free from the overwhelming touch of Rowan's desire and that was Alena herself. Deep down, Rowan wanted Alena's feelings for her to be unadulterated.

They were both breathing heavily when the dance came to a close. Their bodies clung to each other and they were, once again, on the edge of a kiss as they gazed deeply into each other’s eyes. The applause that followed broke the moment and they realised they were the only ones on the dance floor. Instead, everyone was watching them. Their dance had become a solo performance.

Through the clapping and a heavy blush, Alena managed to say, "know anywhere quieter where we could cool down?"

Rowan knew just the place. She took Alena's hand and led her to the Sunfall Apartments.

*****

For the entire walk back to the apartments, the passionate heat between Rowan and Alena continued to rise. They were barely through the door when the flames of desire ignited in truth as their lips touched. The kiss was slow at first. Hesitant even. As the nervous exploration continued in earnest, however, their confidence grew and Rowan deepened the kiss with her tongue.

When Alena responded in kind, Rowan felt a second rush from her Gift. The electrifying touch of the Goddess’ approval was like a drug that only became more addicting with each passing moment of their embrace. Alena dove headfirst into passion and desire with an intensity that made Rowan’s heart race.

Like an Ardent Flame, there was no end in sight to the growing fire that fueled their intimacy. Even the awkward navigation through the parlour added to the heat of their dance. It didn’t matter that they accidentally smashed a vase or that they tripped over a sofa. Such moments just proved that they were lost in the other.

When they finally reached the door to Rowan’s bedroom, Alena pressed Rowan against it with lustful intent. Before Rowan could react, Alena had already moved in with her hands reaching up to unfasten Rowan’s dress. Taken aback by Alena’s forwardness, Rowan let it happen, even going so far as to moan quietly when Alena kissed her neck.

Alena pulled back in momentary surprise at the quiet sound of ecstasy. Seeing her chance, Rowan seized the initiative and opened the door behind her, sweeping Alena into the room. With control back in her hands, Rowan guided them towards the bed as she straddled Alena and finished what Alena had started.

With the choker loose, the top half of Rowan’s dress fell and her chest was left bare. Rowan kissed Alena fiercely; a duel of paramours. She wanted to go further, but she was hesitant. Was Alena really okay with this? She was a noble, after all, and Rowan was still rough around the edges from her years in captivity, even if she was starting to fill out. Could someone truly appreciate her bony form?

Rowan pulled back, but before she could voice her concerns, Alena spoke up.

“You can continue,” she said with a breathless smile.

“Are you sure? Is this okay?”

Rowan’s quiet response was hesitant and filled with longing. She craved the connection they were sharing. A love born of desire. The inverse of her past relationship with Kiriin, but no less true. But, she was only one half of the full picture and she was anxious to see the other half.

Alena's answer, on the other hand, was simple and clear.

"Yes."

*****

As they reached the end of their first crescendo, Rowan snuggled up beside Alena and kissed her gently.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Yeah. I just wasn’t prepared for something quite so intense,” Alena replied.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t apologise,” Alena smiled, “it felt amazing.”

“It’s just, is this really okay?”

With the action slowing down, Rowan’s anxiety was rearing its terrible head and it was showing in her voice.

“What do you mean?” Alena asked, giving Rowan a concerned look.

“You’re a noble, right? Won’t this be a problem with your family?”

Alena answered Rowan’s question with laughter and mirth. “Worried what they might think if I’m no longer a virgin?”

“Yes?”

Rowan was quiet as she responded. She had been taken aback by Alena’s laughter and she was feeling somewhat foolish without knowing why. Fortunately, Alena didn’t dally in assuaging Rowan’s growing anxiety.

“It’s true that some families amongst the nobility expect their children to remain ‘pure’ outside of wedlock, but enforcement of the tradition has been falling out of favour and it was never popular in Ferran to begin with. As long as I don’t have a child outside of wedlock, my family probably won’t object and I’m pretty confident you lack the means of getting me pregnant.”

“Well if you’re sure,” Rowan said hesitantly.

“Completely. If anything, my family would celebrate me entering a union, even if only briefly, with the Ardent Flame of Midiris. I do have one request, however.”

Alena’s ears flattened slightly as she readied herself to speak again.

“If someone else takes your fancy or we part ways for some other reason, please don’t forget me.”

Rowan looked at Alena seriously and kissed her. “I’m not going to forget you, silly, nor do I intend to let these feelings die. Even if someone else enters the scene, I hope you’ll let me keep on loving you.”

“Why would I want you to stop?”

“Well if I found myself loving multiple people, you might not want to share,”

“Is that all?”

“Yes?”

“Then I don’t think we have anything to worry about. I wouldn’t dream of trying to contain an Ardent’s emotions. If that means you loving multiple people, then I am beyond willing to accept that possibility. More than that even. I would share in your love if you’d let me.”

“As in, having you join me in loving multiple people? Of course, I would!”

“That’s great! I didn’t think you were an exclusive harem kind of girl, but these things are worth checking.”

“I’d be happy if you were able to love many people, not just those that I also love,”

“Likewise. This kind of reminds me of how the Ferran clans used to do things. I know some still do, but polyamory used to be fairly common in our race.”

“So I’ve heard. Just one thing though. Do you just like girls, or do you also like guys as well?”

“It depends on the person.” Alena smiled. She started edging closer to Rowan, tail swishing mischievously behind her. “What I do know is that I like you a lot and I think I’m ready for another round.”

Before Rowan could respond, Alena locked lips with her and the embers burst into flame. Eventually, the embers returned as the two drifted off to sleep in the wee hours of the morning. Still, even in slumber, the embers were fueled by passion.