He always enjoyed Nadia’s company whenever she would come to retrieve Kot; in a year, they didn’t even need the cat to change their plans for them. No matter how crazy things got, they still found time to meet up with each other. Through their talks they learned what the other liked, despised, feared… in fragments they pieced together their pasts up until their meeting. They knew what made them happy and what dredged up bitter memories.

But perhaps best of all, they found someone to make new memories with—someone they could trust with anything on their mind. Something more than just friendship was blossoming and neither of them seemed to deny it. But properly forming the thoughts and words necessary to make it official was a different matter entirely.

Tavin had suggested the idea of the upcoming ball to her; honestly he hadn’t considered staying any longer than he needed to until he thought to ask her if she’d like to come. She was nervous but also seemed excited, especially at the idea of meeting new people and possibly being able to see Enebish again (though not too interested in any of the other attending Palus nobles).

Then with the fateful night only days away, he went to the only source he could think of for advice: Dimas.

“Step-Father, can I ask you something..?” Tavin must’ve walked in right as he finished spelling a bird to Zofie; it didn’t take Dimas long to notice him, though.

He smiled. “It’s nice to see you feeling better. What is it?”

No backing out now. “What did you do when you realized you liked Father more than as a friend..?”

“I asked if he felt the same and kissed him,” was Dimas’s simple, proud response. “I’m not going to go full-on parent mode here, but remember what I told you boys about butterflies.”

“I know. But that doesn’t really help me right now.”

“Just be honest. Get the important stuff out of the way and out in the open and let whoever it is determine it for themself.” Dimas smirked and ruffled Tavin’s hair. “Invite them to dinner soon, too. We’d all be happy to see them.”

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

…

Samone, in one way or another, found out about Nadia’s plans on attending the ball and was more than willing to supply for it; by the time he saw her at the ball, she could easily be mistaken for any of the other nobles. Knowing she was honest enough to speak up if she didn’t like anything, he trusted that it had all been by her agreement.

“I feel like I’m dreaming,” Nadia admitted with a smile. “I didn’t think Lady Samone would’ve gone this far for someone like me…”

“Well, if I may…” Tavin held out his hand. “Care to dance?”

She only nodded and let him lead the way. “Just as a warning, I’ve never actually done fancy noble ball dancing before.”

“I’m not a good dancer, either, but maybe we’ll do fine together.”

They wandered over to the other pairs and waited for the music to start. It wasn’t long after the waltz started that they were already close to each other, and he took this opportunity to talk.

“There’s this thing that we do in my family,” he began softly, “when we find someone we love. Queen Odelle told Step-Father that he shouldn’t be around anyone who gave him butterflies; that he and whoever he was with were never nervous around each other. He asked Father before they started dating. And now… I want to ask you.”

“I’m gonna be honest, you were a little intimidating when I first saw you—I mean, I’m a slightly-average girl from Palus suddenly talking to the prince. But after only minutes, it was like I was talking to a normal person. We became each other’s single normal friend, we’re the person the other can trust with just about anything. It’s funny you mention all of this, because… I’ve been waiting to give you this.” She pulled him in for a kiss.

Whenever they were together, it felt like there was no one else left in the world; this was no different. They made plans to retreat to the garden and just talk for the rest of the night. They only deviated from it when Nadia saw Enebish and the two had a brief conversation before departing.

Then they did exactly what they planned to do: talk. Nothing could have been a better way to spend their time together. All throughout it and until the guards that had walked her home returned, though, he couldn’t help but fear if this was ultimately going to hurt her. He knew the apparent luck of his family and the nature of Ilethera, but so did she. Eventually he resolved that she already knew all that she was getting herself into and prayed that he was only overthinking.