Months pass so quickly that before I know it, it's been a year. I'm - well, Ophelia is - 17, halfway to 18 now. I don't really have much interest in calculating the exact number of months I've been conscious in this world, so a year is fine.

Officially, Viktor and I are courting. I feel so fancy whenever I say it. Mostly it means an excuse to invite him to the manor, or to see him without injuring myself. During social functions I always invite him, even if he won't be able to make it. When he does, we steal away somewhere quiet.

He's a very proper, demure man.

Who is surprisingly insatiable when it comes to kisses.

He's addicted to them, or so it would seem, because he never gets tired of them. We spend our quiet moments stealing them. Whenever he can, he finds little moments to catch me alone and press a brief, feather soft one against my lips, always stealing away as if he is afraid of someone finding him out.

It's adorable.

Sometimes, he makes the mistake of trying to steal them while in public, and then becomes so adorably flustered when he realizes he's been so brazen in public.

A cloth fan smacks lightly into my shoulder to snap me out of my happy daydream. My mother is standing by my side, frowning at me, before she shakes her head. "Ophelia. Don't slouch. If you want to show you are a lady, you must hold yourself upright."

I wince internally, and take a deep breath. I lift my shoulders and settle my features into a cool, emotionless mask. My posture is rigid, almost military.

Mother leans down to whisper. "You can be relaxed, but not that relaxed. I've been around long enough to know what it looks like when a young lady has been distracted by her sweetheart. Your father will not be so amused as I am." She pats my cheek gently, smiling, before taking my arm and resuming our leisurely walk around the perimeter of the dance floor.

Anne and I have been invited to attend the masquerade ball hosted by Lady Esme Foster, youngest daughter of Baron Gideon Foster. Both families are strong political rivals of the Weidemans, though Anne has not met Lord Gideon nor his eldest daughter yet. Anne is quite friendly with Lady Esme.

Mother and Anne had chosen to wear beautiful, sleek, sleeveless dresses in pale pink and blue, respectively, and adorned themselves with delicate, matching accessories. Their hair is piled in loose, curling updos with artfully placed braids. I think they look stunning. I am much more restrained, my dress a pale, powdery blue, with silver embroidery and detailing. I carry a fan to complete the look, and wear my hair in a tight bun at the nape of my neck.

Anne is dancing with a young man that she seems to have her eye on, while Mother and I sip drinks and watch her. I let out a sigh as I finish my drink, setting the glass aside, and wishing I could get another. It's warm in here. The room is full of swirling colors and masks and glittering jewels.

Father and a group of his peers are sitting at the poker table in the corner of the room. His white-tipped hair is drawn back, a black and silver mask hanging over his eyes. His lips are pulled into a tight smirk as he studies his hand, and there are stacks of coins, both gold and silver, in front of him. I recognize some of the other faces at the table. I suppose these are the most powerful men in the Empire, many of them rulers or otherwise high ranking nobles. They seem to be having fun, although Father's opponent is probably suffering for it.

Bored, I return my attention to the dancers, scanning the crowd and taking note of who else is in attendance. There's the prime minister. The captain of the imperial guard. The Grand Duchess, and the Empress herself. Her husband is missing, so it's likely he's out hunting again.

I freeze and whirl around at a hand on my back. My breath hitches.

Viktor.

I inhale slowly, fighting to keep my face from betraying the racing of my heart or the sudden trembling in my limbs. I school my face into a polite, bland, aloof smile, and turn to greet him. "You shouldn't be here." I hiss softly.

I was distinctly told Viktor wasn't allowed, not even as my guest, due to the presence of the empress!!

Yet-

I really do love to be surprised by him.

My words elicit a chuckle from him, his lips curved up into a coy smile. He holds out his hand. "Dance with me. It's a masked ball."

I pause for a moment, contemplating it, and have to stifle a laugh. Although I can recognize him at a glance, it's true...most would have no idea a commoner was among them. No one knows the man behind the mask. It would be fine, yes?

I settle my hand in his, feeling the warmth of his hand envelop mine, and we move out to join the crowd. I try to relax into the flow of the steps, allowing Viktor to lead as we dance.

He is...so good at this...

"You've gotten better..." I whisper, trying not to smile too openly. I'd thought his dancing was just fine during the ball last year, when he'd apparently only just learned, but...he must have practiced between then and now. My cheeks warm at the thought.

His green eyes meet mine. "Perhaps. Perhaps I did wish to impress someone, when the time came..."

I'm grateful that the heat in my face will just seem a flush from the exertion of the dance, and not the admission that's making me giddy and dreamy.

When the music stops, Viktor's hands settle on my waist and he lifts me off my feet effortlessly, holding me up before setting me gently back down again. His lips press against the top of my head.

My breath catches as his hand caresses my cheek, and he holds up a tiny, gleaming gem, just in front of my eyes. It's a ruby, in the shape of a rose. A pin. He reaches around me to thread it into my hair, taking the opportunity to brush a stray tendril away from my neck. My hands are at my sides, useless.

He releases me. I swallow, struggling for the ability to formulate thought or coherent words, and breathe in deeply to regain my composure.

His eyes are lit up with warmth. "An accessory for my beloved. Though it looks dull nestled in such vibrant hair."

My eyes drop to his lips, and I can't look away.

My head is spinning with a pleasant, giddy, high. "You...you're trying to bewitch me again, Viktor. Such flowery, sweet words, they make me think you'll consume me."

He tucks my hand in his arm and guides me out of the crush of people into the hallway, stopping beside one of the marble pillars. It is not so crowded here. His eyes search mine. "That is the aim, I fear." He raises my hand to his lips, brushing his lips over my knuckles. "Would you surrender yourself to me?"

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

I can barely hear my own words over the roaring in my ears, blood pumping through me. "I...yes. Yes, I..." I suck in a breath, struggling to force it through the haze. "Viktor, I..."

We're interrupted.

"Ophelia?"

My face turns a deep crimson, my lips pursing and brows lowering, eyes narrowed into angry slits as I whip my head towards the intruder. I glare daggers at my sister Anne. "Yes, what do you want!?" I don't quite shout it, but I still earn a sharp rebuke from my mother, who stands by Anne's side. She jerks her head at me and beckons. "Come over here. And put away that face."

Viktor politely excuses himself, withdrawing quietly as my family's attention shifts to me.

I let out a soft sigh.

I really would rather keep spending time with my...sweetheart.

Anne smiles. "Oh dear, were you talking to a friend?"

"I..."

She winks conspiratorially and lifts a finger to her lips. "Your secret's safe with me."

My 'secret' is being exposed by that very statement. I cross my arms, head lowering, scowling in the hopes that she'll just get the hint and drop it.

It works. She moves on to talk to my mother.

Mother surveys me thoughtfully. "You look like you were having fun, my child. Your sister and I would like to discuss something with you, however."

"What's that?"

Her eyes sparkle as they travel past me. I turn my head to see what she's looking at. "There's a charming young man watching you, Ophelia. One who can't take his eyes off you. Shouldn't you introduce him to your family? Since he seems so fond of you."

I roll my eyes. "If he were watching me he would know to come and introduce himself."

Anne jumps in, tugging my mother's arm. "Oh, you mean that nobleman over there in the brown suit and black cape, don't you?! With the auburn hair? I think his name was - oh, I don't remember what it was...but I talked with him a bit earlier, and he seemed nice enough...very shy, though..." Anne beams and looks at me, nodding. "I approve."

I pout a bit. I don't want them meddling. I don't want this stranger getting the wrong idea and starting drama when he should be nowhere near me.

It would be easier to handle if I weren't wearing this ridiculous costume that obscures my identity.

Mother clears her throat, a bit more seriously this time, and takes my hand, pressing it between hers. "Ophelia."

"...This is rather absurd, don't you think?" I say, finally. "Trying to meddle when you know I'm already courting someone?"

My mother tuts. "Yes, yes, the little doctor boy." --'boy'?? "However, it is no good to become so invested in just one potential suitor. You are years off from marriageable age yet. It's not good for you to become so attached. What if he refuses to court you after you are old enough to marry? It would break your heart. Or what if you grew apart during the years waiting, and lose interest? There are plenty of handsome, rich boys here tonight - some of them the sons of powerful men. You should get to know them all, and find yourself the most compatible suitor."

I hate the logic.

I-

It isn't bad. Even if my mother is ambitious what she's saying is sound. Except that Viktor isn't like that. He wouldn't just grow apart. He wouldn't suddenly reject me. He wouldn't-

Abruptly, the memory of my -of Adelaide's - husband flashes through my mind.

Those cold eyes.

I feel nauseous.

I...I...can't-

I have to get away. I stumble past my family, pushing blindly through the crowds of guests as I rush for the balcony, feeling trapped. I throw open the doors and gulp down the night air.

Calm down. Calm down.

That's another life. Another person. I'm not Adelaide anymore. I'm not- Viktor and I are different than...that. My stomach is cramping and I feel dizzy. I cling to the balcony railing, clenching my eyes shut as I try to will the memory away, to push it far from where it could even hope to sully my Viktor.

After a few moments of focusing on my breathing and the fresh, cold, scent of the summer air, I finally manage to straighten and compose myself, running my fingers over my hair to make sure my bun is in place and none of my pins fell out. I open my eyes, and tilt my head to the stars above. The moon is in its quarter phase and shines brilliantly, its rays reflected on the pond below, sparkling in the ripples caused by the occasional breeze.

I should go back inside. I have duties to attend to. I am here as a representative of the Weideman household. I am responsible.

I exhale, and lift my head. I straighten my shoulders.

Behind me, footsteps approach. I hear a voice, quiet and soft, full of care. "Ophelia...?"

My eyes widen, and I glance back.

It's him.

There are dark circles under his eyes and he is as pale as always, but he still looks so very handsome.

I've never been more relieved to see him. I can't stop myself from launching myself at him, my arms wrapping tightly around him, my body leaning heavily on his. "V-Viktor...! Oh, thank goodness...it's you."

His arms enfold me, warm and gentle and safe, his lips pressed to my hair, comforting me without words.

I relax.

I do not have to feign it when he is here.

He holds me close until I gather the strength to pull myself free, reluctant to leave the cocoon of comfort he provides. I realize belatedly that he'd followed me because he knew I was upset. He came out to find me.

The thought is a warm, happy one.

Viktor's lips twist into a wry, apologetic smile as he puts his arm around my shoulder and leads me further along the balcony. "I'm sorry I took so long."

"W-what...? I...why are you apologizing...?"

He strokes my cheek, a tender gesture of affection. "I noticed you were upset but...it took me so long to work my way out here..." His fingers slip around the back of my head and caress my hair and scalp gently, lulling me.

"I-I'm the one who ran out. I...should've stayed calm...you don't have to be sorry, Viktor. It wasn't your fault."

Viktor chuckles. "Always so concerned for my feelings. Yet you disregard your own so readily. How cruel of you to refuse to let me shoulder my share of your worries."

He sits down on a bench by the balcony railing, and pats the spot beside him.

I settle in, resting my head on his shoulder as he pulls his arm around me to tug me closer, and we sit in silence.

His voice is a quiet rumble in his chest as he speaks. "...Do you remember the legend I told you?"

My brow furrows as I consider his words.

My head bobs in a nod.

He continues. "....that story is...very precious to me. My mother taught it to me as a child." His lips curl up into a soft smile. "She is...she was one of those who believe the legend is historical fact. She would always tell me...the goddess who loved her man so much, she died in order to stay with him...she told me...their love was eternal. No matter how long it may take, how much time may pass. Eventually, the man will meet his goddess once more."

I...can't bring myself to speak. There's such gravity in his voice. Such importance in his words.

"My mother...believed in a love so strong that without it, one could not live without the other. A love that not even death could separate."

A love like ours.

The words hang on the tip of my tongue, but I dare not speak them. Not yet.

His voice cracks, just a little. "It's...not something I've ever believed before, but...when I see you...I begin to question it..."

He leans into me, and his forehead falls against my shoulder. "Every day...every minute I spend with you is heaven. And with the possibility that, one day...I might never see you again..." He goes silent.

He's scared.

I know that feeling.

Finally he touches my chin and lifts my face, lifting his own head in turn. His green eyes sparkle like the stars. "...I know that my mother was right." He whispers. "A man who loves his goddess so much he'll die if he lives a moment in this world without her in it truly exists. For I...I can't imagine a future where you're not part of it."

...my heart is aching.

He traces his fingers over my cheek. "Forgive my foolishness...but I cannot imagine a world where I could live a day after you. If you were to be gone...I would be, too. My heart wouldn't be able to survive it."

I...

I don't know what to say.

I should be dancing. I should be exploding into sparkles. I should be so giddy I'm drunk. He's given me the heartfelt confession I've been hoping to hear - the one I'd read in my past life on his route so many times. I should do something silly and erratic and gleeful as I shout to the heavens that my darling loves me, finally.

Yet all that seems to happen...are the tears falling down my face.

Viktor smiles and gently brushes my tears away with his thumb. "I've made you cry."

I shake my head vigorously and clasp his hand in my own. "No. These aren't...no. I...am happy...truly. I was simply thinking of the same thing, and...was overwhelmed by your words. I...also don't want to be away from you."

I reach for him, sliding my arms over his shoulders and hugging him. It takes some maneuvering, but we end up with my legs thrown over his lap. He lets out a huff of laughter, his breath tickling my neck.

"Ophelia..." He murmurs my name softly. "My dearest, you should...be wary. We will look quite the sight like this. If we were found in a compromising position..."

His cheeks redden.

I shake my head. "I...don't care." I bury my face in his shirt. "Let them think whatever they want. It doesn't matter what they think."

He strokes his fingers over my back, his touch feather light as I melt into the sensation of his gentle movements.

"I...it's okay. We...have eternity, after all." I whisper, closing my eyes as I lean against him. "My beautiful star."

I know I have a lifetime, as short or as long as that might be, to spend with my darling.