Lilian was in the middle of enjoying a quiet afternoon in the library when one of the household staff approached her with a bow.

“Lady Lilian, the Crown Prince has arrived and is requesting your presence in the drawing room,” he announced, his tone respectful but tinged with curiosity.

Lilian’s brow furrowed in confusion. “The Crown Prince? Adrian? Why would he be here uninvited?”

She quickly stood, smoothing down her dress, and hurried to the drawing room. When she arrived, she found the Crown Prince seated elegantly on one of the plush sofas, looking quite at home. Natalie, her ever-loyal personal maid, was busying herself with the tea service, ensuring everything was perfect.

“Your Highness,” Lilian greeted him with a polite curtsy, masking her confusion with a warm smile. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

Adrian’s gaze softened as he looked at her, a small smile playing on his lips. “Lilian, please, no need for such formalities. I came to see you.”

Lilian felt a flutter of nervousness. The Crown Prince, here to see her? It was all very strange. She took a seat opposite him, trying to keep her composure.

Natalie brought over a tray of tea and biscuits, placing it on the table between them. “Would you like some tea, Your Highness?” she asked, pouring a cup and handing it to him.

“Thank you, Natalie,” he replied graciously, taking the cup. He then turned his attention back to Lilian, his expression more serious. “I’ve been thinking a lot about you lately, Lilian. There’s something I need to tell you.”

Lilian tilted her head slightly, her confusion growing. “What is it, Adrian?”

Adrian leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Lilian, I… I have feelings for you. Deep feelings.”

Lilian blinked, her mind struggling to process his words. “Feelings? For me?” She let out a light laugh, thinking he was joking. “Oh, Adrian, you’re always so funny. Why would you like me? I’m only nine!”

Adrian’s smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. “Lilian, I’m serious. I’ve admired you for a long time. You’re beautiful, kind, and... special.”

Lilian looked at him, still bewildered. “Special? Adrian, you’re making no sense. I mean, look at me. I’m just a kid!”

Natalie, sensing the awkwardness of the situation, cleared her throat softly. “Would you like some more tea, my lady?” she asked, trying to ease the tension.

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Lilian nodded, grateful for the distraction. “Yes, please, Natalie. And perhaps a few more biscuits.”

As Natalie refilled their cups, Lilian’s dragon, Celeste, in her cat form, trotted into the room and jumped onto Lilian’s lap. The tiny creature looked up at Adrian, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“Lilian, don’t trust him,” Celeste’s voice echoed in Lilian’s mind. “He’s not here for your sake. He wants something from you.”

Lilian reached down to stroke Celeste’s fur, her face thoughtful. “I wasn’t even considering it, Celeste. I’m only nine, after all.”

Adrian noticed the interaction and raised an eyebrow. “Lilian, are you all right? You seem distracted.”

Lilian looked up, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Oh, I’m fine. Just thinking about how silly this all is. I mean, really, Adrian, you’re the Crown Prince! You should be focusing on ruling the kingdom, not chasing after a girl who still plays with dolls.”

Adrian chuckled, though there was an edge of frustration in his voice. “You’re more than just a girl, Lilian. You have a power and presence that captivates everyone around you.”

Lilian shook her head, her laughter bubbling up again. “Power and presence? I think you’ve been reading too many fairy tales. I’m just me, plain old Lilian.”

The Crown Prince leaned back, his expression darkening slightly. “Lilian, you don’t understand. There’s more at stake here than you realize.”

Before Lilian could respond, Celeste’s voice echoed in her mind again. “He’s hiding something. Be careful.”

Lilian’s eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Adrian. “Why are you really here, Adrian? What do you want from me?”

Adrian hesitated, his charming facade slipping for just a moment. “Lilian, I... I need your help. My power is... failing. And I believe that with your help, I can restore it.”

Lilian’s confusion turned to suspicion. “And how exactly am I supposed to help you with that?”

Adrian sighed, looking genuinely troubled. “Your power, Lilian. It’s unique. If you were to join me, I believe I could harness it and strengthen my own abilities.”

Lilian stared at him, her mind racing. “Join you? You mean... like become your...”

“Partner,” Adrian finished, his eyes earnest. “Together, we could be unstoppable.”

Lilian’s laughter filled the room again, but this time it was more incredulous than amused. “Adrian, that’s ridiculous! I’m nine years old! I don’t even know what my powers are, let alone how to use them to help you.”

Adrian reached out, taking her hand in his. “Lilian, please. Just think about it.”

Lilian pulled her hand away gently, her expression firm. “I appreciate your offer, Adrian, but I’m not interested. I have my own path to follow.”

Celeste purred approvingly, her presence a comforting weight on Lilian’s lap. “Good decision,” she thought to Lilian.

Adrian’s disappointment was palpable, but he nodded, accepting her decision. “Very well, Lilian. But know that my offer still stands. If you ever change your mind, I’ll be here.”

Lilian smiled politely. “Thank you, Adrian. But for now, I’m happy where I am.”

As the Crown Prince took his leave, Lilian leaned back in her chair, letting out a sigh of relief. “That was... intense,” she muttered.

Natalie, who had been quietly observing the whole time, finally spoke up. “Are you all right, my lady?”

Lilian nodded, her smile returning. “Yes, I’m fine. Just a bit overwhelmed by all of this.”

Natalie placed a comforting hand on Lilian’s shoulder. “You handled it well. And you made the right choice.”

Lilian looked down at Celeste, who was still perched on her lap. “Thanks, Celeste. For the advice.”

Celeste looked up at her with wide, knowing eyes. “Anytime, Lilian.”