Charlotte choked down a deep breath as a wave of anxiety made its way through her chest. They had barely stepped into the restaurant and she already wanted to throw up. “Are you okay?” The whisper from beside her reminded her she wasn’t alone.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Charlotte smiles trying her best to swallow around the lump in her throat. Lilith didn’t believe her, she was suddenly quiet and looked like a deer in headlights.

“We can go.”

“What?” Charlotte asks confused, “I thought you wanted to come here.”

“Yeah, cause I thought it was a perfect first date spot. Fancy, decent prices. Amazing food. Casual formal attire accepted. And most importantly not too many tables so not too many people, or so I thought. Clearly I was wrong.” Lilith sighed looking out into the packed room.

“You booked a V.I.P. table.”

“So?” Lilith was confused, the most important thing about tonight was that Charlotte was both happy and comfortable. If the restaurant wasn’t it then they’d leave. With or without a refund.

“So that's really expensive,” Charlotte winces at the thought of how much just the table must have cost.

“And? I don’t give a fuck about money, the only thing I care about is you and whether your happy and comfortable. So are you comfortable or do you wanna go somewhere else?” 

Charlotte sighed, “I’ll be fine once we get to the table.”

“Are you sure?” Lilith frowned, concern etched on her face.

“Yeah, but I might need you to order for me,” Charlotte chuckled. Lilith smiled with a nod before gently guiding her towards the hostess.

“Princess Lilith, how can I help you?” The hostess asked with a huge smile on her face.

“Yes, I have a reservation.” Lilith answers, wrapping her arm around Charlotte’s elbow. The hostesses' smile falters slightly. Charlotte can’t help but feel a bit annoyed.

“V.I.P. Table in the back?” The hostess asked, straightening her smile.

“That's it.” Lilith smiles. The hostess nods, grabbing two menus before leading them through the crowded room and towards the large curtain that reaches top to bottom of the doorway. As they stepped past the curtain several enclosed booths came into view, each almost a cocoon except for a large decorative doorway. The table was built into the far wall of the igloo, it wasn’t a very big space just enough for a table for two and some walking room. “Here you are. Here are your menus. This is Matthew, he’ll be your waiter today.” The hostess smiles as a man dressed in a simple dress shirt and dress pants uniform walks up. “I hope you have a good evening, enjoy.” The hostess bowed slightly before retreating behind the curtain.

“Hi, I’m Matthew as you know. I’ll give you a minute to look over the menus, is there anything you already have in mind that I can get you in the meantime?” 

“Your finest wine.” Lilith smiles.

“And you Ms.?” 

“Sodas fine.” Charlotte says calmly looking over the drink options displayed in the menu. 

“Any in particular?” 

“Surprise me,” Charlotte smiles.

“As you wish,” Matthew smiles walking towards the attached kitchen made specially for the V.I.P. Section to make the trip easier on the waiters.

“Soda?” Lilith smiles, a bit confused. She always took Charlotte as a drinker.

“Yup,” Charlotte smiles, not taking her eyes off of her menu.

“Do you drink?” Lilith asks curiosity getting the better of her.

“Yeah, special occasions usually. Occasionally for the taste,” Charlotte shrugged putting her menu down in front of her, “How about you? Is it just special occasions or?”

“Whenever I want to really. I mean I’m not an alcoholic. But I have a few every once in a while.” Lilith shrugs.

“And how oftens every once in a while?” Charlotte asks, her face suddenly serious.

“Twice a month, maybe four. Depends on what events are planned for that month. Royal get-togethers can be mind numbingly boring,” Lilith laughed.

Charlotte smiles with a nod, “How much?”

“What?”

“How much do you drink in one session?” 

Lilith scratched her head in thought, “Two maybe, three at the most. I want to not be bored, not forget where I am.”

Charlotte nods, seemingly pleased with the answer. “One, two at most.”

“Not a big drinker?” Lilith smirks.

“No, not really. Plus, less is more with whiskey.” Charlotte chuckled, “I learned that the hard way.”

“Really? Care to share?” Lilith teased.

“No, I do not. I’d like to forget that night ever happened.” Charlotte groaned, now Lilith had to know. She’ll have to remember to ask Zachary what happened.

“So, what are you thinking of having?” Charlotte asks, moving her menu to the side.

“Don’t know, haven’t looked yet. You?”

“Steak looks good, but so does the chicken. They’re both really expensive though,” Charlotte mumbled the last part, she hated spending other people’s money. The few times in her life she’s allowed someone to loan her money or pay for something on her behalf she’s always made sure to pay back every penny sometimes with interest. She had a feeling Lilith wasn’t going to let that happen.

“Don’t worry about the prices, I’m paying.” Lilith beamed, she had asked her out on a date and she’d be damned if the love of her life and future wife paid a cent for dinner. If she could get away with it she’d make sure Charlotte never paid a cent for anything in her life ever again.

“Are you sure? I can pay-“

“Not even if hell froze over.” Lilith said with the most serious face Charlotte had ever seen on her face.

“Seriously-“

“Charlotte. No. If I have my way you won’t pay for a damn thing for the rest of your life.”

“Lilith, you can’t be-“ Charlotte stopped herself mid sentence knowing the answer, “Look, I’m not someone who likes to be dotted on. A little attention is fine, but I like to be independent-“

“If I don’t get to do anything for you for the rest of my life at least let me pay for anything you want,” Lilith almost pleaded. 

Charlotte smiles, holding her hand out across the table, “Deal.”