Continuation...

I remained silent, my hands clasped tightly in front of me. While the assistant helped me wear my dress earlier. Confronting her would only add fuel to the fire, but her next move made my blood simmer as I fixed my gloves.

She stepped closer, her hand reaching for my veil. "Let's see that hideous face behind that veil. I have been curious since earlier." She said smirking.

Before I could react, a strong and familiar presence filled the room. The air grew heavy with tension as Kazmir's deep voice cut through the chaos.

"That's enough, Your Highness."

Everyone froze, including the princess. Kazmir stood in the doorway, his expression a mix of cold fury and practiced calm. His piercing gaze landed on Mithy, and she visibly shrank back.

"K-Kazmir, I was just—"

Kazmir didn't let her finish. He crossed the room in quick, measured steps and pulled me into an embrace, his arm protectively wrapping around my shoulders.

"I missed you, My Love," he said, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear. Without hesitation, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

My cheeks burned as I tried to process the sudden display of affection. Was this part of the act, him being used to flirting publicly, or was there something more to his gesture?

Princess Mithy's face twisted in fury. "So, this is the woman you chose instead of me?"

Kazmir's expression didn't waver. "I was never yours to begin with and mind your courtesy, Your Highness. Only my soon-to-be Duchess of Xylos is allowed to call me by my first name. Stop embarrassing yourself."

With shock and tears on her face, she walked out immediately. The noble ladies in the room began whispering among themselves, their expressions ranging from shock to delight at the unfolding drama. Princess Mithy's entourage quickly ushered her out, their apologetic glances doing little to ease the tension she had left behind.

Kazmir turned to me, his tone softening. "Shall we leave, My Love? This place has lost its charm."

"Madam Venice, please just visit the Xylos Duchy and bring whatever you can all for my lovely bride to wear. All costs for the dresses, just bring the receipt to my assistant, Hugo." Kazmir said with confidence as if his bank won't ever go to dry. Perks of being a war hero and having the oldest lineage in the Ironclad Empire. He does have a lot to flex for sure.

Madam Venice prepared a dress for me that I had tried on earlier—fitted leather pants paired with a white tunic and a leather corset. I specifically requested this design to allow for ease of movement during training, and it fits my body perfectly.

I stifled a laugh and looked at him, allowing him to guide me toward the exit. As we stepped outside, the fresh air felt like a balm against the lingering tension.

As we walked, Kazmir glanced down at me with a curious smile. "You didn't seem too surprised by Mithy's antics."

I raised an eyebrow. "It's not my first encounter with a spoiled princess. Besides…" I paused, a mischievous smile playing on my lips. "You handled it quite well, My Love."

Kazmir chuckled, shaking his head. "I think I prefer when you call me Kazmir. But I have to admit, it does sound nice coming from you. Can you do it more?"

The teasing tone lightened the mood, and I found myself relaxing as we strolled through the bustling streets while Kazmir handed over the shopping bag I carried. Kazmir's knights trailed behind us at a respectful distance, but their watchful presence felt stifling.

I glanced over my shoulder and then back at Kazmir, my lips curving into a grin. "Let's lose them."

Kazmir blinked, his usual composure momentarily slipping. "Excuse me?"

Without waiting for a response, I grabbed his hand and darted into a narrow alleyway, pulling him along. He stumbled slightly, clearly unaccustomed to being dragged anywhere.

"Ava!" he hissed, his tone a mix of amusement and exasperation. "What are you doing?"

"Breaking free," I called over my shoulder, my laughter echoing off the walls. "Keep up, Grand Duke."

By the time we reached the marketplace, we had successfully evaded the knights. Kazmir straightened his jacket, muttering something about how undignified it was to be seen running through alleys. I couldn't help but laugh at his disheveled state. Thankfully before we lost them, Kazmir signaled he was okay so the Knights didn't have to chase after us.

"Relax, Kazmir. No one recognized you."

He raised an eyebrow, gesturing to his platinum hair. "You're forgetting this makes me rather memorable."

I tugged him toward a small shop tucked away in a quiet corner. The owner, Pierre, greeted me with a knowing smile. "Amira," he said warmly, his eyes glinting with recognition.

Kazmir's gaze darted between us, his posture tensing slightly. "You seem familiar with him."

I grinned at the slight edge in his tone. "Relax, Kazmir. Pierre's an old friend."

Pierre handed me a bundle of clothes without a word, and I turned to Kazmir with a grin. "Your turn."

Kazmir raised an eyebrow. "I'm not wearing that."

"You don't have a choice," I said, thrusting the clothes toward him.

After some grumbling, Kazmir emerged from the shop wearing the commoner's outfit, complete with a beret to hide his distinctive hair. Our clothes earlier were left at Pierre's care and as Kazmir instructed, the Knights will retrieve them later before we go back to the manor.

"It suits you," I said, trying to suppress a laugh. "Like a masterpiece from Michelangelo himself."

He rolled his eyes, but a faint blush crept up his cheeks. "You're enjoying this far too much."

The lantern festival was in full swing by the time we arrived. The warm glow of the lanterns lit up the night sky, and the lively chatter of the crowd created an infectious energy. We wandered among the stalls, sampling food and admiring the colorful displays.

As we prepared our lanterns, I carefully penned my wish onto the delicate paper. The moment my quill stilled, I felt a shadow loom over me. Kazmir was leaning far too close, his head tilted as he blatantly tried to read what I was writing.

"Kazmir," I warned without looking up, "if you don't stop hovering, I'll have to add another wish about keeping you in line."

He ignored me, his curiosity clearly outweighed any sense of self-preservation. "Come on, Ava, I'm dying to know what you're wishing for," he teased, his voice dripping with mischief. "Is it something noble and serious? Or maybe something… Do you know? Like something about our wedding night?"

I flicked the edge of my quill at him, which only made him laugh as he dodged it. "None of the above. It's private," I said curtly, tucking the lantern closer to my chest.

"That makes me want to know even more!" he exclaimed, dramatically clasping his hands together like a pleading child. Then, before I could stop him, he darted forward and managed to get a glimpse of my wish.

As realization dawned, his mouth fell open, and he gasped as if I'd just committed the greatest betrayal. "Ava! You wrote that you wished for me to stop acting like a child!" His tone was equal parts mock horror and real indignation.

I raised an eyebrow, completely unfazed. "And?"

"And?" he repeated, clutching at his chest as if my words physically wounded him. "You wound me, my fiery Duchess. I am a refined and mature gentleman."

"You're proving my point right now," I replied flatly, returning to adjusting my lantern.

Kazmir, however, was far from done. He staggered back dramatically, holding his lantern close to his chest as though protecting it from me. "Well, if you think my wish is going to be boring and practical like yours, think again!" He shot me a smug grin, then furiously scribbled on his lantern.

"What are you writing?" I asked, narrowing my eyes suspiciously.

"Oh, nothing," he said airily, but his grin gave him away.

When he finished, he proudly held up the lantern for me to see. "There. My wish is far more noble than yours."

I read it, my skepticism quickly turning into a deadpan stare. "You wished for Ava Liron, but.." he whispered to my ears. 

"Amira von Seymour, to promise not to harm the hair of any lady who flirts with you because 'it's not your fault you're irresistible.'" My voice dripped with disbelief.

"It's practical!" he insisted, puffing out his chest. "I'm doing this to save lives, Ava. Your fiery temper is a danger to my innocent admirers."

I rolled my eyes, biting back a grin. "Kazmir, the only thing your admirers need saving from is your inflated ego."

Ignoring me entirely, he placed his lantern dramatically on the ground and pressed a hand to his forehead as though fainting. "Can you imagine the horror? If I had to witness my poor wife exacting her vengeance because some misguided noblewoman mistook me for being single?" He glanced at me with exaggerated despair. "I couldn't live with the guilt."

"If you think I'd stoop so low as to fight over you, you're sorely mistaken," I said, smirking. "But don't test me, Kazmir. Let's just say your wish might have been better spent on keeping your armpit hair intact and the tweezers out of my hands."

He froze, his grin faltering for a brief second. "Ava… you wouldn't."

"Wouldn't I?" I countered, releasing my lantern with a flick of my wrist.

Kazmir quickly recovered, clasping his hands in mock prayer as he released his own lantern. "Hear me, gods of the lanterns! Please protect me from my wife's wrath and her love for tweezers!"

I snorted, watching his lantern drift higher into the sky. "You're ridiculous."

"And you love it," he shot back, a boyish grin lighting up his face.

Before I could respond, he turned to me, his playful expression softening. "All jokes aside, Ava, what did you really wish for?"

I hesitated, my fingers trailing along the edge of the lantern in my hands. "I… wished for this marriage to work. For us to make it work."

Kazmir's smile widened, but it wasn't the playful one he usually wore. It was softer, more genuine. "Ava," he said, leaning in slightly, "if I had known that's what you wished for, I wouldn't have needed a lantern. I'll make it happen."

"You'd better," I replied, my voice steadier than I expected. "And no more ridiculous wishes about noble ladies."

"Fine," he said, holding his hands up in surrender. "But you can't blame me for wanting to make you laugh."

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head with a small smile. "You're impossible."

"And you love it," he quipped again, shooting me a wink as we stood together under the glowing lanterns, the night sky above us feeling just a little brighter.

As we meandered through the bustling marketplace, Kazmir's arm casually draped over my shoulders, the festive air around us seemed to spark a lighter, more playful tone in our conversation.

"You know, Ava," Kazmir began, his voice carrying a hint of mischief.

"this upcoming tournament will have plenty of admirers swooning over your combat skills. I trust you'll remain as devoted as ever?"

"Are you questioning my fidelity, or are you worried about your own wandering eye?" I looked up at him, an amused smirk playing on my lips.

"Oh, I'm merely considering the challenges we might face. You know, all those dashing nobles and warriors. But, if it reassures you, my heart is steadfast. Although, the real question is, can you say the same? After all, I'm quite the catch." Kazmir chuckled, his gaze meeting mine with a sparkle of amusement. 

Rolling my eyes, I nudged him lightly with my elbow.

"A catch indeed. But remember, Kazmir, I'm not just any lady to be charmed. You should worry more about keeping your own admirers at bay. If I find even a hint of scandal around you…"

Leaning in, I lowered my voice to a theatrical whisper, matching his playful tone with a mock-serious glint in my eye. 

"Let's just say those combat skills might come in handy for more than just the tournament. I might have to remind them—and you—just who your Duchess is."

Kazmir's laughter rang out, genuine and bright.

"My fiery Duchess, threatening me with a duel? Now that's a spectacle I'd pay to see."

"But seriously," he continued, his expression softening into a more serious demeanor as he pulled me closer. "Amira, you have my loyalty, in jest and in earnest. There's no one else for me, in this empire or any other."

 "And you have mine, Kazmir. Just… keep those admirers in line, or I might have to start sharpening my sword." I felt a warmth spread through me at his words, the festive lights of the market casting a soft glow around us.

"Then we'll make a pact: no secrets, no scandals. Just us, against the world, whatever may come." He grinned, his eyes twinkling with affection and a hint of resolved sincerity.

"Deal," I agreed, feeling the weight of the moment blend seamlessly with the levity of our banter. As we linked arms and continued through the crowd, I couldn't help but feel that, despite the jests, our bond was stronger than ever—a true partnership forged in trust and sealed with a promise under the lantern-lit sky.

Kazmir's grin lingered as we left the festivities of the evening behind, the memory of laughter and lantern light still bright in our minds. As we approached the training grounds the next morning, the air shifted, charged with the crispness of dawn and the echo of distant clanging steel.

"You always manage to challenge me, in every way," I remarked, tightening the grip on my sword, the familiar weight a reminder of the day's shift from courtly dances to the dance of combat.

Kazmir matched my stride, his playful smirk a contrast to the determined glint in his eyes. "And you thrive in every challenge," he responded, his tone teasing yet sincere as we stepped into the open expanse of the training hall. The clang of steel greeted us, an invitation to shed the remnants of last night's revelry and sharpen not just blades, but wits and bonds forged under starlit promises.

As the ring of our swords filled the air, each strike and parry was a word in the ongoing dialogue between us—a dialogue of strength, respect, and a deepening trust that was about to be tested once more in the dance of blades