“May I ask… why is he here?” I asked Miss Irene.

“Oh, he is your partner, of course!” she laughed lightly, quickly rising to begin our practice session. Me and Alan followed her.

“Alright, Miss Rosendale,” she began, “we must practice the dance you’ll be performing with His Highness on the day of the royal ball.”

I listened attentively.

“Your movements should flow like water. Every step must radiate the aura of a queen—graceful, confident, regal,” she said, taking my hands gently to guide me.

“Radiate the aura?” I repeated, confused.

“Yes! You are to become the queen of Sylarion soon, so, We must hurry.”

And so she began teaching the steps. I managed to learn a few, but with Alan’s hands resting on mine and his touch steadying my waist, my heart began to race uncontrollably. Each time we moved, the space between us grew smaller, the air thicker.

I stumbled over his shoes. “Ah! I’m sorry, Alan!” I exclaimed, flushed with embarrassment.

“It’s all right, my lady. Calm down—you’re still new to this. It’s normal to make mistakes. Now focus; you wouldn’t want to upset Miss Irene,” he said softly, his words easing my flustered nerves.

Encouraged, I practiced again and again until I finally began to gain control over myself.

“Yes! Miss Rosendale, you’re doing wonderfully—keep going!” Miss Irene’s words filled me with renewed confidence. But just as I felt assured, I stumbled again.

Only this time, I didn’t fall. Alan swiftly caught my waist, lifting me with surprising ease and spinning me around—creating an entirely new movement.

“Wow! That’s a new step, and it’s beautiful!” Miss Irene clapped her hands, her expression pleased rather than annoyed. And few hours passed by.

 “I think that’s enough for today. I’ll come again tomorrow, Miss Rosendale, so be prepared.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll look forward to it,” I said, bowing slightly as she departed.

Lara escorted Miss Irene to her carriage, as the sun had already begun to dip below the horizon. Now, only Alan and I remained in the quiet, candle-lit room.

Everything was silent… until his voice broke the stillness.

“You did a great job, my lady. I’m proud of you,” he said softly, a warm smile touching his lips.

“Oh! I should be the one thanking you, Alan. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be struggling to find my rhythm. Thank you,” I said, smiling back.

“Shall we go for a walk? The evening air looks inviting,” I asked, glancing toward the window where the chill breeze fluttered through the curtains.

“Sure,” he replied with a small nod.

We walked through the garden, bathed in golden twilight, the fragrance of blooming roses hanging in the air. Finally, I sat on a bench, while Alan remained standing a few steps away.

“Why don’t you sit with me? Come on!” I waved my hand playfully.

“No, my lady. I’m fine standing—it makes it easier to protect you,” he replied with quiet sincerity. His words made me feel… safe.

“I’m happy,” I whispered.

“Pardon? Did you say something, my lady?”

“I said… I’m really happy about this marriage, Alan,” I said softly.

“Oh… that’s really nice, my lady,” he murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Why? You’re not happy?” I asked, sensing hesitation in his tone.

“No, if you’re happy, why shouldn’t I be? Your happiness is my happiness, my lady,” he replied, smiling brightly.

“Becoming queen isn’t easy though…” I admitted, a flicker of insecurity clouding my chest.

“You don’t need to be afraid. Why do you think Miss Irene is here? She’ll teach you everything—a perfect queen must learn her duties, and you’ll do wonderfully,” he reassured me.

His words soothed my heart. Though it had only been two days, his calm demeanor and gentle kindness were enough to make me fall for him—though I knew it was wrong. Still, I believed that one day, he would confess his feelings for me. And yet… the thought of leaving this world after that confession made my heart ache.

I lowered my gaze, lost in the bittersweet thought.

Suddenly, Alan knelt before me, holding something behind his back. “Tadaa! Beautiful roses for a beautiful you!”

He revealed a handful of roses freshly plucked from the garden. I couldn’t help but giggle as I accepted them, their scent filling the air between us.

We laughed together, sharing a few more quiet moments before returning to our rooms.

✨ALAN’S POV:

After a warm bath, I collapsed onto my bed in my pajamas, my heart heavy with a bittersweet ache. My thoughts lingered on her words.

“She said she was happy… about this marriage,” I whispered to myself, sighing deeply. “And foolish me—I told her I was happy too.”

I draped my arm across my face, trying to steady the weight in my chest.

“I’m not… my lady,” I murmured. “But that smile—your smile—is something I’ve waited years to see.”

Taking a deep breath, I stared at the ceiling.

“All these years, I tried my best to keep you safe, to shield you from every cruel whisper, every bully—just so I could see that smile again.”

Something stung behind my eyes, but I forced it down. “But I’m not happy about this marriage…”

My vision blurred as a tear escaped. I wiped it away quickly. “She said big men don’t cry.”

*Flashback*

“Wah…!” I cried as a child, clutching my bleeding knee after stumbling on a rock. The wound was small, but to me, it felt unbearable. Then she came running—her little gown fluttering, her hair tied in pigtails.

“Oh, Alan! What happened? Why are you crying?” she asked, eyes full of concern.

“I’m injured… hick!” I sobbed.

“Oh, it’s not that bad, Alan. Here—take my hand.”

She offered her small hand, helping me up. “Okay, okay! Stop crying. You’re a big man, and big men don’t cry!” she said, wiping my tears.

“But I’m a little child! Wah!” I cried harder, making her sigh in defeat.

“Ugh… Alan! Anyway, let’s get you treated first!”

*End of flashback*

“You told me I was a big man…” My voice trembled. “ But the thought of losing you to another man hurts more than any wound.”

A single tear slipped down my cheek.

Big men don’t cry—but they do, when they lose their love.

✨BELLA’S POV:

“Hm…” I hummed as I twirled across my room, glancing at the roses Alan had given me. I carefully placed them in a vase of fresh water, admiring their vivid petals.

“I can’t wait to marry you, Alan,” I whispered, smiling softly as my heart fluttered within my chest.