And so, Alan and I practiced together every day, perfecting our dances. He encouraged me every time I felt discouraged, and I tried my best to impress him—hoping that he would someday confess to me before I fell too deeply for him. We laughed, we shared every small joy together. And before we knew it, five days had passed, leaving only three more before the grand ball.

That night, I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about how fast everything was moving between us. We had grown so close—friends, at least. “And she said that this novel was something that gives you pain and sorrow,” I murmured, smiling faintly, “yet here I am, feeling this much happiness.”

I remembered her—the mysterious voice that had spoken to me a week ago. “She said she’ll meet me every ten days… so, there are still three more days to go! Which means on the night of the ball, I’m going to meet her again!” My heart beat a little faster. I wasn’t ready to meet her yet, but there were questions buried inside me that I wanted to ask.

In my excitement for the ball, I couldn’t sleep, but soon enough, my eyes grew heavy and I drifted into sweet dreams.

I woke up—or rather, I was forced to wake up. The maids had pulled me out of sleep before the sun even rose, and they spent hours getting me ready.

“Today, the tailor is coming for the gown you’ll wear at the ball, my lady,” one of the maids said while arranging my hair.

“Oh my goodness! There are only three days left and we still haven’t prepared her gown yet!!” another maid cried, polishing my nails furiously.

At least, lately, they had become a little less cruel toward me—or maybe they just behaved when I was around. I knew they still gossiped when I wasn’t near.

“Why let him come here when I can go to him?” I asked, hoping to go outside. “I mean, I’m going to become queen soon anyway, right? So it gives me a chance to look around?”

“No, my lady,” one of them said sharply. “Without the king’s permission, you must not leave the palace!”

I sighed, but before I could argue, the sound of a gentle knock echoed at my door. Alan.

“Good morning, my lady,” he greeted with his usual warmth. “It’s time for your dance class again. If you’re ready, allow me to escort you.” He bowed gracefully, smiling softly—the kind of smile that always melted my heart.

“Alan! Can I skip class today?” I asked quickly, standing and rushing to him, eyes sparkling with excitement. “I want to go buy my gown for the ball. Shall we both go shopping?”

He blinked in surprise. “But your classes, my lady? You can’t miss them.” His eyes said he wanted me to focus, to become the perfect queen.

“Please… Alan?” I asked again, my voice soft and hopeful.

He sighed helplessly. “Ha… how could I say no to you, my lady?”

I grinned brightly and hurried off to prepare the carriage.

✨Alan’s POV:

 "Wait for me, my lady—don’t run, you’ll trip!” I called after her, worried, yet amused. She ran through the hall like a kitten chasing sunlight.

As I followed her, the maids stopped me. “Sir, I don’t think we should let the lady go outside without the king’s permission! What if she gets into trouble?”

I turned to them sharply. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her. Why do you think I’m going?”

“But still, Sir Alan,” one insisted, “it’s our responsibility to look after her! She shouldn’t roam freely outside—”

I cut her off, irritated. “Really? Insulting your lady behind her back is what you call responsibility?” I mocked. Their faces turned pale with shame, and satisfaction flickered in my chest. “It’s my responsibility to make sure the lady is fine. So don’t worry—I’ll bring her back safe and sound before evening. Understood?”

Without waiting for their reply, I left. Staying in the same room with them for another minute felt suffocating.

Outside, my lady was already seated in the carriage, waiting for me. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long, my lady,” I said, stopping by her window.

“No, you’re right on time, Alan! Come on in—let’s go!” she said with such brightness that it stunned me.

“Me? Sit inside—with you?” I hesitated. “I don’t think it’s appropriate, my lady. I’ll walk alongside the carriage and guard you from outside.”

“No, you should be inside. That’s my… royal order to you!” she said awkwardly, trying to sound commanding yet endearingly shy.

How could I refuse her? Smiling, I climbed in and sat opposite her. My heart thudded quietly as the carriage began to move.

The warm morning breeze lifted strands of her hair as she leaned against the window. I couldn’t help smiling. She looked peaceful—like sunlight after rain.

“Oh! Alan, should we first go eat something? Maybe a cake or a pastry?” she asked suddenly.

Caught off guard, I turned my head quickly so she wouldn’t notice me staring. “Uh… yes, sure, my lady.”

We arrived at a small cake shop. I stepped out first and offered her my hand. She took it—and for a moment, I froze. Her hand was soft, very soft, and my heart skipped.

Inside, she took a seat while I stood beside her as usual. She frowned. “What’s wrong, my lady?” I asked.

“Why aren’t you sitting with me, Alan? Come, sit and enjoy dessert with me!”

Her words shocked me. “I can’t, my lady. Not this time. We’re in public—people will be watching you.”

“But why?” she asked innocently.

“Because you’re going to be the future queen of Sylarion. If I sit beside you, people might misunderstand.”

She rolled her eyes. “Really, Alan? No one here knows me yet! And if you keep standing there like my knight, you’ll attract attention faster. Everyone will know I’m someone important! So come and sit!”

I sighed. “But I am your—ha… fine, you win, my lady.”

Well, she wasn’t wrong.

A staff member approached. “What would you like to order, ma’am? Sir?”

“She’ll have a chocolate cake—with extra cream on it,” I said immediately.

She blinked. “Ho-how did you know?”

“And you, sir?” the man asked.

“Me? No, it’s only for the lady,” I said, but before the waiter could leave, she stopped him.

“Why, Alan? Why are you acting like this?”

“Me? In what way?”

“Tell him what you want! Don’t act like we’re strangers.”

I smiled faintly. She’s changed… “I’ll have a vanilla cake,” I said finally.

After the waiter left, I leaned slightly toward her. “Are you not feeling well, my lady?”

“No, why? Should I be?”

“No, no—I only hope for your good,” I replied softly.

When the cakes arrived, she took a bite and her cheeks flushed with delight. Seeing her happy made my heart lighter. She still loved chocolate cake—just like when we were children.

She smiled at me again, but there was something mischievous in her eyes. I took a bite of mine, trying to focus on anything other than her gaze. “Oh! Wow, this cake is so delicious!” I said, offering her my plate.

She grinned and—without hesitation—took a slice from the very spot where I had eaten. My heart leapt, my ears burned, and I froze.

Before I could recover, she leaned in slightly. “Come on, try mine. It’s delicious too,” she said, tilting her head, her voice soft.

“From your spoon, my lady—?” Before I could finish, she placed the spoon into my mouth.

The taste of chocolate melted on my tongue, and my heart raced wildly. Her face, so close, her scent, her warmth—it was enough to make me lose myself.

“Um… you’re not going to let go of the spoon?” she teased.

I blinked back to reality and quickly pulled away, embarrassed.

“Oh! Was it that delicious? You cleaned the spoon spotless,” she laughed.

I lowered my head, my face burning. I just wanted some fresh air. But I waited until we finished our cakes, then followed her out.

The cool air outside felt like salvation.

“Oh, Sir Alan, do you have a fever? Your face is so red!” the carriage driver asked.

“Uh… no, I was just… feeling a little suffocated in there,” I muttered, lying poorly.

He didn’t look convinced, but before he could say more, my lady’s voice called out brightly behind me.

“Alan! This shop looks perfect for dresses—let’s go see!”

And once again, I could only follow, helplessly smiling at the woman who unknowingly ruled my heart.