"When we get to the ball, you're going to meet my little brothers and sisters," Ryu said proudly, his lips curling in that easy smile he always wore.
"That's nice," Arya replied softly. "Do you have a big sister too?"
"Yeah," Ryu nodded, glancing at her, "but she's already married."
Before she could ask more, he reached over and flicked the lid of the music box sitting on the table. A gentle tune filled the room, warm and sweet. Ryu turned to her, gave a small bow, and extended his hand.
"Now… let's dance, shall we?"
Arya blinked, surprised. "Dance? With you?"
"Unless you see someone else here?" He arched a brow, amused.
Before she could argue, he took her hand, placing it against his shoulder, then gently wrapped an arm around her waist. "Follow my steps carefully," he instructed, voice low, steady.
Arya's heart was flipping inside her chest. She didn't understand why being so close to him made her nerves flutter. She tried to breathe, inhaling his warm scent—like summer and firewood.
"One… two… three. One… two… three," he repeated as he guided her.
Arya bit her lip in concentration—then accidentally stepped on his foot. "Sorry! I'm so sorry!"
He chuckled, not even wincing. "It's alright. Beginners make mistakes." His smile was soft, reassuring in a way that made her stomach do a strange little flip again.
They practiced for a few minutes before a knock broke the moment. The door creaked open and two tall figures stepped in.
One had cognac-colored hair with lapis-blue eyes that sparkled with mischief. The other, with long jet-black hair and bottle-green eyes, had an icy, distant aura. Both stood as tall and confident as Ryu.
"Arya, meet my friends," Ryu gestured. "Daven"—he nodded to the dark-haired one—"and Xavier."
"Hi," Arya said with a shy wave.
"You're not as bad as I imagined," Daven remarked coolly. Then, without warning, he reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Arya stiffened, instinctively taking a step back.
Ryu caught it instantly. His jaw tightened, but his voice was light as he cut in. "Alright, enough introductions. Let's get food. Arya, want to help me cook?"
"Sure," Arya said quickly, fleeing into the kitchen. Ryu followed, and the moment she was gone, Xavier grinned.
"She's cute," Xavier said.
Daven smirked faintly, nodding in agreement.
Minutes later, the four of them sat at the dining table. Xavier eyed Ryu with disbelief as he twirled his fork through the noodles. "I still can't believe you actually cook. Doesn't feel… very prince-like."
"I'm different," Ryu said smoothly, winking.
"Different is one word for it," Xavier muttered with a grin. He turned to Arya, dropping two pieces of meat onto her plate. "Here, you're way too slim. Eat more."
Arya blushed, stuttering. "Th-thank you…"
Xavier leaned back, satisfied, but then blinked in confusion when Arya devoured her second bowl and reached for a third.
"Wait—she eats like that?" he whispered to Daven.
"She does," Daven murmured, expression unreadable. Then his lips twitched into the faintest mischievous smile. "It's kind of cute, though."
"Delete whatever you're thinking in that head of yours," Ryu cut in sharply.
Daven chuckled, unbothered.
As they finished, Xavier stretched, checking his watch. "We've still got time before the ball. Let's head out."
"What about Arya?" Ryu asked.
"She's not a baby," Daven replied dryly. "She can handle herself. Come on." He tugged Ryu toward the door.
Ryu hesitated, glancing back. "Arya, I'll be back!" he called before being pulled away.
As they walked, Daven gave him a pointed look. "Don't tell me you're actually falling for a girl you barely know."
Ryu's smirk faltered for a second. "N-no. I just… want to win her heart. Then crush it. Like we always do."
"Good." Daven clapped his shoulder. "Because you know the rules."
"Yeah," Ryu muttered. "I know."
Later, back at his chambers, Ryu adjusted his attire for the welcome ball. Midnight-blue velvet hugged his frame, silver threads tracing the Azurean crest across his chest. Over it, an ivory surcoat shimmered, its hem kissed with pearls that swayed as he moved. The look was regal, commanding—every inch the prince he was.
"Are you ready, Arya?" he called.
The door opened, and she stepped out. His words caught in his throat. Her gown, the same shade as his, hugged her frame with quiet elegance. Her platinum-blonde hair fell in soft waves, pinned neatly at the sides. A touch of black wedges completed her look.
"H-how do I look?" she asked nervously.
"Breathtaking," he said without hesitation.
Her cheeks colored as she walked toward him—but her heel caught on the carpet. She yelped, stumbling forward, and Ryu caught her before she hit the ground.
"Are you sure you can walk in those?" he teased gently.
"I've… never worn them before," she admitted.
He chuckled at her stubborn attempt to stand tall again. Then, without warning, he swept her into his arms.
"W-what are you doing? Put me down!" she squeaked, instinctively clutching his shoulders.
"If you keep walking like that, we'll miss the entire ball," he said smoothly. His smirk deepened. "Maybe later I'll give you a proper tutorial on how to walk in heels."
"T-that won't be necessary!" Arya stammered, ears burning pink.
Ryu only chuckled, carrying her out with ease.