AURELIA
I stayed long after he told me to run.
Not because I was brave. Not because I wanted to defy him.
I stayed because I wanted to know what it would feel like to be chased by something that didn't stop once it started.
The court slowly returned to its rhythm, but nothing felt the same. Laughter grew quieter. Eyes darted more often in my direction. Whispers crawled up my spine like insects. They knew he had spoken to me. They had seen the way his eyes followed me when he walked away.
I moved through the corridors like a girl lost in wonder. That's what they expected. Pretty, unsure, naïve. I made sure to play it well. Tilted head, slow steps, soft sighs. Let them believe I didn't understand the danger.
But I understood everything.
The moment he looked at me, I felt it. That press of something ancient. The kind of energy that didn't ask questions, only took. I told myself it was just part of the plan. I needed to be close to him. Needed his attention. That was why I came.
But that wasn't the whole truth.
Part of me wanted to see what it would feel like to be broken by someone who already saw the cracks.
I entered the moonlit garden and sank onto the edge of a fountain. The water shimmered silver. Vines stretched high across the marble walls like veins. The night air kissed my skin, cool and sharp. I let my fingers trail in the water, watching ripples shiver outward.
Something moved behind me.
I didn't flinch.
I didn't need to see it to know.
He had sent someone. I could feel the weight of eyes pressed between my shoulder blades. My body tensed on instinct, but I didn't run. I didn't speak. I let the silence stretch until it hurt.
Let them wonder if I was scared.
Let them wonder if I would scream.
But I wouldn't. Not tonight. Not for this.
I stood slowly and walked deeper into the garden, knowing I was being followed. My feet carried me past twisted trees, over stone paths worn by time. I knew the palace was dangerous. I knew who he was. I knew what it might cost me if I stayed.
And I still wanted to be caught.
I stopped under an arch of black roses. Their scent was heavy, intoxicating. I leaned against the pillar and tilted my head back, letting the moonlight spill across my throat.
"If you're going to follow me," I said, voice soft, "you should at least try to keep up."
Silence.
Then footsteps. Slow, measured. Not the Prince. Someone else. But still his. I smiled to myself and turned toward the sound. Empty shadows met my gaze.
He was testing me.
Good.
Let him.
I would pretend for a little longer. Let them believe I was sweet. Let them think I was soft.
But when the mask finally dropped, I wanted him to see me.
The real me.
And I wanted him to want me more because of it.