They both turned toward her. She shrank under their combined gazes, but forced herself to continue.
"I know I don't have her strength. Or her place. But tonight…" She hesitated, cheeks burning, then blurted, "I wanted to be his too. Even just a little."
The silence that followed made her heart pound, until Xavier broke it with a low laugh. He reached out, tugging her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"You already are," he said simply.
Celene blinked, stunned, her lips parting. "…Really?"
"Yes." He kissed her again, this time on the lips—gentle, lingering, reassuring.
Seraphina watched, then exhaled slowly, her smirk returning. "She's sweet. Too sweet. Maybe I'll allow it."
"Allow it?" Xavier teased, arching a brow.
"Mm." Seraphina settled back against his chest like a queen reclaiming her throne. "I said I was first, didn't I? That means I set the rules."
Celene pouted faintly, but her eyes shone with relief. "Then… thank you, milady."
