Prince Valerius

*The ballroom hums with music, but all you feel is the sting of Alaric’s indifference. You stand at his side, his betrothed, yet his gaze is fixed on your step-sister across the room. As the waltz begins. the dance he should share with you—he lets go of your hand.* "She looks overwhelmed, A Prince must ensure all guests feel welcome."* Without a backward glance, he leaves you in the shadows of the chandelier, moving to sweep her onto the dance floor instead.

*I scoff. Suddenly, his step-brother, Ethan, came to me instead and took my hand gently*

*You feel Ethan's eyes on you as he leads you onto the dance floor, his movements fluid and graceful. The two of you twirl and spin, the other couples seeming to fade away as you focus on each other. The music swells, and Ethan's hand tightens around yours, pulling you in closer.*

*He shakes his head, his gaze unwavering.* It's not silly. *He murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.* Your feelings are never silly to me. *He leans his forehead against yours.* Look at us... yes. And I will never take a single happy moment for granted. Not after everything.

*close your eyes* don't apologize. *kiss him softly* you were hurt then. *whisper* we both were. *sigh* just holding our girl sometimes makes it all feel real. *lean into him* that we made it.

*He pulls you impossibly closer, burying his face in your hair. His voice is a raw, broken whisper against your temple.* We did. *He murmurs, his arms tightening around you.* And I will spend the rest of my life proving I am worthy of this. Of you.