The brunette took a deep breath in, taking in the fresh air. She had made her way outside once most people had been gone, enjoying the peace and quiet for a bit. The past few days had been incredibly tiring and she knew the next ones might get even worse if they didn’t allow themselves to take some time off. Perhaps they would find some place to go, call it a honeymoon and vanish for a few days. While she knew that it would be an incredibly stupid decision, she also knew she could use the rest.

After the last guest left, she nodded them goodbye, before walking back into the castle. Once she entered the room they had spent their evening in, she noticed Kaz sitting in a chair. A smile appeared on her face as she walked up to him, slowly pulling a hand through his hair. “So,” she spoke. “One last dance?” An amused grin appeared on her face as she spoke the words. Probably not.

---

He would most definitely step on her toes. The brunette chuckled softly. She had, wisely, made sure not to drink too much, though there was still plenty left on the tables if she wanted to change that. Probably not. Experience told her that she couldn’t handle too many drinks, after all. She carefully took his hand and smiled. “I mean,” she spoke. “At least there’s nobody watching this time.” That might help. While a part of her was tired, she didn’t quite want this evening to end yet. The party had gone surprisingly well. Against all odds. She could use a bit more of the positive mood before they went to bed and reality would hit them again.

---

He asked if she really wanted to. For a second she seemed to think, but eventually she shrugged. “We don’t have to dance,” she spoke, though her voice made quite clear how she felt about it. “But it would be a nice ending to the evening,” she spoke, tone filled with hope this time. Her eyes shimmered in excitement, as if she wasn’t dead tired. Then again, when wasn’t she? She had grown used to the feeling after all this time. And even if she hadn’t, there would be plenty of days to be tired. Today, it had to be ignored. For today was a day of celebration.

---

He wasn’t responsible for any injuries. “Oh, you will be,” she told him with a smile. She wasn’t quite planning on doing anything that would give him the chance to hurt her. He wasn’t the best dancer, but he would be able to slow dance, at least, she hoped. With a smile she guided him back to the middle of the now empty room, carefully letting go of his hand and wrapping her arms around his neck. “Just take it slow,” she told him, voice soft. He would be able to hear it perfectly fine anyways. One of the pros about being with a vampire.

---

He had actually followed her without too much trouble, though he had to regain his balance once. Slightly worried he’d actually step on her feet now, she had told him to take it slow. His hands found their way onto her lower back and she showed him a smile again, slowly moving on the beat of the music as she looked into his blue eyes. “I think most stares were aimed at you,” she told him with a smile. “White does suit you.” They were such a mess in so many ways, but in little moments of bliss, like this one, she saw nothing but perfection in his blue eyes, causing her to wonder what she had done to deserve this.

---

Kaz’ answer caused her to sigh, tightening the grip around his neck. “Or,” she started, “maybe they just saw what a handsome duke they have.” A smile appeared on her face again. No, he wasn’t the perfect duke and he probably wasn’t the first you would expect, or want, on the throne. But, at the same time, he was exactly who she needed by her side. And perhaps, they could actually make it work. If they stopped being stubborn, that was. “I know I’m impressed,” she told him softly. Swept off her feet, over and over again, like he had cast a spell on her. It was ridiculous.

---

Softly, she bit her lip when he told her that he still loved her. The warm feeling spread inside of her again as she smiled. “And I love you,” she answered. “I was actually… quite proud to have you by my side tonight,” she decided to admit. No matter his name, no matter his reputation. She had had this beautiful man by her side, who had promised that he was hers as much as she was his. It was something she’d never truly thought she’d have. Especially not with him, as things had been… chaotic. Yet, here they were.

---