Thump Thump

Lusav held my gaze, his sapphire eyes deep and unwavering. "My lady, may I ask for a favor?"

His voice was steady, but his eyes burned with something intense—something I had never seen before.

It felt like I was sinking into the depths of the ocean, pulled under by an unseen force.

His fingers glided across my palm, his touch rough yet gentle. The veins on his forearms stood out against his skin, revealing the strength beneath. As he leaned in slightly, his warm breath brushed against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

Before I even realized it, I nodded.

His grip on my hands tightened, but not forcefully—it was as if he feared I might slip away.

"Please," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, "grant me the honor of a dance before you enter the ball. I cannot bear the thought of watching you have your first dance with someone else."

He took a shaky breath, his fingers pressing slightly into mine.

"Even the thought of it makes my heart feel like it's being crushed," he confessed, his voice raw. Then, softer, he added, "My princess."

His words weighed heavily on my chest.

"I know I am crossing a line," he continued, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his eyes. "I am only your servant, and this request is selfish. But I would rather face your punishment than live with the regret of never asking."

His determination sent another shiver through me.

Lily took a step forward, her voice cautious as she broke the silence. "My lady," she said carefully, "I think Lusav is just overwhelmed after seeing your beauty. Please don’t punish him."

She was truly loyal—to her real master.

Her words pulled me back to reality. How had I allowed myself to be so affected by Lusav? When did he become this bold, this... different?

I glanced down—he was still holding my hands as if they were something fragile, something precious.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to regain control. "Lusav," I said firmly, "do you understand what you are asking?"

His answer was immediate—a single nod.

His gaze never wavered.

Something about him had changed.

The quiet, obedient Lusav I had always known was gone. In his place stood someone else—someone possessive.

His golden hair shimmered under the soft glow of candlelight as he lowered his head. Then, slowly, deliberately, he kissed the back of my hand.

His lips were warm against my skin, lingering just a moment too long.

His breath is like a ghost over the back of my hand.

As he pulled away, leaving behind a strange, tingling sensation over my fingers.

A cool breeze drifted in from the open window, making my loose strands of hair sway. My bare back prickled with goosebumps, though I wasn’t sure if it was from the cold air—or from him.

When he looked up again, his deep voice held something more than just devotion.

"My lady," he murmured, his eyes dark and intense, "won’t you grant me this request?"

His expression was like that of a beast—a beautiful yet dangerous creature ready to claim its prey.

I was too stunned to speak.

The words caught in my throat. I couldn’t refuse him, couldn’t even look away.

So I nodded.

His lips curved into a smirk as he knelt before me, his movements smooth and deliberate.

"Lily," he called, his voice calm yet commanding. "Bring a chair."

Lily hesitated, her eyes darting to mine as if seeking confirmation. I didn’t respond—perhaps because I, too, was waiting to see what he would do next.

The chair was placed behind me, and Lusav guided me down onto it with a care that felt both familiar and foreign.

Then, without turning away from me, he ordered, "Bring my lady’s heels."

The attendants hurried to obey.

Lusav took the delicate shoes in his hands and, wordlessly, knelt before me again. His fingers brushed against my ankle as he slipped them on, his touch warm—too warm.

My breath hitched.

Then, to my utter shock, he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against the top of my foot.

I froze.

A strange heat spread through me, pooling in my chest, making my pulse quicken.

When he looked up, his sapphire eyes were unreadable—filled with something dark, something dangerous.

Smirking slightly, he spoke again, his voice deep and confident.

"It is my greatest honor to have this dance with you, my lady."

Then, rising to his full height, he extended his hand.

I had to tilt my head up to meet his gaze as he asked, "Shall we go to the garden?"

I swallowed, my throat dry. My heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

When I finally found my voice, it was barely a whisper.

"Yes… we shall."

My cheeks burned. My ears felt hot.

What is happening to me?

Why does my heart feel this way?

Before I could fully grasp what was happening, I found myself in the heart of the rose garden, surrounded by blooms in every shade imaginable. The air was thick with their sweet fragrance, a scent so intoxicating it felt almost dreamlike.

Lusav’s hand firmly enclosed mine, his warmth seeping into my skin, grounding me even as my thoughts swirled in confusion. His presence was overwhelming—his broad frame blocking the chill of the evening breeze, shielding me as though he were an unshakable fortress.

The tailored suit he wore hugged his muscular form perfectly, its dark fabric contrasting against the delicate petals around us. As the wind whispered through the garden, his golden hair swayed gently, catching the last rays of sunlight.

The sky above was painted in breathtaking hues—a fiery orange melting into deep shades of purple, signaling the sun’s slow descent beyond the horizon.

Everything felt unreal.

Like a scene from a story, too perfect to belong to my reality.

Yet, here I was. With Lusav. And for some reason, my heart refused to stay still.