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“Here, put this on.” Sasha helps me into the robe, handing me matching slippers with a playful grin. “It’s a surprise!”

A spark of excitement dances in her eyes, and I allow myself a small smile.

“Well, lead the way.” I gesture toward the door. This is exactly what I need, a distraction, anything not to be alone—caged in my own haunted mind.

We walk through long, quiet corridors until we reach a grand room.

The room smells of florals and other plants, a tribute to Lilyana’s plant magic. It’s adorned with shades of green and other earthy tones, a testament to her lively yet grounded nature. There is a vibrant and welcoming fire in an alabaster stone fireplace, which is reminiscent of Lilyana’s warm and boldly bright traits. The flame’s light dances across everything it touches, mirroring Lilyana’s memorable and impactful personality. There are oak shelves that stand tall and sturdy as her unwavering love for her friends and family does. The shelves are stocked full of colorful books which are her favorite keys to escapism in her rarely dull moments of courtly life.

A massive canopy bed is off in the corner, covered with green luxurious blankets, with two cots neatly arranged nearby. Near the bed is a robust oak desk filled with wines, flowers, and foods.

Lilyana jumps up off the bed as we enter, holding a bottle of wine. “Oh, good! You are here! We are having a sleepover in my room tonight. We need to celebrate your victory.” She giggles. Her cheeks are flush like she has already been sampling her array of wines.

“Here,” she says, handing Sasha an ivy-green robe, matching nightgown, and slippers. “Go change in the washroom and then join us.” Sasha takes the garments with a smile and disappears into the washroom.

Before I can react, Lilyana pulls me into a warm hug, wrapping her arms tightly around me. “I knew you’d win,” she whispers. “Now we can spend all the time we want together.” She releases me and flits over to the desk to pour wine into three glasses.

Sasha emerges, and Lilyana hands us each a glass. We settle onto our beds, drinking deeply. The wine is crisp, sweet, and delightfully strong.

Two bottles later, the room is filled with laughter. Lilyana stands abruptly and begins to dance, swaying her hips to music only she can hear. Sasha and I exchange amused glances.

“Oh, come on! Dance with me,” Lilyana pleads, twirling around the room. Her pink robe slips off her shoulders and lands on the leather couch by the fire. A sudden wave of heat washes over me, though whether it’s the wine or the fire, I’m not sure. I shrug off my robe, and Sasha does the same.

I refill our glasses, handing one to each girl. With no music but the sound of our laughter, we dance around the room, carefree and weightless. For the first time in a long while, joy fills the air, unburdened by guilt or sorrow.

Lilyana spins toward her bed, stopping beside a wilting plant in a stone pot. Still dancing, she places a hand on the plant and closes her eyes. Before my eyes, it transforms—leaves turning a vibrant green, white flower blooming along the stem. She keeps going, and the vine coils up the bedpost, dotted with delicate blossoms. It’s beautiful. The scent fills the air, making me think of the perfume she bought me.

“Oh, Lilyana, I never got a chance to thank you for the perfumes, soaps, and bath oils from the day we went to the shops in town. I really love them.” I say softly.

She stops mid-dance, tilting her head in confusion. Sasha freezes beside her, an odd expression flickering across her face.

“I didn’t get you anything,” Lilyana says slowly. “You asked me not to.

Shock ripples through me. “If it wasn’t you... then who?” My gaze shifts to Sasha, who smiles mischievously, clearly knowing more than she lets on.

“What about the earrings?” I ask, trying to make sense of it.

Lilyana shakes her head. “Nope, those weren’t from me either.”

Hmm. A thought creeps in—it must have been the prince. But how would he have known what I wanted? He wasn’t with us that day.

Lilyana shrugs, downs her wine, and resumes dancing. We follow her lead, swept up in the lightness of the moment. Laughter bubbles from us as we spin and twirl. Just as we collapse into giggles, the door swings open—startling us.

Elm steps in, eyes wide. “What in the double burning hells did I just walk in on?”

We dissolve into another fit of laughter. “Here, I’ll put these on the table.” Elm sets two more bottles of wine and a tray of pastries down with a grin. “I was supposed to be guarding the corridor, but Kylo told me to grab these for you.”

Lilyana’s cheeks reddened at the mention of Kylo, the kind of red that lets me know something is going on there. I smile at the thought.

“Won’t you stay with us for a little?” I ask Elm.

“Yeah, stay,” Sasha and Lilyana say in unison.

“Just for minute,” Elm replies, though I can already tell he’ll be here longer.

I squeal with delight. “Dance with us!”

“Is that what you were trying to do?” Elm laughs, taking my hand and spinning me before dipping me low. Sasha and Lilyana attempt the same move, but Sasha fumbles and drops Lilyana, sending us all into hysterics.