~Aurora~

　　I've never seen anyone handle a rejection so gracefully. Odin walked back into his room and told me that his family would be coming to visit him. He didn't know how he would explain the circumstance to his parents.

　　But one thing I kind of figured out after talking to him was that…his feelings for me must have forced him to retreat at the final Trial. He wanted to show his affection for me, not look down on me by retreating from the challenge. And I've blamed him for that, accused him of a bad sport without knowing the actual reason.

　　This was all a giant mess. These past few days, I had nothing but sleepless nights and restlessness. I needed a big break from all of this.

　　However, as I was trying to walk closer and jump onto the bed, there was a soft knock on my door. I groaned under my breath, but went to attend it anyway. It must be important…?

　　"Hi!" The ever so cheerful Beta Roman greeted me at the door.

　　"Hello! What's up?" I remembered that he preferred casual conversation from here onwards.

　　"Prince Emeric has invited you for a private dinner on the rooftop tonight. It is his special invite. I hope you know what I mean. And no, you're not allowed to reject his offer." I chuckled at the way Roman was coming off as an assertive man.

　　"Alright, tell him I'd join him. Let me know the time."

　　"It's all in here." Smirking at me, Roman handed me the cellphone as I widened my eyes.

　　"Wow, okay."

　　"He's going to let you know the details soon here. If you want help to go shopping or pick a dress, just let me know, alright? Also, your pack's elders and interim alpha are leaving back home in three hours."

　　"I see. I'm too tired to go meet them. I'll see them again tomorrow anyway, at home. Well, I just need a nap right now. I'm way too tired—"

　　"Oh sure, sure! Refresh yourself! Bye!" Before I could even get the words out, Beta Roman quickly pushed me back in my room and shut the door after himself. I blinked, trying to process the events.

　　'Well, he seems more excited about your little date with Prince Emeric than I ever could be.'

　　'Date is a big word. Maybe Emeric just wants to have dinner with me, alone, before I leave.'

　　'Hmm…seems like that as well. But first, let us get some sleep, please! I'm way too tired myself!'

　　'Yes, yes!'

　　After a refreshing power nap, I woke up precisely at six in the evening. Curious, I opened the messages on my phone as I smiled at the screen. One eye open, I stared at the sweet texts that Emeric had sent to me while I was asleep.

　　<Hello, princess>

　　<Heard from Roman that you'd be sleeping like an angel right now>

　　<Why couldn't you come to my chamber and enjoy my company while I tucked you in my arms?>

　　<I miss your scent lingering in the room…>

　　<On my pillows…>

　　<Wake up already, princess…>

　　I couldn't help but chuckle at how cute he was! There is a series of texts, each at different times than the other. From his texts, I take it that he was almost free for the day! There was no other reason why he'd express himself to be free and for me to cuddle in his arms in the middle of the day.

　　And so, I replied to him,

　　<Hi!!>

　　<You'll see me at dinner anyway. Prepare yourself, your Highness. I'm wearing black.>

　　Almost too immediately, Emeric texted me back,

　　<Every color under the sun looks good on you, my love. You make every piece of fabric look good on you. I can't wait to have the private candlelight dinner with you.>

　　<Hmm…how private is the private candlelight dinner?>

　　<Just you and me. Not even the servants will be serving us food. Roman will handle our absence while we escape to the rooftop with food>

　　I chuckled at his plan. So adorable!

　　<I'll see you, handsome…>

　　<I'll see you soon at 8pm too, princess>

　　Sighing, feeling as blissful as ever, I got up from the bed. I was excited, and was looking forward to this date. He's confirmed to me that it is a date, our first official one.

　　I didn't know why, but the excitement of meeting up sneakily like that was so entertaining to me! I can almost bet on the fact that I loved Emeric even more when he makes crazy plans like these! He's such an adorable lover, despite being the most powerful and discreet person!

　　Does love really change a person? I believe so…

　　Stepping into the shower, throwing on a black dress from my previous collection of good clothes, I applied a little bit of perfume.

　　Reaching the outside of his chamber like he told me to, I made him turn around as he was busy on a call. We both stood facing each other, in the corridor.

　　"...I'll call you later, Mark." I bit my bottom lip when I realized he was busy, but cut the call, for me.

　　"Princess…" stuffing his phone in his pocket, Emeric walked towards me. Looking at him through the hood of my eyes, knowing the kind of impact I'm making over him, I stepped closer into him as well.

　　"Everything is ready upstairs for us…but one thing,"

　　"And what might that be?" I teased him, using a rather seductive voice,

　　"This,"

　　His finger lifts my chin up to align with his lips. I rested my open fist over his chest, the other hand holding my phone. He was eating away my lip balm, but I didn't care much about it. The soft sounds of our lips smacking together was such a turn on for me.

　　"I love you, Aurora." Was the first thing he muttered after parting from the kiss. Panting a little, I responded,

　　"I love you more, Emeric." He couldn't contain the chuckle within him. Out of pure affection for me, he leaned to kiss my forehead. It felt serene to be in his arms…

　　After sneaking on top of the terrace, with Emeric giggling like a little kid while holding my hand, assisting me, we sat down to have the supper he wished.

　　"Oh Goddess…" I couldn't help but sigh at the beautiful set up!

　　However…

　　'Mate…mate…mate…' I blinked rapidly, trying to figure out what Maia was trying to mumble to me. Confused, I turned to look at Emeric. He was pulling out a chair for me to sit, but…

　　'Aurora…I can…I can feel it. Mate…he's our mate!'

　　At once, my eyes widened in shock.

　　No way…

　　Emeric is my mate!

　　'I'm not exaggerating. Do ask him if he feels the…same…'

　　Both Maia and I looked at Emeric who was staring at me as well. He could read the discomfort in my face, and then, the words suddenly rolled out of my mouth,

　　"Um…Emeric…

　　I can feel it. You're my mate, right?" His eyes widened as well. There were no words exchanged, but he was smiling and happy. On the other hand…I wasn't very happy about this revelation.

　　"Aurora, please accept me as your mate. I'll take care of you the best way I can! I'll do everything under the sun to keep you happy, my love. We are born for each other. We are fated! We can come out to the world as a fated pair, too. If you allow me to introduce you…"

　　Oh Goddess…I've never seen him so happy!