I went straight to my chambers to prepare for my date with Dante.

I needed something normal. Something that reminded me why I was fighting to save our relationship.

I chose a simple dress—dark green, fitted but not revealing. Nothing fancy. We were going to a normal restaurant, being normal people.

At exactly seven o’clock, a knock sounded at my door.

Dante stood there in civilian clothes—dark pants, a simple shirt, no crown or royal regalia. He looked younger like this. More like ...