Holy fucking shit! This woman… Is she seriously proposing to me… Wait, she is proposing, right? I am not misunderstanding her, right?

  Julia: Just to be clear, um, are you saying… What I think you are? Like that kind of bond? The where…

  Cressida: Yes, Julia, that kind of bond, the one that ties us together for the rest of our lives.

  I can’t believe she is serious. I mean it's not like I have ever heard her joke about anything… But what's this gotta do with keeping me safe? Whatever, I don’t care.

  Her eyes go wide when I catch her in a tight hug. Oh that aroma… her sweet soothing smell. I rest my head on her chest and close my eyes, her warmth is super comforting.

  Julia: YES!

  I yell in excitement, I have been dreaming of nothing except this moment. I imagined her proposing so many times. As seconds pass I don't feel the comforting touch of her arms around me. She doesn’t hug me back, making me a bit sad… I look up to her surprised face

  Julia: Ah… Sorry

  I pull back awkwardly, my hands fidget as I look everywhere but her eyes. I am so dumb. She didn’t propose because she is in love with me, she proposed to keep me safe… because I am useful to her…

  She blinks and her surprised expression goes back to the neutral stoic one, the one that shows no emotions. I don’t even know whether she is annoyed, frustrated or disgusted that I hugged her.

  Cressida: I will be expediting the ceremony. The longer we dey, the greater the risks become. I trust this is acceptable to you.

  I could do nothing except reply in a low voice

  Julia: It’s alright…

  In all the dreams I had of her proposing, I certainly never imagined it to be this unromantic… Will this be my life with her? Unromantic, detached, cold?

  Cressida: It’s starting to get a little chilly. Shall we head inside

  I give her a small nod, and she leads us back in… As we get inside her study again I can’t help but think of the one question bugging me

  Julia: My dy, how does bonding with you prevent me from getting assassinated?

  She leans on her desk and looks at me, our eyes meet, and while her face doesn’t show any emotion her posture seems rexed

  Cressida: It may not offer complete protection. However, if assassins do strike, your enhanced healing abilities will increase your chances of surviving any injuries. Moreover, once we are bonded, you will hold the title of Countess. Not even the most powerful nobles in the nd would dare attempt to abduct a Countess, my bonded.

  Julia: Oh…

  There is a small moment of silence. None of us daring to look away. What is going on in her mind? Is she disappointed since she will be bonded to me?

  Cressida: I know it was me who told you to be careful when it came to bonding with someone, but this… this situation… It's too precarious. I cannot risk losing you. You have my word, I will always treat you with the respect you deserve. So please, don’t let this worry you.

  I step forward and take her hand in mine. Holding it like it's the most delicate thing in the world. Thankfully she doesn’t pull away.

  Julia: My dy, I have sworn my loyalty to you, I trust you implicitly. I will never worry about you not treating me right

  Her lips curl in a small smile. Her gentle green eyes radiate warmth, giving me a strange feeling of comfort.

  Cressida: Thank you, Julia… I truly feel fortunate to have found you that day.

  Her eyes dart away from me suddenly, looking toward the window open window

  Cressida: There’s a ga in the capital two weeks from now, with many influential nobles in attendance. It’s the perfect opportunity to share our news. Immediately after the announcement, we’ll send out invitations for our bonding ceremony.

  That's pretty fast.

  Julia: If we are in such a hurry can’t we just get bonded here?

  Cressida: While we could, nobles are expected to follow certain traditions. I may not have much love for my peers, but defying those customs could spark suspicion. Some might cim I maniputed you into the bond, especially those who seek to undermine me or use you for their own schemes.

  Julia: Oh…

  Cressida: The journey to the capital will take a week, so we’ll leave by the end of this one. We’ll travel in my carriage, I’d rather not attract any unnecessary attention to you before our bond is formalized.

  Julia: Yes my dy!

  ----------

  The next day my dy called me to her room before breakfast. When I entered the room, she looked at the maid styling her hair.

  Cressida: Give us a moment

  She gets up from her chair and takes a seat at the edge of her bed. She pats the space near her says in an almost whisper

  Cressida: Come sit

  I take a seat next to her, still a comfortable distance away.

  Cressida: So, now that you’ve had time to consider, has your decision about the bonding changed?

  Julia: What? Of course not! My answers will remain same as yesterday

  Cressida: Good. Just remember, you mustn’t speak of our bonding to anyone before the announcement. The servants and guards are unaware, so keep this to yourself.

  Julia: Not even Aurel?

  Cressida: You can discuss this with Aurel, but only in private. No one else must know.

  Julia: Oh… ok

  Cressida: Now then, do you have any questions about our bonding?

  Julia: Yes, will you… drink from me every day? After… you know…

  She looks away, her eyes unable to meet mine.

  Cressida: …

  I look at her, hoping she will answer with a yes. Her gaze falls on me again.

  Cressida: Yes I would… unless you’d prefer I didn’t.…

  She hesitates while speaking, which is very rare for her. Her gentle yet hesitant response is making my heart flutter.

  Julia: No no no! I definitely want you to!

  There is a hint of surprise in her eyes. Did I say something weird again?

  Julia: Ahem! I mean it would be an honour my dy

  The look of surprise is repced by one of confusion. What the hell am I even saying? How would it be an honour?... Wait, it can be an honour, right? Ahhh fuck, I need to change topics

  Julia: Let’s go for breakfast my dy

  Cressida: Hm

  She ignores my previous comments and walks out of the room, I follow her, remaining a step behind. I cannot get that moment out of my mind, the moment when her sharp teeth dug into my neck. As weird as it sounds I want to feel that pain again, I want to feel that closeness with her again

  The week passes by in a blink of an eye. Until finally it was time to leave. I was packing my stuff into a sack when I hear a knock on my door

  Julia: Come in

  Cressida: This is the gown you'll be wearing for the ga. Try it on and come to my chamber to show me how it fits.

  She carefully ys down a beautiful long light purple dress. It features intricate 3D floral appliqués that perfectly match its delicate hue. The entire dress is nothing short of breathtaking.

  Julia: Yes…

  As quickly as she came she leaves my room. I put on the gown, and it's a perfect fit, so perfect in fact that it seems like it was specifically made for me. Wait, how did she even know my measurements? I think back on it and suddenly remember our first visit to the nearby town, she bought me a long skirt there. That's probably when she got my measurements. This woman is pretty sneaky

  I cautiously walk into her room, she sits at the edge of her bed, waiting for me. She stands up and takes a step toward me. Her discerning gaze looks at me from head to toe. After a moment she speaks

  Cressida: Perfect. You look beautiful Julia

  Her compliment instantly brings a smile to my face

  Julia: Thank you my dy! It means a lot coming from you

  Cressida: Hm

  She turns away and looks at her vanity table

  Cressida: Now tell me, which one catches your fancy?

  Three sets of jewellery are id out on the table. Two made of ptinum and one of gold. The highlight of all three sets were the neckces. All of them were sizeable and looked very expensive. The gold neckce looked the fshiest with a rge red ruby at the center of it. The ruby was the only gem in the neckce while the other two had small diamonds encrusted along their length. One of the ptinum neckces had a blue diamond at the center while the other had a transparent one. Each of them had unique designs, but one stood out more than the others

  Julia: This one

  I say pointing to the set with the blue diamond. It looked absolutely gorgeous!

  Cressida: Not bad at all. Go ahead and try it on, you’ll be wearing this to the ga.

  I look at her nervously. Pretty sure this set is more expensive than my yearly wage here

  Julia: A-are you sure?

  She nods

  Cressida: Of course! The announcement will already come as a shock to many, I’d rather not give anyone reason to think I neglect my soon-to-be bonded.

  Julia: Ah…

  Cressida: Come on, don’t dey any longer. Put it on.

  I wear the neckce and the matching bracelet but when I get to the earrings I suddenly remember

  Julia: Ah… One small problem…

  She gives me a questioning look

  Cressida: What?

  Julia: I can’t wear these earrings, my ears aren’t pierced.

  Cressida: Hm. Let’s leave them for now.

  She pauses and looks at me through the mirror. Her lips curl into a gentle smile before she says

  Cressida: You look stunning, even without them. The set it yours. It’s my way of saying thank you for agreeing to this.

  Julia: You don’t have to–

  Cressida: No is not a word I’m willing to hear.

  I give her my best smile.

  Julia: I should be the one thanking you, my dy

  She puts her hand on my shoulder, giving me a reassuring squeeze. Her gesture spoke more than any amount of words could convey and at the same time left me more confused. Does this mean she likes me as a servant or does she feel something more…

  ----------

  This fucking carriage is too bumpy! It doesn’t have a suspension, so even the smallest bumps make my ass and back hurt. How does she put up with this! Even though this has cushioning it's still slowly hurting my bones, I can’t imagine what common people who need to travel go through, their carriages probably only have seats made of wood, or worse no seats at all.

  I look over to my dy, we were sitting opposite to each other. She is reading a book, somehow unaffected by all this

  Julia: Aren’t you bothered by this, my dy?

  She replies but never looks away from her book

  Cressida: By what?

  Julia: This! How bumpy this carriage and roads are!

  Cressida: It might be new to you, but I have dealt with this my whole life. If the ride is too rough for you, you’re welcome to take a horse instead.

  I pout and look away from her. Would it hurt her to be a bit more sympathetic?

  Cressida: *sigh*

  She shakes her head and closes the book

  Cressida: Find something to distract yourself with. It will make the bumps a lot easier to handle.

  Julia: Like? I didn’t bring any books like you, my dy.

  Cressida: Julia, think! With your ability you can just summon some…

  She pauses

  Cressida: … But I have a far better idea in mind.

  She pats the space beside her

  Cressida: Come

  I move and take a seat next to her

  Julia: What is it my dy?

  Cressida: I will teach you a few etiquettes before you interact with other nobles. First, the way you say 'my dy' is far too tame, too subservient, almost like a servant. I want you to say it with confidence, as if you truly have affection for me.

  Well that shouldn’t be too hard as I really do have feelings for her

  Julia: I will try… Ahem.

  Julia: My dy…

  Cressida: More confidence Julia!

  Julia: My dy.

  Cressida: A bit more confidence

  Julia: My dy!

  Cressida: Good, now a bit of affection

  Julia My dy!

  I say in the sweetest, most gentlest, most loving voice I can muster

  Cressida: Hm. Maybe some possessiveness?

  I don’t know why, but I put my hand on her waist getting close to her. Very close.

  Julia: My dy!

  Our eyes meet, and the whole world just falls silent. Neither of us tries to even move an inch. She stays still, never breaking her gaze away from me. I can feel her breaths tickle my face, If I just move a bit closer our lips will touch… We will kiss… But I will dare not break this beautiful moment by moving. She can probably hear my racing heart in all this silence. After a few moments pass I realize what I did, and I pull away in a panic. I look toward the floor not having the courage to meet her eyes

  Julia: So sorry my dy! I–

  Cressida: Don’t apologize! That’s exactly how I need you to act.

  But I wasn’t acting. Say it Julia! Come on!

  Cressida: The more affection you show, the more real this bond will seem to everyone else.

  But it is real! At least for me, it is…

  Cressida: Now let’s go over how to greet a noble, step by step, shall we?

  Ah, I could hear her talk for ages

  -----------

  Cressida: Here we are, the capital city of Ilonlunaly

  My dy announces as soon as we pass through a gate. I felt a final bump as the carriage switched from dirt roads to a stone path.

  Julia: Finally! I need a bath so bad

  My dy stretches her arms and I look out from the window of the carriage. There were people everywhere, even some elves! Vendors sold (probably fake) jewellery, bread, fruits on the streets. The guards at the front made way for our carriage. They had hid their guns inside their coats when we got close to the capital. I even saw a shop grilling meat. My mouth was watering just from the smell. I need those skewers! I will definitely come here ter!

  All the shops look to be made of wood, they weren’t even painted. Most of the buildings here were small and had just one or two floors. As we move through the city I gnce at my dy, she has put her book down as well and watches me with an amused expression

  Julia: What?

  Cressida: Nothing at all. You just have the wide-eyed look of a vilge child who’s never seen a city before.

  Julia: I lived in a city before!

  Cressida: Really? I’m guessing it was tiny compared to this.

  Julia: Nope, it was huge compared to this. In fact, I was living in the capital of my country before I… came here

  Cressida: Sure, and I’m the Queen of the Stars.

  Julia: Fine! Don’t believe me.

  I pout and look away to the window again, taking in the sight of a real life medieval city. Suddenly I see a very tall building in the distance, it stands out from the rest of the structures as it was 5 stories tall!

  Julia: What’s that?

  I say pointing to the tall building

  Cressida: That’s an inn. Travellers can rent rooms there for a small fee. This one’s famous for good service and fair prices, which is why merchants flock there.

  Julia: Are we staying at an inn as well? It will have a bath right?

  Cressida: By the stars, no. We’ll be staying at my town house, and yes, it has a bath.

  15 minutes ter, the architecture outside visibly changed when we passed another gate. All the buildings were now made of stones and were painted. Many had gss windows, the shops looked more premium, there were even more guards around this pce.

  Julia: Is this some kind of nobles district

  Cressida: Yes, this is where my town house is, and we’ll be there in just a moment

  A few minutes ter the carriage stops

  Cressida: Finally!

  One of the guards escorting us gets off her horse and opens the door for us. My dy steps carefully and gets off the carriage much more elegantly than she did with the JLTV. After she gets off she turns and raises her hand. Aww she is such a gentlewoman! I happily take her hand and get off of the stuffy carriage. I look up to the building in front of me

  Cressida: Welcome to my humble refuge in the city.

  The town house was three stories tall and was painted a simple reddish brown colour. As compared to the Cowper manor, this was indeed humble, but I bet this house is still twice or thrice as big as my old home in Washington

  The guard who opened the door for us, walks forward and opens the door of the town house as well. Cressida walks inside and I follow her lead

  ---------

  *knock* *knock*

  Cressida: Come in

  I freeze as soon as I enter my dy’s room. The sight of her wearing a tiara adorned with sparkling diamonds takes my breath away. She looks like a queen. A powerful, regal, and commanding queen. Her diamond encrusted neckce and earrings perfectly match the tiara… or is it a crown? I don’t know, and I don’t care. I just stood there staring at her, too mesmerized, she is beauty incarnate.

  Her wine red gown complements her jewellery and hair perfectly, Just like my dress hers features flower appliqués as well. Those flowers… dark red roses on her dress feel like the most dangerous yet the alluring things in the world

  Cressida: How do I look?

  She gets up from her chair and turns around to face me. I take her in, my gaze never breaking from her mesmerizing figure

  Julia: …

  Cressida: Julia?

  She steps closer and snaps her fingers, breaking me out of my trance

  Julia: Yes! Sorry! You look… like the most beautiful woman I have ever id my eyes on

  A small chuckle escaped her lips, I want to hear her ugh more!

  Cressida: Careful, Julia. Fttery like that could get you anywhere

  Her voice is soft and teasing. Ok, I am definitely falling for this vampire

  Julia: It's not fttery if it's the truth

  She smiles and shakes her head

  Cressida: Come now, it's time.

  She gestures for me to take her hand, I slip my hand in hers and interlock our fingers. I never want to let go of her. She guides me outside to our carriage. The carriage had the same Cowper emblem that I saw in the armoury at Cowper manor

  The guards with us seemed to have dressed differently as well. The long overcoat they wore now was dark blue in colour and very clean unlike before.

  Cressida: Now then, Julia, let’s see if you were truly paying attention to my lessons during our ride to the capital. Do you recall what I said?

  Julia: Of course! Curtsy when meeting a Marquis or Marquise or anyone ranking higher than them. Stand tall with confidence. Be polite but shy so as to not let anything about our secret slip. For dinner, I need to wait until you start eating or uh drinking I guess before I do… And…

  I pause thinking for a moment. There were a few more points she told me but no matter how hard I try, I can’t remember

  Cressida: It’s alright. I can’t expect a commoner to grasp all these nuances in just a week. If anyone asks you to dance, politely decline, you’ll only embarrass both of us otherwise. However, we will dance together once or twice this evening, and you are to follow my lead. And remember to smile and look delighted. Everyone here should believe you’re overjoyed to be bonding with me.

  Julia: Don’t worry, that I am

  She pauses, her eyes lock on to mine, and I feel my cheeks warm. Was that too forward of me?

  Cressida: … And remember to stay by my side at all times. I don’t want anyone cornering you or catching you off guard. Stay close, link your arm with mine, we’ll look like a happy pair, and you’ll be safe from all those vultures desperate for gossip or secrets.

  Ah great! I flirt with her and she completely ignores my attempt!

  Julia: Yes my dy!

  Cressida: Get ready, we’re almost there.

  So soon? We could’ve walked here. Although I guess walking to a ga doesn’t seem “noble”. *sigh* Rich people.

  Our carriage stops in front of a grand building which is dazzling with lights. This building probably has more lights than half of the city. I never knew candles could get so bright. A guy opens the carriage and bows. My dy is the first one to get off and like before she gives me a hand as I step off the carriage. Please always be a sweetheart my dy!

  My eyes looked around the pce, there were 2 more carriages on the street. It seems there are a lot of nobles attending this, what exactly is this ga for though?

  I wrap my arm around the Countess’s, and walk inside. As soon as we enter through the humongous set of double doors many eyes falls on us, the people start whispering while gncing at us

  I lean close to my dy and whisper

  Julia: Why is everyone looking at us?

  Cressida: It has been quite some time since I attended one of these gatherings, so that’s likely the reason. Though, it might also have something to do with the scent of your blood. Pay them no mind.

  I look around the huge ballroom, there are waiters carrying wine gsses filled with blood while others carry champagne flutes filled with pale amber liquid. Is that actually champagne or is it something else? It doesn’t seem very bubbly. One of them approaches us but my dy gestures them to leave.

  A middle-aged man as tall as my dy approaches us when the waiter leaves. He wore a bck coat with gold lining and buttons. He held a walking cane in his right hand which had a matching gold handle. He must be rich as well

  Middle-aged noble: Lady Cowper, how delightful it is to see you again. I was starting to think you had given up on these gatherings.

  She curtsies and I copy her. She gives him a polite smile

  Cressida: Of course not, Your Grace. I simply had a great deal of work to attend to

  Middle-aged noble: I understand. It must have been quite the challenge for you after…

  He shakes his head and turns toward me

  Middle-aged noble: And who might this lovely dy be, accompanying you?

  Cressida: It is my pleasure to introduce you to Miss Julia Moore, my soon-to-be bonded. Julia, this is Duke of Thalvinar, Cedric Thalvinar Greystone

  He raises his eyebrows when my dy says that. Should I curtsy again? I feel like I should.

  Duke Cedric: Miss Moore, is it? I don’t recall hearing your name before. You’re not of noble lineage, are you?

  Julia: No, your grace, I am not

  Duke Cedric: Moore... I don’t recognize your name among the influential merchant families of this kingdom. Might you be from a wealthy merchant family from abroad?

  Julia: No, my family isn’t rich. They are working css people

  He turns to look toward my dy. His face gives away his feelings

  Duke Cedric: Lady Cowper, are you bonding with a commoner?

  Holy shit, that's the first thing he asks? I thought he would be asking ‘why are you bonding with a girl?’. Gd to know this nation isn’t homophobic only cssist

  My dy puts her arm around me shoulders, pulls me closer and gives him a small smile

  Cressida: What can I say, Julia has awakened something in my heart that I’ve longed for but never knew I was missing.

  I turn to look into her eyes. I put my arm around her waist and pulled her flush against my side, there was practically no distance between us.

  Julia: Same here, I have fallen for her quite hard. I don’t believe I have ever loved someone more than her

  She blinks, there is a subtle sign of surprise in her eyes. Did I say something wrong?

  I look back at the duke. He is quite obviously shocked, but doesn’t lose his composure. He shrugs

  Duke Cedric: As they say, each to their own… Please enjoy your evening

  He nods and leaves us. My dy leans down and whispers in my ear

  Cressida: Quite bold, aren’t you?

  She has this teasing smile on her face, but just as I was about to ask her to eborate, a well-dressed noble couple joined us. The man was old, with a bald spot in the middle and white hair at the sides, the woman he was with looked middle-aged. She smiles at us and I spot her sharp canines for a brief moment, she is definitely a vampire!

  The man has a grumpy expression on his face.

  Old man: Ah, so you've finally deemed high society worthy of your presence again.

  Cressida: Lord Renald, it seems time continues to favour you.

  I sense a tension in the air. The old man huffs and looks at me

  Lord Renald: Who is this? Your maid dressed up for the occasion?

  Is this guy trying to provoke us? I look at the woman with him, she doesn’t meet my gaze and pretends to look at the curtains. She, too, seems to be embarrassed by what I assume to be her bonded’s manners

  My dy’s grip around me tightens

  Cressida: This is Miss Julia Moore, who will soon be bonded to me.

  The expression goes from confusion to surprise to disgust in a couple of seconds. He scowls at us, his gaze sharp and accusatory.

  Lord Renald: This is how you choose to reintroduce yourself to society? By funting a bond with a girl of all things? And a commoner at that!

  Lord Renald: I am sure your father would be disappointed if he could see you now

  *gasp*

  A girl behind him gasps audibly. People start looking at the old man, his bonded starts to sweat visibly and takes his hand. I clench my fists ready to throw some punches, but my dy gently wraps her fingers around my clenched fist, squeezing it, gesturing me to calm down. How is she so calm after what this waste of air said?

  Renald’s bonded: People are looking, calm down please!

  She then looks at my dy

  Renald’s bonded: I think my bonded is feeling an unwell, let's talk sometime ter

  When they leave my dy turns to me and softly says

  Cressida: Control yourself, Julia. He is the Count of Enasha, a tiny, irrelevant territory, barely worth the title. His inability to manage it is obvious, and so he vents his frustrations on others. No surprise that his nds are among the poorest in the kingdom.

  Julia: *sigh* I’m sorry…

  I should have expected there would be assholes like him here. But I never expected them to be so bold and confrontational.

  Cressida: Come now, you must be famished. Let's see what appetizers they have on offer.

  There was a huge buffet of options avaible. Prawns, chicken, weird chips on skewers, mushrooms, fish and caviar. I took everything except caviar, I tried it once at an event in my old world and immediately hated it

  Cressida: Be sure to save a bit of room for the main course ter.

  Julia: Don’t worry I am a glutton

  I mumble while chewing

  Cressida: Julia, talking while your mouth is full does not suit someone in your position. Please, be mindful.

  Julia: Sorry…

  I mumble again. She shakes her head and leans back in her chair.

  ???: Lady Cressida, I must be imagining things... Is it really you?

  Both our heads turn to a tall dark man. His clothes looked regal and his posture matched the outfit. He was probably the most well-dressed man in this event by far. I look toward my dy, and she has a genuine smile on her face. Why does he feel familiar?

  Cressida: Lord Lucian, please join us!

  Lord Lucian: Thank you. I swear, one more stiff conversation, and I’d have combusted right there.

  He lets out a hearty chuckle while taking a seat at our table

  Cressida: I know what you mean.

  My dy looks in my direction

  Cressida: Julia, allow me to introduce you to Lord Lucian Vryss, Aurel's elder brother and the future Baron of Jalena.

  Julia: You are Aurel's older brother!?

  So that's why he looked so familiar! I must say both of them have good genetics

  Lord Lucian: In the flesh

  Julia: You are the first mage– Ow!

  My dy kicked me under the table pretty hard! She should control her strength, I am only a human, and she is a vampire with super strength. I look towards her, and she gives me a look saying “Shut the hell up”. Oh right I almost slipped and revealed myself to be a mage as well, I can’t reveal that until we are bonded

  Julia: Sorry, an insect bit me

  Cressida: Lord Lucian, this is Miss Julia Moore, my future bonded

  He looks at her in shock, his reaction was very cartoonish

  Lord Lucian: Seriously? Her? Aurel made it sound like she was just your servant!

  Cressida: She was…

  Julia: Until we fell in love

  Both look at me in surprise, just like the Duke. Wait am I saying something wrong? I thought we were supposed to make everyone believe we were a couple

  Lord Lucian: Oh. That's great. Congratutions on finding your bonded, Lady Cressida.

  They talk for a few minutes about Aurel and some other people I don’t know about. I stay out of the conversation and eat quietly, need to act shy just like my dy said.

  Lord Lucian: I think my father needs me, so I must take my leave. Have a pleasant evening

  Lucian bows and leaves, music starts pying, and my dy locks her eyes with mine and in a gentle voice asks.

  Cressida: Would you like to dance with me, Julia?

  If I didn’t know any better I would have thought she was being romantic.

  Julia: Of course

  She walks over to me and extends her hand. Such a gentlewoman. I take her hand, and she leads me to the dance floor where many couples, young and old are dancing, their movements look so rehearsed, seeing how elegantly they dance makes me nervous

  She puts her hand on my waist and I put mine on her shoulder. My whole body starts to heat up on feeling her soft hands on my waist. I follow her lead while dancing, we didn’t have any to rehearse proper dances the other couples are doing so we just sway slowly to the music, I still managed to step on her toes couple of times during this slow dances, but she never compined.

  This is so romantic, I wish we could stay like this forever! Though my mind is still curious about before

  Julia: My dy?

  Cressida: Yes Julia?

  Julia: Before, why did you and Lucian react that way when I said we fell in love? Did I say something wrong?

  Cressida: There’s nothing inherently wrong… but in the noble society of the Aqualunan Kingdom, love is rarely expressed so openly. Being a commoner, you wouldn’t be familiar with such customs, I’m sure.

  Julia: What? Why? It's so… weird

  Cressida: I couldn’t tell you. It’s a tradition that’s endured for thousands of years.

  Julia: So parents don’t ever tell their children they love them?

  Cressida: Of course they do! It’s just that expressing romantic love in public is considered improper.

  Julia: What about this? Isn’t dancing also an expression of romantic love?

  Cressida: Honestly, Julia, even I don’t know why saying ‘I love my bonded’ is such a taboo.

  Julia: Weird. So… should I stop saying it?

  Cressida: That’s your choice. I don’t expect you to abide by every noble tradition, especially since bonding with you, a commoner, is already breaking one of their unspoken rules.

  Julia: Oh… By the way is it me or are too many people looking at us?

  Cressida: Oh, pay them no mind. Their curiosity stems from your being a fresh face in noble society... and, perhaps, the exotic scent of your blood.

  Ah yes my blood, almost forgot that it apparently smells very ‘exotic’ here

  Her hand moves to my lower back and with her surprising strength she pulls me flush against her body. She leans close and whispers in my ear

  Cressida: Prepare yourself. I’ll make the announcement about our bond the moment the music ends.

  As the final note of the music fades, her hand slips away from my waist, yet her other hand remains firmly csped around mine.

  Cressida: Ladies and gentlemen, may I have a moment of your attention, please?

  Her voice is loud yet soft

  Cressida: I see many of you are curious about my companion tonight. I am delighted to introduce my future bonded, Miss Julia Moore. I never expected it, but Miss Julia has captured my heart and given me so much hope in the time we have spent together

  My face goes all red listening to her words, this is so… all eyes are on us. I have a bit of a fear of public attention. Why couldn’t she tell me about this little speech earlier!?

  My dy turns towards me and holding a red ribbon

  Cressida: Under these stars that have guided me for more than a century, I ask you, Julia, will you be my bonded and make this life truly worth living?

  I don’t think anyone ever till date has said something more romantic. I was so emotional that no words came out of my throat, only a small whisper finally managed to escape

  Julia: Yes…

  Her eyes fall on my hand. She slowly raises the one she was holding and ties the red ribbon on my wrist. “Cressida Cowper” were the words written on it with gold. First Lucian starts cpping then everyone starts appuding and surrounds us in no time, everyone wants to congratute us personally. After 15 minutes of trying our best to answer their question about our retionship music starts pying again

  Cressida: If I may, I would like to cim one final dance tonight with the one who shall soon become my bonded.

  The people who surround us get the message and leave us alone. My dy once again pulls me close and puts a hand on my waist. We again start gently swaying with the music and I again start to step on her toes, not that she looks like she minds

  Julia: My dy I have a question.

  Cressida: Feel free to ask

  Julia: What is the ribbon for?

  She gives me a gentle smile

  Cressida: It’s a bit of an old tradition in the Cowper family. When we bond with someone, we tie a red ribbon around their wrist with our name on it. It’s symbolic and a little outdated, but it shows who you belong to. I hope it’s not too much to ask. You can take it off after the bonding ceremony if you wish.

  So this means I belong to her now. I can already feel butterflies in my stomach.

  Julia: Oh my dy, I love it! I think I will keep it on even after we are bonded.

  Her lips curl into a genuine bright smile, I gently rest my head on her chest as we continue to sway in the sweet melody.