Seventeenth

She needed to hold herself back...even if he was...

I can't act so rashly when I hardly know him. No matter how handsome and kind and charming he is, and-

She shook her head quickly.

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. I can't just bounce between men who are nice....

Even if he wasn't Kieran...if she just...

let herself fall for another handsome man who seemed to care...

I'd deserve it this time. Kieran was right about that much, at least.

"Tomorrow...we can talk again, Tomorrow..." She swallowed hard, hoping he couldn't hear the thumping of her heart echoing throughout the empty space around them.

Hoped he couldn't tell how close she was to making a foolish choice.

Or maybe she hoped he could.

Either way...it seemed he couldn't.

His eyes softened as he nodded, and he brought her knuckles to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss against them. "I will look forward to it then. May I escort you to your quarters?" He murmured as he slowly released her hand.

The loss of the heat from his fingers sent a chill down her spine.

She swallowed and pushed down the urge to immediately reach out for his hand again.

I-...this is just...I've just had a bit too much wine. My head's being silly.

"Um...yeah...of course!" She hastily finished off the rest of her drink, then placed the goblet down next to her plate.

"S-Sure." She stumbled over her words and got up, unable to think of an excuse not to take his arm.

It's just his arm...it's fine. It's polite to lean on him in this situation!

...He's still so handsome...and so kind...he seems so sincere...

but if...he were to suddenly lose interest in me just like Kieran did....

Her thoughts made her chest hurt as she fell into step alongside him, and she cursed at herself.

Why are you always such a pathetic sap who falls for any hot guy who smiles at you? Come on! Be better!

"...Everything okay, Emily?" Adrien's gentle voice broke into her thoughts, bringing her back to reality.

She startled, and then quickly shook her head to clear it of the morose train of thought.

She shot a nervous smile at him. "Oh...no. Everything is great!"

She quickly reassured him, clasping her hands together.

He raised a hand to gently take and squeeze one of hers, sending another thrill through her veins.

"...Shall we, then?" He turned away and walked swiftly over to the door, opening it with ease and ushering her through the entryway without pausing.

"After you..." He added, extending his arm to indicate the direction to proceed in.

"Th-thanks." She mumbled as she moved forward.

His arms...they're so broad and strong...

She shivered involuntarily as her mind began conjuring up images of herself enveloped within those arms, a blush blossoming upon her cheeks as she hurried forwards.

"You seem awfully red," Adrien pointed out, stepping in beside her and matching his pace to hers. "I apologize...perhaps I over-poured your wine..."

"Oh! O-oh...right..." She mumbled, trying to control her emotions and clear the redness from her face. "N-no! No, I'm just...tired!"

So close to his side, and seeing the glow of the candles lighting the corridor, illuminating his perfect features...the romantic atmosphere...

His arms. How firm they feel underneath that jacket and tunic. If I...just rested my head on his chest...or leaned back into that embrace...wouldn't that be wonderful...?

She shivered again and stifled a soft sigh.

"...Then I will be careful to return you to your room to rest as quickly as possible." Adrien smiled warmly at her. "Perhaps a hot bath will soothe you and clear your mind."

Hot bath...? Yes. With a hot prince...yes please...

Emily coughed a few times as her face turned scarlet at the image conjured by those words, and she hastily forced them down.

No! Down girl! Down!!

"You seem awfully flushed, my dear. Are you quite alright?" The concern in Adrien's voice seemed genuine as he moved closer, placing a hand upon her shoulder. "If there's anything I can do to help relieve your discomfort..."

She gave a nervous chuckle and shook her head. "N-no, no. I'm...I'm fine! Thank you. You've been wonderful tonight."

Absolutely perfect...

He seemed pleased by this, his smile widening. "It's my pleasure. Truly, Emily...I wish only for you to feel relaxed and happy. Even if it means escorting you to your chambers so you can rest, I'm more than happy to assist you."

She bowed slightly and smiled to him. "Goodnight, Prince Adrien."

"Good night, Lady Emily."

He smiled down at her as she slipped inside her room and shut the door.

Once inside, she leaned back against the wooden surface, closed her eyes tightly, and slid down to the floor.

She drew her knees to her chest.

I...I don't...know how to feel....excited and giddy or...nervous and...

"Nyaaa. Why are you making such a stupid face?" Mia-Stella blinked her big eyes sleepily at her as she rolled over on the bed. "Were you two...just kissing...nyah...?"

Emily's cheeks grew red again, but she shook her head firmly. "No! No, no! Nothing...nothing like that!"

"...Such a strange reaction!" The pink fairy yawned widely and stretched before curling back up on the bedding.

"I have a small amount of experience in seduction." She murmured, yawning again as she rolled over onto her side.

"Yeah...?" Emily studied the cat fairy closely as she yawned again. "Do you have any advice...?"

"You're...wondering how to seduce the prince...?" She purred. "It's simple. Just go up to him and grab his di-"

She broke into a coughing fit, waving her hand dismissively as she looked away. "Nevermind! Nevermind!"

Mia blinked a few times, before flopping down on the bed. "If you insist..."

She leaned her head back against the wall.

Still..I do feel a bit better now.

"Thank you, Mia."

"...Nya???"