First message
The pastry melted on my tongue like a kiss from heaven. Layers of butter and sugar—divine, flawless. I was halfway through savoring the second bite when the herald’s voice cut through the hall. Announcing Her Highness, the Princess of— I nearly choked. The pastry lodged in my throat, and I had to wash it down with wine before I made a fool of myself. My heart pounded—not for food this time, but for her.
Without thinking, I pushed back my chair so fast it scraped the floor. I smoothed my coat, patted at my hair, tried to remember how to look like a dignified prince. It didn’t matter. My reflection in the goblet showed crumbs at the corner of my mouth and rumpled sleeves. Perfect. Absolutely princely.
But when I saw her—smiling, radiant, stepping into the hall—I felt my whole chest flood with warmth. If I were a hound, I’d be wagging my tail so hard I’d knock over half the banquet table. Instead, I just… stood there, probably grinning like an idiot