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At approximately 9am, Lucette walked to the clearing in the middle of the woods. To the average passerby, it had no meaning -- it was just your average grass with patches of sunlight dancing playfully, and the occasional bird or bugs flitting around. To Lucette, it was a safe haven.
As Lucette approached the place where she had learned her first instances of magic, she closed her eyes. Savoring the sounds and sweet nostalgic feelings surrounding her, she recalled why she was there.
“I have an idea -- will you let me steal you away for a day, Lucette?”
“An entire day?” Lucette wasn’t opposed to this idea -- an entire day with the bright light of her life who managed to bring joy even in the darkest of days.
“Yes. Let me spoil you, Little Star.” Waltz’s dark ruby red eyes glimmered with excitement as he gently brought her hand up to his lips.
That had been two weeks ago. Careful planning was required for this outing; many shuffling of meetings and other various appointments was needed. But, Lucette was nonetheless happy to do it -- anything for Waltz. Especially since she hadn’t seen much of him. She missed his presence that soothed her and brought her so much peace and happiness.
Lost in her thoughts, Lucette missed the gentle footsteps behind her. While she gazed past the lively green leaves flowing playfully in the light breeze into the light blue sky, Lucette suddenly felt a pair of warm hands gently cover her eyes.
“Guess who,” a familiar voice announced a laugh in his voice. Lucette smiled into the pitch black of her sight. When she inhaled, she could smell his familiar scent of pine and leaves.
“I can’t imagine who,” teased Lucette back. Waltz removed his hands from her eyes and she opened them immediately.
And there he was -- the boy who had become the light of her world, who encompassed everything good to her.
He smiled, his expression full of starlight.
"Hey, little star."
"Hello Waltz," she said shyly, holding her hands behind her back.
“How are you holding up, Little Star?”
Lucette shrugged. Recently, she had felt quite exhausted and drained; new relations and responsibilities had forced Lucette to focus on her duties as Angielle’s queen rather than her Tenebrarum Bearer responsibilities and her valued relationships with others. It had been almost two weeks since Lucette had gotten a chance to practice magic, or even remotely spend time with Waltz at all. She missed him dearly, as the free time she’d had during her time at the Marchen seemed to vanish after becoming queen.
“I’m holding up alright,” she hedged. Waltz raised his eyebrows at her, not quite believing her tone. She had circles under her eyes and her posture wasn’t as straight as it normally was. Not only that, there was an edge in her voice; the average person couldn’t distinguish the tiredness in her voice, but someone who was as close to her as Waltz could tell in a heartbeat.
“You know, it’s okay to take breaks.” The magician’s eyebrows scrunched in concern, his eyes narrowing. “I know you know this, but I’m always going to remind you -- I’m here for you, Lucette.” Snapping his fingers, Waltz brought up the glimmering fairy lights around them briefly as a little reminder of the last time he had said those words.
This made Lucette smile softly. “Thank you, Waltz.”
A comfortable silence arrived, as both remembered the night of their first kiss with warmth. Waltz eventually turned to Lucette, an excited bounce in his step closer to her.
“Ready for today?”
He reminded the queen of a small child on a day out. Nodding, she reached for his hand and immediately felt at home when his hand wrapped around hers, guiding her to their destination.
♡
Soon, they arrived in town -- this surprised Lucette. Usually, they both preferred quieter locations, especially since both their duties revolved around being around people. Lucette cared deeply for her people, and she knew Waltz did as well, however, both of them found their responsibilities exhausting.
Eventually, they arrived at a small bakery-like place, tucked away cozily on a side street.
“Welcome to the Dice Mice Cafe!” A cheery voice called out. A girl with a bright smile waved while she balanced a tray full of tea, truffles, and other delicacies on the way to pair of customers. Inside, the cafe seemed to have a greater amount of depth. The booths were bright rose pink, with mice printed on the outside seats in a stylistic manner. White lilies were decorated everywhere, and a scent of lavender drifted through the air.
Lucette was in absolute awe -- she knew the people of Angielle were talented and Angielle had many good bakeries, but this one seemed so vivacious. It was a little rabbit hole of its own, and full of charm.
“Thank you. Reservation for Cresswell?” Waltz asked. The waitress smiled and nodded.
“Sit wherever you would like, I will be out to assist!”
“Where would you like to sit?” Moving slightly closer, the magician gave her hand an encouraging squeeze.
“What about the window seat in the corner?”
“How did I know you would pick that?” Waltz’s eyes crinkled.
“Because you know me inside and out,” the queen laughed.
After taking a seat, Lucette glanced outside the window. The people passing by had little smiles of joy on their faces.
As if he could read her mind, Waltz leaned in over the table.
“They’re happy because of you, Little Star.”
“I couldn’t do this without you, Waltz. Any of this,” she murmured.
“Your Majesty, I apologise for the wait. My name is Sakura and I will be serving you today! What can I get you to drink?” The waitress had strolled back over, a bounce in her step.
Lucette glanced at the forgotten menu sitting on the table. “Er - what do you recommend?”
“I can fix you the house chai tea, that is a fan favorite!”
“Sounds wonderful, thank you. What about you Waltz?”
“I’ll have the same.”
“I’ll have those right out for you!”
When Sakura went to the kitchen, Lucette turned her gaze back to Waltz. “Have you been here before?”
“No, I have a secret I learned about here from a friend.” Waltz lowered his voice excitedly. “I’ve heard the cooks infuse their food with a little bit of magic. Don’t tell anyone, though.”
“The secret is safe with me, Waltz.”
A brief moment of mutual silence passed before Waltz spoke again.
“I haven’t been here, but I do know there’s a new item on the menu that I’d like us to try.”
“I’d love that -- what is it?”
“Cinderella’s Magic: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo - a special for two.”
Lucette blushed. The mention of Cinderella brought her back to a time when she was first cursed. Her adventure had all started there.
“Sounds amazing, Waltz.”
Twenty minutes later, the table was covered with all sorts of sweet treats. From cherry red macaroons to delicate lady fingers to the finest tiramisu ingrained with bits of magic, everything tasted divine to Lucette. The icing on the cake was the little cupcakes with glass slippers on them.
“These are so adorable, Waltz!” she exclaimed. Lucette hadn’t been sure what she was expecting when she first came to the cafe, but everything tasted beyond delicious. The queen knew she would have to recommend this place for catering.
“Little Star, you have a bit of whip cream on the side of your mouth. May I kiss it away?” A subtle blush crept on his cheeks.
“I would be honored if you did,” A slightly red-faced Lucette affirmed, tilting her head slightly towards him. Waltz gave her a swift kiss beside her mouth.
“Thank you for today.” Lucette laid her hand over his, gazing him with her golden eyes. “Today was so relaxing, and a wonderful break from how busy I’ve been. I’m happy I know you and I cherish you so much. I love you, Waltz.” In response, the magician returned her smile with one of his own, filled with love and adoration.
“I love you too, Lucette.”
♡