Chapter Text
Weeks of preparing for the royal ball are finally done. Ena smirked at how proud she is of her work.
Such colorful strokes all over the room that she did herself. It is her birthday, after all, so she wants everything to be in her preference.
It's the night of the ball. Everyone has gathered around with their drinks in hand as the sound of trumpets spread across the room—signaling their attention.
"Good evening everyone! We are gathered here today to celebrate the princess's birth. I may now present to you, the birthday girl— Princess Ena."
The large doors opened wide—revealing the star of the night, Ena. She slowly walked into the room as her white dress with what seemed like paint stains all over as it glided across the shiny floors.
All eyes are on her. She looked around the room and a certain someone piqued her interest. That certain someone is located at the left corner of the room—a tall figure wearing a blue suit with gold to compliment it. Their short hair was slicked back as their bluish-gray eyes met hers. A soft smile curled at the corner of her lips.
"Thank you all for coming to the celebration. I wish you all a fantastic night."
Everyone clapped as she bowed. After that, the room started to fill up with the sound of chatter. Ena immediately tried going to the person she saw who was still at that same corner as she said her "thank you"s to the visitors who greeted her till she reached them.
The figure seemed to notice it right away.
"I knew that you would come to me right away as our eyes met, Your Majesty."
Ena's face absolutely turned red from that. She really wants to know his background, but before that, she should continue the casual conversation they're having but—
"Hoshino Ichika. The Captain of the Knights of Bealia."
He bowed in courtesy.
"I suppose you already know me." Ena giggled.
Ichika gave her a nod.
"Can I call you M'lady? I just thought it fits you very well."
"Sure."
Ichika grabbed her hand and looked up to her as if they were asking if he could continue— she nodded.
He placed a light kiss on the top of her hand. Ena couldn't help but blush even more at how perfect they are as of now.
He got up and stood up straight. "So M'lady, shall we get to know each other even more?"
"I know where we can do that."
Ena grabbed them by the hand and ran through the crowded room and into the empty hallways of the palace. Ichika looked in awe when he saw some of the paintings which Ena actually made herself as they both ran across the halls.
They reached the end of the hallway to a balcony where the moonlight shone brightly.
"Here is the perfect spot for that."
Ena sat on the railings with a smile on her face as she looked at them. Ichika was taken aback by the sight he's seeing, they can't help but feel even happier in the moment.
He leaned against the railings right next to Ena as he sighed. Ena looked up to the moon as she enjoyed the moment, then looked back at Ichika.
"So… Are we still going to get to know each other?"
"Ah, yes M'lady! I'm sorry for spacing out like that."
Ena lets out a giggle as they go on with the conversation like normal.
…
Ena looked up at the moon again as she admired how the moon shone right above them.
"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?"
Ichika looked up at the moon but their gaze quickly turned to Ena.
"It truly is beautiful…"
She turned her gaze to Ichika, catching him staring at her as their eyes quickly met. There's a slight pinkish hue on his face while his eyes sparkled as the stars reflected on it.
She couldn't understand what her feelings are right now but she can hear her heartbeat beating in her ears.
Ena slowly leaned closer to him, tucking the loose hair behind her ear as their faces were only centimeters away. Suddenly— The bell in the clock tower rang, signaling that it was already midnight.
They both jumped at the sudden ring of the bell, not looking at each other because of what was about to happen earlier. Ichika took out his pocket watch and looked at the time as the mood suddenly changed into a more gloomy atmosphere.
"I suppose that's my signal that I'll be going now, M'lady."
Ichika's tone sounded more down from the ruined moment and the way they have to part this way. Ena felt the same way he did.
"I suppose so…"
"I'll be going now. Till we meet again, M'lady."
Ena couldn't say goodbye as Ichika walked off into the darkness of the hallways, leaving her alone in that very same balcony where the moonlight shone upon her.
…
As Ichika drove the carriage across the empty fields of the land beyond, his mind kept wandering back to that place. Images of how her eyes were like precious chocolate that seemed to shine under the moonlight, and how her cheeks were rosy red in a way that made his heart thump against his chest as they looked up to the moon and sighed.
"If only that moment wasn't ruined…"