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The Enchancian Royal Ballroom had never looked more magnificent.
Twilight had settled beyond the palace walls, casting soft hues of indigo and lavender across the sky. Inside, the ballroom shimmered in hues of gold and soft rose, illuminated by floating crystal orbs enchanted to glow like starlight. Velvet drapes fluttered as a spring breeze wafted in through the open balcony doors, carrying the scent of blooming lilacs and enchanted orchids from the palace gardens.
Princess Sofia stood near a towering floral centerpiece, her lilac gown glistening with thread-of-moonlight embroidery. Her hair was swept into soft curls that framed her face, a tiny silver tiara nestled atop her head. She held a goblet of rose-apple punch, untouched and forgotten in her hand.
Her eyes were fixed across the room—drawn like a magnet to him.
Prince Hugo stood near the far pillar, talking with Prince Zandar and King Roland. He’d grown into himself over the years: broader shoulders, stronger jawline, and a smile that had evolved from boyish charm into something that could stop time—or at least Sofia’s breath.
His formal navy jacket, trimmed with silver piping, hugged his tall frame perfectly. A royal sash crossed his chest, pinned with the symbol of the Royal Flight Academy, and his light blond hair was just tousled enough to be effortlessly perfect.
Sofia bit her lower lip softly, watching the way his eyes sparkled when he laughed, the curve of his grin as he leaned in to make a clever remark. It was the same boy she’d known since they were kids—the one who teased her about her flying, the one who helped her grow wings of confidence—but now, he was also her husband.
Her Hugo.
And in this moment, across the flickering glow of the ballroom, he looked like a dream come true.
Suddenly, a voice sliced into her reverie, low and teasing.
“Why are you so thirsty?”
Sofia blinked. Amber.
Her older sister stood at her side, resplendent in a pale gold gown that shimmered with every movement. Her fan—a delicate lace piece embroidered with tiny amethysts—hid half her smirk.
“I—I wasn’t—” Sofia stammered, startled.
Amber leaned in with a conspiratorial air. “You’ve been staring at him for a solid ten minutes. It’s like watching someone gaze at a dessert cart after fasting for a week.”
Sofia sputtered, face flushing a rosy pink. “He’s my husband, Amber!”
Amber arched a brow. “Exactly. So why are you blushing like you're still crushing on him from the Flying Derby bleachers?”
Sofia glanced at her cup, then gave up all pretense. “He just looks… really, really good tonight.”
Amber grinned triumphantly. “There it is.”
Sofia sighed, her voice softening. “It’s not just how he looks. It’s how he talks. How he is. He’s kind to everyone—even when he doesn’t have to be. The way he helped that little prince from Khaldune earlier tonight? My heart melted.”
Amber’s smirk faded slightly, replaced with a softer smile. “Okay, that part was actually sweet. I saw that too.”
Then she poked Sofia’s arm with her fan. “Still thirsty, though.”
Sofia laughed, the sound light and musical. “You’re the worst.”
“I know. But I’m also right.”
Suddenly, Hugo looked up. As if he felt her watching him, his gaze found hers in the crowd. For a second, the world faded—the music, the lights, even Amber’s relentless teasing. Hugo’s eyes lit up, and he gave her that crooked little smile that was reserved just for her.
Then, with deliberate slowness, he raised his glass in a silent toast to her.
Sofia’s breath caught in her throat.
“Okay,” Amber said flatly. “Now he’s being thirsty too.”
They both burst into laughter.
“Come on,” Amber said, slipping her arm through Sofia’s. “Let’s get you on the dance floor before you both set the room on fire with eye contact.”
“I was not ogling—”
“Princess Sofia of Enchancia, you were ogling so hard I’m surprised your tiara didn’t slip off.”
Sofia rolled her eyes but let herself be led. The ballroom floor welcomed them as they twirled into a graceful spin, the music shifting to a waltz. Amber, ever the composed dancer, took the lead with poise, while Sofia tried not to look over her shoulder every ten seconds.
But she didn’t have to look for long.
Halfway through the second spin, Amber paused dramatically and whispered, “Incoming.”
Sofia turned—and there he was.
Hugo stood just at the edge of the dance floor, one hand extended, the other tucked behind his back. “May I have this dance?” he asked, bowing slightly, eyes locked on hers.
Amber curtsied. “She’s all yours.”
Hugo took Sofia’s hand gently, drawing her close. Her pulse quickened as they began to move in sync, the music rising around them like magic.
“You looked beautiful from across the room,” Hugo said softly. “But now that I’m this close—” he leaned in just slightly, “—I can say it’s not the dress. It’s you.”
Sofia smiled, blushing. “You’re going to make me fall in love with you all over again.”
“Is that a bad thing?” he murmured.
“Not even a little.”
As they twirled under the soft lights, Sofia rested her head lightly against his shoulder, letting the moment stretch like a dream. Around them, the palace buzzed with celebration, but all she heard was the music and Hugo’s heartbeat next to hers.
“Still thirsty?” Hugo teased gently.
Sofia pulled back to meet his eyes, her smile mischievous now. “I’m married to the most charming prince in the room. I’ll be thirsty forever.”