Amanda groaned as she rolled onto her back, staring at the canopy of the extravagant guest room she was staying in. After all the chaos from the past few days, she had hoped for some peace, but peace in this world was about as real as Elias admitting he was wrong.
The door creaked open, and before she could even react, Elias strolled in, dressed in his usual princely attire—except his coat was slung over one shoulder, and his hair was slightly tousled, as if he'd been running.
"Good morning, sunshine." His smirk was as irritating as ever.
Amanda groaned. "What do you want? It’s too early for your nonsense."
Elias leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "It’s noon. And I come bearing news. Important news."
Amanda propped herself up on one elbow. "Oh no, are we under attack again? Has another kingdom declared war? Did someone mistake you for a decent person?"
He rolled his eyes. "Funny. But no. There's a royal ball happening tonight in honor of our... ongoing survival. You’re expected to attend."
Amanda flopped back onto the bed. "Nope. Not happening. Count me out."
Elias walked over and poked her forehead. "Oh, but you must. Because, dear hero, you have quite a reputation now, and what better way to ensure people trust you than by dancing and smiling at a bunch of nobles?"
Amanda groaned again. "Can’t I just fight another monster instead? That seems easier."
Elias laughed. "You have no choice. Now, get up. You have a dress fitting."
Amanda froze. "Oh no. No way. I am NOT wearing one of those ridiculously poofy dresses that make me look like an overstuffed pastry."
Elias smirked. "Oh, but you are. And I, personally, cannot wait to see it."
---
That Evening – The Royal Ball
Amanda took one last deep breath before stepping into the grand ballroom. Chandeliers glittered overhead, casting golden light over the nobles in their extravagant attire. The moment she entered, whispers spread like wildfire.
“Is that the hero?”
“She’s rather… different from what I expected.”
“She actually looks quite—”
Amanda didn’t catch the end of that sentence, but she was willing to bet it was something sarcastic. She was used to it by now.
Elias appeared at her side, looking absolutely insufferable in his tailored royal suit. "See? You clean up nicely."
Amanda sighed. "This dress is a death trap. I can barely move in it. And these shoes? Who designed them, a sadist?"
Elias chuckled, taking her hand before she could protest. "Come on. It’s time for the first dance."
Amanda’s eyes widened. "Wait, what—"
Before she knew it, she was being dragged onto the dance floor. The music swelled, and Elias twirled her with surprising grace. For a guy who spent half his time being an insufferable tease, he sure knew how to lead a dance.
Amanda tried her best to follow, but her feet were not made for delicate movements. "I swear, if I step on your foot, it’s your fault for dragging me into this."
Elias laughed. "Duly noted."
They continued spinning across the floor, and much to Amanda’s surprise, she wasn’t completely terrible. Of course, that didn’t mean she wasn’t occasionally stumbling—something Elias was clearly enjoying.
"Careful," he murmured. "You almost look like you’re enjoying yourself."
Amanda glared. "Don’t push your luck, Prince Smugface."
But as much as she hated to admit it, there was something nice about the moment. The way Elias held her hand, steady and confident, made her heart beat a little faster. The warmth of his touch, the way he guided her without hesitation—it was annoyingly charming.
Unfortunately, the moment was shattered when a nobleman tried to cut in.
"Your Highness," Lord Belmont stepped forward, offering Amanda his hand. "May I have the next dance with our esteemed hero?"
Amanda blinked. "Oh, uh…"
Before she could respond, Elias tightened his grip on her waist and pulled her closer. "I’m afraid the lady is already occupied."
Belmont raised an eyebrow. "Occupied?"
Elias smirked. "Yes. Occupied with me."
Amanda fought the urge to groan. Here we go.
Lord Belmont looked between them, then nodded stiffly. "Very well."
As soon as he walked away, Amanda nudged Elias. "Seriously?"
Elias just grinned. "What? I was saving you."
"Saving me? Or marking your territory?"
Elias chuckled. "A little of both, perhaps."
Amanda rolled her eyes, but the heat rising to her cheeks betrayed her.
---
Later That Night
After hours of dancing, mingling, and dodging unwanted noble attention, Amanda finally managed to sneak away to the balcony. The cool night air was a relief against her flushed skin.
A few moments later, she heard footsteps behind her.
"Running away, are we?" Elias leaned against the balcony railing beside her.
Amanda sighed. "Just needed a break from all the nonsense."
Elias smirked. "You did well tonight."
Amanda gave him a sideways glance. "Coming from you, that almost sounds like a compliment."
He chuckled. "It was."
For a moment, they stood in silence, gazing at the stars. Then Elias spoke, his voice softer than usual. "You know… despite all your complaining, you looked beautiful tonight."
Amanda felt her face heat up. "Don’t push your luck."
He laughed. "Fair enough."
Then, without thinking, Amanda leaned her head against his shoulder. Just for a second. Just to rest. To her surprise, Elias didn’t move away. He simply stood there, warm and steady, letting her be.
She closed her eyes. "Maybe this world isn’t so bad after all."
Elias smirked. "Was that a compliment?"
Amanda groaned. "You ruin everything."
But even as she grumbled, she couldn’t deny the tiny smile tugging at her lips.
And for once, she didn’t mind the chaos.