Their footsteps were a magical harmony, as if they were flying above the earth. The audience watched in silence, every heart in the hall beating to the same rhythm as Adonis and Daphne danced.
Whispers drifted through the crowd:
... "Look at them, it's as if they see no one but each other."
... "They seemed to be in another world."
With every movement, Daphne's emotions soared, as if each second narrated the story of her deep love. Adonis, his face illuminated by an unseen smile, expressed profound gratitude, as if saying to the whole world, "She is my life."
Finally, as applause filled the hall, Adonis returned Daphne to the table, where Marshmallow was sleeping peacefully. He bent down gently and whispered:
Adonis: "Thank you for being in my life."
Hyacinth (a tender smile): "You were both amazing."
Adonis: "And thank you for taking care of Marshmallow."
Amidst the admiring whispers of the audience:
... "Why hasn't he appeared before?"
... "He is so handsome and strong."
... "But he has a lover now, what bad luck!"
Adonis smiled faintly, but he didn't let go of Daphne's hand for a moment, as if telling the whole world: she is not just his lover, but his soul and his heart.
####
The Empress sat on her throne made of gold inlaid with precious stones, wearing a scarlet dress that reflected the power of her personality. She raised her cup deliberately and said sharply, "He stole all the attention, he drew everyone to him like a magnet. Oh God, what a mess! How do I get rid of him?"
The whispers in the hall began to fade as everyone gradually dispersed. Deep down, the Empress felt resentment; she hated anyone surpassing her in attracting attention.
#### At home, Adonis's room:
The room was quiet, its walls adorned with paintings depicting ancient war victories. Adonis lay on the large sofa with his head resting on Daphne's feet by the burning fireplace. He glanced at Daphne, who was writing something in her small notebook. Her gaze was full of warmth and appreciation.
"It was a tiring day. He fell asleep as soon as we arrived," Adonis said in a quiet voice, gesturing to Yarrow sleeping in the corner.
Daphne wrote quickly and then held her notebook out to him: "I loved the party and dancing with you."
He looked at her, a warm smile gracing his lips, "It's good that you enjoyed it. But was that because of me or the music?"
Daphne wrote insistently: "Because of you. You made me feel like a heroine in a fairy tale."
Adonis chuckled softly and said, "Really? And who am I in this story?"
She wrote, smiling, "The knight who rescued me. Your presence by my side makes everything seem possible."
A short silence fell as Adonis looked deeply into her eyes before saying, "And you... you make me feel like I've finally found what I've been searching for."
Her pen paused for a moment, then she wrote slowly, "Why do you say that?"
He sat up and replied in a tone full of emotion, "Because you are the only real thing in my fake world. When I look at you, I feel peace."
She moved towards him slowly and embraced him warmly. The hug was silent, but it carried all the words she couldn't speak. After a few moments, Adonis held her close to his chest, gently touching her hair while she nestled in his embrace in silence and reassurance. They drifted into a peaceful sleep.
#### The next morning:
Hyacinth entered the dining room wearing a simple blue dress that reflected her natural elegance. She held a cup of tea as she said gently, "The Empress has arrived. Good morning!"
The Empress appeared from the door wearing a luxurious royal gown and said sharply, "Where is Helibore?"
Hyacinth replied calmly, "I don't know, he hasn't returned since yesterday, since the party ended."
"How do you allow him to leave? Isn't he your husband?" the Empress said in a voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Should I tie him to the chair or the bed? Take your pick," Hyacinth replied with a mocking smile.
The Empress froze for a moment and said, "What are you saying? Do you hear yourself?"
Hyacinth placed the teacup on the table and replied firmly, "I'm not deaf... I think about every word before I say it. I was raised to weigh my words."
"Then why didn't you hold onto your husband?" the Empress said reproachfully.
Hyacinth took a step closer and said sharply, "Hold onto? Whom? Helibore? You know Helibore is known as the flirtatious prince. What he loves most is dancing, women, and drinking. I heard he hasn't participated in any war. His skill with the sword and bow is weak. Besides that, he is weak-willed and listens to you a lot. You are the controlling mind, and Helibore left the thinking to you; he's like an empty body without a mind."
The Empress raised her hand to slap her, but Hyacinth grabbed it firmly and said, "Shambhala may be the first and most powerful empire, but Kalistar is fifth, and I am my father's only daughter. Canceling the marriage contract is easier than washing my face when I wake up."
The Empress lowered her hand and said coldly, "Did you like your palace?"
"Thank you for your kindness, Madam," Hyacinth replied with a smile that was not without defiance.
The Empress added in a low voice, as if warning, "There's something I want to tell you. Adonis is a beast in human form. I don't want to put you in danger, so don't speak to him, even when you meet there in the palace."
Hyacinth smiled sarcastically and said, "Alright. There are rumors circulating in Kalistar that Adonis is the Emperor's first son. I will observe from afar and draw my own conclusions. Perhaps you want to brainwash me."
The Empress shouted angrily, "Didn't you hear what I said? Just do as I say."
Hyacinth replied calmly, "Madam, I will not repeat my previous words. I am not here for someone to decide my place, even if it is you. Isn't the mind there for us to think with? Or should I leave the thinking to you like Helibore?"
The Empress stormed out, seething with anger, while Hyacinth remained standing proudly, swirling the teacup between her hands with a mocking smile.
####
The morning was bright, and sunlight streamed into the room quietly. Daphne sat on the sofa holding her notebook and wrote:
"Aren't you late for work?"
Adonis raised his head and looked at her with a calm smile. Instead of answering, he approached her and gently took her wrist, then pulled her towards him in a smooth motion and embraced her. He said quietly:
"I want to spend more time with you. I don't see any reason to be late."
Daphne felt shy but wrote again:
"So, don't you think you might face a problem?"
He replied confidently:
"No, that won't happen. Everything is under control."
She paused for a moment before writing:
"In my world... no one would believe me. What I'm experiencing here feels like a dream, as if I'm inside a legend that the mind cannot comprehend."
Confusion appeared on Adonis's features for a moment, then he said:
"Your world? What do you mean? Where is your world?"
She wrote slowly, as if afraid her words would sound strange:
"I came here through a message in a book I was reading. I don't know how it happened, but it was a strange book."
Adonis looked at her deeply as if trying to understand what she was saying, then kissed her cheek and said quietly:
"Whatever brought you here, you are now part of this world... and you have become a part of me."