[Ovelia's POV]
•Outside the Palace•
The streets of the capital city buzzed with life as Ace and I walked side by side. The citizens greeted us warmly, their smiles genuine and their words filled with respect. It struck me then—Ace was a prince, and their warmth wasn't just for me. Still, it felt incredible. For the first time in my life, I was experiencing such kindness from strangers. It felt like sunlight on skin after years in a cellar—warm, unfamiliar, and almost too bright to bear.
"We haven't even visited a shop yet, and you're already beaming," Ace remarked, his voice light. He tilted his head, studying my expression as if he were memorizing it.
I turned to him, my smile widening. "It feels amazing when people greet us with such warmth," I replied, my voice soft but filled with wonder. My heart fluttered as I took in the lively atmosphere around us.
•Fish Store•
Ace's smile deepened as we stepped into a bustling fish store. The shop owner greeted us cheerfully, and I felt a thrill of excitement as my eyes scanned the shop. Aquariums lined the walls, each filled with vibrant, colorful fish swimming gracefully. The sight was mesmerizing.
I approached one aquarium, my eyes lighting up. "Ace, is that a beta fish?" I breathed, leaning closer to the glass. "I've only ever seen them in illustrations. They're even more beautiful in person." The fish's iridescent scales shimmered under the light, and I couldn't help but feel a childlike wonder.
Ace chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, that's a beta fish. We can buy one if you'd like," he offered, his tone warm and encouraging.
I shook my head, a soft smile playing on my lips. "No, it's enough for me just to see them," I said, my voice soft. I pressed my palm against the glass, watching the fish glide. "I never thought I'd see them with my own eyes. This is more than I ever hoped for."
The fish store was expansive, and we explored every corner. I even had the chance to feed some fish, laughter bubbling between us as they eagerly nibbled at the food. After wandering through the store, we stepped outside, the cool breeze brushing against our faces.
•Fruits and Vegetables Stall•
As we passed by a vendor selling fresh fruits and vegetables, a peculiar fruit caught my attention. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen before.
"Ace, what's that? It looks like a dragon's egg!" I exclaimed, curiosity sparkling in my eyes as I pointed at the vibrant pink fruit.
He picked it up, holding it delicately as he smiled. "Is this what you mean? This is called dragon fruit. Haven't you ever tried it?"
"No, not yet," I replied, forcing a smile, though excitement bubbled within me.
Ace handed it to the vendor, who sliced the fruit open with practiced ease. The vendor placed the beautifully cut pieces into a container, which Ace paid for. He picked up a slice. "Here," he said, holding a slice up to my lips. "Try it." His eyes sparkled with mischief as I hesitated. "I promise it's not poisoned."
I smiled and took the bite. The flavor bursting in my mouth. "It's not overly sweet, but it's delicious," I told Ace, my face lighting up with joy. His proud smile made my heart skip a beat.
•Clothing Store•
Next, we headed to a clothing store. As we stepped inside, I was immediately captivated by the array of stunning outfits displayed, glimmering in the light. People greeted us warmly, and Ace and I exchanged smiles, feeling welcomed.
"Ovelia, you should try this on," Ace pulled a dress from the rack—vibrant, bold, and loud enough to announce itself from across the room. His grin was pure mischief.
I took it from him with a skeptical raise of my brow and disappeared into the fitting room. When I stepped out, I caught Ace struggling—and failing—to hide his laughter. His shoulders shook with the effort.
"I look like a clown," I announced, turning slowly to give him the full view. "Or a carnival performer. Maybe a very confused garden gnome."
That was it. His composure shattered. He covered his mouth, but a snort slipped through. Then he doubled over, laughter spilling out of him like a flood he could no longer hold back.
I decided then that he needed a taste of his own medicine. I disappeared back into the racks and emerged a few minutes later with a garment that made my own eyes widen. I handed it to him with a sweet smile. "Your turn."
When he stepped out, I nearly fell over laughing. He looked like a potato—a tall, elegant, utterly ridiculous potato. He caught his reflection, and for a moment, his face was frozen in mock horror. Then he laughed too, a deep, rumbling sound that made my chest feel light.
We spent the afternoon trying on outfit after outfit, each one more absurd than the last. Laughter followed us through every aisle, filling the small shop with warmth. At one point, Ace picked out a few lovely pieces and offered to buy them for me. I shook my head gently. "Not yet. Maybe another time."
And for once, I didn't say it out of fear or hesitation. I said it because I wanted there to be a next time.
After much silliness and browsing through the vibrant store, we finally dressed, our hearts light, and stepped out of the shop, feeling excited about our evening.
"It's almost dark; let's eat dinner," Ace suggested, gently taking my right hand.
[Evening]
•At the Restaurant•
As we entered the restaurant, the vibrant atmosphere enveloped us—every table was filled with diners enjoying their meals. The interior was stunning, adorned with grand chandeliers that sparkled overhead, and the warm ambiance made everything feel cozy. The porter greeted us as we entered, and Ace smiled, returning the gesture. Other patrons also nodded, welcoming us into the lively space.
The server led us to a perfect table by the window, where we settled comfortably.
"What do you feel like eating? Go ahead and order," Ace said, passing me the menu with a charming smile.
I glanced at the menu, only to find it lacking pictures, leaving me unsure about what to choose.
"Ace, I have no idea what half of these words mean," I admitted, sliding the menu back to him. "Could you please order for me?"
His smile brightened, and he began to order while the server nodded and walked away with a polite smile.
"Ovelia, I'd like you to tell me everything that happened last night," Ace said, his voice steady yet laced with concern.
His request took me aback, but knowing I owed him the truth, I recounted the entire incident—from the moment I spoke to the older man to when he and Ann arrived just in time to save me.
I could see Ace's expression shift, anger tightening his jaw, his eyes darkening. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice low. "I left you alone. I didn't check on you. I let my own confusion put you in danger. That's not your fault—it's mine."
I was about to respond when the server arrived with our food, breaking the tension. The dishes looked absolutely delicious, and I couldn't help but smile as we ate.
[Ace's POV]
After we finished our meal, I called the server over and settled the bill, my expression thoughtful as I glanced at Ovelia. It was clear that tonight wasn't just about dinner; it was about connection and understanding, something we both deeply needed.
As we left the restaurant and began walking toward the palace, I couldn't help but reflect on the day. Spending time with Ovelia had been unexpectedly enjoyable. Her laughter, her curiosity, her genuine joy—it all felt refreshing. For the first time, I wondered if maybe, just maybe, we could build something real.
"Ace, thank you." Her voice was bright, almost breathless with joy. "I'm so happy right now. I've never enjoyed myself like this before. I never thought I'd get to experience the things I've only read about in books." Her smile was wide and unguarded, and it struck me somewhere deep in my chest.
Her words landed heavier than she probably intended. It seemed she had never truly left her village before—never tasted this kind of freedom, this simple delight. The thought made me feel both protective and guilty. How much of her life had been spent only dreaming of moments like this?
"I enjoyed it too." I matched her smile, warmth spreading through me. "I'm glad you had fun on our date."
"Friendly date." She corrected me with a teasing curl of her lips, her gaze dropping to her feet. Then she hesitated, her voice growing softer. "Ace… um, I know you don't love me because you love Eliana. But I genuinely enjoyed today. I thought I'd be okay even if I'm not your mate." She lifted her eyes to meet mine, a fragile mix of embarrassment and hope flickering in them.
I felt my wolf Fenrir stir—disappointment, hurt, a quiet ache that echoed through me. "Do you know," I said, my voice gentler than I'd intended, "that your words hurt my wolf? He is not as patient as I am. He already cares for you. Hearing you say you're 'okay' without him—it wounds him."
"Sorry," she murmured, her cheeks flushing a soft pink.
I sighed, the weight of what I needed to say pressing against my ribs. "Ovelia, I regret hurting you before. Today—while we were laughing, walking, just being together—I kept thinking that I want to embrace our fate. Step by step." I paused, searching for the right words. "Can we start as friends?"
She blinked, listening.
"We are married, but we are strangers. I don't love you yet." I held her gaze. "You don't love me yet. But I want to try. I want to find a way to make you fall for me—and I want you to try to make me fall for you." I swallowed. "Not because we have to. Because we might want to."
It was a selfish request, I knew. A fragile bridge caught between my promise to Eliana and my duty to Ovelia. But standing there, watching her smile fade into something more thoughtful, more open, I realized I didn't want to build walls anymore.
I wanted to build something real.
[Ovelia's POV]
After hearing Ace's words, I felt an overwhelming mix of joy and anxiety. I forced a smile, trying to process everything.
"So you want us to start our relationship as friends, until we fall for each other?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.
"Yes," Ace replied, his gaze steady.
I nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief. "I understand. I also thought about it earlier—maybe we could start as friends," I said, my smile genuine this time.
"I'm glad to hear that," he said, his voice warm.
"Ace," My voice came out barely above a whisper. "I don't know what love feels like. I never learned it. My parents never showed me. The only love I know is the kind I read about in books." I swallowed against the tightness in my throat. "It sounds beautiful, but I don't know how to recognize it." I hesitated, then forced myself to continue. "Can you teach me how to love?"
I braced myself for laughter, for dismissal, for the gentle pity of someone who thought me foolish. But instead, Ace smiled—a soft, genuine curve of his lips that softened his entire face.
"Sure," he said simply.
He reached out and patted my head, his touch so tender, so unfamiliar, that my throat tightened unexpectedly. His smile lingered, and for a moment, he looked at me not as a duty, not as a burden—but as someone he genuinely wanted to know.
I smiled, feeling a wave of joy wash over me as I witnessed his kind side. He could be so moody sometimes—suddenly cold, occasionally grumpy, but then warm and sweet. I wished he would be kind to me daily; it felt so good and right.
I would never forget today. Every moment of it—the laughter, the warmth, the quiet understanding—was pure bliss. I hoped we could experience it again.
It took me a moment to realize we had reached the palace. The familiar gates loomed before us, and the warmth of the day began to fade. Then the door swung open, and Ann stood there, her face etched with unmistakable anxiety.
"I didn't even tell her I was leaving the palace," I mumbled, guilt settling low in my stomach.
"Guards! Has anyone seen—" Ann froze mid-stride, her eyes landing on us. "Lady Ovelia!" She rushed forward, her voice a tangled mix of relief and frantic worry. "I've been searching the entire palace! Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?" She pulled me into a tight embrace, her arms firm with relief. "I was worried sick about you!"
I hugged her back, guilt pressing against my ribs. "I'm sorry, Ann." My voice came out soft, genuine. "I didn't even think to tell you. I was so caught up in everything—I should have sent word."
Just then, Ray appeared at the doorway, his expression carved from stone. He carried himself with the weight of something important—something heavy. He approached us, his gaze fixed on Ace.
"Ace." Ray's voice was low, tight. "We need to talk."
The gravity in his tone silenced us instantly. Ann and I exchanged a glance, our confusion mirrored in each other's eyes. Ace's face had gone stern, the warmth from moments ago replaced by something guarded.
He looked at me, placed his hand gently on my head, and offered a soft smile—a fleeting echo of the man I'd spent the afternoon with. "I'll go ahead."
I stared after him, puzzled and uneasy, as he stepped inside with Ray. Ann and I lingered at the threshold, exchanging worried looks before slowly following them into the palace.
What was Ace facing? The tension in the air told me it was something serious. Something that had been waiting for him the moment we returned.