The engagement venue was breathtaking. Roses—deep red, pale pink, and pure white—were arranged in arches, garlands, and bouquets, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Everyone was present, even members of the Akarawa clan, including their Lord himself. But everyone knew—this was also Master Hoshino's chance to boast.
After the ring exchange, Selene and Rin joined the slow waltz on the dance floor, moving in sync with the other couples. This gathering also gave Rei and Akari the rare chance to be together openly, even with both clans present—they too swayed gently, completely lost in each other.
"Your dress is stunning, Kisaragi," Selene said, her eyes admiring every detail.
"Yeah, thanks. Spent two hours putting this on… Honestly, I hope this party ends soon so I never have to wear it again," Rin muttered as they glided across the floor.
"Uncomfortable?" Selene asked.
"Kinda. It's too tight. I can hardly breathe," Rin admitted, subtly trying to adjust the fabric.
Selene tilted her head and stepped in a little closer—too close.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" Rin asked, blinking at her.
"Your eyes…" Selene said softly. "Even with all that makeup, you look tired. Is everything okay? Even yesterday, I noticed it." She gently touched Rin's cheek.
"I'm always like this when I don't sleep," Rin replied.
"What do you mean you don't sleep? I dropped you off in your room early last night so you could rest. What happened?" Selene's voice was tinged with worry.
Rin avoided her gaze, lips pressing together.
But before Selene could ask more, the song ended. The two girls stepped back and returned to their seats, the moment dissolving into the soft hum of the party.
One by one, guests began approaching to offer their congratulations.
"Congratulations, Queen Selene. I wish you a happy life with your new soulmate," the Clan Lord said warmly, his wife and daughter bowing beside him.
"I will pray every single day that the Tree of Life grants you two as many fruits as you desire," the Clan Lordess added with a gracious smile.
Selene froze. Rin froze.
"We're not even married yet!" Rin blurted out before she could stop herself. The Clan Lord's family simply smiled politely and moved back to their seats.
Selene turned to Rin with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Wow… so you don't want children?" she teased, cartoonish sweat drop practically sliding down Rin's temple.
"Of course not! I'm too young to even think about having a family," Rin said, flailing her hands in panic. "Hey, if we do end up getting married, don't even think about children—because I would never!"
"Good," Selene said, grinning. "I don't like them either. But… I'm glad you're starting to change your mind about marrying me."
Rin's cheeks warmed instantly, but before she could reply, two figures approached, both smiling.
They looked almost identical—so alike they could be twins. Both wore traditional robes, their posture elegant and their steps perfectly in sync. The only difference was that one carried a folding hand fan, lazily fanning himself, while the other held a basket overflowing with colorful fruits, smiling far too sweetly.
"Greetings, Queen Selene. Congratulations," they said together.
"Greetings," Selene replied politely.
"This is a gift from our father," the one holding the basket said. "He couldn't attend, so he sent this fruit basket. He also said to thank you for this honor."
Ice, who had been standing beside Selene's chair, stepped forward and took the basket from him.
"Wow… look at you," the one with the fan said, his gaze settling on Rin. "So big and beautiful… just like our mother."
"Heh?" Rin blinked, utterly confused. "Who are you two?"
"Oh my, you were just a baby when we last saw you. My baby sister is all grown up," the man with the basket said, tears already filling his eyes.
The next second, both of them were crying and wrapping Rin in a sudden hug, leaving her stiff and bewildered.
"We're your brothers," the one with the fan said warmly. "I'm Minato, and this is Ayato."
"I… have brothers?" Rin murmured, stunned. But slowly, a smile spread across her face as she hugged them back.
"I see you've finally met your sister," Master Hoshino said as he approached, Shion walking gracefully by his side.
"Yes, Master. We're so happy to be reunited with our little sister," Ayato said, both brothers bowing to him.
"Hello, cousin Shion. You've grown as well," Minato greeted warmly.
Shion bowed her head politely in return.
"Congratulations on your engagement," Master Hoshino said to Selene and Rin.
"Thank you, Master Hoshino, for this event. You truly did well—I would love to reward the decorator," Selene replied.
"Yes, the one who arranged everything was my daughter, Akari. I wonder where she is…" Master Hoshino said, scanning the crowd—only for his gaze to land on Akari and Rei in a quiet corner, feeding each other bites of cake. His expression flattened into quiet disappointment. "…Never mind," he muttered.
Just then, Master Akarawa and Daichi approached to offer their greetings.
"Congratulations, Queen, on your engagement. I hope everything goes smoothly," Master Akarawa said with a smile—though his eyes locked with Master Hoshino's in a silent clash.
"Greetings, Master Hoshino," Master Akarawa said again, his smirk curling without the courtesy of a bow.
"Greetings to you as well, Master Akarawa," Master Hoshino replied coolly. Despite the thick tension between them, neither dared to act on it with the Clan Lords present.
"Congratulations to you both," Shion said sweetly to the couple. "May I borrow cousin Rin for a dance?"
Selene's smile didn't reach her eyes, but she nodded.
"Shall we?" Shion extended her hand to Rin.
"Sure," Rin agreed, taking Shion's hand. The two walked to the dance floor—while Selene's gaze followed them, her pleasant smile barely hiding the sharp edge beneath.
"How are you doing?" Shion asked as she led Rin into the slow rhythm.
"Fine," Rin replied, though her tone was flat. Shion's grip tightened around her waist, the warmth of her palm seeping through the fabric, her hold almost possessive.
"You don't look fine," Shion said quietly. "Last night, I checked your room—you weren't there. Did you stay out all night… because of Selene?"
"No, it's not because of Selene, but—" Rin's words caught as Shion's fingers pressed more firmly into her side, the pressure almost making it hard to breathe. "You're holding me too tight. It's uncomfortable… and I don't think someone over there likes it," she added, her eyes flicking toward Selene. The queen's expression was no longer pleasant; her jaw was set, her lips pressed together in a thin, pale line.
Shion loosened her grip slightly, though her touch still lingered. "Sorry. I just… I know this wedding isn't what you want. I promise I'll find a way to call it off."
"I don't think you should do anything. I'm working on it myself," Rin said softly. "But… thanks for caring."
Before Shion could respond, Selene was suddenly there—her fingers cool but firm as they closed around Rin's wrist. Without a word, she pulled Rin away from the dance floor. The silk of Rin's dress whispered against itself as she stumbled to keep up, the faint scent of roses and candle wax from the hall fading as they crossed into the quieter corridor. The music behind them faltered, and the hum of conversation dropped into stunned silence.
"Where are you taking me?" Rin asked, her breath catching slightly.
Selene didn't answer until they reached Rin's room. She shut the door with a soft but decisive thud and guided Rin backward until the edge of the bed met the backs of her knees.
"What the—" Rin began, but the words died in her throat as Selene's hands slid around her waist, the warmth of her grip burning through the tight fabric. Their faces were so close Rin could feel the faint brush of Selene's breath—warm, scented faintly of wine and something floral. Her pulse thrummed in her ears.
Selene's other hand found the zipper at Rin's back, the cool metal teeth parting with a slow, deliberate sound. Rin's breath hitched.
Then Selene kissed her—deep, unyielding, her lips soft but insistent, her hand tightening at Rin's waist as though to claim her. The faint taste of wine lingered, mingling with the heat between them.
When she finally pulled back, her lips hovered a fraction of an inch from Rin's, their breaths mingling. Her voice came low, smooth, and laced with possessive heat.
"Kisaragi," Selene murmured, "you should know by now… I am a jealous queen. And no one—no one—except me is allowed to touch you."
Their eyes locked—Selene's gaze steady and consuming, Rin's wide and uncertain. The air between them felt heavy, thick enough to steal the breath from Rin's lungs.