Noah collapsed into bed, totally exhausted. The dancing had continued well into the night, and if not for his improved stats, he likely would have collapsed on the dance floor. He was also unsure of just how much jon’go he had consumed. While he had been told that it only had a little bit of alcohol, he wondered if that little bit had added up over time. By the end of the night, he had certainly felt like a different person, though perhaps there was more than one reason for that. he had felt a weight lift off his chest after his brief exchange with Julie. He knew they would likely still have to have another conversation to clear up her role in his kingdom, but he felt hopeful in a way that he hadn't before. And then, there was his dance with Ne’Ja. He replayed their encounter again and again in his mind. They hadn't really spoken much, but it also hadn't felt necessary. It was almost as if its different thoughts and feelings had finally coalesced in that moment, giving him a clear image for the first time.

  Months prior, he had felt hesitation about the relationship with her, or really with any non-human women. And if he was being honest, he still felt that way, but it was as if that thought no longer applied to her. When they danced, it was as if he saw her in a brand new light, the filters of misconception taken from his eyes. He sighed, feeling giddy for the first time since he was a teenager. He couldn't be certain, but he was starting to feel that he had enough evidence to claim love. This, of course, came with its own host of questions, chief among which involved her feelings about him. then there was that nagging little voice telling him that it wasn't the right time and that this was all a distraction from the matters at hand. as much as he despised that little voice in the moment, he knew it was right. from what his mother had said, they had a matter of months before the conflict reached its crescendo. Did that make it the perfect time then? He shook his head, chuckling to himself. Perhaps if it were only his life at stake, he would allow himself to believe that.

  Though his mind tried to keep him awake, the weariness in his body finally won out and he drifted into unconsciousness. Sometime later, or perhaps immediately, he really didn't know, he opened his eyes and found himself in a foreign room. It reminded him of the time on the mountain when he had seen his mother. The room was a picture of luxury and reminded him a bit of the castles of old. There were elegant drapes over the windows, crystal-encased lights, and a massive fireplace that burned with Emerald flames. He turned about and studied the room, hoping to understand what was going on, and looking for any signs of his mother. His heartache at the possibility of seeing her again. Then his eyes found a surprising sight, a young woman of stunning beauty whom he recognized. It was her, the one he had been dreaming about of late. The one that always seemed to be watching but never listening. He smiled at her and wondered if this would be another one of those dreams. To his surprise, however, she smiled back and gave a small wave of her hand. His eyes went wide, and she hid a giggle behind a hand.

  “You can see me,” Noah muttered in wonder. She smiled openly.

  “Of course I can, what a funny observation,” she replied. Noah’s lip rose in a half grin.

  “Well normally, I try to get your attention but you seem only to be watching,” he explained. Her eyebrows creased.

  “ you've seen me before?” she asked. Noah nodded.

  “I see you often, though this is the first time that you've ever responded to me,” he replied.

  “How is that possible? I just leaned how to speak with you, and she said it was a long shot at best!” Livia protested. Noah shrugged.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “I don’t know, I’m sorry,” he replied. She studied him for a moment.

  “Ah, no that’s okay. I was just surprised. Do you know who I am, then?” she asked. He shook his head.

  “No, I have only ever seen your face. I have been hoping to meet you, though, I have so many questions,” he answered.

  “Oh, I guess that makes sense. She did say your ability was being used unintentionally,” she mused. “What questions did you have?” He considered asking about the woman she kept referencing, but wasn’t sure how much time they had left.

  “For starters, who are you? And why are you always watching me?” he asked. She blushed, her eyes suddenly interested in her shoes.

  “My name is Livia. Our parents know each other, which is how I learned about you. I have been interested in you ever since,” she answered. She watched as his face went through a series of emotions before he spoke.

  “You know my family?” he asked, hope evident in his voice. The desperation in his eyes caught her off guard and she let out a breath.

  “Oh Noah, I’m sorry. I didn’t think about your situation before speaking. My parents have spoken with your mother, but I have never actually met her in person. I’m sorry if I got your hopes up,” she replied. Noah mulled over her words for a moment before giving her a soft smile.

  “That’s alright, I would just love to meet her one day. My father, too, if I have one. Enough of that though. You said your name was Livia? Why did my mother mention me to your parents, are they friends?” he asked. Livia felt a pit in her stomach at the mention of his father, but chose to focus on his questions instead. Then she realized what she was about to share and froze. Do I really want to tell him? Is that selfish? She wondered. After a moment, she shook her head. Their marriage was happening one way or another, and if she were in his position, she would want to know. She took a deep breath and met his eyes, bracing herself for his reaction.

  “Our parents decided that the two of us would be married. Our marriage is arranged for just after the System’s sanctions lift on your planet,” she said. His eyes went wide and he stared at her dumbfounded.

  “We’re engaged?” he questioned, his voice shaky. She nodded, aware of the warmth in her cheeks.

  “Wow.” He said, finding a chair to sit in. “That’s a lot to take in. I don’t even know if I am going to survive the coming months, but you guys are already planning for our wedding. That’s—well, I don’t know… Bold of you? Risky?” she laughed, then. A sound that completely jumbled his thoughts and stole his attention.

  “I suppose it is a bit risky, but I guess you could say that we are all counting on you. Your mother, especially, seemed to want this marriage to happen,” Livia explained.

  “I see. That’s interesting I guess,” Noah mumbled. He paused and looked back up at her, taking a moment to really take her in. She was accustomed to public attention and the weight of many eyes upon her, but something about his gaze made her feel bashful.

  “I suppose that makes you my fiance then,” he said. She smiled.

  “I suppose it does. Is that okay with you?” she asked. Noah thought about it.

  “It certainly comes as a surprise, and I honestly don’t know how to feel about my estranged mother arranging a marriage for me. But none of that is your doing,” he smiled at her. “I’m happy I found out now,” he said before a look of realization passed over his face.

  “You saw what happened tonight, didn’t you?” he asked. Her eyes went wide, and a lick of shame crept into her heart. She nodded. His face became thoughtful.

  “Thank you,” he said. She looked up at him in confusion.

  “Thank you?” she asked. He nodded.

  “That must have been hard to see. And to be honest, I wish I had learned this even sooner than tonight, but now at least I know what choice to make,” he explained. His words were a balm to her aching heart and she let out a tense breath.

  “I didn’t know that I could reach out to you. I just couldn’t bear the thought of you falling in love with her, only to be snagged away because of me,” she explained. He smiled.

  “And you found out all of a sudden when things started to become more serious?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. Her face flushed deep red and her mouth opened to speak.

  “I–” Noah held up a hand.

  “It’s okay, I am only teasing. I meant it when I thanked you. Whatever the reason, I am glad that we got to meet,” he said. They shared a smile as Noah began to fade from the dreamscape.

  “Until next time, Livia,”