When she finished eating, she set down the chicken bone like it was some sacred artifact, then wiped her mouth with the napkin.
"Sorry... I must've looked ridiculous. I usually don't eat like that."
Luck leaned back, arms behind his head. "Don't worry, I enjoyed watching you eat."
He realized how that sounded—too late.
"Not like—not in a creepy way," he said quickly, waving his hands. "Just, y'know, you looked really happy while eating"
She shook her head, trying to calm down. "Still, I shouldn't have eaten like that. I just..." She sighed, cheeks flushing again. "It was really good."
"I didn't think you could cook and fight so well," she said, nodding seriously like she was solving a mystery. "You're very kind and understanding, too."
Luck leaned back, stretching one leg out. "Thanks,"
"I mean it," she insisted. "The men at the palace... they're strong, sure, but most of them think that without discipline and not submissive are beneath them. If I so much as laughed too loud, someone would tell me I was 'damaging my reputation.'"
"Don't worry, I'm not judging. I like seeing this side of you more than that distant princess from before."
She looked down, "Sorry... I guess I was rude before..."
Luck waved her off with a smile. "It's okay. You should be cautious around strangers. It's the right thing to do."
She nodded slowly but didn't look convinced.
"Seriously, you should never trust anyone right away. Fortunately for you, I'm not one of those with bad intentions."
Her brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"
He scratched his head, trying to sound casual "You're really pretty and charming. That makes men lose their heads around you. Most would try to take advantage if they got the chance."
"I..." Her face grew hotter, a shy smile breaking through. "Those dwarves said the same thing."
She looked up, eyes searching his. "Do you... also think about things like that when you look at me?"
Her question was a clear signal, and he would be a fool to miss it.
"I do. But don't worry—I'm not the kind of person to do anything you wouldn't want."
That was the safest answer for now—one that would help her trust him more.
They stayed quiet for a moment.
Her hands moved up, pressing against her cheeks like a shield. Then, hesitantly, she parted her fingers and peeked at him with one shy eye. "What if I don't mind it?"
That one sentence slipped out before she could stop it, and now her face felt like it was on fire. She covered her mouth, already regretting how bold it sounded.
"Forget I said anything," she said quickly, waving both hands in front of her face, trying to bury her embarrassment.
Luck reached out, gently lowering her hands. "Hey."
She glanced to the side, cheeks burning, lips slightly parted as her breathing grew uneven. No matter how hard she tried, the pounding in her chest gave her away.
"I like you," he confessed, eyes locked on hers. "And I need to know... do you feel the same?"
His fingers lingered along her arm, warm and careful, as if afraid to startle her.
She looked down and gave a tiny nod. Her hands shook a little, and her heart was beating too fast for her to say anything.
Neve didn't know what to do with these feelings—not because she didn't want them, but because they were all so new.
But just him holding her made her feel warm all over.
When she tilted her head up, their eyes met—and he leaned in.
She thought about pulling away, remembering she just finished eating ... but he didn't care.
Their lips met, soft and slow. Her eyes flickered wide in surprise, then softened as she sank into the kiss, letting herself be carried by the sensation.
For a brief second, she stayed still, his tongue playing with her mouth. His hand slid from her arm to gently cup her cheek, warm and soft.
The taste of his saliva made her tingle. She began to return his kiss, moving slowly to match his pace.
When they pulled apart, their foreheads touched as they both caught their breath.
"Do you want to?" he asked.
She already understood what he was hinting at, and she felt ready. Without hesitation, she nodded in agreement.
Luck felt a rush of excitement but kept his face calm. He kissed her again, soft and steady. She was irresistible, and he wanted to feel more than just her lips.
When he finally have enough of her mouth, he reached for her hand and gently pulled her back toward her room.
Right at the door, he gently pushed her onto the bed and kissed her neck. He didn't have much experience, but he had seen enough shows to know what to do next.
Just as he reached to start undressing her, she slowly pushed him away.
"Can I at least freshen up and take a bath first?" she asked, eyes flickering with a hint of embarrassment.
"Why? You already smell really good?" he asked with a teasing smile.
She looked up, and beg "Please... I just want it to be perfect... for my first time."