A Phoenix's Heart

side story: Nozel X Dorthy

(art by Faye Dumpling)

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Dorothy Unsworth's point of view

         It's a beautiful autumn evening and I, along with the other captains, squad members, and noble families, are attending a grand ball thrown by Julius. He had just made his announcement reintroducing his sister to the kingdom as a hero. I took everything in me not to burst into hysterical laughter when Fuegoleon dropped his glass when Estella first entered the room and Nozel had to reach over to close his mouth. They both looked so embarrassed about it.

         It is rare for me to be awake at these events so I socialize with everyone I can. I get swarmed more often than I'm used to. Usually, Kirsch or Nozel would act like my "bodyguard" and "protect" me from crowds and unwanted attention but Kirsch stayed home with his unwell sister and Nozel spoke of wanting to spend time with Fuegoleon and his siblings earlier this evening. When I'm not talking to people I enjoy people watching. The food, music, and drinks are amazing. Truly the best in the kingdom.

         After a while, I find a nice spot next to the group of blue rose knights and Charlotte, where I can blend in and begin to drift off lost in my own worlds of thoughts.

         "Nozel. Ever since his siblings and other relatives found out about us, he's been acting differently. They all have been avoiding me tonight. What if they disapprove of me? Or worse what if he was cheating on me? And they all know. He is surrounded by beautiful women throwing themselves at his feet all the time. He seemed interested in Estella."

         My thoughts begin to spiral to darker places until Charlotte shakes me awake from what must have looked like a nightmare. I awake to see Nozeland Estelle dancing flirtatiously on the Dance Floor. I do my best to read their thoughts and lips from afar before getting distracted by the conversation the blue roses are having about Charlotte and Yami. I must say outside of my own squad the Blue Rose Knights are my second favorite. All the women are fabulous and strong on their own. While distracted by our conversation Estella and Nozel had stopped dancing and had approached our table.

         I was shocked to see her curtsy to us before speaking. "Hello, Blue Rose Knights, Captain Charlotte, and Captain Dorthy. It is an honor to formally meet all of you."

         "Don't worry about that. We've met on the battlefield before. It's nice to finally know your real name and not just a nickname though," I reassured her.

         "Come and drink with us. There's no need? Are you really engaged to one of the royal men," interrogated Selena.

         "Ooh. Captian Vermillion and Captian Silva are so handsome and extinguished. I'm not sure who I'd choose between the two," gossipped Wainsley.

         "Don't Forget Damnatio Kira. The younger three Royal men are also pretty hot," interjected Borja.

         "I don't find any of the men all that attractive but Mereoleona Vermilion is definitely my favorite Royal. She's amazing but doesn't compare to our Char," committed Sol.

         I feel their words become deaf to my ears as my thoughts cloud my mind. "She is engaged. Estella is engaged to another royal. Her and Nozel? They looked so good together on the dance floor. What if I'm the other Woman?" I struggle to keep my composure but I must not have been very good at it because Estella pulled me aside.

         "Are you okay? You're looking kind of weird," worried Estella. "Are you not feeling well? Are you tired? You can always leave. I swear I won't be offended if you leave early."