The Emperor's Heir

The Intruder

The royal couple entered the Palace Hall, for the afterparty.

The Okogis were known for their ruthlessness in battle, but unknownest to most of their enemies, they also had the ability to host the most entertaining galas and parties ever.

The after party was the masquerade ball, obviously.

As the newly weds sauntered into the ballroom, they could feel each others' excitement.

The masquerade ball was ablaze with excitement, the grand hall of the Okogi Kingdom bathed in warm, golden light. The air hummed with chatter, laughter, and the soft clinking of crystal goblets.

Nobles, dignitaries, and friends of the newlyweds filled the room, their masked faces adding an air of mystery to the festivities. But amidst the sea of vibrant colors and sparkling masks, one pair stood out like a beacon:

Yuzu Okogi, the tall, bold, and charming bride, and her new wife, Mei Aihara, the picture of grace and elegance.

Mei, being brought up from childhood for the proper ballroom etiquette, started looking around and greeting everyone left and right, a whole lot of "congratulations" and "you look beautiful"s could be heard amidst the low music played by the band in the corner. As she finally settled going around the ballroom, a group of noblemen and women alike huddled around her, asking how she was adjusting to this big change, and how the impossible agenda of uniting the 2 major kingdoms had finally come to life.

As Mei continued chatting with the group, her laughter soft yet captivating, she suddenly felt a pair of eyes on her, making her get a tingle up her spine, looking around, she saw Yuzu slowly approaching her, slipping through the crowd with a confident grin.

Mei had felt Yuzu's presence before she saw her, it was like a 6th sense of the raven haired to get a tingle up her spine, or goosebumps, whenever her wife was near.

Mei was debating to call it the "yuzu tingle", but as Yuzu came up to stand in front of her, all other thoughts in her head diminished, and her lips curved into a smile as Yuzu extended her hand.

"Care to give your wife the honor of this dance, my lady?" Yuzu asked, her tone teasing, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Mei raised an eyebrow, feigning a look of surprise. "You're quite bold, Lady Okogi. Do you always interrupt your wife when she's in the middle of important discussions?"

Yuzu's grin widened. "Only when she looks this breathtaking. Besides, what better way to make a grand impression than to sweep you off your feet?"

The women Mei was speaking to chuckled softly, a few sighing wistfully as they watched Yuzu's gallant display. Mei tried to keep her composure, but her cheeks warmed as she placed her hand in Yuzu's. With a playful roll of her eyes, she allowed Yuzu to lead her to the dance floor.

They began to move, gliding across the polished marble floor in perfect harmony. Yuzu's strong arms guided Mei effortlessly, their steps synchronized as if they were made to dance together. Mei's head just reached Yuzu's chin, and she had to look up to meet her wife's eyes. Yuzu's gaze never left Mei, as if the entire room had faded away and only Mei existed.

"Are you trying to make everyone here jealous?" Mei asked, breathless, as Yuzu spun her gracefully.

Yuzu laughed softly, pulling Mei closer, so close that she could feel her heartbeat. "Maybe a little. Can you blame me for wanting to show everyone how lucky I am?"

Mei smirked. "Lucky, huh? I seem to remember you almost deciding to kick me out."

"Oh, don't remind me," Yuzu chuckled. "Imagine how many splendid views I would have missed out on", she said, looking at Mei.