Forbidden Flames

Chapter Two

5 months later

"Happy birthday to you!" everyone sang, clapping loudly as the song ended.

Colette and Cassian held tight smiles as they both blew out the candles. I beamed at my best friends before they began greeting their family members. Today was their small, intimate celebration with just family.

"My babies are 17 years old!" Marie shouted in glee, pulling them into tight kisses.

"Mom, please," Colette groaned, though we all knew she loved it.

"Alright, alright, I'll leave you alone," Marie laughed, leaving the room with the maids to grab more plates.

"Happy birthday," I said, smiling as I hugged them.

"Lilith, you need to catch up," Cassian joked.

I rolled my eyes; our birthdays were five months apart, so they were always a year older for a short period. The door opened again, and this time it was Roland and August.

"I come bearing gifts!" Roland shouted, placing a bunch of bags on the table.

Roland had been gone on an adventure since his birthday a few months ago. He decided to see the world before becoming king, a choice his parents reluctantly supported.

"Did you get what I asked for?" Colette smiled, rifling through the bags.

Roland nodded and sat on the couch. "Lilith, you look lovely," he smirked, staring at me.

I rolled my eyes and chose to ignore his banter. "Roland, please don't hit on my only friend. You've scared everyone else away. Spare me," Colette groaned, throwing a stuffed toy at him.

"Alright, alright, I'm just complimenting her. You both used to be so nerdy when you were young."

"Doesn't she look beautiful, August?" he continued to joke.

My heart began to race as I glanced at August, who sat beside Roland quietly. "You've grown up well, Lilith," was all he said.

His few words made me blush quickly. Anyone could see that August was strikingly handsome, with a grown beard and hair falling to his shoulders.

Colette's mother returned, setting plates on the table. "Please dig in, everyone," she said as we each took a piece of cake.

"So what are you two doing tonight?" Roland asked, stuffing his mouth with cake.

"Roland, you always want to do something that gets us in trouble," Cassian pleaded, their older brother smirking because he knew it was true.

You'd think Roland was the youngest with how he acted, always getting into trouble.

"You both are of age now. A little fun in town won't kill you," he smirked.

"What are you proposing?" Colette asked, locking eyes with Roland.

"No, no, no, this is a bad idea, Colette," Cassian tried to interject, but his siblings were already one step ahead.

"I'll take you three to your first pub," Roland offered.

Cassian and I exchanged knowing looks; this didn't sound like a good idea. King Julian was very strict about staying within the castle walls and upholding a certain image.

"Roland, what about your father's rules?" I brought up, but that only made him laugh.

"I used to sneak out all the time when I was your age. Trust me, he won't know," Roland concluded.

"Let's do it," Colette answered, her eyes shining with joy.

Cassian slapped his forehead, knowing if she was in, so was he. I hesitated, remembering my father's warnings about pubs.

"Lilith," Roland said, waiting for my answer.

"Come on, it'll be fun," Colette begged, pulling my arm.

What harm could happen? We'd be with Roland and August, I thought.

"Okay, let's go," I smiled, earning a loud clap from Roland.

"Great! Go get dressed and meet us at the horse stables," he said, standing up and leaving the room with August.

Colette quickly wrapped her hand around my wrist, dragging me upstairs to her bedroom. Opening the doors, we headed straight to her closet, looking for the best gowns.

"What should we even wear?" I asked, searching through. Everything Colette owned screamed royalty.

"Don't worry about that," she laughed, opening her bottom drawer.

She pulled out simple yet sexy dresses I never knew she owned. One was black with silver designs, the other a bright baby blue.

"Where did you get these?" I wondered, holding the blue dress to my neck.

"I have connections. Go try it on," she said, pushing me to the bathroom.

I pulled the dress on and instantly regretted my decision. Walking out, I saw Colette staring at herself in the mirror. These dresses were too... improper.

"My boobs look like they're going to fall out," I laughed, noting the low, tight neckline. Colette's dress was even more revealing, with no sleeves and a small strap barely holding her chest.

"We cannot wear these," I laughed.

"Just put a cape over it, Lilith," she ignored me, grabbing two and tossing one.

I couldn't believe I was going outside looking like a common whore. We quietly exited her bedroom and made our way to the horse stables. The guys were waiting as promised, with two horses ready. I tugged the cloak closer, feeling uncomfortable.

"Where's Cassian?" Colette asked, noticing his absence.

"Said he changed his mind," Roland spoke, helping Colette onto his horse.

"Lilith, do you mind riding with August?" Colette asked, turning to face me.

I blinked, shocked. Ride with August? On the same horse?

"No," I whispered lightly.

August extended his hand, helping me onto the horse before settling beside me. My face blushed as I felt his arms wrap around me to grab the reins.

"It's best if you calm down; horses can sense tension," he lightly whispered in my ear.

My heart raced even faster as I tried to control my body temperature. "Right, sorry," I said before we began riding off.