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but I'm still on my tallest tiptoes, spinning in my highest heels, love. shining just for you
⋆ ★
THE DAY of the ball dawned with sunlight streaming through the windows of Lucy's room, casting a warm glow over the quartet of girls who were gathered there. Susan was deftly arranging the final touches on Lucy's intricate hairstyle, while Lucy herself was putting the finishing touches on Ivory's gown.
"So, Ivory," Lucy began mischievously, "how's it going with Edmund?"
Ivory's cheeks flushed pink, and she glanced nervously at Susan before stammering, "Um, well..."
Susan leaned in, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Come on, Ivory. You can tell us."
Ivory hesitated, twisting her fingers nervously.
"Okay, fine. Edmund and I... we're dating." Lucy's eyes widened with excitement. "I knew it! So, who confessed first?"
Ivory chuckled softly. "Edmund did. And it was in his room, that's when you saw me sleeping in the chair." Lucy groaned dramatically. "No way! I bet on you confessing first, Ivory. Looks like I owe Peter money now."
Ivory blushed even deeper. "Sorry, Lucy. Edmund beat me to it."
Susan laughed at Ivory "Why were you in the chair in the first place?"
⋆ ★
Meanwhile, in Peter's room, Edmund was pacing back and forth, adjusting his collar nervously.
Peter lounged on the bed, watching his brother with a smirk playing on his lips.
"Thinking about Prince Aidan again, Ed?" Peter teased, his tone light but knowing.
Edmund shot Peter a sharp look. "Ha ha, very funny. I'm just... thinking about the ball."
Peter raised an eyebrow. "Sure you are. You know, if you like Aidan that much, you could just tell us."
Edmund rolled his eyes, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "I don't have a crush on Prince Aidan, Peter. But it's not like you to miss an opportunity to tease me."
Peter chuckled. "Well, I'm just saying. You seem to be thinking about him a lot lately."
Edmund sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm just... jealous, okay? He's always around Ivory, and... never mind."
Peter sat up, suddenly serious. "Ed, are you jealous?"
Edmund hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Yes, okay? Happy now?"
Peter grinned mischievously. "Very."
⋆ ★
As the evening progressed and the guests mingled in the opulent ballroom, Edmund couldn't help but scan the room for Ivory. When he finally caught sight of her, his heart skipped a beat.
