I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 246: A nice date

As Veylira stepped slowly toward the carriage waiting beneath the soft glow of lanterns, she found herself breathing carefully, measuredly, trying to settle the fluttering nerves that stirred gently in her chest.

Her heart seemed determined to betray her, beating just a little too fast, a sensation she had almost forgotten over the years spent ruling from shadows and standing calmly through storm after storm.

The evening air was cool and fragrant with the scent of night jasmine blooming along the palace path, a comforting whisper in the twilight.

Yet despite the familiar surroundings, her pulse quickened, the flutter of nervous anticipation growing stronger with each careful step she took.

The carriage, painted a polished black lacquer with silver detailing, was drawn by two sleek, silver-flecked horses that snorted softly into the night air, shifting restlessly. And standing casually by the carriage door, leaning with a confident ease, was Raveth.

The sight of her alone sent a quiet, unexpected warmth through Veylira’s veins.

Raveth wore a simple white linen shirt, sleeves casually rolled up to her elbows, highlighting the strength in her forearms, where the faint crimson scales shimmered subtly in the lantern light.

Her trousers were black, tailored perfectly, emphasizing the graceful strength of her body, the confident stance she maintained effortlessly.

Her short hair gleamed like firelight, and the gentle smile she offered Veylira as their eyes met was as disarming as it was genuine.

"You look stunning," Raveth greeted softly, stepping forward smoothly to offer her hand.

Veylira took it gently, feeling the reassuring warmth of Raveth’s touch as she stepped gracefully into the carriage. "As do you," she murmured sincerely, grateful her voice didn’t betray the swirl of feelings within her.

Raveth followed easily, settling herself opposite Veylira as the carriage began to move, rolling gently forward toward the city lights.

Her posture was confident, but her eyes held a softness that reassured Veylira, inviting her into quiet comfort rather than bold display.

"I admit," Raveth began with gentle humor, leaning back slightly, her voice warm and low, "I expected your daughters to be standing guard."

Veylira gave a small, elegant laugh, tilting her head gracefully. "Oh, believe me—they’re watching. Malvoria is most certainly glaring from a hidden balcony somewhere, sharpening knives in her mind."

Raveth smiled knowingly. "And Lara?"

"Probably somewhere behind the bushes, waiting to pounce should I show any sign of distress," Veylira replied dryly. "She’s not subtle."

Raveth chuckled softly. "It’s comforting to know you’re so fiercely protected."

Veylira arched an amused eyebrow, feeling more relaxed as their playful banter settled her initial nervousness. "You may reconsider comfort when you see their methods."

"I’ve faced armies," Raveth said, eyes twinkling with easy charm. "But Malvoria’s glare—I admit, that’s uniquely intimidating."

The carriage rolled smoothly onward through the streets, and soon they arrived at a renowned establishment: The Whispering Rose.

Its facade was polished marble draped with ivy, the entrance softly glowing with magical lanterns. The air around it hummed gently with soft music, the very picture of elegance and discretion.

Raveth smoothly offered her hand again as they exited the carriage, her grip steady and comforting as they moved into the restaurant.

The interior was softly lit, tables draped with fine linen, silverware gleaming beneath crystal chandeliers, and the quiet murmur of polite conversation filling the background like a gentle, melodic hum.

They were seated at a secluded table in the corner, tucked away from the gentle bustle of servers.

The candlelight flickered softly, casting warm shadows across Raveth’s features, highlighting the quiet intensity of her gaze and the gentle curve of her smile.

Once seated, Raveth leaned forward slightly, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "You seem calmer now. Were you nervous?"

Veylira smiled slightly, arching a delicate eyebrow as she folded her hands elegantly in her lap. "Perhaps a little. It’s been... quite some time." ƒгeewebnovёl.com

"Then we have something in common," Raveth admitted with quiet honesty. "I haven’t felt this sort of nervousness in many years either."

"Truly?" Veylira asked, curiosity coloring her voice softly. "You seem rather... composed."

Raveth chuckled gently, her gaze thoughtful as she held Veylira’s eyes. "I’ve always been good at pretending composure. But you—you always had this effortless grace. You wear your strength as comfortably as that gown."

The unexpected sincerity in Raveth’s voice warmed Veylira’s cheeks faintly. She smiled gently, gracefully accepting the compliment, but feeling the genuine words settle deeper, touching somewhere quietly vulnerable within her.

They ordered shortly thereafter—something elegant and tasteful, a delicate combination of fresh seafood and carefully chosen vegetables paired with a crisp, golden wine.

As the first courses arrived, their conversation drifted effortlessly, moving from playful banter to shared memories, stories of battles and court intrigue softened by quiet laughter and teasing smiles.

"Do you remember," Raveth asked, leaning slightly forward as she delicately lifted her glass, "the siege at Duskfall?"

Veylira smiled softly, eyes distant with memory. "I remember you storming into my command tent covered in soot and dragon-fire residue, utterly enraged because someone had misplaced your sword."

Raveth laughed, rich and deep, eyes glowing warmly. "It was my favorite sword. And you, perfectly poised, barely even glanced up from your maps and just said, ’Perhaps you should simply glare at the enemy until they surrender.’"

Veylira smiled more openly now, warmth blossoming fully in her chest as they reminisced. "I was rather proud of that remark."

"It worked, too," Raveth teased gently. "You always did know exactly how to push me."

"Only because you were so stubborn," Veylira countered playfully.

"I prefer to think of myself as determined," Raveth corrected warmly, eyes sparkling. "Especially when there was someone worth impressing."

"Was there?" Veylira asked softly, meeting her gaze fully, feeling her heart quicken gently.

"Very much so," Raveth murmured, sincerity blending smoothly with flirtation. "In fact, I seem to recall spending far too many meetings trying to keep myself from staring at you."

Veylira felt her heart flutter lightly, though she maintained her composure gracefully, her eyes softened with genuine warmth. "I never knew."

"Because you terrified me," Raveth admitted with gentle humor, "in the best possible way."

Their laughter mingled softly, a warm, gentle intimacy building slowly between them as the evening wore on. Each course brought new conversation, playful teasing punctuated by deeper, more honest moments of vulnerability.

The walls Veylira had carefully maintained seemed softer, less necessary with each gentle, sincere exchange.

Dessert arrived—a delicate pastry, sweet cream and fresh fruit elegantly arranged. Veylira regarded it thoughtfully, aware of Raveth’s steady, affectionate gaze on her.

"I confess," Raveth murmured softly, leaning in slightly, "this has exceeded every expectation."

Veylira’s lips curved softly, her eyes warm and genuine. "I must admit the same. It has been a long time since I felt so... comfortable."

Raveth reached gently across the table, her hand settling carefully over Veylira’s, warm and reassuring. "You deserve comfort, Veylira. You deserve gentleness."

Something in the tender sincerity of those words touched Veylira deeply. Her throat tightened slightly, vulnerability rising gently to the surface.

"You seem remarkably certain of that," Veylira murmured softly, her voice steady despite the gentle emotion filling her chest.

Raveth smiled faintly, eyes kind and quietly serious. "Because I’ve seen you. Even when you thought no one was looking. The quiet strength, the careful dignity. You’ve carried burdens most could never imagine."

"And you haven’t?" Veylira asked gently, turning her palm upwards to accept Raveth’s touch fully, fingers interlacing softly.

Raveth nodded slightly, her smile softening gently. "Perhaps. But right now, tonight, all I see is a beautiful woman who deserves every bit of happiness she’s denied herself."

Veylira felt warmth spread through her chest, easing gently the sharp edges of old wounds, quieting lingering fears she’d carried for years. Her voice softened quietly as she met Raveth’s eyes, honest and gentle.

"I was afraid to feel this again," she admitted softly, her fingers tightening slightly around Raveth’s.

Raveth squeezed gently in return, her voice low and reassuring. "You don’t have to be afraid. Not with me. Not ever."

They sat quietly for a moment, the gentle murmur of other diners fading softly into a background hum, the quiet intimacy between them enveloping and comforting.

The candlelight flickered softly, golden warmth reflecting gently in Raveth’s eyes, highlighting the quiet promise there.

Eventually, the bill was discreetly placed and settled, and they rose smoothly, stepping gracefully back toward the waiting carriage outside.

Raveth’s hand rested lightly at Veylira’s back, protective yet respectful, sending a gentle warmth through her skin with every touch.

As they stood outside beneath the cool night air, Raveth turned softly toward her, eyes serious but gentle, holding her gaze fully.

"Thank you," Raveth murmured softly, sincere warmth filling her voice. "For tonight. For trusting me with your evening."

Veylira smiled faintly, eyes soft and open. "It was my pleasure. Truly."

Raveth leaned slightly closer, voice low and tender. "May I see you again?"

Veylira nodded gracefully, feeling her heart quicken gently. "I would like that very much."

Raveth smiled warmly, eyes glowing softly with genuine joy. "Good. Then I’ll eagerly await our next meeting."

Veylira smiled gently, heart warm, soul lighter than she’d imagined possible. As Raveth guided her gently back toward the carriage, she felt quietly certain that somewhere behind a distant balcony, Malvoria and Lara were watching closely—but for the first time in years, that didn’t frighten her.