* * *
The loud thud, thud, thud of the thick rope’s movement echoed around him.
This time, Ed understood: he was supposed to jump in.
‘Ugh.’
But his feet wouldn’t budge.
The people inside the loop held hands and seemed to be enjoying themselves, but for Ed, standing outside, it felt like anything but a simple game.
Swish, swish, swish.
The rope, which seemed gentle to those within, felt menacingly harsh to Ed, slicing through the air with a sharp hum.
If he mistimed his entry, he felt as though the rope would tear him apart.
‘What right do you have to come in here?’
The rope, slamming against the ground with force, seemed to taunt him.
In that moment, the spinning rope stretched out like a snare, wrapping tightly around Ed’s ankle.
“…!”
A chilling cold surged through his body as darkness enveloped him.
The oppressive silence was broken by a voice.
“Ed.”
Someone called his name, their voice soft and clear.
“Did you have a bad dream?”
Ed felt a gentle hand kneading his own.
Struggling against the heaviness of his eyelids, he opened them to find comfort in the face before him.
“I must’ve dozed off. I only meant to lie down for a moment. What time is it? You must be busy preparing for the ball.”
Ed glanced at the bright window to gauge the time.
“The main festivities won’t start until after sunset, so there’s still time. But what kind of dream made you toss and turn like that?”
Ed smiled faintly at the concern in the question.
“It must’ve been nothing, seeing as I forgot it the moment I saw Your Grace.”
Though he had only meant to lounge briefly, Ed now found himself lying properly on the bed.
His head rested against the solid thigh of the duke, and he absentmindedly rubbed the back of his head against it.
The sound of fabric shifting and the sensation of skin pressing together filled his awareness.
Every touch from the duke always felt fresh and exhilarating to Ed.
Even now, the remnants of the nightmare melted away, replaced entirely by the presence of the duke.
When the duke intertwined their fingers and lightly pressed his lips to the back of Ed’s hand, the warmth of that touch erased all unease.
For Ed, it was as though this moment, this connection, defined his entire world.
No dream of drawn lines or whispered warnings could shake his conviction.
Ed parted his lips and playfully nipped at the duke’s hand, drawing it into his mouth.
The taut, soft flesh filled his senses as he bit gently.
‘…I didn’t mean to take it this far.’
Startled by his own boldness, Ed pulled back, releasing the skin with a soft pop.
A faint red mark lingered briefly on the duke’s hand before fading.
The duke smiled silently at the sight, then commented with feigned regret, “What a pity it’s gone so quickly.”
As he rubbed the spot with his thumb, the duke offered his hand again.
This time, it was clear he wanted Ed to leave a more lasting mark.
“If you’re worried about being late to the ball, I think you’d better hurry up and make it count,” the duke teased, brushing his lips lightly against Ed’s in return.
Ed laughed softly at the playful challenge.
Then, taking it seriously, he sucked harder this time, earning a satisfied stroke on the back of his head from the duke.
Even so, the mark disappeared just as quickly.
Frustrated, Ed clicked his tongue softly.
The duke chuckled and leaned in, brushing Ed’s lips with his own before pressing them firmly together.
As their bodies drew closer, Ed’s ears burned with the intensity of the moment.
His breath hitched as the duke deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping inside to explore.
Wrapping his arms around the duke’s neck, Ed surrendered to the heat coursing through him.
‘This can’t be happening.’
Waking alone on the bed, Ed let out a breathless laugh.
The sun was already dipping toward the horizon.
‘Sure, I initiated things… but after that, it was all him.’
Still wrapped tightly in blankets, Ed sat up and glanced in the mirror.
His hair, which had been tousled from the encounter, was now neatly arranged.
As he admired the duke’s meticulous handiwork, the door opened quietly.
“Ed, are you ready?”
It was Ronen.
Wearing a mask adorned with an outspread dragon, he tilted his head, catching Ed’s gaze.
‘It’s slightly different, but similar.’
Ed’s eyes flicked briefly to the mask he had received earlier.
Ronen, noticing his hesitation, asked, “You don’t like it?”
Ed quickly shook his head.
“No, it’s beautiful.”
“Then why aren’t you wearing it?”
Ed hesitated, thinking he might need a different mask for tonight’s ball.
How was he supposed to explain this to Ronen?
Although the mask covered most of his face, Ed could tell from Ronen’s faint pout that he was deep in thought.
Not wanting to disappoint Ronen, Ed offered an excuse.
“I might arrive at the ball a little late.”
“Why? Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
As soon as a concerned response came back, Ed waved his hand dismissively and replied.
“Oh, no, that’s not it. I just have something I need to finish by today, but I’m not done yet.”
Ed pondered what task he could claim he still had to do when small dragons began appearing one by one through the open door.
“Are you done yet, Ed?”
“Do you think Ed will look good in it, too?”
It was Jaynon and Tens, both wearing masks. Ed blinked in surprise.
“Do even the staff wear masks at the ball?”
“Ah, normally, no. But this time, that’s how it turned out.”
“It became the consensus to showcase the boundless creativity of Young Master Ronen and the exceptional craftsmanship of the North. Even I, who voted against it, ended up like this.”
Hearing Tens and Jaynon’s replies, Ed looked down at Ronen, who had taken his hand.
Through the small dragon mask, with its wings spread wide, he could sense Ronen’s radiant smile.
“So, if it’s not something urgent, why don’t you enjoy the ball first, Ed?”
Dressed in the outfit Ronen had prepared for him, Ed put on the mask.
“……”
Since all the castle staff were also wearing masks and dressed up, he didn’t seem to stand out too much.
After checking his appearance in the mirror, Ed opened the door.
“Huh?”
He thought Ronen had gone ahead to the grand banquet hall and that no one would be outside his room, but someone was standing there.
“Your Grace, the Duke?”
Even with his face obscured by the mask, Ed could sense the unmistakable aura of the Duke as he looked up at him.
He couldn’t tear his gaze away from the Duke’s lips visible beneath the elegant mask.
Suddenly, a thought crossed Ed’s mind—what would it feel like to touch those lips?
Startled by his own thought, he chuckled softly.
“How do you feel?”
“How do I feel?”
The Duke extended his hand.
Taking it, Ed realized the Duke was still concerned about the nightmare he had earlier that day.
“Well, I feel a little heavy-hearted for shamelessly napping while everyone else was busy, but my body feels light. And maybe it’s because I’ll be attending the banquet with Your Grace, but…”
As they began walking, Ed could feel the Duke silently looking down at him.
“I’m excited and a little dazed.”
The lively atmosphere of the Northern castle could be felt everywhere.
Servants carrying trays and guests mingling in unique outfits from distant lands all chatted animatedly about the ball.
The closer they got to the grand banquet hall, the louder the voices of curiosity and anticipation became.
The Duke, who had been walking slowly, whispered.
“It’s unfortunate that I can’t formally introduce you, Ed. But I hope you’ll enjoy the ball nonetheless.”
Before Ed could respond, the doors to the grand banquet hall swung open.
Conversations paused, and all eyes turned to the doors.
Sensing Ed hesitate, the Duke spoke again.
“Just be yourself, Ed.”
Even with their faces obscured by masks, people recognized the Duke.
Their curiosity now shifted to the person entering alongside him.
* * *
