35. Breathing in Close Proximity

“Roselia?”

“I need some fresh air!”

Grasping her skirt, Roselia hurriedly fled the ballroom. If that crazy Crown Prince caught her, it would cause trouble for many people, so she intended to stay hidden until he lost interest.

As she exited the noisy ballroom into the imperial palace corridors, she looked around desperately for a place to hide. Numerous balcony doors lined the corridor. Unless the Crown Prince checked each balcony, he wouldn’t find her, so she headed towards a secluded balcony.

Just as she was about to open the door, she halted abruptly. A familiar voice came from the balcony, making her face flush.

Through the partially open door, she saw two intertwined silhouettes.

“No, stop…!”

A woman’s voice pleaded.

“Stop? You followed me to the balcony, didn’t you?”

Aman’s rough voice responded.

Roselia quickly turned away, embarrassed by the sounds of heavy breathing and rustling clothing. The outer balconies of the ballroom were often used by nobles for discreet rendezvous. Even the partitions between balconies ensured privacy, preventing any prying eyes.

While it was fortunate that she hadn’t walked in on them, it reminded her to choose another balcony. Listening for quiet ones, she moved further down the corridor.

Soon, she found a silent and seemingly empty balcony and hastily opened the door. However, she was surprised to find someone leaning against the wall by the window.

Roselia’s eyes widened as she recognized him.

“Duke?”

The Duke of Valtazar stood there, looking unbothered despite the muffled noises from the other balconies. As Roselia turned to leave, she saw the ballroom door open, and the Crown Prince step out into the corridor.

Caught between Klaus and the Crown Prince, Roselia froze. Without hesitation, Klaus grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the balcony, closing the door behind them.

Trapping her in his arms, Klaus placed a finger to his lips, signaling her to stay quiet.

“Shh…”

Klaus’s focus was on the door, making sure the Crown Prince didn’t notice them. Meanwhile, Roselia’s mind went blank from their close proximity.

She could see Klaus’s Adam’s apple bobbing nervously, starkly different from her own smooth neck, exuding masculine strength. Unable to bear the sight, she closed her eyes tightly.

Too close, it’s too close!

As the Crown Prince’s footsteps drew nearer, Roselia peeked, only to meet Klaus’s intense gaze. His deep blue eyes locked onto hers, making her forget to breathe. Her heart pounded loudly, but she couldn’t look away.

Klaus, also affected, couldn’t take his eyes off her. Their breaths mingled, the warmth almost touching their lips. Struggling to maintain her composure, Roselia whispered.

“Maybe we should move apart a bit…”

Just then, the Crown Prince’s footsteps stopped right in front of the balcony. Klaus, realizing the danger, quickly covered her mouth with his hand. Roselia’s eyes widened in surprise as she looked at him.

The Crown Prince’s presence was palpable, standing just outside the balcony. Both Klaus and Roselia held their breath. Roselia’s hot breath tickled Klaus’s palm, making his eyebrows twitch.

Sensing the Crown Prince still there, Klaus did something unexpected. He pulled Roselia into the moonlight, ensuring their silhouettes were clearly visible from inside.

Roselia’s eyes widened in shock as Klaus’s fingers brushed against her lips. From inside, it would seem like they were kissing passionately, though Klaus’s hand separated their lips.

Roselia looked up at Klaus in astonishment, his intense gaze making her feel every breath through his fingers. Though their lips didn’t touch, the sensation was more tantalizing and intimate than an actual kiss.

The scenario was both stimulating and precarious—standing so close, their breaths mingling, and the Crown Prince just outside. Everything was too thrilling and nerve-wracking.

When the Crown Prince didn’t leave, Klaus tightened his embrace, tilting his head to make the act more convincing.

Despite Klaus’s fingers between them, his head tilt allowed hot breath to seep through, making Roselia tense up. Finally, the Crown Prince seemed to decide against disturbing what appeared to be an intimate moment and walked away.

Feeling the Crown Prince’s presence fade, Roselia cautiously whispered against Klaus’s fingers.

“I think he’s gone…”

The sensation of his fingers against her lips felt surprisingly intimate, similar to the touch of skin during a kiss, causing her face to flush. Klaus, seemingly affected as well, looked down at her with darkened eyes but didn’t remove his hand.

Roselia found herself unable to look away from his gaze, even though she could have easily pulled away. Finally, Klaus’s hand slowly slid down the side of her face. Even though he hadn’t been holding her mouth shut tightly, Roselia took a deep breath, feeling a strange sense of relief.

But the respite didn’t last long. Klaus grabbed her shoulders firmly and pulled her close, enveloping her in his scent.

Before she could react, his lips met hers in a hot, soft kiss, and a sweet breath swept over her. Roselia found herself staring helplessly into his slowly closing dark blue eyes. His grip on her shoulders was strong yet gentle as his hand slid to her back, making her eyelids flutter shut.

Klaus’s lips, which she had thought would be cold as ice, were unexpectedly warm and soft. His breath, mingling with hers, was almost scorching. His kiss wasn’t hurried or rough but rather tentative, as if asking for her permission.

He kissed her deeply but patiently, never venturing too far, as if holding onto a fragile thread of control. This restraint only fanned her desire, making her unwittingly wrap her arms around his neck and cling to his lips, seeking more.

She felt Klaus’s muscles tense under her touch. Her mind was a blank slate as she opened her lips wider, inviting him. Klaus, who seemed to hesitate briefly, finally let go of his last bit of restraint at her invitation.

He lifted her roughly, setting her on the terrace railing as he deepened the kiss, his hand behind her back. His lips explored hers eagerly, and she clung to him, her senses overwhelmed by his presence and scent.

The satisfied hum that escaped Klaus’s lips echoed their mutual desire. However, when his tongue finally sought entry between her parted lips, Roselia froze momentarily, overwhelmed by the intensity.

While Klaus was lost in the heat of the moment, Roselia’s last shred of reason kicked in. Realizing the need to break free from the engulfing heat, she pushed against his shoulders with all her strength.

To her surprise, the solid wall of muscle that was Klaus’s shoulder yielded to her push. He stepped back slightly, still breathing heavily with unfulfilled longing and desire.

What have I done with this man…?

Roselia was left panting, her mind spinning from the kiss. The reality of their situation hit her like a cold wave, and she stared at Klaus, who looked back at her with a mix of confusion and intense desire.

“Roselia…”

Klaus started, his voice husky and filled with longing.

But before he could continue, Roselia quickly climbed off the railing, straightening her dress. She needed to put some distance between them, to clear her head.

“Klaus, I… we shouldn’t…”

She stammered, stepping back further.

Klaus’s eyes softened slightly, though the intensity hadn’t completely faded.

“I understand.”

He said quietly, though his expression showed his struggle.

Roselia nodded, more to convince herself than him.

“Thank you for… protecting me from the Crown Prince.”

She said, trying to focus on the initial reason for their proximity.

Klaus nodded, his gaze still fixed on her. “Always,” he replied.

With a final nod, Roselia turned and hurried back into the ballroom, her heart still pounding in her chest. She needed to escape, to think, and to figure out what her next steps would be. She couldn’t deny the attraction, but she also knew the dangers it posed—for both of them.