Chapter 180: A Date in the Princess’s Room

Max walked through the castle hallways trying to convince himself that he was completely calm.

But it wasn’t working.

He took a deep breath while adjusting the sleeve of the white shirt Sophie had specially made for him for the fifth time.

’It’s just a romantic dinner.’

Alone.

In the princess’s room.

At night.

With the woman he was completely in love with.

’Dear God.’

Max ran a hand through his still damp hair, trying to maintain some dignity as he walked through the long castle corridors.

He was probably wearing the best clothes he had ever worn in his life.

Elegant white shirt.

Fitted black pants.

Clean boots for the first time in weeks.

Formal.

But not too formal.

Sophie had said something like:

"We want you to look attractive, not like a noble trying to pay taxes."

And honestly, Max completely trusted Sophie’s fashion judgment.

Though that didn’t help with the nerves.

Because he was still heading toward Elanor’s room.

The hallways were surprisingly empty at that hour.

Even so, Max kept glancing to both sides every few steps, making sure he didn’t run into any servants, guards, or even worse—the king.

Finally, he arrived in front of the large doors to the princess’s room.

Max swallowed hard.

He knocked softly.

And almost immediately, he heard Elanor’s voice from the other side.

"It’s open."

That only made him more nervous.

Max quickly opened the door before he could regret it.

And stepped inside.

The room was immaculate.

The sheets on the enormous bed looked brand new, perfectly arranged.

The curtains were closed.

The room remained dimly lit, illuminated only by several candles carefully placed around the space.

The warm light made everything feel much more intimate.

There was also a fresh scent in the air.

Max noticed the bathroom light was still on and the door was open.

Then he heard the princess’s voice from inside.

"You can make yourself comfortable."

Her tone sounded slightly nervous.

"I’m just finishing getting ready."

Max looked around, not entirely sure what to do with his hands.

’Okay. Stay calm.’

He walked toward the large mirror beside Elanor’s wardrobe and fixed his hair again.

Then tucked his shirt into his pants again.

Then his hair again.

Then the shirt.

’I’m acting like an idiot.’

And then he heard soft footsteps coming from the bathroom.

Max looked up.

And his brain stopped functioning for a few seconds.

Elanor slowly stepped out of the bathroom while lightly adjusting a reddish strand of hair behind her ear.

She wore a loose white dress, simple compared to the elegant outfits she usually wore as a princess, but that simplicity somehow made her look even more beautiful.

Natural.

Part of her hair was pinned back, leaving her shoulders exposed.

Her makeup was minimal.

Subtle.

But it made her green eyes stand out even more.

And the soft shade of lipstick matched perfectly with the red of her hair.

Max simply stared at her.

Speechless.

Elanor noticed immediately.

And blushed slightly.

"Does this hairstyle look okay?" she asked with a small hint of insecurity in her voice.

She lightly touched her hair.

"I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate for... well..."

Max smiled without being able to help it.

"You look perfect."

Elanor lowered her gaze slightly.

"Isn’t it too improper for a princess?"

Max slowly shook his head.

"No."

He looked at her for a few more seconds.

"You really are beautiful."

That made Elanor’s cheeks turn even redder.

Max smiled faintly.

"And besides..."

He shrugged slightly.

"In theory, I’m your fiancé."

He looked directly into her eyes.

"And we’re getting married."

Elanor took a small step toward him.

"That’s true."

Another step.

"And besides..."

Her voice softened slightly.

"We’re alone."

Max felt his heart begin pounding far too hard.

"And it’s your room," he replied.

He tried to sound relaxed.

"So you should feel comfortable."

Elanor slowly closed the remaining distance until she was practically pressed against him.

She smiled faintly.

Her face was dangerously close to his.

"It feels like you always know what to say."

Without thinking any further, Max wrapped both arms around Elanor’s waist and kissed her.

Directly.

Deeply.

Passionately.

The princess let out a tiny surprised sound before immediately kissing him back.

Her arms slowly wrapped around Max’s back as she pressed herself closer to him.

Max’s heart felt like it was trying to escape his chest.

Elanor moved slightly backward.

Very gently.

Guiding him.

Suggesting the path toward the bed.

Max barely opened his eyes during the kiss so he wouldn’t trip while moving.

Good decision.

Because Elanor, clearly nervous about the whole situation, ended up tangling her own legs together.

"Ah—"

And both of them fell directly onto the bed.

Max barely managed to catch himself so he wouldn’t completely crush her.

He ended up above her.

His hands around the princess’s hips.

His face close to her neck.

Elanor immediately started laughing.

A nervous, adorable laugh.

"I’m sorry..."

She partially covered her face.

"It’s just... this is the first time I’ve ever been like this with a man."

Max felt his brain short-circuit all over again.

"It’s my first time too," he admitted quickly.

He laughed a little nervously.

"I have no idea what I’m doing."

Then he actually processed what she had first said.

He blinked.

Then slightly lifted his head to look at her.

"Wait."

Elanor looked at him in confusion.

"You’ve never done this with anyone?"

She slowly shook her head.

"Never."

Her cheeks were completely red.

"I never thought anyone could attract me this way."

She gently grabbed the collar of his shirt.

And pulled him closer to her again.

"Until you appeared."

Then she kissed him again.

But right then...

KNOCK KNOCK.

Both of them froze.

"Princess?"

Abby’s voice came from behind the door.

"Can I come in and leave the food?"

Elanor’s eyes widened instantly.

So did Max’s.

They were still on the bed.

Far too close together.

The princess turned completely red.

"I-I’m busy!" she replied quickly.

Max had to hold back his laughter.

"Just leave it by the door!" Elanor added hurriedly.

A small, clearly mischievous laugh sounded from the other side.

"Oh," Abby said.

"I understand."

Max could already perfectly imagine the servant’s devilish grin.

"All right."

They heard the sound of the tray being placed on the floor.

"Hope you feel better, Princess."

And then she added with absolute amusement:

"And enjoy your night, little pet."

Elanor buried her face against Max’s chest, completely embarrassed.

While Max finally let out the laugh he had been trying to hold in.