"Sophie, are you complimenting me or yourself? Your dress is just as stunning!" Odeli teased, their rapport so natural it felt like they'd been friends for years.
Sophie laughed awkwardly. "This was a gift! I could never afford something this beautiful."
Whether it was Odeli's timely juice rescue, their mutual appreciation for beauty, or the woman's playful charm, Sophie quickly warmed to her—this wasn't the aloof queen she'd imagined, but a kindred spirit.
"Candice made this, didn't she? Her craftsmanship is unmatched." Odeli sighed dramatically. "And here I thought she'd given me her best work."
"Oh no! This was just finished—pure luck I got it!" Sophie rushed to defend Candice, not wanting her to face Odeli's displeasure.
Odelie burst into laughter. "So serious! I'm just teasing!"
Sophie's eye twitched. *Teasing again? Am I that entertaining?*
Nearby guests gaped. Odeli—laughing freely, chatting like an ordinary girl? Unthinkable.
---
"Sophie!" Silay finally extricated himself from a fawning noblewoman and spotted her by the buffet, deep in conversation with Odeli. *Since when were they so close?*
"Lady Odeli." He bowed, then turned to Sophie. "We should head back. It's late."
He missed Odeli's frown.
"But we just got here! You haven't even eaten!" Sophie popped a pastry into his mouth—the best one she'd tried all night. Only after did she realize how intimate the gesture looked.
Silay flushed. "Th-Thanks."
Odelie's smile tightened. *So they are together.* But she wouldn't surrender so easily.
"Silay, you may leave. Sophie's staying—we have much more to discuss." Her tone brooked no argument. "Sophie, I have *treasures* to show you. They're best viewed at night." She winked.
"Okay!" Sophie agreed instantly. Had a man suggested this, she'd have slapped him. But a beautiful woman offering to share her collection? Irresistible.
"Sophie—" Silay's face darkened.
"Don't worry! Odeli will keep me safe." Sophie patted his arm, oddly pleased by his concern.
"Exactly! I won't *bite*." Odeli waved a hand, and before Silay could protest, attendants ushered him out.
---
Sophie gasped as they entered Odeli's vault. Priceless artifacts covered the floor—her desert loot paled in comparison.
"Take whatever you like. Or I can have it all delivered to you." Odeli's eyes gleamed at Sophie's awe.
"Oh no, just looking is enough!" Sophie drooled over gemstones and silks, oblivious as Odeli moved behind her.
"Do you like them?" Odeli's voice turned husky.
"Love them!" Sophie reached for a sapphire necklace—then froze as Odeli's hands closed over hers.
"I'll give you everything. Just stay with me."
Sophie finally noticed Odeli's flushed cheeks and intense gaze. "Uh… are you feeling okay?" She touched Odeli's forehead. *Fever?*
Odelie caught her hand, lacing their fingers. "Stay. My wealth, my power—it's yours."
Sophie scooted back, accidentally sitting on a diamond tiara. "What do you mean?"
"You're the first person who's made me happy." Odeli's voice cracked. "I have everything—except joy. Please… stay."
Sophie gulped. "Odelie, can I ask… are you *into women*?"
Odelie blinked. "Is that how you phrase it?" The term was new, but apt. "Men are liars. I've never loved one—nor any woman, until you."
Sophie sighed. She didn't judge—love was love—but *being* the object of affection? Uncomfortable.
"I built this persona to survive," Odeli admitted. "You think someone like me cares about gossip? But loneliness…" Her voice broke. "Even in crowds, I'm alone. No one sees *me*."
Sophie's heart ached. This wasn't a predator—just a lonely soul. She gently stroked Odeli's hair.
"Not everyone is out to use you. Bad experiences don't define your future."
Odelie looked up, tears glistening. For the first time, someone *understood*.
**Could this unexpected connection heal Odeli's wounds—or would Sophie's kindness deepen her obsession?**