The Kiss that Sparked it All

Talon sighed, the exasperation and fondness mingling in his voice,

“You know, Regina, you can be such a hardhead sometimes, always thinking you’ll be a burden to us. But when the chips are down, aren’t you always the one standing solidly by our side? If it weren’t for you, I probably wouldn’t be here today.

Sometimes showing a little vulnerability isn’t the same as throwing in the towel, you get that? You’re just too stubborn, which is why those two always seem to get the upper hand.

And let’s face it, your dad is just a regular Joe. Men like him can’t resist a damsel in distress. So, I think you might want to ease up on the strategy a bit.”

Listening to him seriously instruct her on how to handle her stepmother and stepsister, Regina couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you think we’re in some kind of soap opera with all these schemes and betrayals?”

“I’m just saying it’s good to be prepared. Learn a thing or two for self-defense, right?” “Alright, alright, just help me get ready for tonight. Let’s tackle this evening first.”

Regina closed her eyes, weariness seeping through her voice. “I need to catch some sleep. Didn’t get much last night.”

“Sleep away, I’ve got you covered. I promise you’ll outshine those two by a mile!”

As he looked at Regina, who had fallen asleep almost instantly, Talon couldn’t help but sigh. Yet, as his fingers brushed her flawless skin, he felt a twinge of envy. Despite a sleepless night, not a hint of eye bags – life really wasn’t fair!

By the time Regina woke up, Talon had already laid out her outfit for the evening.

“Wow, how long did I sleep? Feels like an age.”

“Just an hour or so. When was the last time you actually had a good rest? One second, you’re talking to me; the next, you’re out like a light.”

Regina yawned and was about to slap her cheeks awake when Talon grabbed her wrists. “Don’t be daft; I’ve just done your makeup. You’ll ruin my masterpiece!”

“Sorry, I’m a bit disoriented from the nap.” She chuckled and flashed him an apologetic grin.

“Wow, you’ve really outdone yourself. I can’t see a single flaw; I’m glowing!”

“Hmph, only your canvas would allow me full creative license like this.”

Regina’s beauty wasn’t something Talon could fully capture with mere cosmetics. A makeup session could only magnify her looks, not replicate them. Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

“Doing your makeup is always bittersweet for me. Sweet because your natural beauty gives me so much to work with, but oh so bitter because you’re already stunning. My makeup just adds a pinch more to your score,” said Talon.

Regina shot him a look. “That’s not true at all. looked pretty pale before, but now I feel like I’ve had a full ten hours of sleep!

Alright, let’s get moving. I need to slip into my evening gown and call the driver. Otherwise, Dad will start his lectures again. You wouldn’t believe how much he nags now that he’s getting older. He can go on and on about the same thing until you’re ready to scream.”

Even as Regina complained, a gentle smile graced her lips.

Seeing her content, Talon felt reassured. No matter what their current family dynamics were, as long as Francis, her father, still held her close to his heart, that was all that mattered.