After training with Xavier, Zephrine let Ovi draw a warm bath to soothe her aching muscles. She couldn't believe she gave that challenge to Xavier. To get her to fall in love with him, or to get him to fall in love with her. But the way he practically dived for the glove when she finished talking, it took her off guard. It was almost as if he was just waiting for her say something like that.

She could only imagine Xavier pacing around in his chamber, questioning reality just as she was. She imagined him ruffling his hair, tossing and turning on his bed, trying to decide how best to go about their current situation. It was then that she realised that was his strategy. To get her thinking about him all the time, imagining how things could work out.

"You sly dog." She whispered, letting the rosy scented foam embrace her.

When the water turned cold, and Zephrine was finally able to finagle her way into a dress, she painted her lips a dusty pink color and added a silver powder to her eyes. It was nearly time for dinner by the time she had her hair all brushed out and styled.

The hem of the dress caught under her boot, almost sending her toppling down the stairs, If it wasn't for a strong hand gripping her arm.

"Well, I can hardly expect to win if you're dead, now can I?" Xavier pulled her into his chest.

"That's really cute." Zephrine reached up and stroked his cheek, letting her hand linger on his chin, watching with satisfaction as Xavier practically melted at her touch. "You think you're going to win."

"Oh, you play dirty." He released her.

"Is there any other way to play?" She glanced back as she descended.

"Hello, Zephrine." Vana practically appeared out of thin air.

"Oh, my Lady." Zephrine stopped before running straight into her.

"We've got to stop meeting like this." Vana chuckled.

Zephrine stuck her arm out and stopped Xavier from running into Vana. "I couldn't agree more."

"I think someone wants your attention." Vana gestured to Xavier, who was playing with the ends of Zephrine's hair.

"It's a game we're playing." Zephrine held Xavier's wrists.

"I don't think I've heard of such a game." Vana studied the two carefully.

"It's an Yna game." Xavier chimed in.

"That probably explains it." Vana gave them a suspicious smile. "Carry on, I guess."

As soon as Vana left, Zephrine lightly slapped Xavier's bicep. "We can't do that in front of other people, okay? It's our little secret."

"Got it. And when you're head over heels for me, what do we tell people?"

"Well, when you're madly in love with me, then we can reveal it. But until then, dinner. I don't know about you, but I'm starving."

"Then why not dine with me in my chambers?" Xavier took Zephrine's hand.

"Now look who's playing dirty. I thought you stuck to mind tricks."

"First rule of battle, be unpredictable, my Lady."

"Good to know." She flashed him a wicked smile.