the guest
### **Scene: Victoria's Chambers - Night**
Victoria adjusted the silver clasp on her gown, glancing at her reflection one last time. Eleanor was sprawled on the velvet chaise, fiddling with the laces of her gloves and muttering about the endless formalities they had to endure.
"Can you believe we've been stuck inside for a week because of this one guest?" Eleanor groaned. "I haven't even seen Jade. It's driving me insane."
Victoria smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Missing your mate that much, huh?"
Eleanor scoffed, but her cheeks flushed. "Shut up. Like you're any better—you've been pouting about Crystal the whole time."
Before Victoria could respond, a faint noise from the balcony caught their attention. They exchanged glances, both instantly on alert.
Slowly, Eleanor crept toward the glass doors, her senses sharpening. Victoria stayed back, just in case it was a threat. When Eleanor flung open the doors, a familiar figure stumbled in—Jade, slightly out of breath and looking annoyed.
"Jade!" Eleanor exclaimed, instantly wrapping her arms around her mate. "What are you doing here?"
Jade grinned, pulling Eleanor closer. "Couldn't stay away from you another minute. I had to see you."
Eleanor chuckled, threading her fingers through Jade's hair. "You're insane, you know that?"
"Only for you," Jade whispered before pulling Eleanor into a deep, heated kiss.
Victoria rolled her eyes fondly. "You two are hopeless," she teased.
Eleanor pulled back just long enough to smirk at her best friend. "Jealous?"
Victoria raised a brow. "Not in the slightest. Just don't forget there's a guest arriving soon. And your corset is still half undone."
Jade gave a low chuckle. "Wouldn't want the old friend to see Ellie like that."
Eleanor groaned, resting her forehead against Jade's. "Don't call me that. You know I hate it."
Jade just smirked, nipping at Eleanor's lip. "You secretly love it."
Victoria cleared her throat, trying not to laugh. "By the way, Jade—where's Crystal?"
Jade huffed, her playful expression souring. "She's out training with Xavier. I hate that jerk."
Eleanor nodded in agreement, rubbing soothing circles on Jade's back. "Me too, babe."
They kissed again, deeper this time, and Victoria couldn't help but snicker. "You both are ridiculous."
Jade pulled back, giving Victoria a playful glare. "You're just mad that I got to sneak in before Crystal could."
Victoria's cheeks flushed, and she shot Jade a pointed look. "Crystal doesn't need to sneak in."
Jade laughed, clearly enjoying how easily Victoria could be flustered when it came to Crystal. Eleanor shook her head, amused, and cupped Jade's face, bringing her attention back.
"You're lucky you didn't get caught," Eleanor murmured against Jade's lips.
Jade smirked, tracing her fingers along Eleanor's waist. "Worth the risk."
Victoria gave them a warning glance. "Just don't get too carried away. We still have to greet that guest."
Eleanor pouted. "Do we really have to? Can't we just... accidentally disappear?"
