Ashe stood in the doorway in a little red dress that clung to her body in all the right places.

She couldn't help but bask in the undivided attention as Vayne's eyes roamed over her.

"You look fantastic," he said, flashing a seductive, flattering smile. So do you, she thought, but didn't say out loud. She needed to play this right, and that meant making sure Vayne didn't realize how attracted she is to him.

"The chefs are working on dinner," she said. "But let's have a drink on the veranda first."

A few minutes later, the two were outside, making small talk while enjoying the view. The entire time, Ashe kept glancing over, admiring Vayne's physique underneath his outfit of a long-sleeved, black satin button-up shirt and matching slacks.

Stop it, she thought, reminding herself that he is the same man who destroyed Nabradia and conquered Dalmasca by force.

"Why don't we go inside," she asked finally. "It's getting chilly out here.

--------------

Their first course was fettuccine with pesto sauce. With the elegant cherrywood dining room table between then, it was easier for Ashe to keep her lustful feelings at bay.

"This is delicious," Vayne said.

Ashe was getting tired of keeping an important question bottled up. Eager to get to the point, she asked:

"You wanted to talk about terms of peace?"

"Let's lay all out cards on the table. I conquered Dalmasca out of necessity. I would like to take your country in a different direction. I know you'd like your throne returned to you, but it's not possible. Still, I think---"

Unable to contain herself, Ashe cut him off.

"Do you want me to give up pursuing what is rightfully mine?" she asked. "Is that it?"

Vayne looked at her with stunned gray eyes.

"No. I'm glad you're not giving up. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten to know who you truly are. I like who I see, and I've got plans for us."

Turning on the Solidor charm, aren't we? Ashe thought. She was going to ask him about those plans, but she needed to regroup herself first.

"Excuse me, I need to think," Ashe said, and then rushed into the main living room.

She stood there for a moment, reminding herself that Vayne is her enemy, and it didn't matter how much she desired him. She needed to focus on changing his mind.

"May I join?" A voice asked.

Ashe turned and saw Vayne. He stood a few feet away, causing every nerve in her body to tingle.

"Um…sure," she stammered, placing her hands on her hips.

Vayne reached for her shoulders, and his fingers sent tremors down Ashe's spine. She had left the dining room for show, and now the heat between them felt rather oppressive.

Unable to deny her feelings for him any longer, Ashe leaned in, wrapped her fingers about the back of Vayne's neck, and kissed him.

--To be continued