Chapter 9- A new phone

Mira's POV:

The rain from last night had left the garden fresh and vibrant, despite it being late November. The flowers, though few, were blooming, and the wind swayed them gently in the breeze. Prince Nova and I stood under the old orange tree, which had been here since the mansion was first built. Its leaves were shedding golden hues all around us. I wondered why he had called me to the garden so suddenly.

"Your Highness, you wanted to speak with me?" I asked.

"Yes, Miss Mira," he said, pausing and staying silent for a long time. His expression was thoughtful, almost tired, as if he had been carrying a heavy burden. I almost thought he wouldn't say anything. Then he spoke, his voice low and introspective, "I've met many debutantes who want to be by my side, to be my queen, but I don't want my love story to be like that. I want to marry for love, not duty or convenience." He paused again, collecting his thoughts. "Miss Mira, you have made my stay in Eldrida worthwhile, and I won't forget it. Your kindness, your smile... they've made a difference in my life."

My heart sank, and I managed to whisper, "Thank you, Your Highness, but why are you telling me all this?"

He finally turned to me, his expression serious. "My family's visit to Eldrida isn't just a friendly one, Miss Mira." I knew what he meant, I had unknowingly, or should I say knowingly, entered the race to be the next queen of Calonia.

I looked down, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm aware, Your Highness, but through all of this, regardless of what happens after, I'm happy to have met you, not just the crowned prince of Calonia but the person behind it all, the man named Nova." I looked up, my eyes shining with unshed tears. "I'm honored to be your friend, Your Highness."

The prince eyes flashed with surprise, then smiled, his face softening. "Me too, Mira."

We stood there side by side, looking at the mansion in front of us. Then, suddenly, the prince bent down and picked something up. I didn't see what it was, but he put it in his pocket, his expression determined.

"I have to go do something now, Miss Mira," he said, bowing. "I will take my leave now."

I curtsied and smiled, trying to hide the sadness I felt, "Take care, your highness."

As he walked away, I knew what had just happened - he had looked at me not like a debutante vying for his attention, but as a friend, a genuine connection. I didn't know how to feel after that.

"Mira?" I turned and saw Prince Cadoc standing there, wearing a black sweater and pants. He smelled like a mix of leather and sandalwood, a scent that was both earthy and inviting.

"Prince Cadoc," I said with a smile.

He came to stand beside me, his eyes scanning my face. "Are you quite alright, Mira?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

I looked up at him, ignoring his question. "Do you think Prince Nova likes anyone?" I asked, my eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Prince Cadoc looked thoughtful, his brow furrowed in concentration. "My brother has always focused on being a good king, having a good queen by his side to rule Calonia together, but somehow still marrying for love. And yet, I have never seen him with a single girl. So, to answer your question, there might not be a chance he has someone on his mind," he said, his expression serious.

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. "Since it's a 50:50 percent chance, then I'm going to focus on the chance that there is no one he has on his mind and be the one instead," I said, my voice firm. I looked up at Prince Cadoc, making eye contact. "Will you help me, Your Highness?" I asked, my eyes pleading.

We held eye contact for a moment, his eyes flashing with something - was it disappointment? - but it disappeared quickly, and I thought I imagined it. He finally sighed and averted his gaze. "Yes, I will, Mira," he said, his voice resigned.

I immediately grinned. "Thank you, Prince Cadoc! Operation 'Be in Prince Nova's mind' is on the go!!" I exclaimed, my eyes sparkling with excitement.

We chatted a little bit and I decided to leave.

As I turned to walk away, Prince Cadoc's voice stopped me. "Mira?"

I turned back to him, my eyes curious. "Yes, Your Highness?"

He smiled, a small, enigmatic smile. "Just be careful, Mira. The heart is a fragile thing."

I nodded, my grin still in place. "I will, Prince Cadoc. I promise."

With that, I walked away, leaving Prince Cadoc to watch me go.

★★★

Valerie's POV:

I settled into the plush sofa in the maid's lounge, surrounded by the warm glow of candles. Lydia giggled beside me, her bright blue eyes sparkling with mischief. Emily, with her curly brown hair and warm smile, joined in, and we spent our break catching up on the latest gossip. They were my closest friends, and I loved hearing their stories and sharing my own. We were all sipping beer, courtesy of Emily, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. The room was quiet except for us, since we were the only ones here.

As we chatted, Lydia suddenly said, "Speaking of royals, Valerie, I heard you were alone with the prince in the kitchen?" Her eyes twinkled with curiosity, and Emily's eyes widened in unison.

I felt my face flush, and I stammered, "He just came to the kitchen, nothing really happened..." My defensive tone was met with Lydia's amused expression.

"Why are you being defensive, Valerie?" she teased, her voice laced with playful curiosity. "Or maybe something happened, if you know what I mean?"

Emily burst out laughing, and I exclaimed, "Lydia!!" while rolling my eyes.

When Emily's laughter died down, she chimed in, "Seriously though, I think the prince might actually like you, Valerie."

My eyes widened in disbelief, and I protested, "Not you too, Emily!"

Emily said seriously, "Hear me out, Valerie. I saw him yesterday in the kitchen, and it looked like he was searching for someone. I think he was looking for you." My heart skipped a beat.

I said reasonably, "It could be anyone, maybe he was looking for Mrs. Flynn or Veronica–"

Emily cut in, "It was his eyes Valerie, they looked like...they were glowing." Her voice had turned excited.

Lydia chipped in, "Just like the eyes of Gregory in Love and stars, when he was in love with Priscilla."

"Oh, to be loved by a prince," Emily swooned dramatically, a hand on her chest.

"Or even by anyone, Emily!" Lydia exclaimed, her hand on her chest too.

I rolled my eyes and was about to protest, when  Emily exclaimed, "Your Majesty?!" with wide eyes and surprise. I turned to face the door, and my heart almost stopped. Prince Nova stood there.

The scene unfolded quickly – we all stood up, curtsied, and exchanged nervous glances. The prince smiled, saying, "I'm sorry if I startled you. I'm actually here for someone... Valerie." His eyes locked onto mine, and my heart skipped a beat.

Lydia looked at me and smirked knowingly, but I ignored her.

"Of course, your highness, we will give you both privacy."  Emily said.

They hurriedly curtsied. As they left, Emily pinched me and whispered, "Give us the details, okay?" I shot her a look, and she just winked.

Prince Nova approached me and it looked like he was hiding something behind his back. "How are you?"

I admit it, I was really nervous, especially after what happened last night.

"Very well, your highness." I muttered.

He smiled and brought out the hand behind his back. He presented it to me and I noticed that it was a new phone. It looked really expensive.

"This is yours." The crowned prince said with a smile.

My eyes widened. "What? I definitely can't accept this. First the motorcycle and now this. Why are you doing this? Dont tell me it's because I helped you that night, I–"

He cut in hurriedly, "It's not because you helped me that night, Valerie. This is from my heart. I noticed you battling with your phone. I just wanted to help you."

"Why all of a sudden your highness?" I said, not being able to stop myself, the prince was really confusing me.

He said, "Meet me tonight at the Mansion gates. 7pm."

My eyes widened and I said, "What?"

Prince Nova said, "You want to know why I keep doing all this right?" I nodded. "I will tell you tonight."

I sighed and gave in. He smiled and handed me the phone. I was admiring it and didn't notice when he started coming closer. My eyes widened and I moved backwards.

"Your highness?" I whispered but he didn't say anything and just kept on walking to me. My legs hit the back of a sofa and I closed my eyes. I felt him reach behind my ears and my hair fell to my shoulders.

I opened my eyes and he was staring at me gently. "You look better with your hair down." With that he walked away.

I just stood there with a racing heart and caressed my hair absentmindedly.

______

I was cleaning Mira's room, trying to get my mind off the evening's mysterious meeting with Prince Nova. I hadn't opened the luxurious phone he gave me, leaving it untouched in my bag. I decided to return it to him tonight, wondering where he would take me and what he wanted to reveal. I felt uneasy, unsure what to expect.

As I worked, I glanced up at Mira, who was sitting on her bed, legs dangling over the edge. She was small, only reaching my chin, and often complained about her height. I envied her petite frame, wishing I were shorter like her.

A pang of guilt hit me; I longed to confide in Mira about the prince's invitation but couldn't bring myself to do so. Every time I tried, something held me back. I promised myself I would tell her everything soon.

Mira suddenly spoke up, excitement in her voice, "O Valerie, I just got new followers on Epigram because of the picture I posted with the prince!"

I forced a smile, "That's wonderful, Mira."

As she continued scrolling through her phone, I recognized the device as the same expensive one Prince Nova gave me, worth a small fortune – 20,000 Calonia Florin, equivalent to my parents' house. I was determined to return it to him.

I had tried to avoid Emily and Lydia, knowing they would pester me for details about the prince's words, leading me to reveal everything. But I couldn't tell them yet; I had to tell Mira first. I owed her that much.

Mira showed me a picture on her phone, and I walked over to sit beside her on the bed. It was a photo of her and the prince at the Grand Oak Cafe, looking happy and cozy.

I smiled genuinely, "This is beautiful, Mira; you guys look so happy." I teased, "You make a great couple."

Mira blushed and replied, "Thanks, Valerie. I'm really happy." She continued, "Oh, I forgot to tell you, Prince Nova also likes the band Echoes in the Dark."

I tried to hide how I already knew that, saying casually, "Hmm, that's nice".

Mira furrowed her brows, "Aren't you happy you have something in common with him?"

I shrugged,"Why should I be happy? It doesn't mean anything."

Mira rolled her eyes and said wistfully, "Oh, I wish I had agreed to you when you tried to convince me to fangirl the band."

I chuckled, amusement coloring my voice, "Stop being dramatic, Mira."

She ignored me, her eyes lighting up, "We could attend their concerts together, hold hands... or even have a private concert, just the two of us." She sighed, "How romantic!"

I chuckled and playfully pushed her shoulder, "You're something else, Mira." I wondered if Emily and Lydia had rubbed off on her.

As I resumed cleaning, my mind wandered back to the evening's mysterious trip, and I felt nervous. Once again, for the umpteenth time, I wondered where he was taking me.

______

At exactly 8:05 pm, I was finally ready to leave. I had successfully evaded Emily and Lydia, busying myself with chores to avoid their inquisitive questions. Now, I was officially late to meet Prince Nova. I took a deep breath, feeling my heart race with anticipation and a hint of worry. I bid Alia goodnight and stepped out into the chilly evening air.

The sudden drop in temperature caught me off guard, and I shivered, wishing I had grabbed another sweater. Snow was forecasted for the night, and I believed Prince Nova couldn't possibly wait for me in this condition.

As I exited the gates, I was so surprised to see Prince Nova waiting for me, his hands tucked into his pockets and a beanie covering his head. He wore a black leather jacket, which seemed to accentuate his broad shoulders. Despite the cold, he looked dashing, but his eyes appeared tired, and his cheeks were flushed. I rushed toward him, concern etched on my face. "Your Highness!"

He looked up, his eyes lighting up when he saw me. To my surprise, he embraced me in a warm hug, his arms wrapping around me like a gentle embrace. His chest pressed against mine, and I felt his warmth seep into my bones. His scent, a mix of cologne and something sweet, enveloped me, making my senses tingle. He whispered, "I'm glad you came," his breath tickling my ear, sending shivers down my spine. He held me for a moment, his arms tightening slightly before releasing me.

As he released me, I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. I noticed a hint of red on his cheeks, perhaps due to the cold.

"Did you wait here since 7?" I asked, disbelieving.

He nodded, his smile warm and gentle. "I don't mind waiting. I'll wait for you till the stars fade, Valerie."

My eyes widened at the romantic declaration and I remained quiet. He then presented me with a coat, which I hadn't noticed him holding earlier. It was soft, black, and smelled like him. I hesitated before taking it, using the moment to scan our surroundings. We were alone, with only his motorcycle beside us – the same one he rode the day we met.

As I put on the coat, he coughed, and I looked at him, worried. "Are you okay, Your Highness?"

He waved it off, but his eyes told a different story. He looked unwell, his cheeks flushed, and his eyes tired. I felt guilty for keeping him waiting.

"Are you sure we need to go, Your Highness?" I asked, concern etched in my voice.

He smiled, his eyes telling a story. "If we don't go tonight, I'm not sure I'll have the chance to tell you what I have in mind."

I gulped, giving in. He offered me his hand, and this time, I took it, feeling the familiar jolt of electricity. As we got on the bike, I wrapped my arms around his waist, feeling nervous but also aware of the need to hold on tight. He started the engine, shouted, "Hold on tight!" and we sped off into the night.

____________

Please don't forget to vote and comment. Thank you.