Valerie's POV:
It hadn't snowed this morning, and I was grateful for the respite. I sneezed and drank the medicine my mom had prepared for me. She had made it for me that morning, as I had come down with a cold after the "activities" of yesterday. She had kissed me goodbye, hurrying off to the clinic. Today was my day off from work, so I didn't have to bother telling Alia Mambo that I was sick and couldn't go to work. That was even more convenient since the prince was leaving today, and I didn't have to see him. But somehow, I felt...restless. I pushed the feeling down and focused on my breakfast.
I had decided to wear a huge sweater, baggy sweatpants, and comfy slippers, hoping to feel better. My dad was in our garage repairing the car of Mr. Trevor, the wealthy businessman. I decided to go assist him, as I had nothing to do. As I walked into the garage, I tried to ignore the motorcycle Prince Nova had given us, which reminded me of him.
The garage was cluttered with tools and car parts, and the smell of gasoline filled the air. I had forgotten to give Prince Nova the phone he had bought me, and I didn't know how I was going to return it. I was just going to keep it.
My dad looked up when I walked in and smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "How are you feeling, kiddo?" he asked, his voice warm.
I forced a smile and said I was a little better. Truthfully, I was getting better; the medicinal herb my mom had given me was very effective.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" I asked, trying to be helpful.
My dad thought for a moment. "Come sit first, I'll tell you what you can do."
I nodded and sat next to where he was kneeling, repairing the car. He asked me to give him a wrench, which I handed over without hesitation. He muttered thanks and continued working. My mind drifted back to Prince Nova, and I wondered if they had gone to Calon City by now.
My father asked me to give him a screwdriver, and I reached down absent-mindedly and gave it to him. But instead of a screwdriver, I had given him a spark plug. I hadn't even realized it. What was happening to me?
He looked at me, concerned. "Val, is there something on your mind? You don't look happy at all. Is something wrong?"
I tried to brush it off, but my voice cracked halfway through. "I'm fine, dad."
He looked uncertain but it looked like he was going to drop it but I decided to speak up.
"Dad, have you ever regretted not doing anything?" I asked, looking at him intently.
My father's expression turned thoughtful, and he set down the tool in his hand. "You know, kiddo, I've lived a pretty simple life. But there was one thing...one person...I wish I had been brave enough to pursue. Your mom was already with me, and I didn't want to risk losing her. But sometimes, I wonder what would have happened if I had taken that chance."
This was the first time he was telling me this.
He paused, lost in thought, before continuing. "But I don't regret my life with your mom. We've had our ups and downs, but we've built something beautiful together. And I wouldn't trade that for anything." He looked up at me knowingly. "Is this about Prince Nova, kiddo?"
I looked up, surprised. How did he know?
"He's leaving today, Valerie. Don't you want to say goodbye?" he asked gently. I paused, unsure of what I wanted. Then my father spoke up, "I'm sure you'll make the right choice, kiddo."
I immediately stood up without thinking and said, "Thanks, dad." I rushed out of the garage, hearing my dad chuckle as I left.
I went straight to my room, threw on a coat, and wore a boot. I hurriedly picked up the scarf I had knitted for Prince Nova from the hook on the wall. With that, I rushed out of my room and out the door, running all the way to the Weldon's mansion, clutching the scarf.
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Mira's POV:
This morning was bitterly cold, the kind of chill that seeped into your bones. We all stood outside our mansion, where the royal family's cars were waiting to take them to the airport. I glanced at Prince Nova, who was standing a little ways off, his eyes scanning the crowd of people who had gathered despite the cold to say farewell to golden family, as if searching for someone. I had heard he was sick last night, but he looked like he was on the mend. Still, his green eyes seemed dull, and his expression was tinged with sadness.
My parents were chatting with the king, exchanging pleasantries about their trip back to the Palace. I tuned them out, my attention fixed on Prince Nova.
Prince Cadoc came to stand beside me, and I looked up at him with a fond smile. "Safe journey back to the castle, Your Highness," I said. "I'll really miss you."
He smiled, but his eyes flashed with sadness. "I'll miss you too, Mira. Take care of yourself."
I squeezed his arm. "You too, Prince Cadoc. I hope to see you soon."
I didn't wait for his reply, instead walking over to Prince Nova. My heart went out to him; he looked dejected, and he hadn't smiled since I saw him this morning.
"Are you quite alright, Your Majesty?" I asked carefully, keeping my voice low. My parents were still talking to the king, oblivious to my concern.
Prince Nova finally looked up, his smile weak. "Yes, Mira, I'm alright."
I nodded, feeling a pang of sadness. "I guess this is goodbye, then."
He nodded, his eyes returning to their sad state. I didn't know what to say, so I just stood by his side, waiting for my parents to finish talking.
Princess Evie looked relieved to be leaving, and I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes at her. Instead, I looked up at Prince Nova, and without thinking, I hugged him. He stiffened at first, but then hugged me back, his arms wrapping around me tightly. I knew everyone noticed, but I didn't care. I didn't know when I'd see him again, so I held him tight, suppressing the tears that pricked at the corners of my eyes.
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Valerie's POV:
I ran as fast as I could, the cold air stinging my face. I didn't know what I was doing or why I was doing it. All I knew was that I had to see Prince Nova before he left. I had to say goodbye; I couldn't just sit at home and do nothing.
As I neared the gates of the mansion, I jerked back, hiding behind a large leafless tree. The gates had opened, and cars were trooping out. I immediately recognized them as the royal family's cars, and my heart sank. I was too late.
But then I saw him. His window was rolled down, and his eyes were roaming about like he was looking for something. I ducked down, not wanting him to see me. His eyes were sad, so sad; he looked broken, like I had broken him. As the car rolled by, I studied his face not wanting to forget his features- his messy red hair, his green eyes that I loved, his nose, his lips. I imagined his smile, everything. Tears clouded my vision, making it hard to see clearly.
The cars kept leaving, and the gates shut behind them. I put my hand to my heart, feeling like it was shattering into a million pieces. I had never felt like this before; it was like my world was crumbling. I felt like I was losing a part of myself.
I crashed to my knees, not caring about the stinging cold that seeped into my bones. I began crying, sobbing uncontrollably. Tears streamed down my face, and I couldn't catch my breath. I just stayed there, clutching the scarf tightly that had the prince's name stitched on it. I didn't care about anything else; the snow had begun to fall again, but I didn't care. I just stayed there, feeling the snowflakes fall on my face, my hair, my clothes.
One thought kept going through my mind: I didn't say goodbye to Prince Nova, or even...tell him I was grateful to him for everything. The thought made me sob even harder, my body shaking with grief.
The snow kept falling, covering me in a blanket of white, but I didn't care.
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"I'm so happy winter is finally over!" Mira exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. We were in my room, sorting through my winter clothes, which we no longer needed now that spring had arrived. Spring was my favorite season - I loved the blooming flowers, the warm sunshine, and the feeling of new beginnings.
"Same," I replied, smiling. Winter was also my least favorite season because it always felt so gloomy and cold.
"I can't wait for summer," Mira said, her tone and expression eager. "So I can try my short dresses!"
I teased, "I thought you would be excited for swimming?"
Mira waved it down, folding a puffer jacket into a box. "Yeah, that too."
I burst into laughter. "You're so predictable, Mira!"
After sorting the clothes, Mira helped me put the box on top of my wardrobe. As we caught our breath on my bed, Mira rested her chin on her hand, looking at me. "So, how does it feel to be finally 20?"
I had just turned 20 two days ago, and Mira had turned 20 in January. "I feel normal, Mira."
Mira sat up, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Really? Don't you feel...like, adulting now?"
I rolled my eyes. "No, Mira, not at all."
But through the laughter, I noticed Mira looked unhappy about something. I knew her too well; she had been my bestie for 10 years. "What's wrong, Mira?"
Mira looked surprised, then smiled. "You know me too well, Val." She sighed, avoiding eye contact. "Father wants to send me away."
My heart almost stopped. "Where?"
"College," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
I took a deep breath. "When?"
Mira finally looked up, her blue eyes welling up with tears. "Soon, Val. I don't want to leave you."
I immediately hugged her from the side. I knew why Mira hadn't gone to college all these years - because of me. I felt guilty about it.
"Go then, Mira," I said softly.
Mira shouted, "I don't want to, Val! I don't want to leave at all!"
I said, "Please don't make me feel guilty, Mira."
Mira disentangled from me and stood up, looking out the window at the blooming leaves. "You don't understand, Val. I want to travel around the world, not just Calonia."
This was the first time I had heard Mira say something like this. How did she get this idea? I wondered.
She turned to me, smiling. "I want to travel around the world with you, Val...and Prince Nova."
I sucked in a breath. Was I hearing my bestie right?
Mira knelt in front of me, took my hand, and squeezed it. Her eyes shone with tears. "Please say you'll come with me around the world, Val. Please."
I thought for a while. All I had ever wanted was my family and Mira's happiness. I didn't have anyone else; I strived to make them all happy.
I smiled, my eyes holding a promise. "Mira, wherever you go, I will follow. I promise."
Mira's eyes shone with tears, and they fell. She cleaned them away, then said, "Thank you, Val. I love you."
She hugged me tightly, and I said, "I love you too, Mira." I meant it.
Mira said suddenly, "What's that?" before standing up and going to the far wall in my room. I looked at where she was referring to, and my heart stopped. I rushed forward, but it was too late. Mira's hand had already closed around the scarf. She was about to turn to the other side, where Prince Nova's name was written boldly, but I snatched it out of her hands, almost roughly.
"It's nothing, Mira. It's just an old thing that doesn't mean anything," I said, quickly shoving it into my wardrobe.
Mira looked confused, her brows furrowing. "Did you knit it?"
I lied through my teeth. "I just knitted it when I was angry one day. Like I said, it's not important."
Mira nodded, dropping it. I ignored the way my heart clenched. That scarf was important to me, and I had lied through my teeth.
Mira's POV:
I walked nervously through the mansion, my footsteps echoing off the walls. The silence was deafening, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. My father had summoned me to his study, and I had a bad feeling about it.
I knocked on the mahogany door, and my father's deep voice called out, "Come in." I took a deep breath and entered the room.
The study was massive, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a large oak desk in the center of the room. My father sat behind the desk, his expression stern. My mother was seated on one of the couches, her face tense and worried.
"Hello, Mother," I said cautiously, sensing the tension in the room.
"Hi, Mira," she replied, her voice strained.
My father gestured for me to sit, and I hesitated before taking the chair opposite my mother and adjacent to him.
"Mira, have you found a suitable college you like?" he asked, his tone firm.
My heart raced as I tried to stall. "Not yet, I'm just taking my timeâ"
But my father cut me off. "That won't be necessary, Mira. I have a perfect university for you."
I felt a surge of horror. "What?!"
"The University of Valdoria," he said, his eyes gleaming with pride. "It's a prestigious institution, and you'll be able to study museum management and take over the National Museum of Calonia one day."
My mother's great great grandfather was the first museum director, and my parents had managed it together when they married. It was a family legacy, and I felt suffocated by the expectation.
I stood up, trying to control my voice. "Father, I don't want to go that far! You promised I could choose my own university!"
He sneered. "Well, I lied. You can't possibly know what's best for yourself."
I felt furious, my anger boiling over. "Mum, please say something!"
My mother looked at my father carefully before speaking. "Honey, maybe you could reconsiderâ"
But my father cut her off. "I've made my decision, and that's final."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Valerie's face flashed in my mind, and I drew strength from her calm and gentle nature.
"Dad, I have a dream of traveling the world, and I won't let you discourage me," I said, my voice controlled.
My father snorted. "Don't be a child, Mira. This is the real world. I'm just trying to care for you."
But I couldn't control my anger anymore. "You're doing all of this because of yourself, Dad! So don't say you care for me!"
My father's eyes flashed with warning, but I continued, tears streaming down my face.
"All these years, I barely saw you guys. You were always away, and I never complained. Valerie was the only one that was there for me. But now, you want to separate me from her? How can you be so inconsiderate?"
My mother reached for my hand, but I evaded it, my anger and hurt pouring out.
Just then, my father's phone rang, and he answered it, his expression changing to one of subservience. "Yes, Your Majesty." I turned away, seething, but my father's next words made me freeze. "Mira too, Your Majesty?"
I spun back around, my heart racing. Why was my name mentioned?
After the phone call, my father sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Mira, change of plans. You're no longer going to Valdoria."
I felt a surge of joy, but it was short-lived. "But you'll be going somewhere else," he said, his smile sinister.
My mother asked, "Where is she going?"
My father's smile grew wider. "The Palace in Calon City. You'll be attending the King's birthday celebration next month, the annual Unity Festival, and Prince Nova's birthday, where he'll announce his chosen queen." His next words made my eyes widen in shock, "Seems like prince Nova hasn't made a choice yet, but the king's choice might be you, Mira."
My heart almost stopped, but then I remembered it was actually prince Nova we were talking about and he was also in my dreams. I was actually happy at the prospect of seeing him again.
"Honey, is that what Mira wants?" my mother asked, worried.
"Yes, Mother, that's what I want," I said, genuinely smiling.
My father's ominous voice cut in. "But if the prince chooses someone else, then you'll go to Valdoria and do as you're told."
I steeled myself and nodded, determined. I would be happy and try to win Prince Nova's heart. At least I don't have to go to Valdoria. So, for the next few months, I would pretend to be the perfect daughter, all while secretly hoping to catch the prince's eye.
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Valerie's POV:
I was going to our favorite ice cream parlor, a place we'd been visiting since we were teenagers. I was wearing a light yellow sundress, my brown hair was down, it had grown longer over the past few months, reaching almost to my waist.
As I entered, I noticed the familiar smell of waffle cones and the sound of chatter from the mostly young teenagers inside. It reminded me of when Mira and I were younger, coming here after school, sharing a cone and giggling over our crushes.
I heard Mira call my name, and I spotted her sitting in our favorite booth, the one with the pink seats. I slid in next to her, and we ordered our usual strawberry flavor ice cream with chocolate sprinkles.
Mira had texted me yesterday, saying she wanted to meet up and tell me something. I was a bit worried, not knowing what my best friend wanted to share.
Mira immediately spoke up, "Oh, I can't wait anymore! I have to tell you, Val!" I chuckled, knowing Mira wasn't good at keeping secrets. But then, her expression turned serious. "Dad has already picked the university for me." My heart skipped a beat as I sat up, ready to hear the news. "He picked the University of Valdoria, and I'm going the day after tomorrow."
I stood up, screaming, "What?! So soon?!" People stared, but I didn't care. My best friend was leaving, and I didn't know when she'd be back.
Mira smiled radiantly, "Sit, Valerie." I sighed and sat back down, ready to blast her with questions, but she interrupted, "But I'm not going to Valdoria."
I sighed in relief, feeling joy and relief wash over me. "That's a relief, Mira."
Mira giggled. "I'm going somewhere else in two days' time." She paused, her eyes sparkling. "I'm going to Calon City, to the Palace precisely."
My eyes widened. "P-Palace?"
Mira nodded excitedly, her ponytail bouncing with it. "I struck a deal with Dad. I'll go live in the Palace till the prince's birthday party, when he announces his bride." My heart stuttered. For the last few months, I'd tried not to think of Prince Nova, but sometimes I couldn't help it. Mira continued, "Prince Nova hasn't picked his bride yet, so if he doesn't before his birthday, then I believe the king will choose me as Prince Nova's queen."
I was shocked, but Mira looked thoughtful. "I don't want the king to choose me, I want Prince Nova to pick me on his own."
I asked, "But is that what you want, Mira?"
She looked up, her eyes shining. "I thought long and hard about it, Val. I'm ready to take this step, and besides, if I don't do this, then I go to Valdoria, so I just have to try."
I nodded, genuinely happy for her, but also feeling like I'd miss her. "But it's going to be the same, Mira. You're still going far away."
Mira smiled. "That's why you're coming with me."
I almost choked. "What do you mean?"
Mira pleaded, "I need a personal maid to travel with me, and I also need a friend. Don't say no, Val." I started shaking my head, and Mira begged, "Please, Valerie, I won't take no for an answer. You promised me you'd go wherever I go."
I said firmly, "Mira, I promised I would, and I will, to anywhere else but Calon City."
Mira looked angry. "But why? What are you so afraid of?"
I took a breath and said in a low voice, "I'm not afraid, Mira. I just...I don't fit in. That's not my world."
Mira's voice rose. "That's not my world either, but I want to try at least, try to face my fears. You taught me that, Valerie, so what's happening? Why are you being like this?"
I took a breath and said, "Mira, I wish you a safe journey to Calon City. I promise to call you every day." I forced a smile through tears and stood up, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "Goodbye, Mira. Take care."
Not waiting for Mira's reply, I walked out of the parlor, leaving my best friend behind. We had fought, and it rarely happened. I knew I'd miss her, but I couldn't go to Calon City.
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