Prince Nova's POV:
I pounded through the winding garden path, my feet striking the damp earth in a rhythmic cadence. The early morning sun cast a golden glow over the lush greenery, and the dew-kissed flowers filled the air with sweet fragrance. My breath came in steady gasps, my heart racing with the exertion. I had been jogging for a while, trying to clear my head.
As I turned a bend in the path, I saw a figure waiting for me ahead. Caspian, fell into step beside me, his long strides matching mine with ease. We jogged in silence for a while, our footsteps echoing off the palace walls.
The palace gardens were my sanctuary, and I came here almost every morning to clear my head. Caspian sometimes joined me, and I cherished these moments with him.
As we finished our jog, we collapsed onto a nearby bench, panting and sweating. Caspian wiped his brow with a towel, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he grinned. "You're getting slower, Nova. I think I'm going to have to start carrying you soon."
I rolled my eyes, chuckling. "You're just jealous of my royal physique."
Caspian snorted. "Royal physique? You mean the one that's been indulging in too many pastries?"
I laughed, feeling a sense of ease with Caspian that I never felt with anyone else. He had been my bodyguard since I was a child, and his sons, Galen and Xander, were like brothers to me. Galen, my best friend since childhood, was currently away at the guard's school in Valdoria, while Xander, the youngest, was still in high school. Our bond was unbreakable, and Caspian was like a second father to me. He had also been my father's best friend since they were young.
Caspian turned to me, his voice turning serious. "Nova, it's time to talk business. Your father wants you to sign the papers to begin the excavation of the stones we found in Nordania."
I raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Me? I thought the king would handle it."
Caspian chuckled. "Looks like the old man wants to retire soon, Nova. Your father wants you to start taking responsibility, and besides, you were the one who found it that day. You're the perfect person to see this project through."
I couldn't help but smile, a grin spreading across my face. "My first project, I'm ready."
This was my first major project, I wondered why my father had wanted me to oversee it, I was happy about it though, it was a stepping stone to me being a good king; it had always been my dream and my mum's and I was going to see it through.
Caspian's expression turned amused. "Oh ho ho, Nova, you must be happy to finally have a project to call your own. Just don't mess it up, and don't get distracted by..."
He stopped looking really happy for some reasons. I prompted, "By..?"
Caspian's grin grew wider. "I mean don't get distracted by that girl."
"Girl?" I asked, confused.
Caspian finally turned to me, his brown eyes shining with amusement. "I saw both of you in the queen's garden, Nova. You were gazing at her like a lost puppy."
My head snapped to him, shocked.
Caspian chuckled at my expression. "Do you like her, Nova?"
I nodded immediately, without even thinking.
Caspian raised an eyebrow. "That's a first. You've never been one to get swoony over a girl before."
I stayed quiet, knowing he was right. Valerie was a first.
"I won't tell your father yet," He added with a wink.
I grinned. "Thanks, Caspian."
Caspian then asked curiously, "Don't mind me asking, but why her, Nova? What's so special about her?"
I leaned back, gazing out at the garden, my eyes settling on a patch of vibrant flowers. "She's like a gentle breeze in the hot summer. Her smile is enough to light up the entire palace. And her hair...it's like silk, shining in the sunlight. And her eyes...gosh, they're like the stars on a clear night. Sparkling, bright, and full of wonder." My expression softened, my voice filled with awe. "She's kind.....nice, and she sees the real me."
Caspian smiled widely at me. "Looks like you're in love, Nova."
My eyes widened, surprised. Love? I hadn't thought of that. Truthfully, I had liked Valerie since the first night I saw her, but...love? Was I really in love with her?
Caspian's hand came up, patting my hair softly, like he used to when I was younger. "Don't worry, Nova. I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me."
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Valerie's POV:
I pushed my chair back and stood up, feeling content after finishing my lunch. As I walked out of the servant's lounge, I wasn't expecting to run into anyone, let alone Princess Evie. But there she was, standing in the hallway, looking unlike her usual royal self. She wore a pair of pants and a light sweater, her hair braided and not a single ounce of makeup on her face. She looked...normal.
And then she smiled. It was a bright, warm smile that lit up her entire face. It was the first time she had ever smiled at me like that, and I felt a little taken aback. She was beautiful, in a way I had never seen before.
My eyes widened in surprise as I returned her smile, feeling a sense of wonder at this new side of the princess.
"Can we talk?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle.
I nodded, still in shock, and followed her out to the Palace grounds. We walked in silence, the only sound being the crunch of gravel beneath our feet. We passed by the fountain and the gardens, until we reached the swimming pool.
The sun reflected off the water, creating a dazzling display of light and color. The pool was surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery, creating a sense of seclusion and privacy. I could see the forest beyond the pool, the trees towering above us, their leaves rustling in the wind.
We stood in silence at the foot of the pool, the wind blowing our hair and clothes.
"I told my father I didn't want to marry Luke, and he agreed. I didn't even have to tell him about yesterday." Princess Evie gazed out at the clear water, her voice barely above a whisper.
I turned to her, my eyes locking onto hers. She seemed so vulnerable, so different from the princess I thought I knew.
She continued, her eyes shining with tears. "I didn't know it was this easy. I had always wanted to be the perfect daughter and princess, to do whatever my father asked. I thought I didn't have a choice." Her voice cracked as she turned to me. "But I do have a choice, and you helped me realize that. I was drowning, and you saved me."
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she spoke. "And now, I have a choice for myself. I'm going to Nourvia, to my mother's house, to be precise. I want to find another meaning to my life, and I want to find closure." Her voice broke as she continued. "All this time, I suffered slowly, missing her, wanting her...I was so lost."
I awkwardly patted her shoulder, trying to offer some comfort.
Princess Evie cleaned her eyes and smiled sadly. "I know now that I went about it the wrong way. I shouldn't have, but I know it's not too late. I'm going to apologize to everyone I have wronged." She turned to me, her eyes filled with remorse. "I'm going to start with you, for what I did that day in the Weldon's mansion and what I've been doing to you...I'm sorry, Valerie, I'm really sorry."
My heart broke for her as she spoke, her voice cracking with emotion. She looked so vulnerable, so genuine.
"I know it doesn't cut it, but I'm glad I could say it," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "That day at the mansion, my brother was really furious with me. I didn't know why Nova would get so angry for a girl like you, but now I know why. You really are so special, Valerie."
I was taken aback, surprised that Prince Nova had stood up for me like that. I didn't know how to feel about it.
Princess Evie's smile grew wider as she said, "Take care of my brother, will you?"
I blushed, looking down, unsure of what to say.
She suddenly glanced at her watch, her expression turning urgent. "It's getting late, Elizabeth and I need to catch our flight to Nourvia."
I was surprised, not expecting her to leave so soon. "You're going now, Your Highness?"
She nodded, smiling. "My grandfather is waiting."
I nodded, feeling a strange sense of loss. I didn't know why, but I felt like I was going to miss Princess Evie.
Then, without warning, she hugged me tightly. It was a warm, genuine hug, like she was holding onto a friend. I froze, surprised.
She let go, smiling at me with shining eyes. "Thank you, Val," she whispered.
She bowed slightly and walked away, leaving me staring after her. She paused and looked back, grinning like a happy child. "See you soon!"
And with that, she was gone.
_________
I entered my small, cozy room, my mind still reeling from the events of the day. The soft glow of the lamp on my nightstand cast a warm light on the familiar surroundings.
As I approached my bed, I noticed something unexpected - a wrapped gift box, tied with a satin ribbon, sat on my pillow. I felt a surge of surprise and curiosity. Who could have left this here?
I cautiously opened the box, my heart racing with anticipation. Inside, I found the most exquisite tiara I had ever laid eyes on. It was made of delicate silver and gold, adorned with sparkling diamonds and pearls. The craftsmanship was impeccable, and it seemed to radiate a soft, ethereal glow.
I wondered who could have left such a precious gift. That's when I saw it - a folded piece of paper in the box, with fine handwriting on it. I opened it, and my eyes welled up with tears as I read the words:
"This is my favorite Tiara. It was from my mum. I am leaving it with you for when we meet again. I believe it's in good hands. Take care, love Everilda, your friend."
My hand shook as I held the note, feeling tears fall down my face and onto the paper. I delicately placed the tiara and note back in the box and carried it to my dresser drawer. I kept it beside the pearl necklace and wind chime I had gotten for my parents, knowing that I would give it all back to them, princess Evie included, when I saw them again. And I was determined to see them soon.
I stood up and walked to my window, gazing out at the sky.
"Thank you too, Princess Everilda," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Prince Nova's POV:
I opened the door to see Big Mum seated behind her desk, her eyes lighting up with a warm smile as she saw me. "Nova!"
I smiled back. "Big Mum!"
We hugged, a tight embrace that felt like home. I took a seat opposite her, and she leaned back in her chair, a teasing glint in her eye. "Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to visit me. I thought you'd forgotten about your old Big Mum."
I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I'm sorry, Big Mum. I've just been swamped with work. And I know I haven't been around since my trip...it's been a while."
Her eyes sparkled with warmth. "A long while, Nova. You came back from your trip ages ago, and I haven't seen hide nor hair of you since then."
I smiled sheepishly. "I know, Big Mum. I'm sorry. But I have some good news - I've been given my first major project!"
Her face lit up with pride and happiness. "Oh, Nova! That's amazing! I'm so proud of you!"
Big Mum had been with me since birth, and she'd become a vital person in my life. I cherished her guidance and support.
"Do you need anything, cookies or...your special vanilla cupcake?" she asked.
I laughed. "It's okay, Big Mum, but I could reconsider if you made the vanilla cupcake yourself."
She grinned. "Oh, Nova, my knees aren't what they used to be. But I'll see what I can do."
I chuckled. "I'm sure it's not your knees that are the problem, Big Mum. It's your secret ingredient that's the real culprit!" She playfully rolled her eyes, and I continued, "Big Mum, I need your help with something."
Her curiosity was piqued. "What is it, Nova?"
I took a deep breath. "There's this girl I like...she's a maid."
Big Mum's eyes sparkled with amusement. "A maid, you say?"
I nodded. "Her name is Valerie Alaric."
Recognition sparked in her eyes. "I'm happy it's her. She's a fine young woman, Nova. I'm not surprised she stole your heart."
I smiled, feeling grateful for her approval. "I was hoping you could help me with something...a favor."